Is the Meerkat for me? The various possibilities to position support at the centre column makes the Meerkat suitable for any child with delayed development and different types of disability who needs support to adopt the standing position. For children with cerebral palsy, the Meerkat is suitable for children at GMFCS levels II-IV. Opportunities The Meerkat is ideal for a child who stands assisted by a person or device. The child might experience difficulties with static, dynamic or reactive control over one or more segments of the trunk. The child will often be dependent on assistive devices in sitting and walking as well. The child might use a seating system (i.e. x:panda or Wombat Living) and a Mustang or Crocodile for independent walking. Thanks to the ease of use, the Meerkat can be used at home, institutions or schools. The minimalistic design of the Meerkat makes it easy to take to different places, and may help to gain families' acceptance. When should you be careful? The Meerkat has been designed to support the child in standing and conforms to the requirements of the Medical Devices Directive (93/42/EEC) and EN12182. The rocker makes the product dynamic and challenges the child’s reactive trunk control. When the Meerkat is used to challenge trunk control, the adult supervisor must be aware of unintended events. This could be in therapy sessions, where the child is encouraged to perform movements with the upper, unsupported, parts of the body. If the applied challenge is too demanding for the child to maintain upright trunk control, and/or the child moves their centre of gravity outside of the supporting surface of the baseplate, it may cause the product to become unstable. 10 Meerkat R82 | by Etac
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