Wheelchair

Statistics tell us that there are approximately 1-2 million wheelchair users in the USA and approximately 1-2 million wheelchair users in Europe. This means that approximately 1 in every 200 people in Western countries are in wheelchairs. That number may seem high to you. Where are they?

Walk along any street, any shopping area, any recreational area and look around. When you see 200 people, do you see 1 wheelchair? Almost certainly the answer is NO. And it is more likely to be NO in some states than others and in some countries than in others.

Why? It is hard to be in a wheelchair, and the reason for this is not due to the wheelchair. In fact, wheelchairs, wheelchair ramps and other wheelchair accessories have been improving remarkably over the past two decades. As will be discussed below wheelchairs are lighter, faster and easier to use than just 20 years ago. But unfortunately society has not been advancing at the same rate. The reason you do not see so many wheelchairs has to do with accessibility and culture.

Accessibility

In some places, buildings, public transport, streets and sidewalks are slowly becoming more accessible to wheelchair users as wheelchair ramps are becoming more common. But in many places, if you are in a wheelchair you will not be able to move. Steps, curbs, broken sidewalks and inadequate public transportation provide barriers to wheelchair users. Wheelchair users are simply excluded.

Culture

There is discrimination against wheelchair users just like there is discrimination against people of different races. Maybe it is not openly discussed or recognized, but it is true everywhere and this discrimination is stronger in some societies than in others. At the minimum, wheelchair users are stared at and made to feel different and uncomfortable. In some cultures families feel shame and denial and wheelchair users are all but locked away.

There is a new blog to allow wheelchair users to express pride and individuality. This Wheelchair Blog celebrates wheelchair heroes, normal wheelchair users who battle everyday to make society understand the challenges, who demonstrate their wheelchair pride and demand respect.

The problems of accessibility and culture make it very hard for wheelchair users. It is difficult enough just to be in a wheelchair. But add to that the problems of accessibility and culture and it is easy to understand why wheelchair users often give up and stay at home. And it is easy to understand why you can not find 1 wheelchair for every 200 people you see.

There are two main types of manual wheelchairs Rigid and Folding: Rigid describes the frame structure Usually the back will fold down, but otherwise, the frame does not does not collapse. Rigid wheelchairs, such as those manufactured by Colours Wheelchairs (this article is also available in Spanish Silla de Ruedas) are usually lighter, perform better and require less mantainence.

Folding wheelchairs conveniently fold so they can be put away without removing the wheels. Folding wheelchairs are usually recognizable by the 'X' shaped brace bars beneath the seat, though a few folding wheelchairs have eliminated this.

A healthy and active person with good upper body strength should consider a rigid wheelchair since the performance, fit, comfort, weight and quality of the ride is often better. Someone who is less independant and relies on a caregiver for assistance may be better off in a folding wheelchair as the caregiver may find the folding chair easier to handle.

Both rigid and folding wheelchairs may be adjustable. Adjustability allows the structure of the wheelchair to be changed after purchase. It is usually advisable that a person's first wheelchair is adjustable as they may find that they require different positioning than they initially thought. However, the downside of adjustability is that it adds weight and may decrease the performance of the wheelchair.

A fully welded, non-adjustable rigid wheelchair is likely to be the lightest and best performing of any wheelchair. The disadvantage is that it is not adjustable. A fully welded chair is not recommended for first time users or children.

How good are wheelchairs of today? Have a look at the video of Aaron Fotheringham below performing the world's first backflip in a wheelchair. Even Aaron would not have been able to accomplish this stunt 20 years ago. Aaron Fotheringham could only perform this amazing stunt on a rigid suspension wheelchair. As he mentions in his interview. Why? The suspension takes out the impact from the flip. The suspension in this wheelchair will also take out most of the vibration and impact from the road. A quality suspension chair is ideal for anyone is spastic, or feels pain. It is also ideal for anyone who likes a nice comfortable ride.

A wheelchair owner's hands are exposed to constant friction and heat generated by pushing, stopping and turning. They are numbed and desensitized in cold and wet weather. Active and athletic owners are particularly vulnerable to the damage and irritation caused by constant use and exposure. In fact, At least 18% of all wheelchair users experience blisters, abrasions, and lacerations. Many more develop thick, rough calluses. A greater risk is according to studies performed by Dr H.Gellman and his team from Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center in California, 49% of parapalegic patients showed signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, a potentially debilitating condition. Recently a new brand of wheelchair gloves was launched that were created specifically for active wheelchair users. These gloves were designed not only to help protect a wheelchair user's hands but also to be durable. Click here to see these wheelchair gloves .

Some disabled people may find that mobility scooters can offer them a type of freedom not previously imagined. Mobility scooters come in a variety of styles including:

• 3-wheel scooters, which are mostly intended for indoor use
• 4-wheel schooters, intended for outdoor use
• Travel scooters, which are light weight and easily dissemble.
• Heavy duty scooters which are built to carry larger loads.

But never forget that mobility scooters are small motorcycles. Helmets should be worn and other precautions should be taken so that the ride is safe and enjoyable. Click here to see some safety products at the Mobility Scooter Accessory Shop.

If you are interested in exchanging ideas and information about wheelchairs and wheelchair accessories, join the discussion at the Wheelchair Forum.

Wheelchair Wheel Covers help wheelchair users to keep their house clean. They go on easily over the wheelchair tire and keep the dirt from spreading through the house. Read more about RehaDesign Wheelchair Tire Covers