Wheelchair Info

Identifying Differences Between TED Hose & Compression Stockings

2012-01-27T15:00:00.001-08:00

More and more individuals require either a TED Hose or Compression Stockings due to a variety of popular conditions, Diabetes, poor circulation, excess fluids (water retention) and D.V.T (Deep Vein Thrombosis) which is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg(s), both a TED Hose and a Compression Stocking will alleviate conditions related to the mentioned conditions. Medical professionals often identify both TED hose and compression stockings by the same title, TED hose, but there is a significant difference between them.

TED hose is frequently given to patients when they are in the hospital or medical facility. TED hose are designed for individuals that are non ambulatory, or lying down 95% of the time. The compression starts in the calf and decreases as it goes up the leg. The reason the compression starts in the calf, when we are lying down fluid tends to travel no further than our mid leg. The stockings will help push additional fluid from that position up through the lymphatic system, then out the body. TED hose are usually white in color and available as a thigh high or knee high style. Normal compression generally lasts two weeks; this is why when you're in a hospital or medical facility they consistently change your TED hose. In contrast to TED hose, compression stockings offer an array of styles and color choices; therefore they are both fashionable and comfortable. Compression stocking styles vary from knee high, thigh high, pantyhose, and maternity pantyhose.

Compression stockings are available in a sheer material, trouser sock, and athletic sock styles. Compression begins in the ankle and decreases as it goes up the leg. Individuals who have the ability to sit, stand, and walk have gravity working against them, gravity pulls away additional fluid from the upper and mid leg to the ankle and foot, thus eliminating swelling problems among others. When wearing a medical grade compression stocking, the compression begins at the forefoot and decrease as it goes up the leg pushing any extra fluid up and out of the area. Normal compression lasts six months giving the user more time before having to obtain replacement(s).

Certain circumstances allow a person to gain assistance with the purchase of compression stockings. Individuals whom are being treated for an open wound and/or ulcer have the opportunity to gain coverage from insurance as long as all necessary documentation has been made available to the provider. Typically, this consists of a prescription from your physician as well as a CMN (Certificate of Medical Necessity) completed by a wound care specialist. Most insurance differ in regards to coverage and reimbursement, be sure to check with both your doctor and your insurance to see if you are eligible to receive these products.

Shop at Brunner HealthCare for all of your medical supplies needs including, mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, lift chairs, stair lifts, walkers, bath safety equipment & more. For more information please go to Brunner HealthCare [http://brunnerhealthcare.com] Online Store

Leather Repair - How To Repair Torn Leather Seat

2012-01-13T07:00:00.001-08:00

There are so many different types of automotive leather seat repair, all with different situations and applications. There are holes, scratches, gouges, cuts, scrapes, worn or cracked, and just down right grungy looking leather seats. I think I got them all covered, well in this article we're going to talk about how to repair a small hole in a leather seat lean back, for those of you who don't know what a lean back is well it's the upper part of the seat.

Now when I say small this can apply for a tear up to 1 1/2" to 2", probably might go a little bigger, but lets not push it, if it needs to go to the upholstery shop for an insert then that would be better then a crappy looking leather repair on something that probably wouldn't hold anyways. When in doubt, insert it.

Prepping a seat is the key to success in any leather repair, and a lasting leather dye job. So, prep the whole lean back, and while your at it just clean the whole seat, why not, but you don't have to, with your prepping solution removing all grease, dirt, and grime. You need a clean surface and a well prepped area to work with. When I prep, I use a solution of rubbing alcohol, acetone, ammonia, and a small amount of TSP substitute, with water in a spray bottle. Spray the seat with the solution and scrub with a scotch brite pad to scuff the leather seat for leather dye adhesion and remove any grime that's on the seat, then wipe clean with a clean lint free towel. Once your clean, apply a grip base primer to the seat, I usually in most cases will dye the entire lean back when I do a repair or the entire seat, but sometimes it's not necessary, so you may not need to prime the whole seat, but do clean the seat good this cuts down on the amount of leather dye used and the ending result will be a premium leather repair.

Now to the hole. Lets say it's in a V shape, just for example. Like where you've gott'n out of the seat with something in your back pocket, ouch! I know the feeling, back in college I had a 1986 Mustang SVO, very rare and nice car (man I miss that car) and I got out to go to class with a pen in my back pocket and ripped about a 2" V shape in the seat, I about puked right there, and of course at the time I didn't know anything about leather repair. But now I do and here it is.

Sand the area around the tear with a 240 grit sandpaper, this gives a little more for the low heat compound to grip to. Take a piece of underpatch material and slide the under patch under the tear with a pair of tweezers, allowing about a 1/2" on the inside all the way around. I usually cut my patches in a circular shape, it makes it a little easier to slide under. You can use different types of under patches, I like the kind that is coated on one side with a heat activated glue.

Now take a drop of leather glue and spread a thin coat on the patch on the underside of the leather repair area. If the leather will lay down smoothly and match up then great, but sometimes it just won't. In this case we will use combo of the glue and your low cure leather repair compound and smooth a small amount over the patch then lay the leather down. Spread a small amount of low heat compound over the area and smooth it out with your pallet knife, remembering to keeping your area as small as possible, the smaller the better. Now heat the area with your heat gun, hold the heat gun out away from the leather repair and slowly move it into the repair area, this will give you just a little more control of the heat, you don't want to burn and shrink the leather. The idea is to cure the compound and get it to adhere before you cook the leather, it's a skill thing, practice makes perfect. Once the compound is cured immediately press the grain pad in your palm onto the repair, don't press to hard, but firm.

At this time using a wet paper towel apply a small amount of grip base to the repair area and dye with your color matched water based leather dye. Dry thin coats of dye, not wet. Then reapply and smooth out another thin coat of compound. Heat again and grain then dye, get the idea, what you are doing is building the repair up. Thin coats of compound applied and cured then reapplied, are much better then one thick coat. Once you have it built up and looking nice, blend the repair into the rest of the seat if needed, by applying thin coats of leather dye to finish it off. Drying between coats of dye with a hairdryer, and one great tip is rubbing the leather dye with your hands to force the dye into the creases of the leather helps a ton, don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. I say that but I'm allergic to rubber gloves, it bites, so I come home every day with dye all over my hands, it's a pain, but I love the work and the job looks better with a little bit of love rubbed on those leather seat repairs. After the dye is cured, apply a top coat of satin or dull leather clear top coat mixed with a bit of slip additive added for the soft feel. Dry the seat thoroughly, then apply your leather conditioner to finish and give the seat the juice it needs and a great feel and look for you.

Now there are so many other variations to this fix, sometimes I will have to use an air dry leather repair compound over the top of the low heat compound to smooth out the leather repair. Sanding it with a 400 grit sandpaper until it looks right. You can also turn your air down on your paint gun until little droplets are coming out to give it a textured look, drying between coats. Texture coatings, can be used, but if you do it right the gun effect works great. When I do a leather repair I won't give up until it looks perfect. Patience is a virtue, right. Don't get in a hurry, this will only frustrate you more and then you really got issues.

Leather repair is a craft and profession. The dyes and compounds I use are top quality and are made to last. Giving you a lasting leather seat repair, and comfort knowing you have a leather repair that will last and look great for years to come.

I hope this was some help to you, in the coming months there will be more articles like this one but on different situations on leather repair, liked I talked about in the first. There are so many different ways that a leather seat can be damaged, we spend a lot of time in our cars and well "sh$$ happens", right. So check back to see my next article on automotive leather seat repairs. If you have anything you would like to ask feel free to shoot me some comments on Leather Repair - How To Repair Torn Leather Seat.

About the author:
Mike Warren
http://theinteriorguyllc.com
The Interior Guy, LLC., Automotive Interior Repair
I've been in the business for a long time and know a lot of the ends and outs of repairing interiors, from leather and vinyl repair to plastic repair and dyeing of all interior trim parts including carpet and cloth. Need some advice or a tip to fix your autos interior, I've put together some really helpful material with some great products I recommend and use in my repairs. Visit theinteriorguyllc.com for more articles just like this one.

Who Qualifies For Medicare?

2012-01-08T04:00:00.001-08:00

Who qualifies for Medicare? All American citizens and permanent residents over age 65 qualify for Part A Medicare if they meet one of the following requirements:

Eligible for or receiving Social Security benefits
Eligible for or receiving Railroad Retirement benefits
You worked in a government job for a minimum amount of time during which payments were made into Medicare on your behalf.
Your living, diseased, or divorced spouse met any of the above criteria

If you are over 65 and don't meet one of those "who qualifies for Medicare" criteria, you can still access the health plan by paying a premium for it.

Additionally, there are people who qualifies for Medicare who are under 65. for instance, people with end stage renal disease or Lou Gehrig's disease also qualify.

Anyone who qualifies for Part A Medicare also automatically qualifies for Part B Medicare. You should be aware however that while Part A is free, there is a monthly premium for Part B. People who do not qualify for Part A can still pay for Part B under certain conditions.

Part A medicare is the original plan and is still operated by the government. It covers hospital services. Part B is medical insurance for seniors and covers doctor's visits, outpatient care and the like.

If you qualify for Part A and Part B, you will also qualify for Parts C and D. Part C replaces parts A and B with a more comprehensive insurance plan including prescription drug benefits at a more expensive price. Part D provides prescription drug benefits to people on Parts A and B.

This article sought to answer the question, "Who qualifies for Medicare?"

Have other Questions About Medicare [http://www.MedicaidMedicare.org]? Go over to [http://www.MedicaidMedicare.org] to get all of the information you need about the federal government's Medicare program.

How To Replace Front Wheel Bearings - You Can Do That

2011-12-29T01:00:00.001-08:00

Recently the right front wheel bearing went bad on my 2002 Mazda 626. Apparently my oldest daughter hit a large pot hole bending the wheel and damaging the wheel bearing. I noticed a slight hum in the front end with a slight shutter as well, I thought that the tires needed to be balances and rotated, so I took it into the shop to be checked out. Well to my surprise I was told the bad news and what was worse was the amount they wanted to charge - over $500 to fix bearing and to replace the wheel. That is when I decided to do it myself.

Below I will help you by listing the tools you will need and steps on how to get it done.

Things you will need:

Large adjustable wrench

Channelocks

Bearing race driver tool

Various size punches

Socket and ratchet set

Assorted wrenches

A rags or two

New wheel bearings

Wheel bearing grease

New cotter pin

New grease seals

Wheel blocks

Safety glasses

A jack and a pair of jack stands

Even if the bearings are not making a noise it is always a good idea to have them inspected every 30,000 miles. I have it done when my breaks are replaced.

Okay let's get started.

Get all of your tools and supplies together before you begin and allow plenty of time to do the job.

Please take note that these are general instructions and consult the appropriate repair manual for your vehicle.

Always think safety first whenever you're working around machinery. Wear safety classes to protect your eyes and beware of hot objects, sharp items and hazardous materials. It is very, very important to never work on a car that is only supported by a jack, always place a sturdy foundation under the vehicle to prevent it from falling on you.

From this point on cleanliness is important. You do not want any dirt, sand or metal chips inside the hub.

1. Remove your disc brake calipers and caliper bridge to remove the rotor.

2. Remove the bearing cap. This is a press fit and to remove it grab it with your channelocks and work it back and forth until it pops off. Be careful not to crush it.

3. Once the cap is off you will see a cotter pin, remove the cotter pin and remove the retainer ring. If your vehicle has a castellated nut, you will not have a retaining ring.

4. Using your channelocks or adjustable wrench, remove the nut from the spindle.

5. Next remove the outer wheel bearing and washer.

6. Slide the rotor or drum off the spindle.

7. Remove the grease seal and take out the inner wheel bearing.

8. Wipe all the old grease from inside the hub.

9. Remove the bearing races from the hub.

10. Take a punch with a flat narrow tip and place it on the back of the race.

11. Tap the race out, alternating from side to side so it comes out evenly and doesn't get cocked in the hub.

12. Once it's out, flip the rotor or drum over and do the same for the other race.

13. Clean the inside of the hub with some rags.

14. Make sure the spindle is clean as well.

That's all there is to it. Like I mentioned earlier take your time and you will not get frustrated, good luck with your project.

Dennis Watson - Just helping others succeed.

Zeoh.com Free Classifieds Web Site =>http://www.zeoh.com/

You Can Do That Web Blog =>http://www.you-can-do-that.blogspot.com/

Architectural Plans For Commercial Buildings

2011-12-16T01:00:00.001-08:00

When you are ready to create a new commercial building for your business, you want it to be an expression of what your business is about - a part of your brand. Besides being just the place where your business happens to be located, your commercial building can say a lot more about you, and communicate the impression that you want your customers to have about you.

Quality commercial building plans need to include unique design features that will make your building stand out from the competition. With the right appeal, it can actually add to the attractiveness of your business and make people take notice as they drive by. Such an appeal can add to your bottom line and increase the number of your customers and your success rate - even before your doors ever open.

The process of getting the right architectural plans for your commercial building starts out with obtaining a set of complete blueprints for your building. Architectural drawings will need to be made for each aspect of the building.

This will include:

•Foundation plans
•Floor plans
•Exterior views
•Framing plans
•Electrical plans
•HVAC plans
•Plumbing plans
•Sectional Plans
•Roof plans
•Site plans
•And a few more as needed.

Besides needing the basic plans and a great exterior, you will also need commercial design plans for the interior of the building. This should also be given much thought because the building layout is important in making your visitors feel at home - and wanting to come back. The appeal needs to be inside and outside.

Adding into your commercial building plans the needed sizes and features for those with disabilities will further ensure that your customers are happy with your new building design. This may benefit both your visitors and possibly some employees, as well. Having these features will also enable your building to resell faster, too, because little upgrading will be required if that need should ever arise.

Once the architectural plans are complete, you can take a set of presentation drawings to potential lenders. They will need to see what you are planning on doing and these drawings from your architect or designer will be able to sell them on the idea. Most likely, you will want to take an isometric drawing and a floor plan.

Depending on where you live, your architectural plans for your new commercial building will need to be examined by the local planning commission. This group, as well as the building inspectors, will look over your plans and make sure that everything fits either into the local plans for the future, and for any potential problems with the design.

Selecting a contractor is the final major step in the procedure. You will want to find one that is familiar with commercial building construction and also has a solid reputation. It is also very important that you have the contractor agree to follow the architectural blueprints as given.

Being a business owner who has decided to build a building for their business can be facing a very daunting task. Why not hire a design professional to help you with your new building? Tim Davis is a fully trained Architectural Designer with over twenty years experience who would be more than happy to help you with your plans. His website is at http://buildingdrawings.8m.com.

Medline Transport Wheelchair With Brakes Review

2011-12-14T17:00:00.001-08:00

At only 23.5 pounds, the Medline Transport Wheelchair With Brakes makes for easy transportation for both the chair and the person using it. Its frame is made of a lightweight aluminum to provide a sturdy and durable means of getting around. It's also powder color coated in either red or blue and the seat is made from a lightweight, equally durable nylon upholstery material that provides both security and comfort of use. It also has standard padded armrests and a seatbelt built into its structure for additional safety.

The Medline Transport Wheelchair With Brakes takes advantage of the benefits that its lightweight frame provides. Aside from its design that makes using the wheelchair smooth and hassle-free, it also simplifies travel by making it easier to get around on the steepest of ramps while providing assistance with the manual hand brake if you need it. Aesthetically, a lightweight wheelchair like this one also makes for a cooler, sleeker, more stylish accessory than its old-fashioned, heavyweight predecessors.

The rear handles of the Medline Transport Wheelchair With Brakes can easily be folded down to provide for easy transport. The composite wheels at the back have dual-sealed precision bearings that improve the chairs mobility. These wheels also require almost no maintenance at all.

What Are Customers Saying?

The reviews for the Medline Transport Wheelchair With Brakes are mostly positive with the majority of the reviewers saying that they would recommend this chair to their friends and family. Its capacity of up to 300 pounds of weight opens it to a wider range of wheelchair users who have found it to be an efficient, comfortable, and convenient addition to their everyday lives. Its tires are just the right size to allow easy entrance through small areas that usually cause trouble for old-fashioned wheelchairs with bigger tires. The braking mechanism works well and provides assistance in controlling the chair's speed even on downhill slopes. It also requires very little assembly of its parts.

Since the Medline Transport Wheelchair With Brakes is lightweight and has supporting foot pegs on the back of it, one user claims having no trouble at all popping wheelies over gaps, curbs, and doorstops. One downside of this wheelchair is the size of its back pocket, which could be bigger to accommodate bigger items. The price, however, is more reasonable than renting out a chair for a few months. One user found the handlebars convenient for hanging purses without hitting the wheels in contrast to older models with bigger tires. The color of the frames also provide for a fresh and stylish look in contrast to the dull ones you see in the hospital.

