Guided Hands ®
How To Use Guided Hands ®
About Our Handpieces
Spherical Handpiece
The spherical handpieces are designed for individuals who are able to rest their hand on a ball-shaped object with minimal grasping efforts.
Flat Handpiece
The flat handpieces are designed for individuals who have spasticity in their hands to allow the fingers to curl under the handpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wondering if Guided Hands ® is the right fit? Click here:
Q: How do I know Guided Hands is the right fit for me?
A: Guided Hands ® is suitable for users who have high or low muscle tone in their hands and are able to stretch out their elbow slightly in front of them.
Q: Can people with tremors use Guided Hands ®?
A: The device typically works best for patients with slight tremors as our sliding system is near frictionless and does not dampen hand movements. We are aiming to integrate stabilization technology into our next version of Guided Hands ® to support users with tremors.
Q: Can Guided Hands ® be used with a wheelchair tray?
A: Yes! Please ensure that the entire device (which is 15 in x 15 in) is on the tray to prevent it from falling and harming the user. We also encourage someone to be present to ensure that it does not fall off the tray, however, there are rubber feet located at the bottom of the board to prevent sliding.
Q: Can someone who has weak shoulder muscles still use Guided Hands ®?
A: Yes, Guided Hands ® is suitable for users with both high and low muscle tone in their hands and arms! Users have found that Guided Hands ® feels more comfortable for people with weak shoulder muscles when their elbow is resting on the table and the device is at an incline. It can be inclined by placing a slant board, binder or book beneath the device. There are rectangular rubber pieces as well as rubber feet located at the bottom and underneath the board that prevent it from sliding into the user’s lap.
Questions about purchasing? Click here:
Q: How do I choose what handpiece design is best?
A: Guided Hands ® comes with 4 hand pieces, 2 spherical and 2 flat handpiece for different levels of hand impairment and sizing that accommodates small, medium and large hands.
Q: Can my insurance pay for Guided Hands ®?
A: It depends on your insurance company. We have heard success from individuals who had their health professional or occupational therapist submit a form explaining Guided Hands® being used as a communication device. Please email info@imaginablesolutions.com for more information on funding opportunities and grants that may be applicable to you. In Ontario, Canada, the device is covered under respite and passport funding.
Q: Is there a return period after purchase in the event the person does not like it or has trouble using it?
A: We provide a 15-day full refund and 90-day warranty for Guided Hands ®.
Q: Will you accept tax-exemption status?
A: Yes, provided the correct tax-exempt certificate paperwork.
Q: Do you accept payment via check?
A: Yes, we do! However, the device is shipped out once we receive the payment. Please contact info@imaginablesolutions.com for our mailing information.
Q: Do you have volume pricing?
A: Yes, for further details please contact our team at info@imaginablesolutions.com.
Product Specific Questions. Click here:
Q: Does Guided Hands® require any batteries, wifi or electricity?
A: Guided Hands® is purely mechanical and has no electrical components and does not require any additional items to operate. Just pick it up and go!
Q: Is the device ambidextrous?
Yes, Guided Hands® can be adapted for both left and right dominant hands as there are 2 holes where the utensil arm can be inserted in each handpiece. If you are left-handed, insert the utensil arm on the right side. If you are right-handed, insert the utensil arm on the left side.
Q: Is there a learning curve when using Guided Hands®?
A: Yes, similar to learning how to write for the first time, using Guided Hands® requires practice and helps users develop sensory and cognitive skills along the way. We provide the Guided Hands® Worksheet Package to help teach individuals how to use Guided Hands® and become familiar with the mechanics and movements of the device.
Q: Can I schedule a 1 on 1 instructional call with someone from your team to ensure we are using it properly?
A: Yes we provide free 30 min training sessions! Please contact us at info@imaginablesolutions.comto schedule a call or watch our instructional video below.
Contact Us Instructional Video
Q: Where can I find a demo unit?
A: To find a Guided Hands™ near you Contact Us
Guided Hands® best practices. Click here:
Q: What stylus is recommended to use with Guided Hands®?
A: We usually recommend using a simple stylus pen with the stylus tip at the end as they work for the majority of iPads. However, sometimes we found that older iPads don’t have the best sensitivity on the screens for a stylus application unlike newer ones. If the stylus is being used on an iPad we suggest going to settings and adjusting the assistive touch settings to help increase the sensitivity of the screen.
Q: How can I secure the device if my loved one has spastic arm movements?
A: We suggest clamping or using a suction cup to secure the device to the table. If you would like to chat about adaptations please contact our team at info@imaginablesolutions.ca.
Q: Can I adapt the device to be used as an arm support?
A: Yes, you can rest your wrist on the flat handpiece and secure the strap over the forearm. This allows users to hold the utensil in their own hand while leveraging the frictionless sliding system provided by Guided Hands®.
Watch How to use Adaptations Here
Q: How do I secure my notebook or paper so it doesn’t shift when I use Guided Hands®?
A: We recommend securing papers to the baseboard with a binder clip to prevent movement.
Q: How should I place my paper or iPad on the black base of the device?
We recommend placing the paper on the upper left slide of the baseboard if the user is right-handed or on the upper right side of the board if the user is left-handed to ensure you have the largest area to work with.