a robotic wheelchair that automatically follows a human companion.
One feature that has some positive merit to it is that the wheelchair can avoid objects coming toward it.
And, yes (I know someone will ask) two wheelchairs can be designed to follow one "human companion".
Can you imagine this in crowded malls?
Showing posts with label wheelchairs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wheelchairs. Show all posts
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
A wheelchair as appliance
Evelyn Neuhaus discusses attitudes toward wheelchairs (and their users) that she encounters in this video.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Ode to a Wheelchair
Anyone who has had a favorite wheelchair will understand this video- a tribute to a Quickie wheelchair...oh Quickie Quickie- very funny!
JoshTwelves over at YouTube writes:
This is a parody of the song Hit Me Baby One More Time by Britney Spears. I used different pictures of wheelchairs in this video. Me and my cousin wrote the lyrics. I hope you like this video.
JoshTwelves over at YouTube writes:
This is a parody of the song Hit Me Baby One More Time by Britney Spears. I used different pictures of wheelchairs in this video. Me and my cousin wrote the lyrics. I hope you like this video.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
About using a wheelchair
Nancy talks about the benefits of using a wheelchair and offers a few tips to those who are having difficulty getting around and may be considering using one.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Fun with wheelchairs in the movies: Mac and Me (1988)
In this scene from the 1988 film Mac and Me, the young male star of the movie, who uses a wheelchair, plummets off the side of a cliff into a river after trying to use his wheelchair brake to stop the chair. The wheelchair brake breaks and falls off. This, of course, is not something any everyday wheelchair user would do since we know that the brake does not stop the chair while going down hills. Only filmmakers/writers who don't use wheelchairs think that a wheelchair user would actually try to use a brake while going off a cliff, rather than trying to just bail out of the chair.
The character then remains in his wheelchair not only during the fall, but is still in his chair when pushed out of the river, after being submerged under water, although I don't see a seat belt on the chair, proving the theory that - yes- we are attached to our wheelchairs.
It is, however, a great scene to show to young wheelchair users as to why it's not good to sit at the top of cliffs. Because, let's face it, you just can't count on an alien to be around to rescue you.
The character then remains in his wheelchair not only during the fall, but is still in his chair when pushed out of the river, after being submerged under water, although I don't see a seat belt on the chair, proving the theory that - yes- we are attached to our wheelchairs.
It is, however, a great scene to show to young wheelchair users as to why it's not good to sit at the top of cliffs. Because, let's face it, you just can't count on an alien to be around to rescue you.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
GreenWheel Bike Technology
Scientists at MIT are testing a new power generation, storage and propulsion system known as the GreenWheel that will turn any pedal bicycle into an electric hog.
Just take the wheel off, put a GreenWheel equipped wheel on in its place, plug it in and it should work just fine," said Ryan Chin, one of the GreenWheel designers. "The whole thing has been designed so all the parts except the throttle are enclosed in the wheel."
Just take the wheel off, put a GreenWheel equipped wheel on in its place, plug it in and it should work just fine," said Ryan Chin, one of the GreenWheel designers. "The whole thing has been designed so all the parts except the throttle are enclosed in the wheel."
From the outside, the GreenWheel has the radius of a small dinner plate and is about 2 inches thick. Inside the aluminum frame sits the three major GreenWheel components: an electric generator, batteries and an electric motor. via dsc.discovery.com
Just wondering if this technology could be used to improve current products that are available to turn manual wheelchairs into power wheelchairs - or at least bring down the cost of these devices, which can be up to five thousand dollars or more.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Tis the season for red and green duct tape
I was hoping that the lifetime of my manual chair would be stretched out longer by using a power chair, i.e. taking into account I was using my manual chair less, but alas! my manual chair has decided to start falling apart. Literally.
I can tell when wheelchairs are going down for the last count in my house. I start with the minor repairs, then go for using duct tape when that no longer works, then add a second color of duct tape, etc. I'm keeping my sense of humor and doing a red and green Christmas theme.