The Medline Transport Wheelchair With Brakes provides reliable help for people having problems with getting around while giving them enough leeway for control in the comfort and safety of a sturdy, durable, and stylish wheelchair. It is highly recommended for people who want to provide their loved ones with a little help without completely taking away their control.

We absolutely recommend that you read more about Lightweight Wheelchairs before deciding which one is best for you. Another wheelchair that we are a big fan of is the Nova Wheelchair.

Home Modification Tips for Wheelchair Accessibility

2011-12-12T09:00:00.001-08:00

At any point in your life you or someone in your family may need the assistance of a wheelchair to get around. You probably don't have a home that is wheelchair accessible, but if the need arises you will need to make the changes. There are lots of tips that will help you make your home wheelchair accessible.

One idea is to add stair lifts. This is simply a mechanism that allows you to lift a person up the stairs. It's similar to an elevator in the fact that it is powered by electricity, but it simply goes up and down the stairwell you already have. That means there are not as many design changes you need to make in your home and those incapacitated can get up and down the stairs with little assistance.

Another option is wheelchair lifts. If someone in your home is in a wheelchair then a wheelchair lift is very likely a necessity. It will allow for the individual to get around on their own somewhat as well as be able to get up and down stairs in their wheelchair. A wheelchair lift really makes the home an easier place to be and increases the disabled individual's mobility significantly.

Vertical lifts are another option and they are very similar to the other two. Vertical lifts simply lift vertical. So, it is pretty obvious what a vertical lift does. What you need in your home will depend significantly upon whether or not the situation will change or it is permanent as well as how much room you have in your home to make the changes. For example you may choose a wheelchair lift over a vertical lift if it provides a better service to the individual in the wheelchair. Simply evaluate your home, space, and budget as well as the needs of the disabled individual to determine what will work best. The good news is that you can design your home and make modifications for an individual in a wheelchair.

Keep in mind as well that a ramp outside your home is important and will help anyone in a wheelchair enter and exit the home easily and without assistance. There are a lot of things to keep in mind like widening the passageways so a wheelchair can fit and easily turn and keeping things at a lower height so an individual in a wheelchair can reach them. However, once you make the changes in your home you will become accustomed to them and the disabled individual will learn to live a new lifestyle.

Caitlina Fuller is a freelance writer. There are lots of tips that will help you make your home wheelchair accessible. One idea is to add stair lifts. This is simply a mechanism that allows you to lift a person up the stairs. Vertical lifts are another option and they are very similar to the other two. Vertical lifts simply lift vertical. So, it is pretty obvious what a vertical lift does.

Wheelchair Lifts for Vans - How to Choose One For Your Van

2011-12-09T01:00:00.001-08:00

Just because you are wheelchair-bound doesn't mean you have to stay home all the time. Wheelchair accessible vans allow handicapped individuals to go from place to place. However, loading and unloading a wheelchair can be difficult as well as uncomfortable. That's why wheelchair lifts for vans are often used to transport wheelchairs easily.

If you use a wheelchair but want to drive yourself around, you can drive a van equipped with a wheelchair lift. Vans can be fitted out with different kinds of wheelchair lifts.

Platform Wheelchair Lifts

A platform lift has a large, flat surface the same size as a wheelchair. The platform, with the wheelchair on it, is raised to the floor level of the van. Platform lifts can be solid or folding. They can also be automatic or semi-automatic. A fully automatic lift will fold, unfold, lower and raise the platform by operating a switch. A semi-automatic platform lift has to be manually folded and unfolded.

Rotary Wheelchair Lifts

The rotary wheelchair lift is sometimes called a "swing-out" lift. It has a platform that folds or telescopes. This type of lift does not raise flat to the level of the van's floor. Instead, the platform with the wheelchair on it rotates into the van. The wheelchair is transported by moving it up and down, and swinging it inside or outside. This is often used in minivans and vans.

Lifts can also be semiautomatic or automatic. Semiautomatic lifts are partly operated by hand while automatic lifts use power to perform all its functions.

Choosing a Wheelchair Lift for Your Van

Selecting a lift for your van depends on a number of factors. One important consideration is the lift features. The features to look for will depend on who will use the lift and how often. Some basic features to consider are the platform dimensions, safety feature to prevent the platform from rising if the wheelchair is not positioned properly, handheld controls, warnings and alerts when conditions are not safe, etc. Not all these features may be available, so you should decide which ones are most useful and important to you.

Operating the lift is another important thing to consider. Lifts can be controlled electrically, hydraulically or manually. They may use handheld controls, on-lift controls, or remote control. Manual controls are good as back up. In general, lifts with less features and functionalities are simpler to operate.

Choose a wheelchair lift for your van that is easy to install. You must know exactly how the lift is to be installed, the possible locations to install it, and the amount of space it will take up. The services of a qualified technician may be needed.

Learn more about buying a wheel chair van and check out top wheel chair ramps by visiting our website today!

How to Build a Wheelchair Ramp - Designs and Plans

2011-12-05T07:00:00.001-08:00

As the world population ages, or suffers long-term effects of accidents and debilitating illnesses, the need for modifications to individual homes and businesses also increases. One of the primary changes is the addition of a wheelchair ramp to ensure safe accessibility. However, before grabbing a hammer, or hiring help, learn how to build a wheelchair ramp, with proper designs and plans.

In a pinch, many people will invent bizarre methods of getting a wheelchair into an inaccessible home or business. Maybe a couple of strong gentlemen will risk a hernia and pick up the chair. Others may grab a couple of boards and, after strategically placing the planks, roll the wheelchair over the steps. Neither practice is safe. Both methods are a temporary fix, at best. So, learn how to build a wheelchair ramp with proper designs and plans.

First, decide what type of materials needed for the ramp. Wheelchair access can be made with a pre-made metal ramp to be assembled. If building the ramp from scratch, is the ramp going to be concrete or wood? For people building a new home, a concrete ramp can be constructed when the sidewalks are poured. However, for most people, wood is an affordable and quick solution to access difficulties.

Now, with designs and plans, learn how to build a wheelchair ramp. First, the incline should not be too steep, or the wheelchair may tip over backwards, potentially causing great harm. Specifications state a one-inch incline per foot of ramp. For example, the steps into a home are 24 inches in height. Therefore, the ramp needs to be at least 24 feet long, with a rise of only one inch per foot.

In addition to length, the width of the ramp should be three feet. Naturally the ramp needs to accommodate the width of the chair. For now, maybe a child is using a smaller youth chair. The ramp still needs to be three feet wide, because he/she will eventually require an adult chair.

The length and width are correct-now what? Wheel guards are an excellent safety feature, when learning how to build a wheelchair ramp. A one-two inch high wheel guard will prevent a wheel from falling off the edge during use. At best, a handicapped individual can be stuck until help arises to get the wheel back on the ramp; at worst, slipping off the ramp can cause dangerous spills. So, the side guards are essential. In addition, rails are helpful for similar reasons. In addition, rails enable the handicapped person to pull him or herself up the ramp. Finally, a good ramp needs a little texture. In rainy or icy conditions, a wheelchair can quickly become a runaway on slick surfaces. Therefore, to provide added safety, a rough mixture of pebbles can be added to the surface concrete. When using a wooded ramp, indoor-outdoor carpet, or adding sand or texture to the varnish will provide a little more traction.

So, learn how to build a wheelchair ramp with safety in mind. Make sure the grade is not to steep, wheel guards and rails are in place, and texture has been added to the surface for added traction and safety. Use specific designs and plans, and stay safe.

Moses Wright is the owner of Wheelchair. He provides more useful information on Wheelchair Accessories And Aids and Wheelchair Holidays on his website. Webmasters are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

Rear Entry Wheelchair Vans

2011-12-01T04:00:00.001-08:00

Before the mid 1980's there were limited options for the transportation of those destined to live their lives in wheel chairs. Greater attention to this issue is now being brought forward into the eye of the public. There are now higher priorities placed on access to public buildings, malls, department stores, and health care facilities. The emergence of the baby boomer generation and the acknowledgment of society that disabled people do exist spurred the creation of new technology. For many years people with disabilities were forced into a life of seclusion.

It may not be known by many but the invention of the minivan completely changed the life of people confined to wheelchairs. Wheelchair vehicles were only available in the large full size vans. The full size vans were user unfriendly. In many cases the use of these vans were limited to commercial use such a nursing facilities, and ambulatory care. The use of large vans is difficult in high traffic areas and created parking issues. With raised roof configuration entering lower ceiling room facilities such parking garages, drive up windows, and residential garages almost impossible.

Enter the minivan. The minivan was manufactured with the entire family in mind. Most wheelchair van converters now lower the floor ten to twelve inches instead of raising the roof. With the combination of lowered floor and automated ramp systems have simplified the transportation issue to the point of almost normal everyday life. The converted wheelchair van now has a similar appearance to the factory build minivan. The exterior of the van is not altered other than in the rear if the ramp is in the rear. In fact most rear entry wheelchair vans have enough room for two wheelchairs.

The rear entry handicap van maintains the same ground clearance as you would receive from the original manufacturer. This is especially important in hilly or mountainous areas. Speed bumps are no longer an issue and parking anywhere is always an advantage. The largest advantage of the rear entry wheelchair van is that you never get someone parked to close for loading and unloading. Weather conditions also have to be taken into consideration. Mobility vehicles the load and unload from the side have a lower ground clearance and make snow and ice a consideration before leaving on that trip to the mall or the food center.

There are many seating options available with the rear entry van. Most manufacturers take into consideration that the entire family will be traveling together on many occasions. Mid row seating for the wheelchair occupant assures that the family atmosphere is maintained. This type of seating also allows a caregiver to be seated nest to the disabled person for assistance if required. Suction machines and other live giving equipment can be used due to optional electrical upgrades.

Modern innovations have made it possible for the family with a disabled love one to experience the world together. Take your time when investigating the world of wheelchair vans. There are many different options out there. In a perfect world the need for these types of vehicles would not be required. This is not a perfect world so please take advantage of all the innovative technology available. Your family and or disabled love one is depending on you.

Warren Milliman
http://www.fminow.com

Parenting From a Wheelchair

2011-11-28T15:00:00.001-08:00

Raising children is not an easy thing to do in this day and age. We have to worry about their friends, society, potential predators, and even what goes on at school with bullies. Still, if you think you have your parenting job cut out for you, and if you are one to complain about how tough it is, I'd like you to consider something; what if you had to do your parenting from a wheelchair? That would certainly put a different spin on things wouldn't it?

The other day, I was at one of the large bookstores, attached to the mall. Over the course of about three hours sitting there reading the latest magazines, deciding which ones I wanted to buy and take home. I was sipping on my frozen mocha blended coffee drink, and noticed several people over that time in wheelchairs. The two of them had children and they were parenting from the wheelchair.

Of course, during that same period of time several parents came through with their children and they were trying to control them from picking up things, running around, and/or crying. What was quite fascinating was the parents that those parenting from a wheelchair seemed to have kids who are more well behaved than the able-bodied parents. Isn't that interesting?

Obviously, you'd be at a severe disadvantage parenting from a wheelchair, but they are able to do it and they're doing it quite well. I guess I have a lot respect for that, and I'd have to ask the other parents; "What's your excuse?" If they can do it at such a severe disadvantage, and if they can rise above that challenge and parent behaved children, then why can't you? Please consider this.

Lance Winslow - Lance Winslow's Bio. Lance Winslow is also Founder of the Car Wash Guys, a cool little Franchise Company; http://www.carwashguys.com/history/founder.html/.

Wheelchair Lifts

2011-11-27T12:00:00.001-08:00

Wheelchair lifts facilitate the transportation of wheelchairs. Vehicles can be fitted with mechanical lifts that are time saving and eliminate the complications related to manual wheelchair transfers. Wheelchairs are designed to provide mobility to the disabled persons. They are feasible options, but it is difficult to load and unload them when moving out of the house or stepping into a vehicle. Wheelchairs are available in varying sizes and weight and it becomes difficult even for able-bodied people to maneuver them. The lifts eliminate the discomfort of the chair transfers and the difficulties of loading and unloading.

Wheelchair lifts operate with the help of varied mechanisms. These include the electrical and hydraulic systems. The benefit of installing hydraulic lifts is that they continue to function even when there is no electricity supply. Electric lifts are reasonably priced and can be fitted with telephone jacks, as well as mechanical door openers. When selecting a wheelchair lift, it is advisable to select the variety that has a battery back up, to ensure mobility even in the absence of electricity.

Stair lifts are popular for home use and can be operated by a single person. They provide accessibility for regular and smaller personal vehicles. Some people select automotive lifts, which are easy to assemble. Platform wheelchair lifts are the folding varieties. They are sturdy and are further categorized as automatic and semi-automatic. In an automatic device, the need for muscle power is almost negligible. They can be folded, unfolded, lowered and raised with the help of a switch. Semi-automatic lifts offer certain mechanized features, but users may be required to fold and unfold them manually.

Manufacturers have designed swing wheelchair lifts that are mostly used in minivans and vans. The wheelchair lift should be in accordance to the requirement of the vehicle in question.

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

What Is A Class 3 Powered Wheelchair?

2011-11-23T04:00:00.001-08:00

A class 3 powered wheelchair is used for driving on most roads, including highways and dual carriageways but not on motorways. It has an upper speed limit of 8mph and can be driven on roads to a maximum speed of 8mph and on pavement and paths of up to 4mph. If you're thinking of buying a class 3 powered wheelchair you will need to familiarise yourself with the regular maintenance and also the legal requirements for the day to day use of your wheelchair.

What do I need to do?

You don't need a driving license but will need to know and follow the Highway Code. To gain confidence it would be a good idea to find a local course to teach you how to safely drive your powered wheelchair, they will have a comprehensive list of all the do's and don'ts. No special clothing is needed but anything you wear that is reflective will alert other motorists to your position. Regularly check your lights are working and always turn them on at night. Find out how far your wheelchair can travel in between battery charges and make allowances for older batteries, as they won't hold the charge for as long as a newer battery. Your wheelchair should be serviced according to your dealer's recommendations and should undergo a safety check at least once a year.

Features

A class 3 wheelchair must have certain features including indicators, a horn and a rear view mirror. It has an amber flashing light that must be used when driving on dual carriageways and can also be used when driving on roads as a warning light to other motorists.

Parking

Follow normal parking rules and make sure that you park legally.

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Wheelchair Umbrella for Outdoors - A Good Choice

2011-11-20T10:00:00.001-08:00

The best enjoyed seasons are the summer and the spring times. The scenic beauty of a place can be best enjoyed by remaining outdoors. The various accessories and the types of wheelchairs available to the persons with disability are giving them more freedom to cash on the joys of remaining outdoors. The add-ons or the attachable accessories that come in handy for an outing, is the wheelchair umbrella. This part is best utilized to enjoy the summer without having to face the adverse effects like the sunburns.

When considering about buying an attachable umbrella for the wheel chair, one must check the size for proper coverage of the chair and the person. It must open up at least 40 inches, for proper sun or rain protection as it must be able to cover you properly. One must make sure that it covers the entire body to avoid the rain falling onto the lap. Hence the tiny ones do not suit to the covering needs. If one wants a fashionable looking umbrella, one can choose from the various colors and styles available in the market. One can find these in bright white or colored panels. Hence the fashion conscious can have their favourite pick from the collection available. The internet offers great convenience in this matter, as the person need not go to the store to browse through the types of umbrellas. These can be done at any place at a click of a mouse.

These are generally priced at a nominal rate. And considering the great advantages it offers, one can decide to buy it as it is a one-time investment does not need maintenance and other future investments. These wheelchair umbrellas can be attached to the sidelong of the equipment, from the base. The tilt and the elevation aspects can be easily adjusted as the clamps provide for the flexibility of adjustment.

This accessory can be used for any type of wheelchair, be it manual or electric one. This is attached to the frame of the wheelchair by making use of the clamps and hence it is considered secure. The umbrellas, that can be easily connected to the handle are also available now-a-days. These offer more coverage and convenience to the wheelchair user and can be pulled down when not being used. This umbrella device is attached to the wheel chair in such a manner, that it is not visible when pulled down.

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Wheelchair Accessible Construction Tips

2011-11-19T02:00:00.001-08:00

Thousands of Americans suffer from illnesses and injuries every year that would require them to use a wheelchair. How much impact does this have on society? If you happen to be a loved one of one of those who has to use a wheelchair, you may have to perform some wheelchair accessible construction at home to make it easier for them to move around.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public accommodations to meet certain standards so as not to discriminate against the handicapped, including people in wheelchairs. As a result, business owners have to make their facilities accessible for handicapped persons. Not only is it required, but it's also good for business.

So what type of wheelchair accessible construction are you thinking of? Homes and businesses should have handrails, wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and of course, commercial washroom accessories. At home you will need something to sit on while taking a bath, so a folding tub seat or shower seat will be necessary.

