Stowable Communication Board for Wheelchair Users

Communication boards are essential tools for individuals who use wheelchairs, experience speech limitations, are paraplegic, or quadriplegic. These simple and affordable devices enable them to effectively express their needs and interact with their environment. Traditional communication boards often present accessibility challenges due to restrictive placement and ergonomic constraints. This prototype integrates a motorized folding mechanism, so the board can be stowed when not in use and includes a selection of boards that can be swapped out. It is designed to enhance the usability and accessibility of communication boards while maintaining the width and mobility of the wheelchair. The prototype incorporates a pivoting attachment that facilitates seamless transitions between multiple board positions, allowing users or their assistants to adjust placement according to the user’s needs and their wheelchair dimensions. The inclusion of QR codes to the outward facing areas on the board attachment provide usage and guidance instructions to the public on how to interact with the board user. The board is available in a range of acrylic colors, including clear and solid fluorescent hues, and users can opt for colored, etched lettering. The mounting system enhances accessibility by minimizing the effort required for manual adjustments and represents a significant step toward enabling more efficient communication for wheelchair users, fostering greater independence and inclusivity.