Wheelchairs

Introduction

Wheelchair is a mobility assistive device that enables a sick or a disabled person to move. A wheelchair is a chair mounted on large wheels. It is designed to make mobility easier for a sick or disabled person. wheelchairs are those that require human power to move them. There are three types of manual wheelchair: self-propelled, attendant-propelled, and wheelbase. Many manual wheelchairs can be folded for storage or placement into a vehicle, although modern wheelchairs are just as likely to be rigid framed. Wheelchair usage tends to be categorised under two main headings, one relating to powered operation and the other to manual modes of propulsion.

Attendant-propelled chairs are designed to be propelled by an attendant using the handles, and thus the back wheels are rimless and often smaller. These chairs are often used as 'transfer chairs' to move a patient when a better alternative is unavailable, possibly within a hospital, as a temporary option, or in areas where a user's standard chair is unavailable. These chairs are commonly seen in airports. Special airplane transfer chairs are available on most airlines, designed to fit narrow airplane aisles and transfer a wheelchair-using passenger to and from their seat on the plane.

Manual or self-propelled wheelchairs are propelled by the occupant, usually by using large rear wheels, from 20-26 inches in average diameter, and resembling those of bicycle wheels. The user moves the chair by pushing on the handrims, which are circular tubing on the outside of the large wheels. The handrims have a diameter that is slightly less than that of the rear wheels. Skilled users can control speed and turning and often learn to balance the chair on its rear wheels - do a "wheelie". The wheelie is not just for show - a rider that can control the chair in this manner can climb and descend curbs and move over small obstacles.

One-arm drive enables a user to guide and propel a wheelchair from one side. Two handrims, one smaller than the other, are located on one side of the chair, left or right. On most models the outer, or smaller rim, is connected to the opposite wheel by a folding axle. When both handrims are grasped together, the chair may be propelled forward or backward in a straight line. When either handrim is moved independently, the chair will turn left or right in response to the handrim used. Another alternative is a lever-drive chair that propels the chair forwards by using a lever that is pumped back and forth. Some chairs are also configured to allow the occupant to propel using one or both feet instead of using the rims. Many of these variants were designed for medical reasons, but are also useful in wheelchair sports: e.g. the one-arm drive enables a wheelchair user to dribble a basketball while moving forward.

Junior or child wheelchair is another type of wheelchair. It is designed to meet the child’s changing needs in the growth period and have to be designed to help the kids in overcoming their social difficulties and walking. This makes a handicapped child feel socially acquainted with the colorful wheel chairs that they are using. It does not only aid a child with walking difficulties but it gives the child a warm feeling to be accepted by other normal kids.

• Weight
• Designed for outdoors/indoors
• Size
• Weight capacity
• Ability to fold into a standard trunk
• Power source of electric wheelchairs
  • Wheelchairs with a rear wheel power source usually move faster than wheelchairs with a front wheel power source.
• Reclining back
• Removable armrests
• Adjustable footrests
• Swingaway footrests
• Seat widths
• Warranty
• Cost

Wheelchair frame can be foldable or rigid while the wheels can be front-wheel or free wheel. When purchasing a wheelchair the above considerations are only the start of choosing the right design. Other important considerations are the dimensions of the chair's backrest and whether it will be foldable and/or able to recline; the dimensions and upholstery of the chair's seat; automatic or hand brakes; the type of controls; curb climbers and whether or not the wheelchair will be outfitted with lights. Other options and accessories that can be attached to electric wheelchairs include a tray, crutch holders, seat belts, bags, drink holders and anti-tip bars.

Wheelchair Etiquette

The following suggestions enable better communication with people who use wheelchairs: The key concept: Focus on the person, not on his or her disability.

1. It is appropriate to shake hands with a person who has a disability, even if they have limited use of their hands or wear an artificial limb.
2. Always ask the person who uses a wheelchair if he or she would like assistance before you jump in to help. Your help may not be needed or wanted.
3. Don't hang or lean on a person's wheelchair. A wheelchair is part of his or her own personal or body space, so don't lean on it, rock it, etc.
4. Speak directly to the person who uses the wheelchair, not to someone who is nearby as if the wheelchair user did not exist.
5. If your conversation lasts more than a few minutes, consider sitting down, etc. to get yourself on the same eye-level as the person who uses the wheelchair. It will
6. keep both of you from getting a stiff neck!
7. Don't demean or patronize the person who uses a wheelchair by patting him or her on the head. When giving directions, think abut things like travel distance, location of curbcuts and ramps, weather conditions and physical obstacles that may hinder their travel.
8. Don't discourage children from asking questions of a person who uses a wheelchair about their wheelchair. Open communication helps overcome fearful or misleading attitudes.
9. When a person who uses a wheelchair "transfers" out of the wheelchair to a chair, pew, car, toilet or bed, do not move the wheelchair out of reach. If you think it would be best to move it for some reason ask the person who uses the wheelchair about the best option for them.
10. It is OK to use expressions like "running along" or "let's go for a walk" when speaking to person who uses a wheelchair. It is likely they express the idea of moving along in exactly the same way.
11. People who use wheelchairs have varying capabilities. Some person who use wheelchairs can walk with aid or for short distances. They use wheelchairs because they help them to conserve energy and to move about with greater efficiency.
12. Don't classify or think of people who use wheelchairs as "sick." Wheelchairs are used to help people adapt to or compensate for the mobility impairments that result from many non-contagious impairments. Some of these are, for example, spinal cord injury, stroke, amputation, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, post polio, heart disease, etc.
13. Check your assumptions! Don't assume that using a wheelchair is a tragedy. Wheelchairs when they are sell fitted and well chosen are actually a means of freedom that allows the user to move about independently and fully engage in life.
14. Don't pet guide dogs or other service animals.