FAQ's - Therapists
Shonaquip’s original postural support buggy is the Madiba which is available on government tender. This buggy has standard features. The customised version of the original buggy is the Shonabuggy which accommodates the child with postural deviations or additional posture support needs.
The new generation modular buggy is the Madiba2Go. The madiba2go provides very similar support to the Madiba Buggy but has been specifically designed to allow for easy adjustability of posture support features, optimal positioning of the upper limb as well as being more foldable.
Yes it is possible in some circumstances, this will depend on the results of the physical assessment as well as the preference and needs of the wheelchair user and their family. Your therapist will discuss what other devices could provide similar kinds of posture support and whether these would be more suited to the older user.
It is always important to assess a client before deciding with the client or carer what wheelchair would be best. There are many options that are available to suit different environments (e.g. more rural), lifestyles, ages, level of functioning. If this is a folding wheelchair or any other wheelchair that Shonaquip does not manufacture, we will be able to assist you by referring you to another supplier or assist you to order this device needed from the supplier. Shonaquip doesn’t supply a regular folding frame device but recommend that you contact CE Mobility should you require one.
Shonaquip has a range of devices which are appropriate for the active user and especially the active child who is able to propel him/herself and likes to get around independently.
Devices are currently supplied to clients in regions across southern /eastern Africa.
Yes, a Shonaquip device is a possibility for a private client.
Contact if you are interested in pursuing the provision of Shonaquip devices for clients in your country.
A device may be trialled by arrangement with a Shonaquip therapist if available. This is usually for a period of 7-14 days and a consent form is signed by the user/carer prior to trial.
Shonaquip does not donate devices routinely but may refer children in need to potential funders like Rachel Swart Fund and Uhambo.
Devices are manufactured in standard colour ranges but there is some choice with respect to upholstery.
It is often recommended that schools or centres, residential homes, hospitals order a few positioning devices e.g. standing frame; side positioner (lala positioner) vehicle positioner (izi positioner) to be able to cater for the needs of the children in their care. A size that suits the majority of children will be selected and carers will be shown how to adjust the device to the different sizes of children.
The devices currently on tender in 2017 include Madiba Buggy, Madiba2Go, Sully, Sam, Jack Stander (standing frame); Tess Back; Gibby Back, Motivation Rough Terrain wheelchair; vehicle positioner.
As soon as you observe and assess a child as having difficulties in the development of sitting upright and moving around (and when compared with peers) it is a good idea to have an assessment by a therapist who may consider the usefulness of a device to ensure the child’s development is not delayed. This may be as young as 6 months age. A child will need to have more frequent reviews by the seating therapist to ensure ever changing needs are met and that no secondary problems are developing.
Although Shonaquip does have a special focus on the needs of children with moderate to complex postural support needs, we also do provide devices for children who are more active users or assess adults with varying posture support needs who may be impaired in their intellectual or other development.
Your first step would be to have your child/the user assessed and measured by a therapist with seating experience to determine what type of wheelchair would be most suited to the user.
A range of device options and accessories will be discussed with you depending on posture support and other needs and the funding available. A spec sheet will be completed and a quotation generated for the client. The order will be placed with Shonaquip, (or the manufacturer if a non- Shonaquip device) once a deposit is paid. Once the device is ready, the client will be contacted for a fitting by a seating therapist, after which some modifications may be necessary. The client and carer will be shown how to operate, adjust and look after the device. They will be told about the important of follow up appointments which will review both the user and the device at regular intervals (usually 2-3 monthly) in the future.
Shonaquip therapists are all trained to be able to assess and prescribe the most appropriate device to meet the client’s needs. As such they are familiar with a range of wheelchairs available locally and will advise the client/carer on the most appropriate choice and may refer to other suppliers should this be required.
For private clients the process from assessment to delivery of device takes approximately 4-6 weeks. It may take longer if another supplier’s device has been prescribed or if complex customization is needed.
However if a device is ordered through a department there are many variables which may affect the time. Because the needs of the young wheelchair user change so quickly over months, Shonaquip does everything possible to ensure devices can be delivered and fitted as soon as possible. It is especially important that young children are fitted as soon as possible after the assessment has been done because their needs may change quickly over a short period.
It is useful to arrange an outreach clinic to learn more about Shonaquip products and their 24 hour positioning approach. Contact should you wish to arrange this. You will be advised on how this can be set up should this be your first time, what your responsibilities as host are, and what can be expected from the outreach team. It is always valuable for as many local staff as possible to attend the outreach clinic to maximise the transfer skills to local staff.
Shonaquip can offer this service or refer you to CE Mobility or other similar services.
Speak to a therapist who can assist you with funder options like Uhambo Foundation or Rachel Swart Fund.
It is best to refer the child to the therapist at your school or to the local clinic or hospital for an assessment for a wheelchair. If the client is a private client you may like to approach Shonaquip for a comprehensive seating assessment.
Contact Shonaquip or Uhambo Foundation to speak to a therapist who works in your region.
Shonaquip devices have a limited 1 year warranty. However this excludes damage due to negligence/abuse, as well as, bearings, tyres and general wear and tear. The warranty does not apply to any part of a device that has been installed, altered, repaired or misused in any way that, in the opinion of Shonaquip, would affect the reliability or detracts from the performance of the device; or is damaged as a result of use in a way or with equipment that had not been previously approved by Shonaquip. The warranty does not apply to any device or parts thereof where the serial number or the serial number of its parts has been altered, defaced or removed.
You may return an unsafe or defective device within 6 months of purchase and request a repair, replacement or refund provided that the device has not been altered in any manner whatsoever.
For any further information, contact
Parts can be obtained from Shonaquip. If you are unsure of the name of the part, you may wish to refer to the glossary. (Link attached).
Contact the office if you need to order a part or speak to a technician or seating therapist. The time taken to get parts will vary depending on whether it is in stock. If you require technical services and are not in Cape Town, a therapist will be in touch with you to make a plan for a visit during outreach in the area.
It is best to bring your device to Shonaquip for a service or to your seating therapist if you don’t live near to a Shonaquip office. A wheelchair repair technician, local hospital handyman or bicycle repair technician may be able to assist with basic problems.
Shonaquip does not offer replacement devices while a device is under repair. ShonaTech aims to repair wheelchairs on a ‘walk-in’ basis or to have them repaired/serviced within 1-2 days.
You may order extra cushions or covers as needed. These can be supplied directly if in stock.
Contact the office for information regarding spare parts for your Shonaquip device.
ShonaTech will take previously owned devices for repair and re-issue on request. Contact for more information and to arrange collection/delivery of devices.
This can be arranged through our clinical services or .
Shonaquip does not routinely hire out wheelchairs or buggies. Should you be want to hire a temporary mobility device, contact CE Mobility, Primacare or Wynberg Pharmacy.