For wheelchair ramps, there are many varieties to choose from. The first type is the modular wheelchair ramp which is portable but really strong and affordable. Another is the solid wheelchair ramp, a one piece unit for times when a permanent ramp is needed. A folding wheelchair ramp, on the other hand, is durable and lightweight for travel. Lastly, a threshold wheelchair ramp is specifically created for doorways.

Grab bars and handrails are considered to be two of the most important parts of the wheelchair accessible construction for home or business. They make great accessories for those individuals on wheelchairs, especially in restrooms.

Handrails and bars provide the stability and extra support for those who really need it. In fact, handrails may be used beside a ramp and would prove to be really helpful if the ramp happens to be very long. It will help the individual keep their balance and provide safety.

According to ADA, handrails must also be securely anchored and mounted between 34 and 38 inches high, projected from the wall 1 1/2 inches, and the ends rounded off for safety. On the other hand, grab bars need to be mounted securely and it involves screwing the hardware directly into wall studs or wood blocking.

One of the very important parts of making a home ready for an individual with a wheelchair is the shower or tub seating. There are actually many different types of seating including the L-shaped shower seats and folding tub seats. It is recommended to have the seats mounted on the wall as the individual wouldn't have to place the unit in and out of the tub. Keep in mind that security and safety are the two most important things when working on wheelchair accessible construction. Always ensure that all additions are safely made and comply with the ADA standards.

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Ramps for Wheelchair - Commercial Structure Guidelines

2011-11-16T15:00:00.001-08:00

Prior to the Americans with disability act or ADA for short, the wheelchair users had to make their own arrangements to getting inside any place of work or building. The ADA has set out guidelines for the commercial and public building plans. They must be accessible to the physically disabled. Hence the ramps must be included in the structure of the buildings. These help the wheelchair users to get into the building very easily.

Architects and planners now take greater importance in the design of their building relating to handicapped access and now almost all public building and many private will include such items as handicapped ramps and other access points.

Simply building a ramp is not sufficient. There are certain rules to be followed for helping out the disabled. The guidelines help in standardising the plans for ramp construction. These guidelines are framed keeping in mind the use of different types of wheelchairs. It also takes into consideration the age group of the wheelchair users. It is important that the commercial structures to follow and abide by the guidelines given by the ADA.

The builders must ensure proper safe entry and exit for the wheelchair users. The Federal has set out the basic minimum requirements to be followed during the ramp construction for easing out the climbing troubles related to the wheelchair users. It is better to check with the Federal authorities for any additions to the said requirements.

The basic measurements to be followed can be listed as under:

1. As the elderly people cannot go on high sloped ramps, in order to help them use the ramp comfortably, the slope should not be more than one inch for a linear distance of 18 inches. The linear length covered for the horizontal rise of 1 inch should not be less than 12 inches.

2. The clearance between the railings is recommended to be 42 inches. It should not be less than 36 inches.

3. The maximum ramp length must not exceed 30 inches. After the said length there must be at least 60 inches of flat rest platform. The rest platform must be of same width as the ramp.

4. There must be flat landing at the top and bottom of the ramp.

5. The guardrails or the handrails must be constructed on either sides of the ramp. These must be at least 30 inches in height. The height must not exceed 38 inches.

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A Wheelchair Power Pack - Transform Your Wheelchair Usage

2011-11-15T11:00:00.001-08:00

Users of manual wheelchairs may enjoy the physicality of keeping mobile, but it can be a significant strain to a mobility sufferer or elderly patient in the long run. Weakened muscles and increased fatigue make it a struggle up hills and on rugged terrain - that's where wheelchair power packs come in.

Motorised wheelchair power packs mean you will never need to push your wheelchair again with reliable and durable motors attachable within seconds. Single and twin wheel power packs can be attached to any manual wheelchair with a simple switch on the hand controls making it a very flexible addition to your home mobility products collection.

A wheelchair motor is so easy to use, install and store making it a viable option to breathe new life into an older manual vehicle. A power pack means that instead of pushing their wheelchair you can simply walk behind with your thumb on the control to let the motor do all the work for you.

These motors are designed to provide extra traction for all gradients as well as the option to reverse operated by a simple switch on the hand control. The wheelchair motors hit speeds of up to 4mph with up to 18 stone on board and is capable of a range of up to 10 miles per charge - ample sufficiency for a day out.

Heavy duty wheelchair power packs are also available to purchase, designed to give more power to push mobility sufferers up to 26 stone and the ability to tackle tricky slopes and challenging terrain with confidence.

The portability of wheelchair motors means that it is light enough to take anywhere - pack it neatly in a holdall and take it with you in a car or on a coach, train, boat or plane. Providing extra versatility and functionality, power packs can transform everyday wheelchair usage.

Mobility specialists stock a range of wheelchair motors and currently have an online sale with reduced prices and free delivery on UK orders over £100.

Visit CollinsCare.co.uk for a great range of wheelchair power packs. At Collins Care we believe in putting customers' needs first and ensuring they get the mobility products they require. Collins Care will help you identify your actual requirements and save unnecessary expenditure.

Daily Problems and Challenges of Using a Wheelchair

2011-11-12T21:00:00.001-08:00

The daily problems/ challenges of using a wheelchair, is mostly unrecognized by non-wheelchair users.

I hope, by highlighting some of those challenges in this article, everyone becomes more aware of them. So we can all work together to create a safer and fairer world for ourselves, our families and communities.

The problems include but are not limited to:

1. Buildings with doorways, corridors or parking lots that are difficult / impossible to pass through, using a wheelchair. This makes it really difficult for wheelchair users to get things done. Things like shopping, visiting friends / relatives, e.t.c

2. Rough, uneven, dangerously sloping grounds, make it really tiring to push wheelchairs - especially Manual Wheelchairs - around.

3. Travelling by public transport - buses, trains, e.t.c takes a lot of time. The majority of time consumption comes from waiting for the buses to get low down enough, and then slide out the ramp access, so the wheelchair can go in. And then, getting off the transport as well...

When you add this to the time it takes a wheelchair user to accomplish the daily care routine of washing, getting dressed, feeding... That is a lot of time out of a 24 hour day!

4. Travelling by train also poses a lot more challenge to the wheelchair user than the buses. Especially negotiating that gap between the train entrance and the platform.

5. Health Problems such as Muscle Cramps and Pressure Sores. As a result of sitting in the wheelchair, or anywhere else - as wheelchair users need to, when not lying down - cramps and pressure sores are a great source of discomfort, concern and challenge.

6. Motorists, Pedestrians and other road users pose another area of challenge to the wheelchair user. Being below the average line of vision while riding a wheelchair on the roads, means that one may not be quickly or clearly seen by others. This has been a cause of many road accidents involving wheelchair users.

7. Finally, and just as important, is the attitude of the society - others - to wheelchair users. Others who do not use a wheelchair, find it a bit difficult to see through the eyes of one. Non-wheelchair users may talk down at one; Totally ignore one; Expect them to do more for themselves, notwithstanding the physical limitations... to mention a few.

All these challenges may seem overwhelming and force a wheelchair user to remain at home. This need not be the case though.

With more information on these challenges; A greater awareness of the available disability aids to overcome them; And an empathic understanding from the society at large, these challenges can and will be overcome.

Making the world safer and more wheelchair-user friendly. Especially as everyone, sooner or later, most likely will end up in one anyway!

Tenny Nebo is a Professional Carer. She has Extensive Working and Personal Relationships with the Disabled, and/ or the Elderly - Young and Old.

She Understands from Experience, the Challenges and Frustrations the Disabled and Elderly go Through. She also Understands the Various Options Available to Help Ease Those Challenges and Frustrations.

Are you Interested in Experiencing a More Comfortable, Productive and Independent Way of Life - Even as a Senior/ Person Living with a Disability? Do you Have a Loved One - Parent, Friend, Child - Who Faces the Limiting Challenges of a Disability or Old Age?

Tenny Encourages You to Discover Crucial Personal Care Tips and Information on Mobility Disability

Find Out How to Enjoy A Life of Comfort, Freedom, Health and Independence

Don't Be Drunk Driving a Wheelchair - DUI Laws in Canada

2011-11-10T07:00:00.001-08:00

Did you know that in Canada, our DUI laws can result in being arrested and found guilty for operating a motorized scooter while drunk?

How could this be you ask? Well, the definition of a motor vehicle is any vehicle that is drawn, propelled or driven by any means other than muscular power.

These DUI laws stem from the Ontario case R. v. Shanahan. The facts of this case is as follows. A man who was hurt, used a motorized scooter to go out one night. He ended up getting drunk. He was spotted by police crossing a road erratically. He was "pulled over" and charged with impaired driving.

One piece of important information in this case is the defendant could move about on his own some - approximately one hundred to one hundred and fifty meters.

The Ontario Court hearing the case found that a motorized personal device, such as a wheelchair is a motor vehicle under the Criminal Code. However, the defendant then made an application under section 15 of the Charger arguing his equality rights were breached.

The equality rights hearing addressed the following two issues.

1. Were the accused's section 15 equality rights breached?

J.D. Wake J. (the Honourable Judge) held that the Canada DUI laws (in this case, section 253 of the Criminal Code) does not make a distinction between people reliant on motorized wheelchairs and people who don't need motorized wheelchairs.

Next, the accused argued that the DUI laws resulted in unfairness (i.e. inequality) to non-able-bodied people. This argument failed because the Court found the accused was mobile without a motorized wheelchair.

Moreover, able-bodied people who walk in public while drunk can be arrested and convicted for mischief. This means that there really isn't a difference with respect the DUI laws between disabled and able-bodied people. Both groups can be arrested for being drunk in public.

2. Then the Court addressed whether the result offended the accused's dignity under section 15 of the Charter?

The Court held no for the following reason:

"The argument in favour of striking down s.253 [of the Criminal Code] seems to be that the dignity of a disabled person can only be sustained if he is afforded the right to behave with a lack of dignity. In my view s.15 of the Charter should not be used to support the result of such inverted reasoning."

When all is said and done, a person operating a motorized wheelchair can be convicted of DUI in Canada.

Considerations the following 3 points / questions:

This specific case (R. v. Shanahan) involved someone not totally disabled. Therefore, the outcome could be different if a person was 100 percent disabled.

Question: are people impaired on pain medication not able to use motorized wheelchairs outside of their home? I simply pose this question, I don't know the answer.

Can a person be arrested for DUI simply by sitting in a stationary motorized personal device such as a wheelchair?

The DUI laws in Canada hold that a person in the driver's seat of a car or truck while impaired can be found guilty of our DUI laws. I haven't read a case addressing this issue, but it seems possible being stationary in a restaurant in a motorized wheelchair, for instance, while impaired is breaking Canada's DUI laws.

If you've been charged with a crime such as DUI in BC, visit Vancouver defence lawyer website to learn more about Canada DUI laws and how Dykstra & Company can help you.

Wheelchair Bodybuilding

2011-11-06T03:00:00.001-08:00

Do you love body building but find it hard to do because you are sitting in your wheelchair? Then stop limiting your dreams now. These days there is a new horizon for those wheelchair users who love to gain and flaunt their big muscles all over the world.

This is somewhat a strange thing for those wheelchair users who are stuck with their mentality as being disabled because they are in their wheelchair. However, this is not a joke. This is ultimately true. If you would know, there is a so called Wheelchair National Bodybuilding Championships. This is a championship for those men and women who are in their wheelchairs but have very strong body and big muscles that would knock out someone's weakling thinking about those disabled wheelchair users. This is a show that started in Florida last 1998.

Due to its unique show, people love to watch as it so amazing for you will be really surprise how those wheelchair users got their muscles and body for them to be included in a bodybuilding competition. This competition has different weight categories too. These are heavy weight, middle weight, and others. Some of those who won in this competition are Victor Konovalov and Pasqualena Mitchell who became as the first professional body wheelchair on wheels. This is amazing!

Moreover, as time passes by, this competition is becoming famous all over the world. This could really get the attention of all the people in the world especially to those people who are using their wheelchairs. And because of it, there are many wheelchair athletes now who joined in this wheelchair body building contest. There are lots of wheelchair individuals who are having a good muscle and are really strong. In this competition, you could see these players doing some power lifting and others.

While watching this, you will be feeling doing the same thing too in your wheelchair. This is very powerful and very much inspiring. Actually, if you want to do the same thing too, you can easily start it. In some shows, there are also guiding those wheelchair users who are interested in joining this kind of wheelchair bodybuilding competition. They are going to give and provide some steps or tips in order for you to prepare yourself for it. Some iron pumping and other supplies will be opened too for you to follow the right direction.

So if you are willing to join, then you can start connecting now to those people who are organizing this wheelchair body building competitions. You can search that one in the internet. Actually, the competition will be held in Florida and the organizer or promoter of this is Mr. Frank Dalto. You will be supported by your sponsors and other people if you will join. So, think about this now. Forget your worries and boredom, join now!

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Tips to Optimize Wheelchair Accessibility in Your Home

2011-11-03T12:00:00.001-07:00

You can use the following tips to optimize wheelchair accessibility in your house. These tips will help the person who uses a wheelchair in your family will have more mobility and independence.

o One of the major problems that wheelchair users face is doorways being too narrow. One of solving this problem to a certain extent is installing hinges that allow the door to open and fall back in line with the frame. This can give a few extra inches. These hinges can be bought from a hardware store. However, not all hardware stores sell them.
o You can remove the normal door and install a bypass door on the overhead track.
o Remove the hand rims from the wheelchair to make it a little bit narrower.
o If the door has a trimming, remove it until halfway up the frame. This will allow an extra half inch in the doorway which might just be sufficient for the wheelchair to pass through.
o Accessibility should also be provided in the kitchen. You can mount adjustable mirrors above the stove that allow you to look into the pots while they are simmering on the stove.
o If the stove burner switch is located towards the back of the stove, you can buy a reacher. This is also helpful for people who have limited shoulder and arm movements.
o You can purchase special cutlery with large handles for people who are debilitated with arthritis or a stroke. However, the cutlery is expensive and only sold at specialty stores.
o In case you cannot afford to buy special cutlery, you can always buy a parfait spoon with a long handle. Bend the handle to form a loop. The user can wrap his fingers around the loop so that he does not have to grip it tightly.
o Install night lights so that you can access any part of your house after dark.
o Have phones that can be turned on and off with a push of a button.
o Put scarves, hats, gloves in a basket on a lower shelf so that the wheelchair bound person does not have to stretch to reach them.
o In case the person faces difficulty in switching on and off the lights, you can get special peddles to operate lamps.
o Cut a tennis ball into half and slip it over the door knob so that the person can grip and turn the knob easily.
o Rearrange the furniture in your house so that there is more space for the wheelchair to move around.

About Author:
Pauline Go is an online leading expert in the elderly care industry. She also offers top quality articles like:
Electric Wheelchair Guide, Hearing Aids Design

Wheelchair Accessible Desks Are Necessary in the Workplace and in Schools

2011-11-01T01:00:00.001-07:00

Many people in wheelchairs work at desk jobs these days, and you probably have never thought much about it. It is something that employers need to consider, however, when they hire a handicapped worker. A person like this is going to need a few special accommodations in order to make their workplace more comfortable for them. They may need aisles widened slightly, ramps instead of stairs, and a wheelchair accessible desk designed for use by a person seated in a wheelchair. Although these special considerations are no reason not to hire the perfect applicant for the job, they are still something that employers have to think about.

There are many different styles of wheelchair accessible desks available, and something can be found to complement any type of office décor. They are constructed to be very open underneath their tops, allowing a wheelchair as much space as it requires. There are also many optional features which you may or may not need to buy. Some desks come with a storage cubicle underneath which is located on one side to maximize the amount of space under the desk for the wheelchair. Many of these desks are adjustable so that they are appropriate for anyone from Kindergarten up through adulthood.

Schools are required to have wheelchair accessible desks available for students who need them. People in wheelchairs aren't the only ones that need them, though. More and more students are becoming obese and can no longer fit in a regular-sized desk. Having wheelchair accessible desks in each classroom gives these students a place to sit without them having to make an issue of their weight. Many of these desks have lockable casters on the bottom so that they can be moved around the room or the building if so desired.

Handicapped people don't want you to feel sorry for them or to have you do everything for them, but they do appreciate having the equipment they need to put in a good day at work or school. By giving them with wheelchair accessible desks, you're providing them with comfortable work and computer stations so that they can be just as productive as everyone else, if not more so.

Finding the right wheelchair and accessories is key to living a more mobile life for those with mobility challenges. Visit Wheelchariot.com for more tips on wheelchair accessible construction and portable mobility scooters and make a more informed decision.

Portable Wheelchair Ramps: Doors To Independence

2011-10-23T21:00:00.001-07:00

Those whose disabilities confine them to wheelchairs may be further limited because they cannot access parts of their own homes nor many public areas. But their dilemma has a solution, in the form of portable wheelchair ramps.

