Etac Balder F280 | case study 05 | 2012

Name: Kate

Age: 39

Location: Tamworth, Staffordshire

Condition: Osteogenesis imperfecta

Requirements: Lower body mobility and height access assistance

Solution: Etac Balder F280

Kate from Tamworth, Staffordshire Etac Balder F280 powerchair owner

The Etac Balder F280 powerchair is the F280 powerchairs which have been essential ideal workplace companion for busy Kate workplace companions for her. Waugh from Tamworth, Staffordshire Kate has Brittle Bones disease and recently who has Osteogenesis Imperfecta. took delivery of her second F280 model. For someone as busy as 39 year old Kate, only Describing her new powerchair Kate says: a powerchair with high levels of functionality, “I am absolutely delighted with my new flexibility and reliability would be able to powerchair, while my previous one had served meet her everyday needs. This is why she me well for several years, continual daily has been a long time owner of Etac Balder usage over this period meant it was definitely time for a change. Just like my previous Etac Balder F280 | case study 05 | 2012

Kate from Tamworth, Staffordshire Etac Balder F280 powerchair owner model, my new Etac Balder F280 came with all the functionality I need including a vital Etac Balder F280 Powerchair seat raise and lower function that gives me The Scandinavian engineered complete independence.” Etac Balder F280 has an extensive range of movements and high Disability Support Manager at Birmingham levels of functionality both of which City University, Kate goes on to explain: The Etac Automatic Tie- down system allows give the user an enhanced sense “Thanks to my front wheel drive Etac Balder Kate to secure her of independence. Its tilt-in-space F280 inside a F280 I am able to manoeuvre around at work VW Transporter movement enables the user to tilt back easily and reach most shelves and surfaces by up to 45° and forwards by 15° whilst with the impressive seat lift function. If I did remaining in the same seated position. F280’s movement and speed have created a not have the varied functionality of my F280, Flip-up arm rests and a swing-away arm significant difference to Kate’s working life as I would have to ask colleagues most of the for the controller makes transferring in the Birmingham campus is so widespread. and out of the powerchair much easier. day for assistance. I can easily drive between She can now travel around more efficiently rooms as the compact chassis fits through An ergonomically designed seat delivers as she liaises with members of her team who standard doorways and I feel comfort all day all day comfort while fully adjustable work on multiple sites. long in my personally specified ergonomic seat, back, foot and leg rests relieve pressure and anti-sheer movement leather seat. This provides additional comfort As Disability Support Manager, Kate also has reduces possible skin abrasion. and is more hard wearing than conventional to attend business appointments away from fabric versions. My powerchair has not the university campus. For these occasions Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, the F280 has front wheel drive to make only given me a greater sense of freedom as well as travelling to and from work, Kate handling easier, and a choice of control around the workplace but has also saved my drives an accessible VW Transporter fitted systems for position, movement and with the Etac Automatic Tie-down system and employer money in terms of minimal office speed. With a smooth and quiet ride, assistive driver technology. This set-up enables adaptations and zero care assistance.” the F280’s batteries have sufficient Kate to secure her powerchair within the power to take the user distances of up Having already launched her own online vehicle and then transfer to a custom made to 34km at speeds of 9.9km/h before handbag business ‘emotionalbaggage.co.uk’ driving seat simply and safely. they need recharging. The F280 is back in 2008, Kate took up her post with the supplied with an optional range Along with a contribution from her university two years ago. She is responsible of different colours, seat fabrics for making sure the university’s disabled employer, funding for Kate’s powerchair and accessories. students receive the appropriate support as came from ‘Access to Work’ and she is keen to encourage all less able workers, be they well as providing training and consultancy fault. Kate concludes: “I came back to Etac employed or self-employed, to find out how to members of the university staff. Kate for my replacement powerchair because this Government run scheme could help. effectively manages a team of ten and they really understood what’s important for thoroughly enjoys her role. Commenting on the support Etac UK has their customers. I enjoy the peace of mind Kate believes one of the key advantages provided, Kate says: “Because my new that comes from my high quality and reliable of owning a Etac Balder powerchair is its powerchair was a straight replacement, the F280 which is backed up by caring product customised drive settings. Adjustments to her assessment process was straightforward. specialists and well trained engineers.” Over the years Etac UK have come to know me very well and the team were more than au fait with my requirements on this particular occasion! It is great dealing with a business who believe in developing friendly relationships with clients.”

As Kate’s F280 is so reliable, she has not had the need to contact Etac UK’s service The F280 provides Front wheel drive and department team for a long time, however ergonomic tilt-in-space performance tyres ensure positioning high levels of traction and she recognises the speed with which they manoeuvrability are delivered would respond in the unlikely event of a

Etac UK Limited, 29 Murrell Green Business Park, London Road, Hook, Hampshire RG27 9GR T: 01256 767181 E: [email protected] www.etacuk.com

Variations may occur to the colour of products featured in this case study as a result of the printing process. Due to a policy of continual improvement, Etac reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice.