Search Adaptive Manual
Table of Contents
A variety of adaptive equipment is available both commercially and through Kiwi ingenuity and adaptation. Standard equipment is often customised to fit individual needs, with duct tape and padding being some of the most common modifications.
Use adaptive equipment with the goal of utilising the minimum amount necessary to help the student achieve their goals. The equipment should be continually assessed throughout the learning process, with adjustments and changes made as needed.
Other Equipment Reference Guide
Ankle foot orthosis (AFO)
An Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO) is a medical device used to support and stabilise the ankle and foot, typically for people who have conditions affecting muscle strength, balance, or mobility. These braces, often made from lightweight materials like plastic or carbon fibre, help improve gait and make walking easier and safer. AFOs are commonly prescribed for individuals with conditions such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke-related muscle weakness, and foot drop, where nerve damage prevents lifting the foot properly. By providing support and alignment, the AFO helps reduce the risk of falls, conserve energy, and allow for more natural movement patterns.
There are several types of AFOs, each tailored to specific needs. Rigid AFOs offer maximum support by limiting ankle movement, ideal for those needing significant stability. Hinged AFOs allow some controlled ankle motion, offering a balance of stability and mobility. Dynamic AFOs are more flexible, supporting the foot while allowing more movement, which is often beneficial for those who need moderate assistance. AFOs are usually customised to fit comfortably and provide the right level of support, and many can be worn with shoes. Proper fit and gradual adjustment are key for maximising their benefit, helping individuals gain confidence and independence in their mobility.
Bibs
Used by skiers with a visual impairment and at any other time that it would be helpful for other mountain users to have an awareness of the student’s needs for safety reasons. Bibs need to be bright. For vision-impaired students, both the guide and the student should wear a bib.
Cads & Ski Mojo
These help reduce fatigue for standup skiers. They consist of a rod that is attached to the boot and a hip harness either inside or outside of the ski pants. Useful as a teaching aid to develop movements for snowboarders who have low leg strength and control. Set up with the rider in a centred stance with the hands on the bar. Extra support can be given with webbing around the hips of the rider if needed. The bar can be used to create twist in the board but beware of the rider using the bar to pull against or push away from in a way that changes their stance. The handle allows you to assist with control of the board, either walking or skiing alongside.
Cants & Toe Lifts
Cants and lifts are used to allow a student to stand or sit in their natural stance and at the same time to have the ski or board remain flat on the snow. This can be fore/aft as well laterally. Lifts can also be used to position a fused or prosthetic ankle in a flexed position by raising the heel. They can be made of any suitable material. For small adjustments, the cant should go inside the boot. Sections of insoles work well for this purpose. For large adjustments, cant outside of the boot. If permanent large canting is required, placing plastic wedges between the binding and the board/ski works well. When canting, use the cant to fill in the void. For example, if a mono skier is sitting in their seat with the ski flat and one buttock higher than the other, you place some foam in the space under the high side.
Heel Spacer Bar
A tube with a bungee through it, and washers at either end. It is positioned between the student’s boots, preferably under the heel. The spacer bar is used when the student cannot form a wedge and needs the platform provided by a wedge for balance. Wedge size is determined by the length of the tube. Never allow the student to slide backward when a spacer bar is attached.
Rider Bar (Board Buddy)
A hula hoop attached to a harness allows the instructor to stabilise the movement of the rider’s CoM. The ski pal can be adapted to make this.
Rods & Poles
Can be used in various ways to assist the student, such as horse and buggy and side by side. Aim to minimise the amount of dependence the student develops on the rod.
Slant Boards
Slant Boards allow the binding to be positioned above a ski at any angle. They are used in the same way as cants and lifts but allow greater flexibility of position. Slant Boards are not in common usage.
Slider Frames
Various versions exist for both skiing and snowboarding. The frame has skis attached to the bottom and gives the student a greater level of stability than using outriggers. They are generally used on beginner terrain only. Tethers can be attached to the student’s board/skis until the student is able to achieve speed control through turn shape. Some frames have a handle the instructor can use to assist control of the frame. If the student has difficulty controlling their ski, a ski can be attached to the frame.
Ski Bike
The ski bike provides an alternative way to play and slide. A variety of options include snowboard bikes and ski trikes. Some allow the rider to be seated when riding.
Ski Links
The ski link is a device that is attached to the front of the skis. It prevents the skis from crossing or spreading apart when the student cannot control their skis independently. Independent leg movement is minimised with a link, so moving around on the flat is limited to shuffling. Remove the link on lifts and never allow a student to slide backward when the link is attached. For children and light students, an edgy wedgie gives a greater freedom of movement. If tip separation is the only issue, a rope or bungee is effective.
Ski Pal
An adjustable rectangular tube used by the instructor as a teaching aid to assist with balance, turning, and in some cases speed control.
Ski & Snowboard Prosthetics
Advancements in prosthetic technology are being made all the time. Current models allow for double and single above knee amputees to ski and ride standing up providing hip protection with shock absorbers. Various below knee prosthetics assist with ankle flexion. Ensure prosthetics are well fitted in the student’s boots. Where there is not adequate ankle flexion in the prosthetic for a centred stance use a heel lift to create the correct angle.