Portable wheelchair ramps, usually constructed from collapsible steel or aluminum, offer wheelchair users easy access to stairs and vehicles, making them essential traveling accessories. Portable wheelchair ramps are ideal options for those who do not want the expense installing permanent ramps in their homes, and allow the homeowner the luxury of having one ramp work in multiple parts of the house.

Portable wheelchair ramps were along time coming, simply because of the logistics involved in deciding appropriate slope ratios and weight tolerances. But as more and more disabled people began demanding increasingly independent lifestyles, wheelchair accessory manufacturers responded by designing portable wheelchair ramps to accommodate the individual needs of their customers.

Types Of Portable Wheelchair Ramps

The best-selling portable wheelchair ramps are the suitcase variety; these collapse to the size of a suitcase when not in use, and are usually large enough to cover one or two stairs when extended. But, even when collapsed, they remain somewhat awkward to manage, both because of their bulk and because of their average 41-pound weight.

The rolling ramp is a portable wheelchair ramp with a rather peculiar appearance. But its light weight and ease of use more than compensate for its odd looks. Its user simply finds a flat surface on which to unroll it, inverts it, and has an instant, strong ramp. Rolling portable wheelchair ramps are, in fact, both stronger and more stable than suitcase ramps.

For wheelchair users who use a van for transport, the Van portable wheelchair ramp installs quickly and will handle weights of up to weight hundred pounds. Van wheelchair ramps are constructed of lightweight aluminum and have non-skid surfaces.

Many people may decide to construct portable wheelchair ramps at home; but without being able to weigh them and test their strength they may end up whit results which are unusable, or have a disaster if they choose to use them. While homemade portable wheelchair ramps may seem like the least expensive options, the risk of danger outweighs their possible savings. Commercially produced and tested portable wheelchair ramps are simply safer.

As marvelous as wheelchairs are, they cannot by themselves bring independence to the disabled. Portable wheelchair ramps, and other wheelchair accessories, have been developed to bring new opportunities to wheelchair users, and if you'd like to find out just what wheelchair enhancements are available, you can start with an Internet search!

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Do You Need a Wheelchair But Don't Have the Strength For Manual? Consider an Electric Wheelchair

2011-10-21T23:00:00.001-07:00

Some people need wheelchairs for the short term in order to recover from an accident, illness or injury. Others are permanently disabled and need assistance getting around all the time. Either way, an electric wheelchair could be the answer for you.

They are very high tech and not only are they powered by a joystick or other device, but you can adjust things like seating position with the touch of a button. They are easy to operate and provide independence from relying on a companion to push the chair, and are easy to use because they are powered by batteries and don't require arm strength to move around. However, there are so options on the market somebody may find the task of choosing one to be rather intense.

Electric wheelchairs are designed for different uses. They are either rear or front wheel driven. They're more maneuverable than electric scooters because they have a smaller turning radius. The additional conveniences over the manual version makes they decidedly more expensive, but you can often get financial assistance either through insurance, medicare or low interest financing. Whomever you purchase your through will run through the various payment options with you. Don't forget, electric wheelchairs are heavier than manual wheelchairs because their frame needs to be strong and stable to hold the motor and battery. This means that getting them in and out of a vehicle is also more difficult due to the added bulk and weight. You may need to consider getting a wheelchair lift if you are frequently in and out of a car or van.

These wheelchairs are available with a range of well over 20 miles and a speed of up to 6mph. They can also come with outdoor style wheels and tires more suitable for outdoor use.

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Wheelchair Accessories - Getting Loaded

2011-10-15T23:00:00.001-07:00

Buying a wheelchair today is not very different from buying any other vehicle. There are basic "no frills" wheelchairs, which are perfectly capable of doing their jobs. Then there are the "loaded" wheelchairs, equipped with the buyer's choices of the many wheelchair accessories choices now available to add remarkable levels of comfort and convenience to wheelchair use.

One of the big wheelchair comfort items is, of course, the seat cushion. A properly fitted and constructed seat cushion is one of the essential wheelchair accessories; a poorly designed seat cushion will exacerbate poor posture and can lead to pressure sores.

A good wheelchair seat cushion encourages correct posture, which is a must for those suffering from difficulty in swallowing or neuromuscular impairment. Correct posture also assists both circulation and respiration, so a well-designed seat cushion is one of the wheelchair accessories with multiple positive benefits.

Ramps And Lifts

Although almost all public buildings are now wheelchair accessible, there are still many structures which have not been similarly modified and very few private residences can accommodate wheelchairs. There are wheelchair accessories, however, like portable wheelchair ramps, which allow wheelchair users to provide their own entry into previously restricted areas. Portable wheelchair ramps are ideal for getting wheelchairs into and out of vehicles and upstairs.

A wheelchair lift, on the other hand, operates much like an elevator and lets wheelchair users move from one floor of a building to another. These hydraulic wheelchair accessories allow users to be mobile even the event of electrical outages. There are less expensive electrically powered wheelchair lifts as well; while comfortable, they require a secondary source of power to keep them operational in a power failure. Other wheelchair accessories include stair and vehicular lifts.

Other Accessories

While wheelchair ramps and lifts are available in a wide variety, there are other kinds of wheelchair accessories to help you customize your wheelchair to your personal needs. They include such items as wheelchair restraints, used to secure your chair while you are traveling in a vehicle; wheelchair mounts to accommodate your laptop or other items; adjustable controls which can be either hand or voice-activated; and wheelchair locks or covers.

There are more wheelchair accessories intended to improve the user's comfort, including head and neck supports, back cushions, gloves, and protective elbow, leg, and arm padding. In short, there are as many wheelchair accessories bringing comfort, convenience, and safety to wheelchair users as there are upgrade packages for the world's finest automobiles!

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Wheelchair Models

2011-10-13T13:00:00.001-07:00

Wheelchair buying - what to consider:
It is always better to speak to your medical advisor first before purchasing a wheelchair. Add some good research to that and you can make an informed choice about wheelchairs.

General points to keep in mind are:
Weight
Design
Size
Capacity
Foldability
Location of power source in case of electric wheelchairs
Flexible back
Removable armrests, adjustable footrests
Seat width
Warranty
Cost

Wheelchair accessories:
Over time, wheelchair accessories have carved a niche for themselves in the market. You can upgrade your existing wheelchair, replace damaged parts, enhance both comfort, and function with modern wheelchair accessories. These are widely available online where you can also avail advice on fitting accessories to your wheelchairs.

Wheelchair availability:
You can buy a new wheelchair at affordable prices online or though nearest retailers. In case you are unable to move out of the house, most wheelchair websites list out wheelchair models along with pictures, prices, accessories and other details. All you need to do is pay online and have it delivered at your doorstep. Second hand wheelchairs are also an affordable option. For temporary disabilities, renting a suitable wheelchair is a better option.

Wheelchair safety:
Make sure you use safety belts and other safety accessories
Don't stretch the wheelchair's capabilities
Use wheelchairs appropriately. For example, Wheelchairs designed for indoor use may result in serious injury to both user and machine when used outdoors.

Insuring your wheelchair:
To avail insurance on your wheelchair, your physician is required to give a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) to be filed with the claim.

Wheelchair search:
Looking for good wheelchair options? Simply search for wheelchairs on any search engine on the Internet. Providers from all over the world will be waiting to serve you.

A disability need not be a devastating or confining. Live a free life - Get moving in your wheelchair!

For more information: http://www.mobilewheelchairs.com

Minimizing Your Need For Wheelchair Repairs

2011-10-06T22:00:00.001-07:00

Wheelchair users are always concerned with the possibility of their wheelchairs breaking down when they have no when they are outside with no one around to help them. Those who have manual wheelchairs worry about flat tires, and those with motorized chairs have to think about not only flat tires, but also failing batteries. All of them, however, could minimize their chances of such bad luck by taking advance precautions to let them recover, should one of these difficulties arise.

The thought of a disabled person being able to perform an instant wheelchair repair may seem a bit far-fetched to some. But there are safety measures which wheelchair users can implement to help them through a breakdown even when they are on their won; a cell phone, for example, will guarantee that even if you have no help when your breakdown occurs, you will have some very soon thereafter.

Simple Safety Measures

Having a cell phone with you will enable you to get in touch with your wheelchair repair service or to call a friend or family member. But there are other safety precautions you can take; spare batteries for your motorized chair can be carried in a backpack; and if you are partially mobile, having a pair of crutches or a cane on hand can help you enough that you can get real help. Having your doctor's and insurance company's phone number, in case your wheelchair is covered for the cost of repairs, is also a good idea.

Heading Off Trouble

Periodically run a "diagnostic" on your wheelchair to spot any incipient problems: have one done at your wheelchair repair center about every six months. It's one way of heading of trouble before it has you stranded on your own after a breakdown. It will also keep your wheelchair performing at its best because the failure of one part, if left untreated, can often have a domino effect and send your wheelchair into a tailspin.

Being disabled is not fun under the best of circumstances; it can leave you feeling both frustrated and helpless. But there are things you can do to take control of your situation, and by being smart and preparing ahead of time, you can manage any unexpected occurrences without losing your cool.

It's your decision whether or not you let your disability really disable you, or become proactive in your approach to life. When you know how to prepare yourself for unexpected emergencies, you'll have the peace of mind you want and can focus your energies on living your life to the fullest.

You can also find more info on Used Wheelchairs and Wheelchair Batteires. Wheelchairsreview.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about Wheel Chairs.

What You Should Know About Your Wheelchair Battery Charger

2011-10-03T13:00:00.001-07:00

One should realize that wheelchair battery charger must be fully operational in transferring electricity and its proper function. Find out how wheelchair chargers affect the efficiency of the battery is your primary concern.

An essential part of your powered wheelchair is the stored electric energy in your battery. It's the lifeline of your electric wheelchair as without it you cannot move into your desired position. It is very essential for everyday living especially for those who depend on their electric wheelchair as their primary source of transportation.

There are lost of newly designed batteries that can suit your need in electric wheelchairs. Wheelchair batteries are designed to be reused for a number of times. You must have a compatible charger on it for you can use it all over again. Three types of batteries are available in the market. First is wet, then gel and last is AGM. These different types of batteries must have specific chargers.

These chargers are classified into two types:

o Manual- requires constant supervision for it can permanently damage the battery in time if not plugged out after fully charged.

o Automatic- automatically monitors the charge in the battery and automatically shuts off if the battery is fully charged.

You must consider safety issues in using batteries before buying your preferred wheelchair battery:

o Sensors must probably be built into the charger and wheelchair to detect the connection between the wheelchair and the battery if it's correct.

o The wheelchair, charger, and the batteries may also be protected by using connectors that only allow proper connections.

o When you purchase a single purpose charger, the charger should match the charging configurations required by the battery.

o Purchased chargers must meet the power standard requirements of the local country's power supply.

o The wheelchair movements must become inoperable when the batteries are being charged.

o Lastly, a charger should not be left plugged in to the battery for over 24 hours as it can permanently damage the battery or can cause incidents like battery acid leaks or fire.

You must consult your local dealer to find out which charger will suit you best before purchasing your preferred wheelchair charger. Then if you already purchased what you need, read the manual first before using it. Follow all the directions for safety and can make your battery last longer. The manual also includes safety guidelines when charging the wheelchair battery.

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What You Should Know About Your Wheelchair Battery Charger [http://wheelchaireasyguide.useful-tips.com/22/what-you-should-know-about-your-wheelchair-battery-charger]

Wheelchair Ramps For Vans

2011-09-30T05:00:00.001-07:00

Wheelchair ramps for vans are a cheaper way of getting access to your van compared to buying a wheelchair lift. These ramps will make getting into your van a lot easier. If you have an electric wheelchair, then ramps or lifts are an essential part of your life when getting in and out of vehicles. If needed, some of the ramps are portable and can be used in other areas and not just cars.

Depending on the ramp you purchase, they can have a 600 pound or more capacity. You can get a ramp that has other weight capacities though. They can come in different lengths and width, and for vehicles that are a little higher off ground than usual, you could get a longer ramp to make the incline less steep. There are ramps that are foldable, portable, and also ones that are permanent.

When you are looking for your wheelchair ramp for your van or car, you might want to think about if you will use it for one or multiple vehicles. If you will only use it for one vehicle, then you can get a bolt on ramp that would be semi permanent. If you might use the ramp for more than one van or car, then you probably want to get one that is portable so that you can interchange it between vehicles. That way, you do not have to pay more money for a 2nd wheelchair ramp.

Wheelchair ramps will have a grip material that is often times like sand paper. This is so that the wheels do not slip or slide anywhere when moving into the van.

The prices for these ramps can range, and it will vary on the brand, type of material it is made out of, whether it is portable or not, the size of it, and many other variables. If you do a little shopping around you can find the perfect wheelchair ramp for your van.

Get information about wheelchair ramps here: Wheelchair Ramps for Vans

Wheelchair Scales Weighing the Disabled

2011-09-28T02:00:00.001-07:00

One of the major difficulties in hospitals and clinics is weighing the non-ambulatory. These patients, who range from the very ill to the elderly and overweight, require several people to move from a wheelchair to a scale, even a chair scale. In many cases, moving these unhealthy individuals is not advised, either for their own health and safety, or for the safety of the individuals who need to move them.

One of the best inventions of the 20th century, in terms of protecting patient and healthcare worker safety, is the wheelchair scale. Even the most common model, built for use with any standard wheelchair, offers such options as eye-level readability for nursing staff, a dual-sided readout beam, a detachable ramp for easy movement on and off the platform (and for use as a stand-alone scale), and an optional kit that converts the scale to work in tandem with existing Detecto scales.

The stationary model of a wheelchair scale features a padded handrail for ambulatory patients, a non-skid mat and a die-cast, dual-sided, eye-level weight beam in either 4-ounce or 100-gram increments. Battery operated, this model allows medical personnel to either key in the weight of the chair or use preset options.

Wheelchair scales for bariatric patients will read values up to 1,000 pounds, and the portable model - reading at 800 pounds - features integral wheels and handles for complete portability, as well as battery power and the option to enter the chair weight so that the readout displays only patient weight.

The ultimate wheelchair scale, offering weighing options for both geriatric and bariatric patients, has two non-skid rubber platforms, one for wheelchair weighing and the other for ambulatory patient weighing. It also has a remote weight display on a 15-foot cable suitable for either desk or wall mounting.

Stephen is a writer for Universal Medical Inc.
Universal Medical Inc is a premier provider of wheelchair scales and health care industry products. For the complete wheelchair scale line - please visit http://www.universalmedicalinc.com/clinical-equipment/medical-scales/wheelchair-scales

Build a Wheelchair Ramp Yourself

2011-09-24T07:00:00.001-07:00

If your loved one has recently started to use a wheelchair, then you may like to know how to build a wheelchair ramp yourself. Your house may not be accessible at all from the outside and you may be struggling to deal with inside accessibility problems as well. Depending on your skill level and what you feel comfortable doing, you may be able to save some money on all of these adjustments and build your own ramp.

Getting Started

Wheelchair ramps can be a basic straight line from pavement to porch or more complex if they wrap or zigzag. How complicated you get will depend greatly on your skill level. But to design and build a wheelchair ramp yourself essentially depends on two factors when you're in planning stage: your loved one's needs and the building the ramp leads up to.

You know how strong or weak your loved one is right now and the ramp, especially the rise, needs to work with that, not against it. In order for him or her to use the ramp alone, it must be a gentle enough slope. Otherwise it will either be a fight to the finish or the wheelchair will simply roll backwards. If you're designing the ramp for one specific person, you can tailor all of this to that person's needs.

Your house is also an issue to factor in when designing the ramp. If the porch is raised high off the ground, this can lead to some designing issues and usually requires a ramp that zigzags. Using a straight ramp in that situation can lead to a very long gateway to the top of the porch to avoid a ramp that's too steep. Using a lower back entry might be a better option in some cases when you build a wheelchair ramp yourself.

Following Building Codes

Don't overlook the building codes required by your own area. However, when you build a wheelchair ramp yourself, even if it's for a home, you also need to follow the regulations outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This act defines measurements and other specifications that result in the most safe and functional ramps. Building wheelchair ramps when you don't actually have to use one can be challenging and these standards ensure that ramps function well.

You can take these guidelines into consideration when choosing the right material to work with. Wood is an inexpensive and reliable option that's also relatively easy to work with. You can find plans to build a wheelchair ramp yourself on the ADA Web site and instructions for creating the framework and basic structure online. Keep in mind that the most important thing is that the ramp is safe and functional.

You may never have thought you'd be building a handicap ramp for any reason. But taking the time to build a wheelchair ramp yourself can help you to save money and also provide independence for your loved one and take some stress off of yourself as well. Plan ahead by considering your loved one's needs and the design of your house. Then read the guidelines from the ADA and bone up on local building codes as well. Use pre-made plans or design your own ramp, following the codes you're now aware of.

