Day 86: iDevice Module For The Permobil (Review)

Parker Fo-shay
Aug 26, 2017 · 3 min read

Day 86! Hopefully, I am able to get this post out at a reasonable time tonight. I say this because my arm that I use for typing is still extremely tired. If my arm doesn’t start feeling better by Monday, I will need to make some major changes to the frequency I post. I am going to try my hardest to continue to post every day until October 2nd but if my arm doesn’t allow me too, I can’t do much about that. Enough about my stupid arm, let’s get into this review of the iDevice module for the Permobil.

To my readers who are not in a wheelchair; This review will be of little use to you. The reason I am doing a review on this particular part is that I had no idea it existed until one of my wheelchair techs brought it up to me about four months ago. This is a life changing product and I hope to bring more attention to it. I am not affiliated with Permobil or Apple in any way.

*Quick note: They have a similar product for Android users too. My wheelchair is a Permobil M300.

Commercial Description:

The new Bluetooth iDevice Module allows users to access iOS Switch Control* and VoiceOver accessibility modes (only available in iOS7 or greater). Input commands from a joystick, alternative drive or switch are transferred into iOS actions. In Switch Control, inputs can be assigned to different actions for more personalization. And with each input able to activate up to three iOS functions based on the length of the input (short, medium and long), the Bluetooth iDevice Module is a powerful accessory.

Cost:

The original price according to my paperwork is $875. Don’t worry! I had no trouble at all getting this device covered by insurance (Mercy Care Advantage). I had my doctor write me a prescription and I sent it to my wheelchair provider (NuMotion). Once NuMotion received the prescription it took about 60 days until I got the iDevice module. Yes, it was a long wait, other than that, it was a painless process.

Set up:

The wheelchair tech was able to attach the iDevice without me exiting my chair. The iDevice attaches onto the back part of your wheelchair near the top. I am almost positives they can attach it anywhere on your wheelchair if you don’t have room on your back rest. That is pretty much all you have to do with the actual device itself but I am going to go into more detail on the phone part.

I attached my iPhone 5s via a bike mount to my wheelchair’s display (picture below). I had to use some tape and velcro to make the bar thicker so my phone doesn’t wobble around. Permobil does offer a phone mount, I am in the process of getting it covered by insurance.

Setting up the switches:

I could sit here and type out the directions but I am just going to give you the video I followed.

I know setting up and remembering all the switch commands looks overwhelming but I promise it is easy. Within the first hour of having the iDevice, I had everything memorized. I use my joystick plus a switch to map all of my commands but you could easily use only your joystick.

Final Thoughts:

Having the ability to use a smart phone and all their cool features is truly exciting to me. I haven’t been able to use a cell phone on my own in almost a decade. This device has given me a piece of my independence back. I hope this little review informs more people that may need something like this so they can regain a piece of their own independence back.

Thank you for reading! If you would like to support the blog, click HERE.


Originally published at Days of Parker.

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