No worries. I'm sure that I'll find a nice used wheelchair somewhere that has a bit of life left on it. But it's a lesson that tempus fugit with wheelchairs whether you're sitting in them or not. I guess.
In the meantime, if you hear a pop, that would be my duct tape snapping. My plan is to sing Christmas carols in synch with the sound effects. And here's a link abut making a Christmas tree ornament out of duct tape.
I can tell when wheelchairs are going down for the last count in my house. I start with the minor repairs, then go for using duct tape when that no longer works, then add a second color of duct tape, etc. I'm keeping my sense of humor and doing a red and green Christmas theme.
No worries. I'm sure that I'll find a nice used wheelchair somewhere that has a bit of life left on it. But it's a lesson that tempus fugit with wheelchairs whether you're sitting in them or not. I guess.
In the meantime, if you hear a pop, that would be my duct tape snapping. My plan is to sing Christmas carols in synch with the sound effects. And here's a link abut making a Christmas tree ornament out of duct tape.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wheels of Hope project
Over at TourWatch, there's always something going on. Travel stories, efforts toward better treatment on airlines, and many other topics of interest.
I found a very interesting article about Wheels of Hope, which awarded 52 wheelchairs to allow people with disabilities to become self reliant. Its vision is 'of a sustainable enterprise providing employment for PWD and an ideal venue for holistic development of their physical, mental, economic, social and spiritual well-being."
The wheelchairs are essential equipment that will allow these folks to head toward a productive and better future. In the photo, three recipients of wheelchairs are lined up, shaking hands with those who run the project at the ceremony where they received their chairs.
Visit Tour Watch
Monday, August 11, 2008
Wheelchair rim coating
In the world of manual wheelchairs and quadriplegics, there's an upgrade you can buy that offers plastic coating of your wheelchair rims. Since my current manual wheelchair was purchased from ebay, the rims never had plastic coating. Although the plastic coating worked for me on my custom made chairs, it didn't protect my hand enough even in gloves when it hit the side of the wheel. I've tried everything from tape to using strips of rubber-like material from bicycle tubes or inner car tire tubes. Yesterday I decided to try wrapping plastic coated stereo speaker wire around the rim because it has the same tacky plastic "feel" but also provides more protection for my hand .
So far it's working well. I'm not sure if it will increase my pushing time, but at least my arm and hand don't "hurt" as much (spasms). So far I haven't made much progress in increasing my push time. I'm trying different gloves and adaptations though and will keep trying. As you can see in the video below, the red duct tape is to keep the ends on- we ran out of wire but there's enough on there for me to see if it works.
So far it's working well. I'm not sure if it will increase my pushing time, but at least my arm and hand don't "hurt" as much (spasms). So far I haven't made much progress in increasing my push time. I'm trying different gloves and adaptations though and will keep trying. As you can see in the video below, the red duct tape is to keep the ends on- we ran out of wire but there's enough on there for me to see if it works.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Flight ultralight wheelchair
A friend of mine told me about this wheelchair last night. It's got a rigid seat base rather than a sling...and it folds.
from their website, more photos and a description:
Flight Ultralight Wheelchair is engineered to be as light and as strong as possible. The frame is constructed without the need for welding! That means no welds to break, crack, corrode, or degrade the base metal.
- Folds to 9 1/2 inches from handrim to handrim
- Weighs just 18 pounds
- Rigid seat base provides better support than conventional sling seat wheelchairs
- Precision machining creates more consistently accurate wheel alignment, resulting in an easier push and a more responsive ride
- Aerospace-based construction requires less maintenance, with a groundbreaking caster design that can endure what active users dish out
- Fully-customizable, from seat sizing to accessories to colors and more
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
GPS - the wheelchair kind
When I was looking at power chairs, I noticed some people rigged them up with all kinds of devices. Some were for enjoyment, like people who mount iPods to listen to music. Others were more practical, like the Drink-aide system which helps you hydrate hands-free.
And then I saw the GPS gadgets on wheelchairs. And I thought at the time- great, but that kind of GPS isn't going to show the information a wheelchair user needs.