Read more about build a wheelchair ramp yourself. Visit http://www.wheelchairsramps.net

Wheelchair Basketball - Getting Involved

2011-09-22T22:00:00.001-07:00

Wheelchair basketball originated as rehabilitation exercise after World War II for ex-service people with spinal cord injuries. It has subsequently developed into an extremely popular sport incorporating a wide range of wheelchair athletes. It is one of the most popular sports at the Paralympic Games and is now played at competitive level by over 25,000 people in some 90 countries worldwide.

Thousands more play socially in schools, clubs and colleges. It is played by two teams of five and is similar to the running version of the game using the same sized court and almost identical rules. The ball is moved via dribbling or passing and players must throw or bounce the ball after every two pushes of the wheelchair or be penalised for 'travelling'. One point is scored for a successful free throw, two for a normal field basket and three from behind the arc of the three point line.

Professional wheelchair basketball players use purpose built titanium chairs costing upwards of £3,500 and they only last for about six months during intensive competition. Players are assigned a classification that equates to a number of points. Each team must have a minimum points total.

If you are interested in playing at a local club you will find information on the Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Association (GBWBA) website at http://www.gbwba.org.uk/. The GBWBA acknowledges the crucial role regional clubs play in promoting and maintain the growth of Wheelchair Basketball throughout the UK.

The GBWBA club development policy encourages clubs to provide a safe environment for participants to play and provides a clear structure towards fostering sporting excellence, increases the number of participants and funding avenues available and is committed to increasing the number of volunteers, coaches and officials available for wheelchair basketball. All this sets a clear pathway for local clubs to slot into local, regional and national programmes and helps them to achieve their targets.

Once you have located your closest club on the GBWBA's 'Find a Club' page, go on down to speak to one of the coaches or volunteers to enquire about joining in and to find out the sort of skills you will need to develop for wheelchair basketball. Players must not only master proper handling of the ball but proper handling of the wheelchair is a crucial element. This is difficult to master as the hands are occupied with both ball handling and wheelchair mobility and some chair skills need to be updated so that they can be applied whilst still keeping control of the ball, for example for pivots and stationary turns.

With enough practice and determination you will begin to make the simultaneous control of chair and ball look effortless. You can take the sport as far as you like; for recreation and exercise or you may just become good enough to compete in the League or go on to represent Great Britain at the Paralympics! Wheelchair basket ball in not only for the guys, the GBWBA has created a Junior League and a Women's League - in fact the women's League has grown so much that it now has two divisions.

Article by Michael R Browne for Gowrings Mobility:
Leading the way in wheelchair accessible disabled vehicles. With a range of new and used mobility vehicles.

How to Assess Second-Hand Wheelchair Vehicles for Sale

2011-09-19T17:00:00.001-07:00

The costs associated with disability are high, so finding cheaper options to such essentials as wheelchair accessible vehicles is necessary for some. Buying a second-hand converted vehicle is much cheaper than converting your own car or van, or buying a new vehicle specially fitted out for wheelchair accessibility. It must be remembered, however, that every wheelchair confined passenger has specific needs, and all require a maximum level of safety. It is important that all second-hand wheelchair vehicles and cars for sale you find are assessed carefully before a purchase is made.

The range of used wheelchair accessible cars for sale is more limited than the wheelchair accessible cars for sale at specialist conversion companies, and you may not be able to find a used wheelchair vehicle that perfectly suits your needs. It is important to not compromise the specific transport and mobility requirements of your wheelchair confined passenger in favour of cheaper used wheelchair cars. A quick internet search, however, reveals many different sites selling second-hand disability aids, including wheelchair accessible vehicles. You may be able to find the perfect second-hand wheelchair vehicle for sale locally and for a reasonable price.

The first consideration when assessing used wheelchair cars for sale, as with any second-hand products, is to determine the vehicle is in good working order. Overall safety is paramount with any vehicle, but even more so with vehicles carrying disabled passengers. It is therefore of utmost importance the wheelchair accessible car runs well, with no faults, to minimise the risk of accidents on the road. If the wheelchair car for sale is not in perfect working order, the vehicle may still be worth buying if it caters to your particular needs. In all cases you should at least be fully aware of all faults, so they can be restored once the vehicle is bought. If possible you should obtain a written description of the wheelchair vehicle for sale from the seller to protect your legal rights if any faults should arise soon after purchase.

There are two avenues for finding second-hand wheelchair vehicles for sale, through private sellers or commercial suppliers of converted vehicles. Buying a second-hand wheelchair accessible vehicle from commercial retailers is the more expensive option, however vehicles sold this way are more likely to have been serviced, reconditioned and sold in good working order. Mostly, these second-hand vehicles will also come with a short guarantee of three months or so which ensure safety and peace of mind.

At Capital Special Vehicles Melbourne you can find extensive range wheelchair accessible vehicles for sale. Capital Special Vehicles are one of the leading service providers who provide vehicle conversions services in Melbourne.

Ricon Wheelchair Lifts Offer Advantages

2011-09-11T22:00:00.001-07:00

Those who are in wheelchairs will find these lifts will make their lives easier. This is true for caregivers as well who need to help their family or patients into and out of their wheelchair accessible van. Ricon wheelchair lifts are one of the most recognized names on the market, and they have many advantages that you will be able to appreciate. These lifts will be able to save you a lot of time and frustration when it comes to getting into and out of the van.

Ricon wheelchair lifts will fit many different types of vehicles, and they are easy to operate. You can find various types of lifts on the market, from the electronic lifts to the hydraulic lifts. When you are choosing the type of lift that you want to have, electric or hydraulic, it is important that you learn about the different advantages of each.

The hydraulic lifts do not need any electricity to operate, so even if your van has no power, you will still be able to operate the lift. Theses lifts generally carry a higher price tag, but they are worth the extra expense to most people. Those who can afford it may want to opt for this type of lift.

The electric wheelchair lifts are friendlier to your wallet, and they work just as easily as the hydraulic lifts. While they run on electricity, you can choose a lift that has batteries. This makes them operable even if you do not have any power in your vehicle.

When you are going to the dealership to inquire about Ricon wheelchair lifts, you should have the salespeople take the time to show you how the different lifts operate. Don't just watch them operate the lifts - do it yourself so you know what to expect from the lift when it is installed on your vehicle. The salespeople should be able to answer any questions that you might have about the lifts before you buy.

Check to see what type of warranty comes with them as well. If something were to go wrong with the lift mechanically that was not your fault, it is important that you are able to get it fixed in a timely manner and without having to spend much, or any, money.

Great wheelchair lifts can make your life much easier, and most people find that they are worth every penny.

IMED Mobility is your premier supplier of Ricon wheelchair lifts and mobility equipment. Visit IMEDMobililty.com to find wheelchair lifts and wheelchair accessible van rentals.

Sheepskin Wheelchair Covers - Do I Need a Sheepskin Wheelchair Cover on My Chair?

2011-09-07T16:00:00.001-07:00

Many people are confined to wheelchairs due to a number of ailments. This confinement is challenging to say the least. When you are sitting in a nice cool air conditioned room things may be OK, but when you roll outside into the hot summer sun this becomes a whole new story. During the hot months especially in parts of the country that have high humidity a wheelchair can be really uncomfortable.

Have you ever had to sit outside for just a few minutes and when you get up your whole back is wet with sweat? Just imagine what its like having to sit down all the time. A person that is confined to a wheelchair has no air circulation to their backside. This causes extremely uncomfortable times to say the least. Does it have to be this way? No I think there is a very simple fix that will minimize these uncomfortable times.

Sheepskin seat covers for wheelchairs are not only affordable, but will make the chair feel like a completely different chair. The sheepskin fiber's have a hollow core that can absorbs moisture without becoming damp or clammy. The sheepskin fibers have a harder outer layer that protects against liquid moisture. This liquid moisture is repelled while humidity from heat and sweating is absorbed, and that helps with temperature regulation.

Not only does sheepskin keep outside moisture away from the skin, the wool fibers wicks away perspiration when you sweat. Now this is the amazing thing, normally when you sweat after a while things start to smell badly. With sheepskins ability to absorb moisture combined with the naturally protecting oils that are held within the wool fibers there is no smell. The sheepskin wool fibers have the ability to continuously allow air to flow between these fibers so the fleece never gets wet because it is constantly drying itself.

When you put all of this together you have a material that is super comfortable, cool in the summer, warm in the winter, naturally protects your skin, keeps everything nice and dry and always smells neutral. You can find tailor made covers for any wheelchair for under $150.00. This is a great way to get comfort and protection and not break the bank.

Sheepskin seat covers come in a variety of colors as well as medical grade if someone has sensitive skin. Sheepskin is naturally hypoallergenic because there is no dander. The natural oils in the sheepskin fibers that naturally protects the wool itself,aids in making sheepskin so safe for sensitive skin.

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At Seat Sheepskin Covers we specialize in many of the finest genuine sheepskin items you will find anywhere. Our sheepskin is a great investment at a fair price. If you find a better advertised deal just let us know and we will match it. We will work hard to keep you the consumer happy.

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Electric Wheelchair Travel

2011-08-26T20:00:00.001-07:00

Wheelchair users have the right to travel just like any other individuals and see the amazing sights all over the world. Wheelchair travel has come a long way in the past twenty years. With the mass market introduction of electric wheelchairs and lightweight wheelchairs, wheelchair users and care-givers have an easier time moving around with wheelchairs. The increased public awareness about traveling for the disabled has prompted public establishments such as shopping malls, airports and cruise terminals to be wheelchair friendly in their infrastructure. Tour packages for the wheelchair users have also picked up momentum recently. These packages ensure the welfare of the wheelchair travelers are taken care of properly. Wheelchair users who are apprehensive about traveling to unknown places will feel assured of a quality experience when going for these packages. The agencies will provide the latest information of the destination and assist in the preparation to the actual sight seeing trip.

On the part of the electric wheelchair users, you are advised to visit your therapist for consultation on your travel plans. You need to have a report of any conditions that may warrant attention certified by the therapist. Please keep a copy of the report and pass another to the travel planner. Upon reaching the hotel,which should be wheelchair friendly, remember to inquire the in-house doctors available. Electric wheelchair users should also bring along their medication that can last the entire trip preferably packed into travel friendly cases. Always keep them by your side.

When you reach the hotel counter, request for city guides as these usually consist of information for disabled travelers. You can also check the city's website online prior to your trip for mental preparation.

Just like any other traveling people, try to pack as light as possible heavy luggage can pose a problem and a hazard for wheelchair travelers. If electric wheelchair users are traveling by plane, you need to tie a name tag to the wheelchair before storage. The name tag should include your contact number,destination and travel agency. Remove loose sections of the electric wheelchairs such as cushions and bags.Lastly, put the brakes on. The idea is to keep the electric wheelchair as compact as possible without things falling off easily. Check for scratches and damages at the destination airport. More importantly for electric wheelchairs, check for possible leakages of the batteries and loose wiring as these may pose a danger later in the trip.

Scheduling your itinerary is also important to ensure a satisfied travel experience. Understanding the extra time it takes for wheelchair users in transportation, it is best to make a provision of 20-30 minutes for every item. There is always time for everything if you plan well. If a tourist site has multiple entries, you should find out where is the entry point for wheelchairs as they have ramps or lifts installed there.

Used electric wheelchairs users should conserve your energy well and distribute them over the duration of the trip. Prevent yourself from over exertion in the initial days. Have back up plans to your itinerary as weather and people can be unpredictable. The hotel should be surrounded by basic amenities such as restaurants and pharmacies. Places which are wheelchair friendly are identified by a internationally known icon on the city map. Electric Wheelchair users do require a lot more attention when traveling and the least one can do is to be well prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. Electric wheelchair users are encouraged to travel and open your eyes to this wonderful world.

Commercial and Residential Wheelchair Lifts

2011-08-25T15:00:00.001-07:00

Wheelchair lifts are an economical and convenient means of transportation up and down the stairs. Commercial wheel chair lifts are best suited for schools, universities, auditoriums, colleges, churches and historic buildings whereas residential wheelchair lifts are meant for your residential spaces.

Commercial Wheelchair Lifts for Any Public Building Architecture

Commercial spaces and public settings are the places where a good number of wheelchair users are likely to come. Hence commercial wheelchair lifts have become very essential accessibility devices in every commercial setting, for the aged/physically challenged individuals to access different levels of these buildings. Commercial wheel chair lifts are available in different models and specifications to suit any building architecture. These devices usually come with a motor driven platform, and also with internal switches for the riders to control the lift on their own.

Lift Models of Different Makes that Blend Perfectly with Your Home Interiors

If you have elderly or disabled family members in your home, residential wheelchair lifts would be a great option to reduce the burden of transporting them up and down the stairs. You can find these lifts in different makes and models to match your home interiors. Your standard household current is sufficient for the electric powered wheel chair lifts to operate. Now both straight and curved wheel chair lifts are available that can blend with straight or curved stairways in your home. Certain models such as Porch Lift PL-RA, Stair-Trac, and ES-125 are some of the popular models widely used in residential settings.

Emergency stop button, sensors, broken belt monitor, safety nut, platform safety pans, final limit switches and key locks are part of standard commercial and residential wheel chair lifts.

Choose Dealers with Long Term Experience for Quality Products and Services

There are many branded companies such as ThyssenKrupp Access, Savaria Concord and Bruno selling popular models of commercial and residential wheelchair lifts. The dealers supplying their products will usually have experienced professionals for installation, repair and maintenance services. To attain the best of these services, settle for dealers with long term experience.

Day Elevator & Lift is a premier provider of tub lifts, stair lifts, elevators and wheelchair lifts for residential and commercial applications throughout the tri-state area, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut.

Benefits of Vertical Wheelchair Lifts

2011-08-22T11:00:00.001-07:00

Many of us, even though we are gifted with the ability to do all our normal activities such as walking, running and climbing, love to enjoy more comforts such as lifts, ramps and elevators. But there are many mentally vibrant people facing mobility problems due to their physical handicaps, along with problems of old age. These individuals spend a substantial part of their life in wheelchairs and cannot move about as freely as others. Today ramps and elevators are common in most public buildings; but there still exists the need for supplementary equipment such as vertical wheelchair lifts, to benefit physically challenged individuals.

One of the striking benefits of vertical wheelchair lifts or platform lifts is that these are designed in such a manner that a person in a wheelchair can be elevated or lowered between the floors without leaving the wheelchair. A vertical wheelchair lift is also powered by hydraulics or electricity. The different models of vertical wheelchair lifts are:

o Enclosed model
o Shaft way model
o Stage model
o Opal model

In the Enclosed model, the wheelchair and the boarder can be placed on a platform which is enclosed with walls as the lift moves up and down. The Shaftway model can be used in residential as well as commercial environments and fixed to existing walls like an elevator. The Stage model featured with just a platform can be used for shorter heights or elevations. The Opal model, apart from its open ceiling, is almost similar to the Enclosed model.

Vertical wheelchair lifts or platform lifts can be used in various locations as in residences, and facilitates easy access between floors and porches to those using wheelchairs. In a scholastic environment, the major benefit of vertical wheelchair lifts is that these provide physically challenged individuals to easily negotiate all elevated platforms and lecture halls.

The excellent benefits of vertical wheelchair lifts help one lead a better activity oriented life, enjoying considerable independence. At home or the workplace, a vertical wheelchair lift can bring remarkable changes in the life of the physically challenged people.

Anthony Robbins is working as a design consultant at Day Elevator & Lift. At DAY, we focus on eliminating several accessibility challenges you face at home and in your business premises, with the help of premium products such as wheelchair lifts. We have an extensive range of Inclined and vertical wheelchair lifts.

Porch Lift Or Wheelchair Ramp?

2011-08-18T09:00:00.001-07:00

A question I often get is whether to buy a porch lift or a ramp for wheelchair access to a house or building. There are several factors to consider in determining which is the best option for your particular circumstances.

The first issue I always look at is the height that needs to be overcome. The height isn't a huge issue with a porch lift but it can be with a wheelchair ramp because it will determine the length of the ramp.

Wheelchair

In most jurisdictions in the US and Canada the building codes will require 1 foot of ramp for each inch of rise. So if you have a 24" rise, you'll have to build your wheelchair ramp at least 24' long.

While 12" to 1" ratio is a pretty gentle slope for people in power wheelchairs or walking, it can be still a challenge for those using manual wheelchairs and building codes normally require a landing for the user to have a flat rest area at least every 30'. If your rise is 36", your ramp will have to be 36' long with a interim landing somewhere along it's length. This landing can be at a 90 or a 180 degree turn or it can be in-line with no turn.

It's the length of the ramp which is normally the determining factor in whether the ramp is a better option than a porch lift.

