Alternatively, this harness can also be used to offer postural support and assist in seating the occupant in an upright sitting position for persons with physical disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy (CP) and other significant physical disabilities or complex needs where extra support and positioning is required during travel.
Fits most types of vehicle seating including low or high backed, and is used on aircraft seats by many leading airlines. The two transverse fixing straps do not interfere with the passenger behind using the drop down trays (depending on airline). It is recommended to seek permission from the airlines to use the Houdini 27 harness prior to departure.
The harness consists of a full body 5-point harness connected to a back pad which is fitted horizontally around the vehicle seat back with two horizontal fixing straps.
The Houdini 27 harness is identical to the Houdini 28 harness, except the mounting straps are different for different seats.
One of the most frequently asked questions is; “Which harness would be the best for my situation?”
There are many things to consider when answering this question. This document is designed to overview the options that are available and give an honest review of each of the Houdini harnesses on offer. Whilst it may feel like there is never a perfect solution, this article will help to narrow down selection from our range of harnesses to find the best solution for any individual situation, bearing in mind these key considerations:
- Behavioural or postural needs
- Buckle types
- Attachment points
- Sizing
HOUDINI 27 CHECKLIST:
- Only suitable for single backrest seats eg: front vehicle seat, split rear backrest seats, bus and airline seats
- Attaching straps go horizontally around the rear of the seat it is installed on
- Full 5-point harness for good support (crotch strap between the legs doesn’t need to be used if not required)
- Access to rear of seat is necessary when installing
- Cross strap can be purchased for additional security of the shoulder straps (prevents the shoulder straps been pulled off)
- No gap required between seat and backrest
INTRODUCTION TO HOUDINI VEHICLE HARNESSES
BAHAVIOURAL OR POSTURAL?
The first thing to consider is the harness application itself.
All Houdini harnesses support occupants with behavioural needs where securing them to the seat is necessary to ensure vehicle safety features can operate correctly. For some occupants, additional support* to maintain their orientation in the seat may also be required which is provided by some of the harnesses, these have been outlined below.
The Houdini 27, 28 and 31 offer some form of postural support to the occupant which can assist with positioning in the vehicle seat. Due to the lack of this support in the Houdini 13 & 22, application for occupants with postural support needs would not be recommended.
HOUDINI VEHICLE HARNESSES BUCKLE OPTIONS
With all the Houdini harness models, there are three types of buckles available.
| Operates similarly to a seat belt, press the red release button and the harness will disengage. This option is suitable for occupants that have the awareness not to take their harness off themselves and just require the harness for extra support to remain upright within the seat. This buckle may also be appropriate for occupants with limited or no fine motor function that would allow them to operate the release. |
When a trickier release mechanism is required, this two-handed operation helps to keep occupants secure. This option is beneficial for occupants who would otherwise undo the standard release during travel but don’t have the fine motor skills to operate the anti-escape release. |
The most secure buckle option available. This works by covering the release button leaving a small hole in the centre that can only be disengaged with a pen, key, or similar pointy object. If the occupant does not have anything pointy, they will not be able to open the buckle. |
POINTS OF ATTACHMENT
All the Houdini harnesses have at least 5 points of attachment, which means there is always a strap between the occupants’ legs that attaches to the chest section of the harness to stop ‘submarining’ or slipping out from the bottom of the harness.
The only harness model that offers more than 5 points of attachment, is the Houdini 31 which has 7. This means there is an extra strap around the occupant’s trunk, making it more effective for postural support and for some that benefit from the sensory feedback it offers.
SIZING
Nearly every harness is available in a small and large size. Typically for clients up to 8 years of age the small size is the most appropriate. For clients over the age of 8 the larger size is recommended. The Houdini 28 harness is the exception to this as it has a massive amount of adjustment making it a “one size fits all” harness.
ALL HARNESS FEATURES AND CONSIDERATIONS
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
Every Houdini harness is classified as a low-risk medical device and is effective in keeping occupants within the vehicle seat while travelling. In the event of a car accident, the vehicle seat belt will be the means of keeping the occupant safe. The vehicle seat belt must ALWAYS be worn over the top of the Houdini harnesses.
To use any harness like the Houdini, a medical exemption letter is required. More information on the safety and legality of using this type of support device in Australia can be found here.
The cost for any given Houdini harness varies depending on the harness chosen and the buckle option required. Prices range from approx. $700 to $1200.
Care and maintenance are minimal. Harnesses can be wiped clean, or hand washed in warm water. The harnesses have a 12-month warranty. The Houdini harnesses are funded by the NDIS however please consult with your OT and GP to ensure the correct process is followed. View Standards and Regulations.
| Code |
Size |
Age Group |
Buckle Type |
| 4604-2702-017 |
27A |
Paediatric |
Standard Centre-Release |
| 4604-2702-026 |
27ASB |
Paediatric |
Anti-Escape |
| 4604-2702-031 |
27A |
Paediatric |
Pen-Key Release |
| 4604-2703-017 |
27B |
7 years to adult |
Standard Centre-Release |
| 4604-2703-026 |
27BSB |
7 years to adult |
Anti-Escape |
| 4604-2703-031 |
27B |
7 years to adult |
Pen-Key Release |
Washing Instructions:
- Hand wash only – in warm water up to 70/80 degrees.
- Use mild detergent/anti-bacterial liquid wash.
- Mild disinfectant can be used.
- Do not use bleach
- Do not tumble dry
HOW TO INSTALL HOUDINI 27 HARNESS
SAFETY:
It is advisable to carry out a safety and risk assessment to first consider the problems involved and what the situation would be if the passenger is not wearing a special needs harness. Could they be in danger to themselves and to other passengers in the vehicle or even other drivers on the road if they are not safely seated during travel?
Please note, to comply with safety regulations, the vehicle safety belt must always be worn over the top of the harness. The combination of the existing vehicle safety belt and the secondary harness offers added security for the passenger.
A
safety webbing slicer is included with every vehicle harness and must be kept in the vehicle as a safety precaution.
RESOURCES:
