Related Manuals for Meru Networks Bugzi
Summary of Contents for Meru Networks Bugzi
- Page 1 An introduction to early years mobility with Powering children’s independence MERU, Unit 2 Eclipse Estate, 30 West Hill, Epsom, Surrey, KT19 8JD 01372 725203 info@qef.org...
- Page 2 Guide Introducing Bugzi Bugzi is all about discovery. It is about exploring and learning and growing as people. Mobility is a fundamental aspect of human nature. We start at an early age, typically six months, long before walking is mastered. We kick and wriggle, rock and roll and strive eventually to crawl or shuffle about.
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Page 3: Safety First
The drive wheels are completely enclosed, and spoke-less, so it is almost impossible to trap fingers in them. Bugzi is low and stable and does not topple easily. -
Page 4: Safety Precautions
Bugzi Guide Authorised Usage Bugzi is intended to be used in the following situations. It should not be used in any other situation: • As a child’s Class A electric wheelchair (indoor use only) • Only under adult supervision • In dry conditions •... -
Page 5: Head Protection
• Batteries should be disposed of at an approved recycling centre Head protection Because of the danger of the Bugzi pilot hitting their head on obstacles such as table tops, and the risk of Bugzi toppling over where steps or other obstacles may be present, it is recommended that operators wear protective headgear. MERU recommends a child’s cycle helmet, or other purpose-made and certified protective... - Page 6 This factor is crucial in ensuring the success of a child’s introduction to the Bugzi, because any experience which unsettles the child, particularly in the early stages of discovery, may put a child off using Bugzi indefinitely.
- Page 7 Seating Correctly specified and adjusted seating is crucial to the successful operation of Bugzi. A child must be in a stable sitting position in a Bugzi in order to have maximum functional control. Driving requires considerable concentration and any discomfort or instability will distract the child’s attention from the task in hand.
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Page 8: Push Buttons
It is not usually necessary to have more than three buttons: - forwards, left and right. Reverse buttons tend to get in the way and in any event Bugzi can spin round to point in any direction. What can be useful is to have a reverse button behind the seat for the supervisor to operate in case the child gets stuck in a corner. - Page 9 Bugzi Guide Joysticks There are a number of joysticks that could be used with the Bugzi (or any other powered wheelchair). This includes the full range of proportional joysticks available from Dynamic Controls. MERU makes a child-friendly one specifically designed for Bugzi called Moozi.
- Page 10 Managing expectations Some children are able to drive a Bugzi within minutes of getting into it. This is a wonderful experience for carers as well as children. We have seen parents break down in tears as their children make their first moves around with Bugzi. However it’s important to realise that most children will take quite a long time to get the...
- Page 11 Press the button to demonstrate what happens, or place their hand on it. The Bugzi will spin around on the spot. Most children are delighted by this and will continue voluntarily to press the button, stopping and starting and spinning round and round.
- Page 12 Bugzi Guide Gradually the child will get used to the concept of self-controlled motion. They have to take in the “cause and effect” relationship and its consequences and also the physical coordination. At the same time they are dealing with a lot of excited adults dancing around them and exhortations to perform.
- Page 13 Bugzi Guide Training & monitoring • Keep monitoring the seating, as children grow and develop very fast and the seating system will need altering frequently. • Be patient – some children will never be able to control the chair, but they are still learning and having a great time. Some top tips • Driving takes concentration - do offer praise and encouragement, but resist the temptation to chatter continuously – it can be distracting. • It doesn’t matter if a child can’t do it – he must not be made to feel a sense of failure. Try again another time. • Don’t overdo it – look for signs of tiredness and stop then. • Games can be enjoyed such as Treasure hunts - hide some toys and let your child find them. Football - Find a large ball and push it into a goal Musical Statues.
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Page 14: Removal Of Seat
Bugzi Guide Bugzi parts Bugzi can be dismantled into three main parts. The MiniCAPS seating, the battery/ display box and Bugzi’s body. Please familiarise yourself with how to take Bugzi apart. It is helpful for transportation of Bugzi. Removal of seat Under the seat is a small catch. -
Page 15: Charging The Battery
You will be supplied with a connect and forget battery charger. When you plug it into the mains supply, it will continue charging untill battery is full. It will stop charging automatically so it is safe to leave. Bugzi needs to be charged after every use to protect battery life. -
Page 16: Further Information
Bugzi Guide In summary • Children of 12 months and older can learn to “drive” electric wheelchairs • Bugzi makes a staged introduction to early mobility possible • There’s a lot more to it than just getting from A to B • It requires commitment on the part of therapists and parents and due consideration of safety issues But the potential rewards are tremendous - • • Independence • • Social interaction •... - Page 17 No or vague idea of use. Shows joy in No response. distractibility in looking and No or very limited experiencing May be aware of others No response to touching Bugzi consciousness of how guided motion. attention. interaction. or no intentional own activity can cause Displays minimal Physical proximity –...
- Page 18 Bugzi Guide Difficult transition – focus body, machine & environment Attention Activity & Understanding Expressions Interaction & Movement of tool use & Emotions Communication Single channelled Intentional but Conscious of more than Serious. Requests the attention attention but cautious, careful one effect. Motion in Smiles. of the playmate by able to shift movements. different directions Sometimes laughs. pointing at objects or spontaneously. Exploring the depending on how acts...
- Page 20 The screen will display a diagnostic screen at this time. You can reset this condi- tion by switching the Bugzi off and on again. LOCKED LOCKED This symbol is displayed if the Omni2 is locked.