The price of the ramp will increase as the length increases and at some point the cost will exceed the cost of installing a porch lift.
At what length will the wheelchair user be so tired after climbing the ramp that they won't bother to try in the first place?
The local climate will be a factor. If it is exposed to the weather it will need to be kept clear of ice and snow in northern climates. The longer the ramp the more work that will be.
Another climate factor is rain even if there is little chance of ice or snow. The longer the ramp the more likely you'll want to have some type of cover over it to keep the user dry which will add dramatically to the cost.
How much room there is for a ramp may be an issue. Most people do not have the room for a really long ramp.
The cost of the maintenance of the ramp will increase with the length; especially if the ramp is wooden.

Porch Lifts

Porch lifts, also known as vertical platform lifts, are self contained mini elevators which consist of a platform for carrying the wheelchair and user mounted to tower which houses all the electrical and mechanical parts used for lifting and lowering the platform.

They take up little space with a footprint of about 5' by 6' regardless of the height of the lift. Porch lifts come in standard sizes of 3', 4' and 6' with some manufacturers offering extensions to achieve lifts of up to 12' and higher. These sizes dictate the maximum travel of the lift and not the fixed height, so if you need a 43" height you would order a 4' lift and set it to stop at the 43" level.

Porch lifts seem expensive at around $3,000 for a basic lift plus installation and, if needed, construction of a cement pad to put it on, electrical service and a self closing gate at the upper landing but can be less expensive than a long ramp. Another benefit of purchasing a porch lift over building a wheelchair ramp is they can be moved if the user moves and they have a resale value if the lift is no longer needed. I often get requests for used porch lifts but ramps are pretty much scrap when they aren't needed any longer.

Porch lifts can be used in commercial applications but they can be more of a hassle than a ramp because of building codes and regulations. In my area commercial lifts must be licenced, have keyed access and be enclosed for safety. These requirements add to the cost and the commercial establishment must have someone control the keys and be available to attend users when they want to use the lift.

Conclusion

There is no right answer and in every instance the decision maker will have to balance the advantages and pit falls of each option. Price, climate, height, user abilities and room will all have to be considered when making the final decision.

For free, detailed and unbiased information and resources relating to wheelchairs, lifts, and other home medical equipment, please feel free to visit http://wheelchair.ca

Wheelchair.ca is an informational site only and does not sell any products either online or off. We provide end users with home health care equipment information based on more than 20 years experience as a home health care retailer. A qualified health care professional should be consulted regarding the information we provide or purchasing medical equipment.

Should You Rent Or Buy a Wheelchair Lift Van?

2011-08-16T13:00:00.001-07:00

The wheelchair lift van has been designed so the disabled people can enjoy their life a bit more. Already crippled of physical fun and enjoyment due to their disabled state, the lift is a small helping hand towards them so that they have more comfort and ease in their lives.

Even they understand what difficulties they pose for their caretakers. I once knew someone who actually asked her son to put her to "sleep" because she felt that she was a burden on him. The woman was only sixty five years old and if you were to hear this from your mother, how would you feel?

Therefore get the wheelchair van lift for your disabled family member today. There are many options, you can buy a new one, you can buy a used one or you could possibly rent one if cash is tight. You will have to find out which will suit you the best.

See, there is always the option of buying a wheelchair lift van. And you should seriously consider doing so if he or she is your parent and you have to drive them around a lot. I mean even if it is during the evening, obviously it is tedious; a work that you have to do everyday.

You have to pick them up, place them in the seat, and place their chairs in the trunk and so on. When you are going to return from the ride you will have to do the same. If there is getting off on the way, say you visit a theatre or a ballet then the trouble is double. He or she maybe a very near and dear one but think practically, is it not double work for you?

So why not buy a van lift and make life a bit easier. Also, buying is a good idea if you have to take them around everyday and for years and months. Renting is ok, but the amount that you are going to ay in renting will culminate in to a larger amount than the cost price. Renting a wheelchair lift van is a really good idea when the person in question has come to visit you for a certain stretch and will need taking out to dinner and all sorts of things very frequently.

There are no issues with a rented lift because they work as well as the bought ones and will give you no trouble. In fact you can check it out before renting it. Even the price for a rent is awesome. A wheelchair lift van will come at very cheap rent and is worthwhile if you are in the above mentioned condition or going for a road trip or picnic.

Moreover, you will not feel the weight in your purse but your buddy will be quite happy. So get the wheelchair lift van, rent it or buy it, but get it for your and your dependants comfort.

Discover where to buy cheap wheelchair stair lifts online. If you are on a budget, you might want to consider stair lift rental. Check out my site for more details.

Choosing a Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair

2011-08-12T09:00:00.001-07:00

Almost every wheelchair manufacturer has their own line of ultra lightweight wheelchairs, so you will be spoiled for choice. It can be confusing, but we have broken them down into three major categories or types to assist you to find the right chair for you. The three categories are:

1. Rigid

2. Folding

3. Titanium Rigid and Folding

The following overviews and tips should answer some queries or questions that you may have and help get you on your way.

Rigid Ultra lightweight Wheelchairs
Rigid wheelchairs are by far the most popular choice in ultra lightweight wheelchairs. The rigid frame eliminates the additional hardware and mechanisms of a folding frame and therefore enables a lighter weighing which will increase the response and performance. These wheelchairs have a long list of options including the basics like push handles and flip-up armrests to Spinergy SPOX wheels and light-up front casters.

Folding Ultra lightweight Wheelchairs
This style of wheelchair is ideal for transporting your wheelchair behind the seat of your car or can't live without swing-away leg rests but don't want to sacrifice weight or performance, then a folding ultra lightweight wheelchair is the choice for you. These wheelchairs offer all the options of a rigid ultra lightweight wheelchair with the benefit of being able to fold up with a tug on the seat upholstery.

Titanium Ultra lightweight Wheelchairs
Titanium is the material of choice these days for its strength,lightness, durability and the built-in shock absorption of the metal itself. The wheel chairs come in both folding and rigid titanium chairs. Titanium wheelchairs are generally more expensive and may take a little longer to custom build.

For more information on lightweight wheelchair and how to choice a ultralight weight wheelchair

Wheelchair Bound Exercise Options

2011-08-09T23:00:00.001-07:00

If you need to sit in a wheelchair for most of the day, or have limited movement, you know how important it is to get out and get active. It's important to exercise the muscles that don't regularly see a lot of movement so that they can preserve the mobility, flexibility, and function that they do have. But of course, how are you supposed to get regular exercise when it's so difficult to move? This used to be a big problem. But with wheelchair accessible exercise equipment, rolling mobility walkers, and rollators, it's now easier than you think to stay healthy.

Wheelchair accessible exercise equipment comes with many different options. If you want to work out with weights there are models designed so that slide pin adjustments can be made from the height of a wheelchair. All the parts are adjustable so that pads can come out and support the chest and arm rests and leg rests can also extend out so that your legs can rest on them and still push against the resistance of the weight. There are also other models of wheelchair accessible exercise equipment that will give you both a great weight training workout, as well as a great cardio routine. These include rowing machines or machines that are designed to focus on specific areas that receive excessive, or limited, use.

Of course, getting out and walking is always one of the best forms of exercise, especially for those that have some mobility, but find it hard to really get in a good exercise such as using weights or getting their heartbeat racing. Rolling mobility walkers and rollators are walkers that are designed similarly to traditional walkers but they are equipped with wheels and large storage bins that make walking much easier. Some are even specially designed for specific activities, such as the golf rollator that's designed with a space for your golf clubs as well as the wheels and support bar that will give you all the leaning support you need for a round.

And often, it's just a matter of getting there in order for you to get out and get active; and that's where electric mobility scooters come in. These scooters are extremely powerful and have a motor that will get you anywhere you need to go. Although the idea of electric mobility scooters is very simple, it's amazing how just getting out of the house can get someone much more active and involved! And, the use of these scooters isn't only functional; it's also quite a bit of fun.

We have many ways that you can improve your own mobility and your quality of life! Get out, get active, you can do it, with wheelchair accessible exercise equipment.

All-Terrain Medical & Mobility LLC has established a reputation for providing the latest in innovative mobility equipment. Now operating offices in the U.S. & Europe, All-Terrain provides over 500 mobility products for the disabled. Please visit our website http://www.allterrainmedical.com

Wheelchair Accessible Stairs

2011-08-08T05:00:00.001-07:00

No longer will your loved ones be held prisoners in their own house and be unable to move from one floor to another. A stair lift will provide the solution for their home by creating wheelchair accessible stairs and open the upper levels for those with limited mobility. In the past, many elderly individuals were pressured out of their multi-leveled homes because they lived alone and there was no way for them to get to their second floor bedrooms. To lose the home that you lived in for years just because of aging or an accident is very hard to deal with. Seniors and the newly disabled used to deal with this tough situation but with the invention of wheelchair accessible stairs, the decision is simpler.

Decreased mobility in our old age is a problem but the real pain comes from the knees as we go up and down the stairs. The knees are unable to perform like they used to and with each lift of the knee on the stairs, there is a potential fall. Knees are particularly complex parts of our bodies and one tear of the ligaments in that area can devastate ones' ability to walk forever. Doctors advise those with weakened knees to stay away from climbing up the stairs until they regain the ability to balance themselves with one leg up. In this scenario, a stair lift that is wheelchair accessible can increase your mobility around the home you know and love so much.

Accessible Stairs Alternatives
Some people have considered the installation of private elevators in their home but this requires a lot more structural work and building codes to follow. In addition, as expensive as a stair lift can be, an elevator lift is much more costly. This is also a permanent fixture to the home and would require a lot more work hours to install and deconstruct if one would ever want to sell the home. A stair lift can be purchased new, rented or bought used and removed without any visual damage to the walls or stairways.

Your stair lift could be set up with wonderful care so that there is no damage to current architectural features. Stair lifts can also match the colors of the home. They could be produced of complementary materials like wood to match the home decor.

If renewing your mobility in your home is a top concern of yours, then there should be no reason to further delay the process with doubt. So do some comparison shopping with stair-lift installers and make the right choice on the product that will fit your exact needs. Grow old with your home instead of moving out when you get too limited in your mobility and continue to enjoy the rooms well into your golden years.

Find out more about the costs and get more details about purchasing wheelchair stair lifts before making this home modification. You may be surprised by the actual price of owning your own stairlift. Discover other aids that can help improve your lifestyle such as a handicap chair that can ease and raise you off your chair.

How to Choose a Wheelchair Accessible Handicap Van

2011-08-04T14:00:00.001-07:00

Which accessible van is best for you? You have options. You have a choice between a lowered floor minivan with a ramp, and a full size van with a lift. The first thing to consider is how tall you sit in your chair. Some people have called me and asked: "how much to put a ramp in the side of my van?" If only it were that simple. Consider the height inside a minivan, and then measure how tall you sit in your chair. A normal size adult will not be able to sit up in a wheelchair, inside a non modified minivan. Another thing to consider; a ramp would have to be of considerable length so it is not too steep. Once a minivan is modified, the floor is lowered by 10-14 inches. The door opening height in a lowered floor minivan is between 53 inches and 56 inches. The interior height will vary, depending on the year, make and model of the vehicle.

If you sit over 56 inches tall, you may be more comfortable in a full size van. The best way to determine this is to go to a mobility dealer. This way you can roll into the different size vans to see how you fit. We have seen situations where a customer had a van delivered from an internet dealer. The driver gave him the keys and left. The customer, excited about his new van rolled up the ramp, and saw that he could not fit. He sat up too tall, and was not able to bend his head. This is why it is very important to try different size vans. There are different options available for a full size van. You can raise the top for optimal interior height. You can also have the doors raised if needed. Sometimes this is not enough. The floor can also be lowered by 6 or 9 inches in a full size van. The lowered floor can be done in the center area only, or a full cut, which includes the front seating area. Some people choose to lower the floor without the raised roof and doors. It all depends on your individual needs. This is why it is important to try before you buy. Other options are remote entry, where the doors open with the touch of a button on your remote. Luxury interiors are also available, with 19 inch digital screens, sound systems, and other high end interiors and electronics from which to choose. There are several packages available. Having trouble deciding between full size and minivan? Send me an email. I will help best I can.

Let's say you prefer a minivan. Your next decision is between a fold out ramp, or an in-floor ramp. Let me point out a few things. Should your vehicle lose power for any reason, the fold out ramp is easily pushed out for a quick emergency exit. For manual operation, the in-floor ramp would need to be physically pulled out from outside, or cranked out from the inside. This would be a challenge for anyone with decreased upper body strength. Another thing to consider is that you lose an inch of interior height with the in-floor ramp conversion. I am a paraplegic who drives a lowered floor minivan. My preference is the fold out ramp just because of the reasons stated above.

Next, should you choose a lowered floor minivan with a power ramp and door, or a manual ramp and door? That depends on your situation. If you are not a driver and have someone with you all the time, the manual conversion may work for you. Please consider that it takes some effort to deploy and stow the ramp manually. An older or less agile person may not be able to do this with ease. This is why the majority of lowered floor minivans sold have the automatic ramp and door.

Dave Bergeron
dbergeron@advancedmobility.net
http://www.advancedmobility.net

Dave is with Advanced Mobility Systems of Texas, Inc, located in the the Dallas/Fort Worth area. We are a member of NMEDA and are licensed vehicle modifier in the State of Texas. We install wheelchair lifts, hand controls, and other driving aids. We also have wheelchair accessible vehicles available for immediate delivery. Take a look at our website to see what we have in our inventory.

Used Wheelchair - Value For Money

2011-08-03T12:00:00.001-07:00

Many people who use wheelchair do not have to use them for an extended period of time, so a used wheelchair could be a good investment and a bargain for another person. Often people end up in a wheelchair because they have had some form of surgery or an accident. Many wheelchairs remain in great condition because these devices do not get rough use. Some people may only use a wheelchair for a few days so a used wheelchair would be an excellent choice.

Used wheelchairs or second hand wheelchairs are available from a variety of sources for a huge cost saving and these are often from some medical supply stores that will have a few used wheelchairs for their customers. Other types of ultralight wheelchairs are refurbished and are available from with considerable bargains for the consumer. These used wheelchairs are often the latest models that have not been used much by the previous owner so these are in excellent condition.

Used Wheelchairs Should Be Purchased With Care

People looking for a used wheelchair will do good to check out the classified advertisements of the local newspaper to get a real bargain. These wheelchairs could be a great bargain, but they should be purchased with care. People looking for one of these used wheelchairs should try to have a good look at these bargains to make sure that they are not faulty in any way.

A used wheelchair might be cheap, but these may be discarded because the owner has upgraded and bought a brand new one which may be more light weight or even ultralight weight and with a much more favorable design. Wheelchairs can be custom designed for each user so a person in need of a wheelchair might want to have one that will suit their needs perfectly. A wheelchair that was designed for someone else might not be suitable for everyone.

For more information on lightweight wheelchair and Used wheelchair

Folding Wheelchair to Help the Aging People

2011-08-01T09:00:00.001-07:00

A fold up wheelchair is used for a bed-ridden patient. It comprises mainly of a chair which has a back rest and the main body of the chair can be folded upward and downward. The chair has some frames at the back and the rear legs are attached and connected to the frame. The legs can be rotated to push the frame forward and backward.

The material used for ultralight folding wheelchairs today is titanium. This material is light, strong and yet very durable. The metal has natural built-in shock absorption. Titanium wheelchairs are expensive and it takes about 10 to 14 days to build them, but they look very special.

Many companies take direct orders online, or you can call them and order the ultralight folding wheelchair with your specifications. They are non-returnable, as they are manufactured only to order. In case the wheelchair is damaged when it arrives, or is not what you had ordered, the correct one will be sent back to you.

Different types of electric fold up wheelchairs have different types of drive mechanisms. Check out what type of folding electric wheelchair you need. There are many electric wheelchairs for sale, but only a few brands have gained widespread popularity for their quality.

The way the ultralight folding wheelchair folds is different with each model. Sometimes it folds into two, sometimes during folding the wheels are quickly released and the armrests are flipped back. If the armrests are detachable, the height can be adjusted easily and hence can be detached during folding too.

Most of the folding electric wheelchairs fold very well for transport but are rugged enough for everyday use. They normally have a five year warranty on the main frame, and a one year warranty for the controller, gear, motor and main components.

Debbie Normski has been involved with Wheelchairs for over 10 years and visit used wheel chairs and information on used wheel chair ramps.

Electric Wheelchair Ramps For Home and Building

2011-07-31T08:00:00.001-07:00

Wheelchair ramps are inclined planes which allow wheeled equipments to be transported between different heights. Though initially built for wheelchairs' use, people with strollers, trolleys and carts can also make use of these wheelchair ramps. The multiple benefits of having a wheelchair ramp has made it a common sight inside publicly accessible buildings such as shopping malls and government agencies.In fact, some countries such as America has passed an act that dictates every building should be accessible by wheelchair users. Therefore, most buildings will choose a multipurpose wheelchair ramp over wheelchair lifts.