Trailblazers software, a GPS system, is being designed by students to provide a guide to wheelchair users for barrier-free routes in Germany. Their goal: to create a better quality of life for wheelchair users who encounter dead ends in their paths due to barriers, like steps or other obstacles a wheelchair can't traverse. And here's another link along the same lines.
I hadn't given this whole line of thought much attention since that day until today when I decided to take a lunchtime walk. I went on a different route than usual and found myself on a back road that ended with a dead end. My choice if I wanted to get back the quickest way was not good: go on a narrow road with no sidewalks or through a park with steep paths and not know whether there were sidewalks on that road.
I turned around and took the safe, longer route home. But I realized that even though I know this area, I have no clue what barriers there are when I travel by wheelchair instead of car in most directions, except for a few.
Luckily my wheelchair had plenty of power left and I was far from being in the middle of nowhere, but still I couldn't help but think of how helpful it would have been to have a way to tell which route from that location would be barrier free - and the safest.
And then I saw the GPS gadgets on wheelchairs. And I thought at the time- great, but that kind of GPS isn't going to show the information a wheelchair user needs.
Trailblazers software, a GPS system, is being designed by students to provide a guide to wheelchair users for barrier-free routes in Germany. Their goal: to create a better quality of life for wheelchair users who encounter dead ends in their paths due to barriers, like steps or other obstacles a wheelchair can't traverse. And here's another link along the same lines.
I hadn't given this whole line of thought much attention since that day until today when I decided to take a lunchtime walk. I went on a different route than usual and found myself on a back road that ended with a dead end. My choice if I wanted to get back the quickest way was not good: go on a narrow road with no sidewalks or through a park with steep paths and not know whether there were sidewalks on that road.
I turned around and took the safe, longer route home. But I realized that even though I know this area, I have no clue what barriers there are when I travel by wheelchair instead of car in most directions, except for a few.
Luckily my wheelchair had plenty of power left and I was far from being in the middle of nowhere, but still I couldn't help but think of how helpful it would have been to have a way to tell which route from that location would be barrier free - and the safest.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Sitting pretty
My power chair (aka The Beast) was adjusted last night. I had the footrests raised, a Drink-Aide attached (see below) and a few other parts and pieces that had moved around properly adjusted. It raised my comfort level by 50%.
After over a decade in a wheelchair, I've learned that it isn't always the equpment you buy that matters in terms of comfort seating. I've had expensive adjustable backs and been uncomfortable since they weren't at the right angle or height, for example, while the back that comes with a chair might fit just right from the get-go or a friend or dealer might adjust it correctly. Sometimes it's about getting the most out of the equipment that's already underneath you (although there are times you need special seating systems and I'm not disputing that). But there are items I will pay for that I think are vital for comfort and health.
1. A good cushion. There are various types of cushions and you really do need to consult with health care professionals about this, because of the possibility of skin issues which can be serious.
2. Finding (and if necessary paying) a trained (or handy) person or dealer to adjust wheelchair. One adjustment can get rid of spasms, for example.
3. Accessories. When I was in a manual chair,I used a "catch all" a net that stretches across the bottom to hold items. I have always used D ring bags on the side of my chair to hold key items. A cupholder is a great accessory and some even fold against the chair frame so they aren't sticking out.
4. Tires. Everyone's needs are different with this, and tires come in various treads, sizes and vary in quality. The wrong type of tires can really ruin a manual wheelchair if they aren't suited for your use. I recommend looking at a place like sportaid.com where they carry lots of tires and experiment a bit with different types. Your bike shop can help put on /take off tires on a manual chair - even casters - if you can't do it yourself.
5. Removing pet hair from your castors helps you roll better. So does air in your tires. Maintenance, if you can't do it yourself, is worth paying for. Hire a teen if necessary!
6. Trade, sell or give away used items. Sometimes you can barter with others to get what you need instead of having to buy new. In these economic times, I've seen folks trade wheelchair parts, items they bought but don't use or need and it can make a big difference in quality of life for folks.
These are just my personal thoughts. Feel free to add your own experiences, thoughts, etc. in the comments!
