There were many new products and solutions to help increase independence and make life easier for people with disability. Here are a few that caught our attention at ATSA Melbourne.
Freedom Motors rolled out the latest in Fiorella wheelchair systems, the Slim Fit Lift 360, designed for compact vehicles, minivans and buses, in two platform sizes – standard and extended versions with a 360 kg payload; Dejay Medical unveiled a new Flux child walker in two frame colours, pink and green, the Chill-Out rocker chair with ottoman and the Quokka mobility utility bag; Juvo Solutions wheeled out a new folding commode with padded fold back seat and padded fold-up arms; Karma introduced the Flexx Junior, self-propelled paediatric wheelchair, compact, foldable and light at 13kg, making it ideal for travelling; Sunrise Medical launched the aptly named RGK Predator, its latest entrant in the wheelchair rugby range; Staydry delivered with a new collection of Australian-made bedding products including the Little Boss bed pad with wings for children and low profile floor mats for wet prone areas; Avant Innovations previewed the Tiralo 2 beach wheelchair and Guilly P adaptive clothing for children; Magic Mobility’s latest product innovation, the Mobility Handles are attached to the back of a powered wheelchair to give greater connection between carer and user.
A supplier event at ATSA Melbourne was the awards presentation spanning four categories. The winner of the best large stand was awarded to Permobil, judged by more than 40 OTs for its ‘brightness and inviting’ space that was well designed for displaying and demonstrating the extensive range of wheelchairs and seating systems, including the new M1 power wheelchair. The award was accepted by marketing manager, Olivia Tomka.
The award for best small stand went to Raffaello Grab Rails which was the last word in ‘creativity in a small space’. All the rails were displayed within an attractive bathroom setting that was brightly lit and easily accessible for people in wheelchairs.
For the fourth year in a row the award for best social marketing went to Tab Timer. Managing director, Jonathan Allott told F2L: “It was great that one of the smallest exhibitors can win one of the highest accolades. We had a lot of interest in our new state-of-the art voice activated talking clock – Reminder Rosie, which we exhibited for the first time in Australia.”
The best attended seminar and yet another packed session went to Tracee-Lee Maginnity from Astris Lifecare. The topics of assistive technology and accessibility are always of interest and this seminar did not disappoint, covering the variety of options and cost effect solutions on offer.