AS IT TURNS OUT, IT’S ALL IN THE WRIST Te Double H Ranch team then decided that Noah’s wrists might be the best location for the buzzers, and that the tethering instructor should control the remotes in order to coordinate the turns. Before
introducing
The remote-controlled system by which the instructor helps guide 11-year-old Noah Winchip.
level in his skiing, he’d need to turn more and decrease his reliance on tethers. Tat’s when things got electric, as I got to thinking about the remote device I use to train my dog off-leash. Deb and I researched how to use these remote-controlled buzzers to signal turns and stops.
Logistically speaking, the system had to be waterproof, work within an appropriate radius for the instructor, and operate on two separate frequencies (one remote to signal a left turn and a second remote on a different frequency to signal a right turn). After an extensive but fruitless search in the adaptive, rehabilitation, and sports fields (where most remotes only operate on one frequency), Jake Bortscheller found the answer with a remote system that worked on separate frequencies, had an operating range of 330 meters, and was waterproof and user friendly. Unfortunately, when we strapped the device on our legs and tested it, the vibrations from the snow cancelled out the vibrations from the remotes. (We also tested a system in which one remote controlled two buzzer units, but ruled it out because there was too much room for error.)
the promising new system to Noah, several modifications were made. Nylon webbing was used to attach the buzzer to his wrists, the prongs on the buzzers were covered to protect his skin, and the button that changes the channel was covered to assure each remote remained on the right channel. In addition, Velcro straps were added to secure the remotes to the instructor’s hands. After thorough testing, it was time to share
the system with Noah. Bridget, Gwen, and Jimmer Hayes demonstrated the vibration remote system to him in the ski lodge and again on top of the hill. Before each run, an instructor signaled with a buzzer while the second instructor turned Noah’s skis to help establish a kinesthetic pattern. To signal a turn, the corresponding remote
is triggered, with the length of the turn (hold) determined by the length of vibration.
time between vibration and tether tapping could be lengthened.
THE SYSTEM IS THE SOLUTION After much experimentation, our team implemented the following cue system: 1. State direction of the turn (cueing the co-instructor as well as Noah, in case he is able to hear to some degree).
2. Depress the buzzer to start the vibration; continue to hold the vibration depending on turn length.
3. Begin to tap with the tethers (i.e., initiate tactile pressure).
4. Eventually turn with tethers if needed.
It's all in the wrists... one buzzer on each wrist is used to deliver directional signals and other skiing cues.
An emergency stop signal is indicated by both remotes triggered simultaneously. Te instructor triggers the vibration unit a split second before tapping the tethers against Noah’s leg (and assisting if needed). As Noah became more familiar with this system, the
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94 | 32 DEGREES • WINTER 2017
Tis consistent pattern increased communication between Noah and his instructors, and between co-instructors. Using his strong side, Noah began initiating turns either by turning his right leg or his shoulders. At times he’d disregard the signals and continue to “hug” the snow-fence side, finally bumping into the fence in a very controlled manner. Tat reminded him to respond to the vibrational cues to help him avoid unsafe situations. After skiing two-thirds of the way down, the team stops, removes the tethers, and lets Noah free ski. With co-instructors on each side and the lead instructor still using remotes, Noah is able to ski untethered (although he occasionally still requires hands-on steering assistance to avoid obstacles). Noah reacted to the periods of free skiing with huge smiles, signing “yes” and “more” to indicate he wanted to take another run. With increased repetitions, he began to make more turns responding to the vibration cues and slow himself to a stop, and was also able to ski from the top without tethers. Noah’s inspiring story is a great example of one student’s joy and determination. And, clearly, it’s also a testament to adaptive instructors, who think outside of the box and work together to create life-changing experiences for students with various disabilities.
Bridget Lieberum LV D /HYHO Ζ DGDSWLYH LQVWUXFWRU VSHFLDOL]LQJ LQ EL VNL DQG PRQR VNL OHVVRQV 6KH KDV ZRUNHG ZLWK 1HZ <RUNȇV 'RXEOH + 5DQFK IRU QLQH \HDUV 6KH LV D SHGLDWULF SK\VLFDO WKHUDSLVW ZLWK FHUWLfiFDWLRQ LQ QHXUR GHYHORSPHQW WUHDWPHQW IRU PDQDJLQJ DGXOWV ZLWK VWURNH DQG EUDLQ LQMXU\
DON CRETEN
DON CRETEN
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