After over a decade in a wheelchair, I've learned that it isn't always the equpment you buy that matters in terms of comfort seating. I've had expensive adjustable backs and been uncomfortable since they weren't at the right angle or height, for example, while the back that comes with a chair might fit just right from the get-go or a friend or dealer might adjust it correctly. Sometimes it's about getting the most out of the equipment that's already underneath you (although there are times you need special seating systems and I'm not disputing that). But there are items I will pay for that I think are vital for comfort and health.
1. A good cushion. There are various types of cushions and you really do need to consult with health care professionals about this, because of the possibility of skin issues which can be serious.
2. Finding (and if necessary paying) a trained (or handy) person or dealer to adjust wheelchair. One adjustment can get rid of spasms, for example.
3. Accessories. When I was in a manual chair,I used a "catch all" a net that stretches across the bottom to hold items. I have always used D ring bags on the side of my chair to hold key items. A cupholder is a great accessory and some even fold against the chair frame so they aren't sticking out.
4. Tires. Everyone's needs are different with this, and tires come in various treads, sizes and vary in quality. The wrong type of tires can really ruin a manual wheelchair if they aren't suited for your use. I recommend looking at a place like sportaid.com where they carry lots of tires and experiment a bit with different types. Your bike shop can help put on /take off tires on a manual chair - even casters - if you can't do it yourself.
5. Removing pet hair from your castors helps you roll better. So does air in your tires. Maintenance, if you can't do it yourself, is worth paying for. Hire a teen if necessary!
6. Trade, sell or give away used items. Sometimes you can barter with others to get what you need instead of having to buy new. In these economic times, I've seen folks trade wheelchair parts, items they bought but don't use or need and it can make a big difference in quality of life for folks.
These are just my personal thoughts. Feel free to add your own experiences, thoughts, etc. in the comments!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
If Steve Jobs' team was in charge of designing wheelchairs...
After seeing the ads yesterday for the introduction of the new Macbook Air, I couldn't help but think what could happen if that kind of effort went into wheelchair design. (We might even get a power chair out of the mix that is more rain resistant, huh? Okay so I'm being completely unreasonable wanting that...NOT).
Just imagine an ad campaign:
The lightest wheelchair - the Wheelchair Air! Designed with the consumer in mind, it not only has wireless ability to download GPS, entertainment and research off the internet, you can also remotely download repairs and upgrades from another PC/Mac. This wheelchair saves valuable inches in the width so you can fit more easily in restrooms wherever you travel and traverse those aisles with ease. It has a built in (not optional) shock system to help prevent spasms and a rough ride because it's metallic design needs to coexist with the smoothest ride possible. Not only does the new Wheelchair Air come in a manual version, but there's an optional joystick/power accessory that you can add. This accessory will only cost an additional four hundred dollars, making this wheelchair an affordable and futuristic choice for power chair users who want the design of a manual chair but need the power features. Every part of the power system has been coated to be water resistant, reducing the user's need in current chairs to protect these features from rain and snow and increases the user's freedom. We call this product optimization for the user's needs, making the product work for the user, not the user work for the product.
Along these lines, the tires on the new Wheelchair Air represent the latest puncture proof technology while providing a comfortable ride. You'll feel like you're riding on air - but you don't need to worry about tire pressure because one wireless remote download every week instantly upgrades every feature on this chair, while simultaneously alerting you to any loose parts and making repairs that you need, reducing the need to waste time dealing with repair visits and loss of the use of your wheelchair.
The Wheelchair Air. Because wheelchairs should be given as much attention as cool gadgets. Don't you think?
(thanks to Barb for her assistance in putting up this post!)
