Electronics
The purpose of the Electronics Department is to provide service of an electronic and/or computer nature to the clients of the Centre.

To accomplish this, the members of the Electronics Department function as members of a wider multi-disciplinary team within the Centre and beyond in order to provide information related to electronic technology, to design and develop unique electronic solutions to meet a particular child's need, to assist in the assessment, intervention and education of clients, families and caregivers and to provide electronic service functions to the Rehabilitation Engineering Program.

The principal functions of the Electronic Department include:

• an information resource service related to all types of electronic technology
  
• an equipment lending program
  
• a basic electronic repair and modification service
  
• a design and development service
  
• education and training in the application and use of electronic technology
  
• a computer recycling program

Source of Referrals
Referrals are received from:

• RCC Clinics
  
  • Assistive Technology clinic
    
  • Neuromuscular clinic
    
  • Orthopaedic clinics
• Other RCC programs/departments - AAC, Mechanical Design and Services, Therapy, School Therapy Services, POTC
  
• Community based therapists or other professionals
  
• Other facilities providing rehabilitation services to children
  
  • Children's Hospital
    
  • St. Amant Centre
    
  • Society for Manitobans with Disabilities
• Parents, caregivers or guardians

Eligibility for Service
Children are eligible for service if they have a physical or developmental disability, reside in Manitoba, and are under 18 years of age or still in school.

Assessment
The child's needs in relation to service from the Electronics Department are assessed. This may occur:

• During an outpatient visit scheduled for that purpose
  
• In a clinic setting where the attending therapist, technologist, treating therapist, child and his family or caregiver discuss the needs and determine a plan of action.
  
• In the child's community environment, in which case the child's treating therapist, in conjunction with the family and/or school personnel will determine the child's needs.
  
• At Children's Hospital when it is identified that an inpatient requires adaptive electronic equipment or service while an inpatient.

Method of Service Delivery
Following completion of the assessment and decision on equipment needs, the following steps occur:

• A job card is initiated
  
• A detailed description of the work needed to be done is prepared
  
• The work is carried out by a member of the Electronics Program team
  
• The appropriate individual(s) are notified when the work is completed
  
• The equipment is picked up / sent out to the appropriate individual or an appointment is arranged for the child to come to the Centre
  
• Any necessary training for parents, caregivers, child or school staff is arranged
  
• Training is carried out as required
  Initiation of follow up contact in case of difficulty is the responsibility of the parent, caregiver or school team member