TOTWalker to KidWalk Journey

The TOTWalker (Transitional Ortho-Therapeutic Walker) Project was written by an occupational therapist with the goal of designing a new type of mobility system for preschool children with disabilities that could be maneuvered more efficiently in small indoor spaces and over carpeted surfaces than other support walkers.  A more efficient mobility system would increase opportunities to explore and use the upper extremities.  The project team included Christine Wright-Ott, occupational therapist, grant author and principle investigator; Rick Escobar, assistive technology practitioner; Sharon Leslie, physical therapist, consultant engineers and machinists. Other contributors to the project included an Advisory Board of consumers, care providers, “expert clinicians,” engineers, physicians and a government funding agency representative.  Funding for the TOWTalker Project was provided by the U.S. Department of Education, NIDRR, OSERS, PR/Award H133G990103.

The TOTWalker would also complement therapeutic goals by providing a means for weight shift, encouraging rotation of the upper body over the pelvis when turning and the ability to reduce or remove supports around the trunk to encourage core strength and balance.

The design goals included:

Hands free support of the child with minimal hardware in front.

Ability to turn around in a 38” hallway.

Least resistance moving over carpet and thresholds than any other walker tested.

One adult can place child in or out of it and adjust it within 30 seconds.
 
Infinite height adjustability with child in it.

Upper trunk supports can be removed for child who only needs pelvic support.

No tools required for adjustments.

Can be transported in a trunk of a car.

A more able user could get into and out of the TOTWalker without assistance.

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER & THE KIDWALK

Several companies were interested in manufacturing the TOTWalker.  Prime Engineering of Fresno, California was selected as the manufacturer and distributor of the TOTWalker and re-engineered the TOTWalker for production, renaming it the KidWalk.

For more information:   www.primeengineering.com