Compare Options When Purchasing a New Power Wheelchair

Take the time to compare options when buying a power wheelchair; it is an important purchase and you need to take several factors into account. Different models are best for different disabilities, different spaces through which the user normally moves, and different budgets, including contributions from insurance or Medicare.

Electric wheelchairs offer mobility for the disabled without the strain of pushing a wheelchair. If you are unable to use a manual wheelchair because of your disability, an electric wheelchair may be the only option to achieve independent mobility. Many models of electric wheelchair come with a certain level of clearance, and are capable of crossing thresholds of up to three inches, permitting you to pass through raised doorways and making these products more useful than manual wheelchairs.

Travel wheelchairs make traveling more convenient, especially if you travel frequently. These lightweight models can be taken by car or airplane, disassembling or folding to save space. You can purchase a loading mechanism to put a heavier wheelchair in the back of a vehicle. A travel wheelchair may not be right for you if you do not travel frequently, or if you need a larger wheelchair for your weight, but wheelchair rental services are available for travelers.

If you weigh more than a certain amount, you may need a heavy-duty wheelchair. Wheelchairs can be purchased with varying maximum weight support; heavy-duty units can carry 400, 500, or even 600-675 pounds. An average electric wheelchair can carry 250-300 pounds. Heavy-duty wheelchairs are more expensive, but Medicare or insurance may cover the cost.

Some higher-end wheelchairs are not covered by Medicare or insurance. You should only buy one of these wheelchairs if you are not covered by Medicare or insurance, if you have the money to buy your favorite higher-end model, or if you physically require a specific model which is not covered. Some businesses will take care of the Medicare paperwork for you at no extra cost, so be sure to ask them which products are covered.

Power scooters are more economical, and can be an excellent choice for people with impaired mobility. These units are bulkier, and you may not be able to navigate them in your home, but if you can get around your own home using a cane, a power scooter can provide greater mobility outside. If you are disabled and are looking for an economic way to travel without having to push a wheelchair, you can use a power scooter and leave the wheelchair at home.

A power wheelchair is an important investment. You can't ask for a replacement from your insurance company or Medicare for several years after purchasing one, so make sure you get the one that best meets your needs. Ask your doctor or physical therapist for help in making this decision.

http://www.Wheel-Chair-Center.com is a website fully devoted to giving you the very best information regarding wheelchairs and wheelchair accessories. Whether you're looking to find the best wheelchairs available and you'd like to know your options with power wheelchairs, or you simply want to know the value of wheelchair cushions, we've got you covered!

Wheelchair Vans

The use of wheelchairs is a great help for disabled persons. These vehicles offer mobility to persons who endure restricted movement. This helps them lead an active and confident life. Wheelchairs offer stability and safety. They eliminate the need of having a person around at all times and even help the users to perform less strenuous, daily chores. Apart from providing mobility in and around the house, wheelchairs continue to assist users outdoors too. The need to transport the wheelchairs to other locations makes it necessary to opt for wheelchair vans. They are easy to use and can easily accommodate the wheelchairs and users.

Most of the time it is not necessary to purchase wheelchair vans, but families with members who have long-term disabilities may choose to buy them. There are numerous wheelchair van rentals that provide services all through the year. They are prompt and the users only need to call, to reserve the rental. People may even opt for daily, weekly or monthly rentals. They arrange for the pickup and professionals help to load and unload the wheelchairs. Users may choose to purchase used wheelchair vans, after checking the credibility of the source. Such deals prove to be profitable, since they are reasonably priced and cheaper than the new ones.

Wheelchair vans are similar to other vehicles and comply with the same production standards. At times, the vans have larger doors and boots, to provide optimum accessibility. They are fitted with easy to use wheelchair ramps or lifts. They have adequate wheelchair storage space, without compromising on the seating capacity. On the basis of the requirements, the vans may have lowered floors or raised roofs, to increase the space within. These vehicles have adequate room to seat other family members, during vacations, visits to the doctor or sporting events.

