Getting Started

The Mealtime Partner Assistive Dining Device may look complicated but for many people it is quite straight forward to immediately start using. When the device is shipped from the factory, the Control Panel settings are set. The factory settings are chosen to be appropriate for an "average" user. For a great many new users, these settings will allow them to get started using the Partner, even though they might not be the best possible fit for them. Gradually, as both the user and the mealtime partner become familiar with the device, the settings can be changed to be ideal for the individual.

If you have read the General Information and the Positioning Information, you are probably ready to try the Mealtime Partner. Plug the desired number of Adaptive Switches into the device, position the user and the switches, and let's get started.

For the first time that the Mealtime Partner is used, it is recommended that a snack is served.  In this way the new user is not extremely hungry and will not feel rushed to become familiar with the device. During this initial snack, an understanding of both device positioning and how the bowl/cover combination handles food can be developed. Put food in one or two bowls and leave one bowl empty. Use the empty bowl for practice and to verify that the Partner is positioned appropriately. Then move on to trying food.

To get started, push the Power On button (bottom-middle button on the Control Panel), and, if the Pause light is on, push the Pause Button (next to the Power On button) to start the Partner operation.

Back to Positioning the User and the Mealtime Partner for Eating, Forward to Mealtime Partner Operation.

Back to Index.