Houdini 28
Harness

Fits most types of vehicle seating including single and double seats

This is a vehicle positioning harness for children and adults with special needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Down Syndrome, Asperger’s disorder, developmental delay or other challenging behavioural needs where the person has problems with attention and safety. Providing safer travel and management of these loved ones when travelling in the car or other means of transport.

Guidelines
Safety
Checklist

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.

This Houdini 28 harness is similar to the Houdini 27 except that the seat attachment straps go vertically around the vehicle seat.

To fit the harness access is required between the seat back and seat cushion.

 

 

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.

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?

safety webbing slicer is included with every vehicle harness and must be kept in the vehicle as a safety precaution.

  • Suitable for bench vehicle seats only, or in the case of ‘deep-bucket’ style single backrest seats
  • Attaching straps go vertically 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)
  • Gap required between seat and backrest

 

Media
Introduction to Houdini Vehicle Harnesses
How to install Houdini 28 Harness
Specifications
Sizing
Washing Instructions
Warranty
Code Model Buckle Option
4604-2803-017 28B Standard Centre-Release
4604-2803-026 28SB Anti-Escape
4604-2803-031 28 Pen-Key Release

Age Group:
Paediatric to Adult

  • 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

12 months

FAQ
Q

Does this harness require a vehicle tether point?

 

 

A

No. This harness does not require any tethering; it is not a safety harness. It is simply attached to the vehicle seat with the securing straps.

Q

If I can’t pass the strap between the seat and the back support, what can I do?

 

A

This can be common. Most vehicles have a carpet flap at the rear which prevents the straps coming vertically around the seat. In virtually all cases the carpet can be cut with a pair of scissors or a knife to provide access through.

Q

How do I Care for my Harness when it needs washing?

 

A
  • Harnesses must be cleaned by Hand washing only, in warm water up to 70 or 80 degrees.
  • Use a mild detergent/anti-bacterial liquid wash.
  • Mild disinfectant can be used.
  • Do not use Bleach or Tumble Dry your harness.
Testimonials

Just wanted to let you know that the harness is working perfectly for D (fingers crossed it will continue!). Just incase anyone has a similar problem – the background to this was that we swapped from a taxi company doing our school runs to a mini bus company. the seats on the bus were all integrated with the headrests so when you wrap the top straps up and over the headrest, the buckles were really easily accessible behind D’s head so he could reach behind to simple click undo. (Previously the buckles were behind his back area so he couldn’t reach his arms around).

Thanks again!

– Alana – Occupational Therapist

(Medifab’s solution for D was to upgrade his Houdini 28 Harness’s standard centre-release rear tethering buckles to metal anti-escape buckles). 

 

The Houdini 28 harness works really well for my young client. We are using it in conjunction with a booster cushion and in about 6 months we can take the booster away, so it will be an easy transition for growth. The harness is perfect at meeting the needs of keeping the child safe, and she remains secure and doesn’t fiddle. The parents can use the harness well and it is easy for them to transfer into the 2 family cars for travel.

– Anja Schraader – Wanganui Hospital