Most buildings will choose to have the permanent wheelchair ramp installed, this is done by bolting the ramp's handrail to the ground or cementing the whole structure to the ground. Permanent wheelchair ramps are for buildings which are have already identified the access point for the wheelchair users. Ramps are adjusted differently depending on vertical distance it needs to clear. If the stairs were to have a few steps only, a straight gently inclined wheelchair will be suitable. However, if the stairs are steep, a snaking wheelchair ramp will be more suitable as it will be unsightly to see a wheelchair ramp stretching all the way out to the main road outside the building. Moreover, the wheelchair ramp must adhere to international standards in terms of its steepness. It must not be steeper than 1 inch for 12 inches of distance. A gentle sloped wheelchair ramp is definitely the safest way for a wheelchair to ascend.

The traditional way of making wheelchair ramp is to use mainly concrete, however, there is a recent shift towards using steel and aluminum to build the ramp. The reason is that these metals are lighter than concrete and more importantly, they are constructed in a modular way. Sections can be welded together at the joints. It is also easy to remove and sell as used wheelchair ramps to other buildings.

The other type of ramp is the semi-permanent wheelchair ramp. These are structures which need a few strong men to carry into place and commonly used for events where manual and electric wheelchair users are expected. They are temporary set up and usually rented by the event organizers.

The last type of ramp is the portable type. This is usually made of aluminum and carried by the side of the wheelchair user. The lightweight of the portable wheelchair ramps makes it easy to bring around. They are also durable compared to other less desired materials such as wood.

As portable wheelchair ramps are quite personal to the manual electric wheelchair users, it is important the user considers what type of wheelchair is he using and the corresponding safest incline required of the portable wheelchair ramp.You should also know the length of the portable ramp and where will it be deployed most of the time. I will discuss a few of the portable wheelchair ramps available in the market: Roll up ramps can be unrolled into short ramps of 3 or 5 feet. Their light weight makes this kind the lightest of all wheelchair ramps and easiest to carry around. However, they are limited to use for lower steps.
Single fold ramps are sturdy and slightly heavier than roll up ramps.They can easily negotiate mid level inclines with ease. The only drawback is that single-fold ramp does not become smaller when folded, it still takes up a considerable volume to the wheelchair user. Hence, it will troublesome to bring this along your travels. Multiple fold ramps come in 4 sections which are folded to form a heavy 12 feet portable wheelchair ramp. For their robustness, it can handle the heaviest of wheelchairs and steep steps, it can be used to enter vehicles too.

Track ramps is the last variation of portable wheelchair ramps. The length is adjustable depending on the steps and steepness it needs to overcome. Track ramps are sold in pairs. Each ramp forms a track to keep the movement of the wheelchair in a straight manner up and down the ramp. Wheelchair users will not have the danger of veering off the track. Sometimes, stair lifts for building are used as replacement for ramps.

Used electric wheelchair ramps have different specifications depending on the use of it within the environment. In the case of home use, it recommended to use a 3:12 slope that denotes one foot of ramp for every 3 inches vertical rise. As for business use, the ratio will be 1:12 which is a gentler slope than residential use.

Electric wheelchair ramp for building

Wheelchair Singles Looking To Mingle

2011-07-28T13:00:00.001-07:00

Did you ever realize that even in a wheelchair there are so many things you can do to pep up your life? You can make things work your way where you will get the most out of every thing that you take on.

If you are a single who has been confined to a wheelchair then one of the many options open to you is too look for fellow wheelchair users. Nowadays there are so many options for singles. You can take up sports or even something in the artistic line. Here you will meet like-minded people who boost your confidence in yourself as a person.

The internet is yet another avenue open to you. There are a lot of dating sites on the internet where you will find people looking for friends and companions. Ask around your other friends who have used these sites and get an opinion about these from them. There will be something that meets your ideas and you will find people who like the same things you do.

Its one thing to be single in a wheelchair and quite another to actually be someone who will make the most out of his life and let life look for him rather than him shying away from it. If sports and art is not your forte then look around the internet and you will find that there are book lover corners on the dating sites. If you like debating various issues that you feel strongly about then there is something on those lines too.

There is a complete world out on the net and all this you can get sitting at home. It is easy to get chatting with someone and who knows you just might find that special someone who will take you out of the singles club.

Once you find a dating site of your choice, register for it and fill in your personal profile. This is what others will read which will tell them a lot about the kind of person you are.

Be truthful and honest in your self portrait and you will find truth and honesty being returned. Ensure that you learn how to look out for fraudsters who are out to fleece people. Sites which ask for money should be scrutinized properly before you do pay the fee.

Once all the formalities are complete, you are ready to open up a new world for yourself. Start chatting right away and make new friends. Chatting is a good way to get to know someone. It has the right amount of anonymity and you can withhold whatever information you want to till you are sure about the person you are talking to.

If you are planning to meet any of your friends from the chat rooms then ensure that you are meeting in daylight in a public place. You must be able to trust the person to some extent and it is alright to take a friend along on the first date. Is it not amazing that you started off as a wheelchair single ready to mingle and ended up going on a date? The start of many more to come...

Are you looking for one of the best wheelchair dating sites on the internet? If so, visit WheelchairDatingClub.com now. We have a huge database of friendly people who want to meet you. Wheelchair dating and wheelchair personals dating have never been this easy! Wheelchair Dating Club not only has many members, but it also has many ways to meet them through chatrooms, instant messaging and of course email. Membership is free, so sign up right now.

The Wheelchair Hoist For Increased Mobility

2011-07-24T14:00:00.001-07:00

When your mobility becomes limited, it would be nice to have a wheelchair that could allow you to get around. However, to optimize your newfound freedom, you need a way to take that chair wherever you go. A wheelchair hoist is the best choice for chair transport. A few of today's wheelchairs are the lightweight folding kind. There are also electric wheelchairs that provide a quick and comfortable way for the disadvantaged people to move around. However, the weight of these chairs, with their motors and batteries, make lifting them a task that would strain even the strongest of men. Wheelchair hoists are available for both folding chairs and the heavier electric models.

There are several different types of wheelchair hoists that can meet your requirements. These can either be operated by passengers or drivers. If you are able to get into the car without your wheelchair, there are rooftop hoists that will lift the chair to the roof of your vehicle. It keeps you from having to stow it yourself, which may not be possible once inside the vehicle, and frees up your trunk and backseat for other things.

The boot hoists transfer your chair to the trunk or hatchback of the vehicle. The door to the trunk area will open automatically and the hoist will move to the front of the car, so that the folded chair can be placed in the cradle & moved into the back, where the door will close automatically. These wheelchair hoists are programmed to suit your particular vehicle.

Rear seat loading hoists are designed for mini-vans and other vehicles with sliding doors, although some four-door cars can accommodate these hoists by modifying a rear door. These hoists are fitted in the boot, and they pivot the folded chair into the rear seat. It is operated using a remote control.

Mounted and vertical hoists are available for lifting an empty or occupied chair into a vehicle, or even for use inside the home to help you get to places a wheelchair could not normally go, such as going up and down the stairs. These are useful for both kinds of chairs, but are more valuable tools when using the heavier electric chairs. These hoists are perfect for enabling a van to carry a mobility-impaired passenger.

No matter what kind of chair you use, hoists add to your freedom by allowing you to get where you need to go, and take your wheelchair with you without any difficulty. Safe, durable, and easy to use, wheelchair hoists are reasonably affordable, can easily be installed, and most often, can covered by insurance plans.

There are many kinds of hoists and lifts that can improve the lives of the disabled and make both work and play easier. Find out more about the uses of the ladder hoist and lifting slings by visiting my site.

Wheelchair Ramp Guidelines

2011-07-15T14:00:00.001-07:00

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility guidelines suggest ramp specifications that include preferred slopes, width, landings, surfaces, handrails, and environmental conditions. The next area to the point list of these factors for building, purchasing, and using ramps for wheelchairs:

Wheelchair ramp slopes
A ratio of rise over run is used to define ramp slopes (e. g. 16 inches of level run for each one inch of upright rise would be expressed as 1:16). The preferred ADA ramp slope is between 1:16 and 1:20. New construction slopes shall not exceed 1:12. Slope alone is not the only issue to consider; ramp distance and maximum rise are to be minimized. Maximum rise shall not exceed 30 inches (760 mm), and ramp distance should avoid lengths greater than 30 feet (9 m).

Wheelchair ramp width and landing
Ramp widths shall not be less than 36 inches (915 mm) and apparent. Landings, at both the top and bottom, shall be level and accommodate the slope of the connecting ramp. The next added landing features are necessary:

• Landings shall minimally be as extensive as the ramp.
• Landing length shall at smallest amount be 60 inches (1, 525 mm).
• Landings with a direct turn require a minimum of 60 x 60 inches (1, 525 mm x 1, 525 mm).

Wheelchair ramp handrails
Wheelchair ramp handrail guidelines are for adults. If children are the most important users, such as in schools, then a following, subordinate rail should be provided. If two handrails are being used, one above the other, a minimum distance between rails shall be 9 inches to avoid entrapment. Handrails shall be a maximum of 28 inches from the surface of the ramp to the top of the rail. Ramp rises greater than 6 inches (150 mm), or level projections superior than 72 inches (1, 830 mm), require railings on both sides of the ramp. Handrails are not necessary for curb ramps and ramps next to audience seating. The next added handrail features are necessary:

• Both sides of ramp segments require handrails; where doglegs and switch - backs exist, the inside railing must be continuous.
• If handrails are continuous, they shall extend 12 inches (305 mm) beyond the end of the ramp, and run equivalent to the ground.
• The apparent space between the wall and handrail shall be a minimum of 1 ½ inches (38 mm).
• Gripping surfaces shall be continuous.
• Handrail ending shall be round or returned smoothly to post, walls, or ground.
• Handrails shall not rotate, or otherwise move, within their fittings.

Wheelchair ramp surfaces, edges, and environments
Ramps for wheelchairs require surfaces compliant with ADA regulations for such. Ramp edges shall be provided if drop offs exist. These edges can be in the form of walls, lips, or other projections that are at a minimum of 2 inches (50 mm) in height. Design and construction of outside ramps for wheelchairs shall not allow for the accumulation of water or snow at the approach or on the ramp.

Chad Hoffmann is founder of Ramp for Wheelchair; a sight devoted to what you need to know about building, or purchasing wheelchair ramps. More about this article is found at Wheelchair Ramp Guidelines.

Wheelchair Bound Tools

2011-07-11T17:00:00.001-07:00

It is to be expected that many wheelchair bound people would require some extra help in the performance of their daily tasks. These duties can range from cooking a simple meal to the act of taking a simple shower. With the increased technology coupled with the design engineer's great imagination these wheelchair users are beginning to discover many gadgets on the market which can assist them in the everyday tasks which most of us take for granted. Should you are a loved one or friend be seeking this sort of information you can begin your quest with a careful search of the internet.

Since the wheelchair users require help when they are attempting to perform minor tasks which the internet offers them a great opportunity for locating what may benefit them and their particular life style.

Since the most difficult part of being physically challenged is the very act of obtaining a shower those individuals who are handicapped may find refuge in the site since it offers many optional accessories such as accommodating shower chairs, etc. People who are bound to their wheelchairs will surely feel a bit more comfortable knowing that there are websites that are accumulating information and products in order to create better lives for them.

Some websites offers links relating to the physically challenged individuals as well as their families and friends concerning topics that can aid them towards achieve a more comfortable life. Some even presents products for those people who may have difficulties in grooming themselves.

For those people dependent upon wheelchairs for their mobility this website tries to make life a little less complicated. For the person who is stuck in a wheelchair from morning to night life can be a bit difficult, however with the help of the internet the person can find as much assistance and help as they would require.

You can readily locate many items of interest for the wheelchair confined person that would make their life better. Becoming a self-reliant person again has never been easier for the wheelchair user then now

For more information relating to survival visit us at http://www.wordwriter.info

Invacare Wheelchair Parts - What to Know Before You Attempt a Wheelchair Repair

2011-07-09T11:00:00.001-07:00

As with any type of mechanical device, your Invacare wheelchair, with its moving parts (and in some cases, motor and battery), has to have all parts working smoothly in order for it to function correctly. Proper wheelchair maintenance is an important part of keeping a wheelchair in peak condition, and is something that should be performed on a regular basis. Still, there will be times when, despite proper maintenance, replacement of some of your Invacare wheelchair parts will be necessary.

Fortunately, a number of Invacare wheelchair parts can be easily purchased, and repairs can be made yourself. This article will explore what kinds of wheelchair parts are readily available and what things to consider when attempting any type of wheelchair repair.

To begin, keep in mind that Invacare directions should always be followed when using, maintaining, or replacing parts on your wheelchair. In addition, always be certain that you are using the correct parts: check part numbers and make sure that what you are purchasing will fit your Invacare wheelchair. Some things are interchangeable from one manufacturer to another and others are not. Some parts are actually universal. Before ordering, take measurements, check the Invacare specifications, and contact your parts vendor directly if you have questions. As most Invacare wheelchair parts are readily available online, purchasing through a reputable, secure site is important: if the company does not have a way for you to contact them directly with questions, order elsewhere.

So what kinds of parts can easily be replaced without you taking your wheelchair for an expensive repair job?

* Wheelchair castors are the small wheels positioned at the front of your chair, and help provide your direction when moving. Castors are available in a range of sizes, from 3" to 8".
* Rear Wheel Assemblies and Tires are available in a variety of options that can affect the performance of your wheelchair.
* If you have a powered wheelchair, then you will need to replace your wheelchair battery at regular intervals. In addition, you may need to replace the battery charger as well.
* Front riggings (including footrests and elevating leg rests) are essential to the comfort of the wheelchair user.
* Anti-tip devices are essential for the safety of the wheelchair user.
* Arm rests, cushions, brakes, and cross-braces all can wear out or need replacement at times, and are relatively easy to take care of on your own.

Regular and timely maintenance of your wheelchair, and replacement of worn or broken Invacare wheelchair parts will insure that your wheelchair operates at it's optimum performance, and will provide you with the safety and mobility that you need. Take good care of your Invacare wheelchair and it will reward you with years of faithful service in return.

N. M. Bobby was the caregiver and advocate for her elderly parents for nearly a decade. In that time, she personally experienced first hand, many of the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of adult children who care for their aging parents. She discusses many of the issues related to caring for the elderly and disabled on her blog, Aging Parent Conversations, and also provides a guide to simple wheelchair repair and replacing Invacare wheelchair parts.

Pediatric Wheelchair - Everything You Need to Know

2011-07-04T02:00:00.001-07:00

A pediatric wheelchair provide independence, convenience and safety for children who require a wheelchair to get to places. Pediatric wheelchairs, especially those that are motorized, are available in a wide range of materials, features and styles. You can choose from pediatric manual wheelchairs, pediatric power wheelchairs, used pediatric wheelchairs and even sport pediatric wheelchairs.

The basic way to establish whether you're getting the right pediatric wheelchair or not is to first assess what your child or patient specifically needs. You should evaluate what features and accessories are most helpful based on the individual's case. Your next step is to make sure you purchase the wheelchair from a widely trusted manufacturer or distributor. Finally, make sure you are looking at solid return policies, expansive warranties and flexible financing options.

Now let's get more into assessing the quality of the wheelchair you're considering. The materials and features available today include lightweight design, titanium materials and attachable containers such as bags and baskets. Lightweight designs are great for easier portability and maneuverability. Titanium is an ideal material because it makes the whole construction of the wheelchair stronger and more resilient. You may want to have bags or baskets incorporated with the wheelchair so lunch bags and other items such as groceries can be easily organized and transported.

Before you buy a pediatric wheelchair, look online for reviews and customer feedback. You may also ask for recommendations from suppliers of pediatric wheelchairs as well as medical staff, family and friends. Of course, a really good source to know more about which type of wheelchair to choose is your child's doctor.

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Wheelchair for Temporary Use - Options Available

2011-07-02T16:00:00.001-07:00

Many a times, certain situation arises that may need use of wheelchair temporarily. If one is nursing from any accident injury causing physical confinement, if the resting period extends to longer durations, then the appointment of care taker for so long might not be a financially feasible option. Instead one can make use of the assisting devices like wheelchairs to have partial mobility. This might even eliminate the need for a care taker to be present all the time.

There are many options available when getting a wheelchair. If finances permit, one can buy a new wheelchair and sell it again after it serves the purpose. Buying and selling must be done only after little research. Hence, when considering buying a new wheelchair, one must search for local dealers and compare prices and quality of each dealer. The quality of the wheelchair should not be compromised with, otherwise it will not fetch you good returns when reselling it to seconds show room or dealer handling used wheelchairs. Always check for proper insurance cover plans. If possible get to know about any available extended insurance cover plan from the dealer. The one who do not feel convenient to use a second wheelchair might opt for this kind of option for it ensures the user quality and guarantee.