Just imagine an ad campaign:
The lightest wheelchair - the Wheelchair Air! Designed with the consumer in mind, it not only has wireless ability to download GPS, entertainment and research off the internet, you can also remotely download repairs and upgrades from another PC/Mac. This wheelchair saves valuable inches in the width so you can fit more easily in restrooms wherever you travel and traverse those aisles with ease. It has a built in (not optional) shock system to help prevent spasms and a rough ride because it's metallic design needs to coexist with the smoothest ride possible. Not only does the new Wheelchair Air come in a manual version, but there's an optional joystick/power accessory that you can add. This accessory will only cost an additional four hundred dollars, making this wheelchair an affordable and futuristic choice for power chair users who want the design of a manual chair but need the power features. Every part of the power system has been coated to be water resistant, reducing the user's need in current chairs to protect these features from rain and snow and increases the user's freedom. We call this product optimization for the user's needs, making the product work for the user, not the user work for the product.
Along these lines, the tires on the new Wheelchair Air represent the latest puncture proof technology while providing a comfortable ride. You'll feel like you're riding on air - but you don't need to worry about tire pressure because one wireless remote download every week instantly upgrades every feature on this chair, while simultaneously alerting you to any loose parts and making repairs that you need, reducing the need to waste time dealing with repair visits and loss of the use of your wheelchair.
The Wheelchair Air. Because wheelchairs should be given as much attention as cool gadgets. Don't you think?
(thanks to Barb for her assistance in putting up this post!)
Friday, January 4, 2008
Room for Reflection
This post is not a reflection. It's a post where I'm going to put links to great posts at other blogs.
As I read around the blogosphere, I see a number of people writing end of the year posts. I've decided not to do a post where I sum up 2007.
I would like to say that I've had a lot of room for reflection this past year.
I didn't learn anything from what happened with my mobility issues.
I do know there are broader societal issues involved, so I suppose some would say I shouldn't take what happened personally. And maybe, after having room for reflection, I might even agree with them that it would be best if I don't take 2007 personally.
I suppose, in the end, this is why, despite all the room for reflection I have had, there's not much to write about.
No, I won't be doing a post about 2007. There simply isn't anything to say.
However Wheelchair Dancer has written in this post about our right to passage and talks about mobility advocacy. And that's the direction I think we need to go in.
And Elizabeth has written a post about wheelchairs over at BBC Ouch that addresses some of the misperceptions about mobility devices.
As I read around the blogosphere, I see a number of people writing end of the year posts. I've decided not to do a post where I sum up 2007.
I would like to say that I've had a lot of room for reflection this past year.
I didn't learn anything from what happened with my mobility issues.
I do know there are broader societal issues involved, so I suppose some would say I shouldn't take what happened personally. And maybe, after having room for reflection, I might even agree with them that it would be best if I don't take 2007 personally.
I suppose, in the end, this is why, despite all the room for reflection I have had, there's not much to write about.
No, I won't be doing a post about 2007. There simply isn't anything to say.
However Wheelchair Dancer has written in this post about our right to passage and talks about mobility advocacy. And that's the direction I think we need to go in.
And Elizabeth has written a post about wheelchairs over at BBC Ouch that addresses some of the misperceptions about mobility devices.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Buddy and the Beast
My cat Buddy has had his limits tried ever since I started testing mobility devices out. I've gone through a series of wheelchairs trying to determine what will work best. Because my home has narrow hallways and one of Buddy's favorite places to crash out is the hall, this has really tested his ability to adapt.
But he is a cat. I was impressed with how he gave me exactly enough room to get by with each wheelchair. On the other hand, I found myself looking down, trying to judge where I was so I didn't hit the wall or him as he calmly blinked at me. It was like having a feline traffic cop waving a paw at me, saying "Go on - lots of room."
And then I got a demo chair that I dubbed The Beast. It's not called that because it's huge - because in the realm of power chairs it's not. I called it that because it climbs over almost any obstacle. This chair just doesn't take no for an answer.
The Beast got Buddy's attention. It was the first chair he felt intimidated by. I saw him circling around it when I wasn't in it, sniffing it, putting a paw on the wheels and even meowing at it. It was as if he knew he'd met a contender. House cat meets the Lion King. When I entered the hallway with the Beast, Buddy moved. When I entered a room, he stood up and watched the chair without removing his gaze. I was astounded.
I'll never know what happened that caused a different reaction in Buddy to the Beast. He's always been around wheelchairs and I've never seen him afraid of one before or even wary of one.
