In my last couple of blogs, I talked about how useful electronic devices such as the computer are for promoting the development of young children with Down syndrome.  Sometimes we need to make certain small adaptations to ensure good access to these devices, like the trackball.   There is another consideration that should not be overlooked and that is the way that your child is positioned when using the computer. 

There are some basic guidelines that will make it easier for your child to successfully engage with the computer or any table- top activity for that matter:

• Make sure that your child is secure in the chair.  If she wobbles or leans/ falls over when sitting still, then make sure that your child is stabilized.  You can do this with straps such as those found with high chairs.  You might also want to roll towels and place them between the arm of the chair and your child’s hip.  If your child is working at sitting up and keeping balanced, then working any kind of mouse, even a trackball, is going to be very difficult.

• Ensure that your child’s feet are firmly resting on a surface.  Try sitting in a chair where your feet are not touching the floor.  Hard, isn’t it?  It takes more balance and strength to stay upright and you will tire faster.  Most high chairs will have a foot rest for this reason.  If your child is still using a high chair, you might consider using this as the computer chair if it will work.  I like the tripp trapp chair that has a seat and foot rest that can be moved as your child grows.   My 10 year-old daughter is still using one at the table since her feet do not touch the floor.   http://www.stokke-highchair.com/en-us/tripp-trapp-highchair.aspx
 
• When seated at the table, your child’s elbows should be just below the table top.   If the surface of the table is too low or too high, it will be difficult maneuver. 

• Place the trackball midline for a young child who has not selected a dominant hand.  If your child predominantly uses one hand over the other, it is OK to place the trackball on that side.  Some children, however, are still switching between hands and the crossing over can make it difficult. 

Happy Computing!

© Ann Haig Wheeler, DSC 2010

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