Wheelchairs provides detailed information on Electric Wheelchairs, Motorized Wheelchairs, Power Wheelchairs, Wheelchair Lifts and more. Wheelchairs is affiliated with Used Electric Wheelchairs.

A Father, His Son, and a Wheelchair

Fathers typically like to play sports with their sons. They play basketball, baseball, football, and participate in various other sports together. But one father/ son team has taken it to a new level.

Dick and his son, Rick, have participated over the years in 229 triathlons, 66 marathons- including 26 Boston Marathons, 212 10K races, 108 5K races, and many other races. They have also biked and ran across the US- 3735 miles- in 45 consecutive days. The accomplishments of this dynamic duo go on and on.

But that's only half of the story. You see, Rick Hoyt was born as a quadriplegic with cerebral palsy. He does not have the ability to speak. When a student in Rick's school was paralyzed, the school held a five mile race to raise money for him. Rick told Dick that he wanted to race. So Dick did race, all the while pushing Rick in his wheelchair. And with that first race, team Hoyt was born.

With the help of specially designed wheelchairs, and bikes, Dick competes in races with Rick in tow. For the running part, Dick pushes Rick in a special wheelchair. For the biking part, Rick rides on the handlebars of Dick's bike. And for the swimming part, Dick tows Rick in a raft behind him. Team Hoyt, as they're called, apparently inspire each other. Rick says his dad is his role model. Dick says that it's Rick that inspires him, "the way he just loves sports and competing."

Team Hoyt live in Massachusetts. Dick is retired lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard. Rick works for Boston College in their computer laboratory. They travel together giving motivational speeches across the country. And, of course, they still race.

by Markay Auen.
I was researching an article for my website, http://medicalcushions.com/ when I came across the web site of these guys. I was so touched by their devotion to each other, I just simply felt compelled to write an article about them. They have really inspired me to strive to be a better person. You can learn more about Team Hoyt at http://teamhoyt.com/

Wheelchair Accessible Picnic Tables For Every Recreational Facility

When winter comes to an end and all that is beautiful blooms into season there are many anticipations that come to mind. Going to the park is always one outdoor event that I look forward to. I love feeding the ducks with my kids and having a football to toss back and forth. When it's time to take a break and have a delicious lunch we always look for the perfect spot and the perfect picnic table. I always get excited to eat outdoors with my children and watch them sneak a bite of food for those ever so wandering ducks and geese, they seem to love hovering around you waiting for that next bread crumb.

There have been many times that I would wonder about people that were wheelchair bound. I would look around to see whether they could sit and have a delicious lunch at a picnic table just like my family. Unfortunately I never saw wheelchair accessible picnic tables. What I did notice were accessible ramps for wheelchair bound people, restrooms and automatic door openers but no wheelchair accessible picnic tables.

Wheelchair accessible picnic tables can help facilitate not only those that are wheelchair bound but their families and loved ones as well. I would assume that every state and local park facility would want more visitors to enjoy their environment. Allowing accessible picnic areas should be a consideration for facility operators. Providing wheelchair accessible picnic tables can be an easy process especially since ADA picnic tables come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

There are 8 foot standard ADA picnic tables that allow accessibility on either end of the table. There are 46 inch round or square ADA picnic tables that are made with an attractive thermoplastic finish and a tubular steel under-structure. This protective coating is rust, corrosion and scuff resistant. This is of vital importance when you are looking for the best quality and most durable to the outdoors.

Another point to consider is whether you want all your outdoor picnic tables directly out in the sun. Place some accessible picnic tables in the shade for people who may be photosensitive. Sitting in the sun may increase the risk of health issues such as overheating, sunburns or other heat related illnesses. Certain medications or impairments may also increase sun sensitivity that could cause greater illness due to heat.

Provide information showing the location of these accessible areas. Information such as maps, brochures and signage should be placed at the entrances to prevent long searches for the accessible area. Always keep in mind that every individual is different. If you are sensitive to the needs of others you can guarantee a more enjoyable environment and a more visited facility.

For more information about Wheelchair Accessible picnic tables go to http://www.picnictableoutlet.com and see what a huge variety you have to choose from.