A few days later I went into the kitchen in another wheelchair. There was Buddy - curled up, sleeping in the Beast. I rolled over, leaned down and said "Everything okay?"
He rolled over on his back and extended his paw toward the joystick, trying to get it to work. I sighed.
Yes, everything was back to normal in Buddy's world. Somehow he conquered the Beast and discovered it was just another wheelchair.
Speaking of cats and wheelchairs, enjoy this piece entitled Tom and Jerry by the Disabled Avant Garde
About this piece:
"A Collaborative work by the Disabled Avant-Garde (artists Katherine Araniello and Aaron Williamson)
Tom and Jerry: in this piece the DAG's frequent use of 'blue screen' filming and technology reaches its apogee in a cartoonish, slapstick homage to their 'cat-and-mouse' heroes. Traditionally, cartoons and animation are considered to be very accessible to disabled people. Here, the DAG perform an hilarious chase through their 'mama's' house, bumping into cartoon furniture and whacking each other with pots and pans. The anthropomorphism that is an integral factor in the appeal of cartoon characters once again takes on new resonance through the 'filter' of disability. Compare this knockabout, no-holds-barred romp with the careful tiptoeing around disabled people in real life, wrapping them in cotton wool and avoiding causing any offence."
But he is a cat. I was impressed with how he gave me exactly enough room to get by with each wheelchair. On the other hand, I found myself looking down, trying to judge where I was so I didn't hit the wall or him as he calmly blinked at me. It was like having a feline traffic cop waving a paw at me, saying "Go on - lots of room."
And then I got a demo chair that I dubbed The Beast. It's not called that because it's huge - because in the realm of power chairs it's not. I called it that because it climbs over almost any obstacle. This chair just doesn't take no for an answer.
The Beast got Buddy's attention. It was the first chair he felt intimidated by. I saw him circling around it when I wasn't in it, sniffing it, putting a paw on the wheels and even meowing at it. It was as if he knew he'd met a contender. House cat meets the Lion King. When I entered the hallway with the Beast, Buddy moved. When I entered a room, he stood up and watched the chair without removing his gaze. I was astounded.
I'll never know what happened that caused a different reaction in Buddy to the Beast. He's always been around wheelchairs and I've never seen him afraid of one before or even wary of one.
A few days later I went into the kitchen in another wheelchair. There was Buddy - curled up, sleeping in the Beast. I rolled over, leaned down and said "Everything okay?"
He rolled over on his back and extended his paw toward the joystick, trying to get it to work. I sighed.
Yes, everything was back to normal in Buddy's world. Somehow he conquered the Beast and discovered it was just another wheelchair.
Speaking of cats and wheelchairs, enjoy this piece entitled Tom and Jerry by the Disabled Avant Garde
About this piece:
"A Collaborative work by the Disabled Avant-Garde (artists Katherine Araniello and Aaron Williamson)
Tom and Jerry: in this piece the DAG's frequent use of 'blue screen' filming and technology reaches its apogee in a cartoonish, slapstick homage to their 'cat-and-mouse' heroes. Traditionally, cartoons and animation are considered to be very accessible to disabled people. Here, the DAG perform an hilarious chase through their 'mama's' house, bumping into cartoon furniture and whacking each other with pots and pans. The anthropomorphism that is an integral factor in the appeal of cartoon characters once again takes on new resonance through the 'filter' of disability. Compare this knockabout, no-holds-barred romp with the careful tiptoeing around disabled people in real life, wrapping them in cotton wool and avoiding causing any offence."
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Wheelchairs - Going vertical !
I've used my share of wheelchair lifts in my life but never seen one like this. It's a glass lift that appears to come out of nowhere - appears out of a flight of steps. The best visual description I can come up with is that the flight of stairs folds like wall bleachers and the lift slowly becomes visible....
Monday, September 24, 2007
Where the wild wheelchairs roam..
Heck if I knew I'd roll over and join 'em.
But I do know one thing - after reading online message boards over at a few forums, the "self help" fix it up tips for configuring wheelchairs the way users want 'em are growing by leaps and bounds. And this, in my opinion, is a great thing.
First of all, those of us who use wheelchairs know best what tweaks are needed to get our chairs to work in various environments. When a new wheelchair user asks one of us a question, we have the real life experience to answer him/her. We also can share what's comfortable for us, where and how we get our equipment and supplies at the most reasonable prices and what pitfalls to avoid.
There's also a growing trend toward adding accessories that personalize wheelchairs. I saw an entire thread devoted to places to buy castor wheels - with various patterns and rock groups on them. Very cool. Because we're in our wheelchairs all day, they do become part of our appearance and it seems that there are a lot of folks checking out different looks for their chairs. And for fashion tips for wheelchair users, check this site.
And last, but not least, I noticed that people are encouraging wheelchair users who order new chairs to empower themselves more in the process - to speak up about what they want in a chair and to review the measurements carefully to avoid ordering errors. This is a positive thing since most wheelchairs come custom made and are of little or no value if configured improperly. In one instance, a woman whose wheelchair was ordered with the wrong measurements refused delivery - and she was able to get another chair. This was because she was careful about the entire ordering process and the error happened on the seller's end.
So before you order that new chair or if you're new to using a wheelchair, I recommend you check out a few message boards online. There's a great one over at Wheelchair Junkie and I also recommend the CareCure forum. Don't forget the USA Tech Guide, where you can read other wheelchair users' reviews. Ziggi over at Wheelchair DIffusion has great posts on wheelchairs and all things pertaining to them.
If anyone wants to add more suggestions or message boards they've found helpful in the comments, that would be appreciated.
But I do know one thing - after reading online message boards over at a few forums, the "self help" fix it up tips for configuring wheelchairs the way users want 'em are growing by leaps and bounds. And this, in my opinion, is a great thing.
First of all, those of us who use wheelchairs know best what tweaks are needed to get our chairs to work in various environments. When a new wheelchair user asks one of us a question, we have the real life experience to answer him/her. We also can share what's comfortable for us, where and how we get our equipment and supplies at the most reasonable prices and what pitfalls to avoid.
There's also a growing trend toward adding accessories that personalize wheelchairs. I saw an entire thread devoted to places to buy castor wheels - with various patterns and rock groups on them. Very cool. Because we're in our wheelchairs all day, they do become part of our appearance and it seems that there are a lot of folks checking out different looks for their chairs. And for fashion tips for wheelchair users, check this site.
And last, but not least, I noticed that people are encouraging wheelchair users who order new chairs to empower themselves more in the process - to speak up about what they want in a chair and to review the measurements carefully to avoid ordering errors. This is a positive thing since most wheelchairs come custom made and are of little or no value if configured improperly. In one instance, a woman whose wheelchair was ordered with the wrong measurements refused delivery - and she was able to get another chair. This was because she was careful about the entire ordering process and the error happened on the seller's end.
So before you order that new chair or if you're new to using a wheelchair, I recommend you check out a few message boards online. There's a great one over at Wheelchair Junkie and I also recommend the CareCure forum. Don't forget the USA Tech Guide, where you can read other wheelchair users' reviews. Ziggi over at Wheelchair DIffusion has great posts on wheelchairs and all things pertaining to them.
If anyone wants to add more suggestions or message boards they've found helpful in the comments, that would be appreciated.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Wheelchair Ballroom Dancing
TV coverage of wheelchair ballroom dancing at American Dance Wheels is shown in this video sent to me by a reader. (Thank you Ed!) It shows a couple who are champion ballroom dancers, one of whom uses a chair. It talks about classes for wheelchair dancers and how it affects all of the dancers.
Inclusion? Wow. Now that's exciting.
Here's a list of events from the American Dance Wheels site:
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities Award Breakfast<
Annual awards event for local leaders on behalf of the disabled community.
ADF performance.
Friday, October 26th 2007
Marriott Courtyard Hotel, Philadelphia, PA
New Jersey State Open
ADF performance at this national Ballroom and Latin dance competition.
Weekend of October 26th - 28th
East Rutherford, NJ"
Click the heading above for more details.
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