The other option is buying from the dealer who deals with used wheelchairs. This can work out feasibly well, if the user needs the wheelchair for very long durations that it might be easy to buy it rather than rent for so long. If the person is ready to adjust with little inconvenience caused due to used wheelchair, then it might be the best option for long term usage purposes. One must ensure that wheelchair is insured properly. Generally, used products do not have cover. So, getting in touch with an insurance agent in this regard helps one save insurance related hassles in the future.

If the use of wheelchair is for very short duration, then renting proposal works out very well. One is saved of getting rid of the wheelchair, after it has served its purpose. There are many agencies who offer this service. Comparing the price and checking for quality are the basic things to do, for clinching a good deal. One may have to book well in advance for delivery. Choosing the right option must be done after working out the required time of usage and need.

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Determining What You Need From a Handicap Wheelchair

2011-06-26T18:00:00.001-07:00

There are many kinds of handicapped wheelchairs to fit all kinds of accessibility needs. Wheelchairs can widely be classified into two categories: manual and motorized. Manual wheelchairs are still available even though motorized wheelchairs are becoming much more common these days. Of course, there are certain pros and cons that come with each kind of chair. Furthermore, many of these chairs have convenient features such as belts, cup holders, cushions for the seat and back, leg rests and trays.

For instance, manual wheelchairs do not require batteries, so they can operate without relying upon power. The user also gets to exercise his or her arms with a manual chair. However, this can become tiresome if the user has to travel long distances or for a long amount of time. One may also have to wear gloves when operating a manual machine, especially when the ground is wet. Those who plan to be outside a lot may want to look into a motorized chair.

With a motorized device, the user does not have to get his or her hands dirty by turning the wheels and get better shock support for rough surfaces. Those who do not have as much strength in their arms may also benefit most from an electric chair. Furthermore, if one plans to spend much time outside, this kind is perhaps the most convenient. In fact, an electric chair is not the most ideal for those who need a chair for inside use unless it is specially designed for indoor maneuvering.

In addition, with a motorized chair, the user has to remember to charge the battery overnight. Not surprisingly, these chairs also tend to be much more expensive than manual chairs. However, for those who can afford them, they get the convenience of operating the machine with a simple control such as a joystick. People who have more mobility capabilities can look into scooters that have front headlights and a storage basket.

There are many reasons why one may need a handicapped wheelchair. Afflictions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and strokes can affect the body in debilitating ways, so a little assistance may be required. Even temporary emergencies such as broken bones or other injury may cause the need of a wheelchair. However, when one believes he or she needs a wheelchair, it is important to understand what type of chair is best to suit his or her needs.

Kevin writes for a website about handicap chairs, which contains articles on handicapped wheelchairs.

Right Wheelchair For Disabled Person

2011-06-25T01:00:00.001-07:00

If you need to buy a wheelchair for disabled person, it is very important to remember that each person has specific needs and best way to choose the right one is to try it. However, with so many different models of wheelchairs today on the market, deciding which one is the right one for disabled person needs, can be a real challenge.

First thing that you have to take into consideration is physical ability of disabled person. What kind of physical function disabled person can do? How will he or she control it or does disabled person need any specific function of the wheelchair, like adjustable height. Usually, the best option is to consult the doctor who observes disabled person health. Doctor's diagnosis should provide you with all answers that consider physical ability of future wheelchair user.

Very important factor is also, where this wheelchair will be used. Is it for outdoor or indoor use, or maybe for both? Are you going to travel a lot with it or is it only for office use? If you need a wheelchair for outdoor use mainly, then you will need a motorized wheelchair with high power motor. In that way you will be sure that this wheelchair can fulfill all your needs. If you choose this type, you also need to consider transportation for this wheelchair, because this one is not foldable. You will need a custom built van with wheelchair lift on it and you need to make sure that your wheelchair can fit into that vehicle.

There are so many different models of wheelchairs on the market today. Some people tend to choose wheelchair by it appearance. Although it is important how it looks, more important thing is how comfortable the wheelchair is to disabled person, and how long it will last. It is almost impossible to determine how long will your wheelchair be operational and in function. That usually depends on how you use it. If you have a busy lifestyle with a lot of traveling and outdoors activities or you are using your wheelchair on a lot of different terrains, it will probably last less then if you use it only at home. But in any case, it is very important to maintain your wheelchair properly. One of the factors that can help you to determine which one to choose is how hard or easy is to maintain it, and can you do it by yourself or you need a help from trained professional.

So before you buy it, make sure that wheelchair suits all your needs.

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Financing For Wheelchair Vans

2011-06-18T22:00:00.001-07:00

You are helping your parents shop for a wheelchair van and you just are not sure where to start. After all, you drive a sedan and you don't know the first thing about buying a van. You are not really worried about choosing a van, but you are worried about paying for it. Rest easy -- there are so many options for paying for your parents' wheelchair vans that you will have this one paid for in no time.

The first thing that you should do is figure out what type of van you are looking for. You can purchase a minivan or a full-size conversion van. New wheelchair vans are more expensive than used ones. Once you figure out what type of van, lift ramp, and other features you're in need of, you'll have a better idea of how much the van is going to cost. When you know how much money you're going to need to pay for the van, you'll be in a better position to begin looking for grants, other forms of assistance, or financing.

Now that you know how much the specific van you're interested in is going to cost, it's time to look for assistance. The first place to look is for grants. There are nonprofit organizations all across the country that specialize in getting funding for wheelchair vans, so find their websites and contact information and start researching that option.

Another way to get funding is through the government. People who receive Social Security are eligible for a program called "Plan to Achieve Self Success." If your parent needs the wheelchair van because he or she will be using it to get to work or to school, the government will give you the money for a monthly vehicle payment. However, if your parents just need the van for basic transport to the grocery store and what not, you may have to consider other options.

Although it is never appealing, there is always the option to finance the van. If you are looking at these type of vans from a dealership, they may have on-site financing, or a bank that you have to go through. Many people who are financing their vehicles get their loans through private financial institutions. Whether or not you are able to obtain a loan, or how much your payment will be, depends on credit history and income.

Mobility Works seeks to provide their customers with the best in mobility equipment including new wheelchair vans and used wheelchair vans in various locations around the United States.

Vertical Platform Wheelchair Lift Uses and Installations

2011-02-01T21:00:00.001-08:00

Platform Lift or Ramp?

Only recently has building access for persons with disabilities been incorporated into building design. As a result, it is a challenge to accommodate buildings not originally designed with handicap access in mind. Solutions involving ramps require one foot of ramp for every inch of height attained, and generally cost in the neighborhood of 175 to 200 dollars per foot to complete. The amount of space required to accommodate a ramp solution is generally quite large, and it is near impossible to compliment the building and adjacent areas or meet local building codes. Vertical platform wheelchair lifts address these concerns with small footprints, structural options, configurations to meet codes, and with significantly lower costs.

What is a Vertical Wheelchair Lift?

Vertical wheelchair lifts are flat platforms that typically operate with screw type drives on standard 110 electrical outlets. They are often used for porch access outdoors as well as second story access inside homes or public buildings. Churches and schools may elect to use them to reach stages and public facilities, and often select them because they can be configured to meet ADA expectations. Standard designs are for straight-through entry/exit, but 90-degree turns or 3-stop lifts are also available.

Evaluate Your Location

When evaluating a location for a vertical lift, you should plan on having an area approximately 4.5 feet by 8.0 feet in order to address any entry/exit. Allow at least 3.5 to 4 feet of room directly in front of the lift entry to line up a wheelchair for access. Check to make sure there will be enough headroom over head when the lift is at full height. You should plan to have at least 7 feet of headroom above the platform at full height since passengers may be standing.

Foundation Considerations

A firm, stable base must be available as the foundation for any lift. Keep in mind that a 60-inch lift may weigh up to 1600 pounds when occupied, and 144-inch lifts may weigh over a ton when occupied. For most outdoor or basement applications, a concrete pad of at least 4 inches is preferred, and adding steel re-bar is best. Using supports such as recessed railroad ties is generally not advised on bare ground, as the ground may shift and reduce the stability of the lift. Typically, blacktop surfaces are thin by comparison and have a tendency to sink when exposed to heat; therefore, a blacktop foundation is not recommended. If you are installing the platform lift in a structure with wood floors, you must allow for the weight of the lift and the maximum capacity on the foot print of the lift. This can be as much as 1 ton or more so proper planning with regard to placement over the correct size floor joists is essential.

What about Outdoor Applications?

Vertical wheelchair lifts are also designed to operate outdoors with standard, UL approved, ground fault, 110-volt outlets. The motors are located at the top of a sealed control tower to prevent water damage. The floors on the basic residential models are designed to for use in all but the most extreme weather conditions.

Tricia St. Claire is a technical writer for medical and mobility supply websites. For more information on vertical platform wheelchair lifts, please visit Universal Accessibility.

Vertical Platform Lifts Vs Wheelchair Ramps

2011-01-28T12:00:00.001-08:00

For a wheelchair user, the stairs can be a very difficult to use, if not impossible. Some manual wheelchair users are adept at dealing with staircases with no assistance, but this requires a good deal of skill and presents a risk to the wheelchair user. Instead, of trying to use the stairs in this manner, most wheelchair users choose to either install a wheelchair ramp or a vertical platform lift in their home. Both of these devices can greatly improve accessibility and make it much easier to get around.

The vertical platform lift is a very popular lifting aid, which is in many regards simply a self-contained elevator. It includes an elevator shaft, lifting platform, and lifting system all in one unit. They are placed next to the landing of a staircase and raise vertically from the ground level to the landing of the stairs. A metal platform is provided for users to drive their mobility vehicle onto, which is then raised and lowered by pushing one of the control buttons. Many vertical platform lifts also include wireless remotes, as well as call buttons at the top and bottom of the stairs.

Vertical platform lifts, which are frequently called wheelchair lifts, are usually designed to support at least 500 pounds, with some wheelchair lifts having weight capacities that exceed 700 pounds. They can be used by multiple people or to move goods, providing the weight capacity is not exceeded.

The wheelchair lift itself is quite heavy and requires a strong solid base to support it. The base should be made out of either concrete or wood, which is level and does not wobble. Installing a wheelchair lift is fairly simple, with the hardest part usually being moving the lift in place, as it is quite heavy. The lift is then secured to the base and plugged in.

Most vertical platform lifts cost between $3,400 and $15,000, but this varies by the model, as well as its features. For instance, most wheelchair lifts have a lifting height of 4 feet, which can then be upgraded for a fee to up to 12 feet.

Wheelchair ramps often offer a lower cost alternative to a wheelchair lift. They can be built from scratch using wood and there are usually several local companies that can build the ramp for you.

There are also modular wheelchair ramp kits available, which come in sections and are made out of metal. Each section arrives separately, then is fit together to form the ramp.

The size and length of the ramp, both modular and custom built, depends on the height of the staircase, although bends can be added to take up less space. However, even when bends are used, wheelchair ramps end up taking up a lot more space than a wheelchair lift would. Some wheelchair users will also find them difficult to use. In cases where there is only a step or two to bridge, smaller single piece threshold ramps are available, which are very affordable.

Deciding whether to go with a wheelchair lift or a wheelchair ramp is an important decision that should not only take into account cost, but also the needs of the user and where the device will be used.

Robert Dinland, an author, has a strong medical background. Finding a means of increasing accessibility at home is essential for wheelchair users. Many choose to install wheelchair lifts, as these devices are very, powerful, don't take up much space, and make using the home much easier. Learn more about accessibility tools and wheelchairs at the Wheelchair Guide

Wheelchair Safety During Transportation and Travel

2011-01-21T11:00:00.001-08:00

This wheelchair safety advice is for people who use a wheelchair and for caregivers, family members and close friends who know someone in a wheelchair. It also applies to anyone who might be using a mobility scooter.

There are safety guidelines on how wheelchairs should be facing during travel. The best direction to sit is with the wheelchair facing forward because this offers the most protection. Positioning the wheelchair perpendicular to the vehicle is often dangerous because any jolts or jumps in the vehicle can tilt both the wheelchair and the user. No matter the position you intend on placing the wheelchair, make sure the wheelchair is secured to the ground of the vehicle and will not accidentally break free from the restraint during a pot hole. The heavier the wheelchair, the more you have to consider the strength of the restraint. There are vehicles with built in floor restraints that provide the best protection but make sure both the restraint and wheelchair are fitted.

When you are travelling, if have the ability to stand and sit in the vehicle seats without assistance and with little pain, then you should seek that option. Sitting in the vehicle provides more safety than sitting in a wheelchair.

Any kind of contents in the vehicle should be secured for the safety of the wheelchair user. If something looks heavy and could be knocked loose by the moving vehicle, store it as low as possible to avoid any potential injuries. Make sure all accessories on the electric wheelchair such as the battery is properly secured. If the electric wheelchair has a joystick control placed in the center, see if it is possible to remove that as it could be a hazard during any collisions or emergencies.

Wearing Safety Belts

Make sure the belts are fitted for the user and not be restrictive or suffocating. Place belt on the inside of the wheelchair and wrap across the pelvis, taking extra care that the safety belt does not creep up to the stomach during vehicle movements. The best kind of safety belt is the 3 point belt with two attachments of the belt going to the floor and an additional attachment that secures on to the vehicle.

If you are looking for better wheelchair models that can handle the longer travels, visit Handicap Equipment for more information. Read up on common mobility scooter problems that users face and see if it is time to upgrade from manual wheelchairs to power mobility wheelchairs. Also get a better idea of the handicapped equipped vehicles models available to you.

Different Types Of Wheelchair Lifts

2011-01-08T06:00:00.001-08:00

Wheelchair lifts are known best for the best services that they could offer to wheelchair users. No wonder these have great importance to them since they could be transported easily while they are traveling or moving in a particular place where they need to climb up or down. In any place that they could go such as in a building, houses, hotels, stores, hospitals, or in other places, they could have a better transportation with these wheelchair lifts. However there are different types of wheelchair lifts which are good for specific purposes. These are the following.

Inclined Wheelchair Lift

For those handicapped persons who find hard from climbing up and down the stairs, then this kind of wheelchair is the best for him or her. It could functional well just like an elevator. This has safety features too that would avoid or prevent any possible accident. It has emergency stop switches, safety pan, and over speed device. This has anti-slip platforms to avoid falling and slips. This can be use both in outdoors and indoors.

Portable Wheelchair Lift

This kind of lift can give access to users in going up or down from staircases and cars. And since it is portable, this can be easily carried and be kept in a vehicle. It is powered by battery that need a bit of maintenance. This can be used also in outdoors and indoors.

Vertical Wheelchair Lift

For those locations which are not having ramps or wheelchair entry points, this vertical wheelchair lift is an ideal lift for this place. This can be used by lifting the wheelchair with the user sitting on it. The wheelchair can be lowered vertically. This lift too can accommodate different wheelchair of any weight. And in terms of its safety, a user must not be worried since it has safety parameters like safety nut, broken belt monitor, final limit switches, and platform safety pans.

Hydraulic and Electric Lift

This could be a bit expensive but would really ensure durability thus this would last longer. You can find the best of it by finding the best dealer or manufacturer of this. They would know better the best quality which is available in the marketplace.

So, these are the different types of wheelchair lifts that would cater your need if you are finding your wheelchair now for you or to the one whom you know.

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Equip Your Car with Wheelchair Lift

2010-12-29T08:00:00.001-08:00

Having wheelchair to get around is not enough no matter how adaptive structures are designed to accommodate disabled people. To extend more on giving comfort, wheelchair lift for car will make the whole idea complete.

Imagine having a manual wheelchair without any hoisting device to help the patient in the car, it will take helpers just to accomplish a simple need of getting in and out of the car. If you live alone with a disabled person, life would be impossible without help even by just going to groceries.

The patient will end up staying indoors all the time, or will only be limited to simple strolls around the block of a neighborhood. And his world simply ends up smaller and smaller and the world is gaping wide far from reach.

Now there goes a question: if there are at least 3 helpers who can carry and help a patient get out of the car, why buy wheelchair lift for car? Primarily, the three helpers may not be always present to do the job. Given enough monetary budget it pays to invest on car wheelchair lift to complete the accessories necessary to mobilize patients in wheelchair.

You will notice, living with a patient with such disability has the most car trip to hospitals and clinics for periodic check-up. The practical side of investing on a unit is the idea of re-selling it after it is no longer needed in the future. Wheelchair lift for cars is an item you can auction, which can get prospective buyer in times of crucial practical need.

Car wheelchair lift is commonly 30 kg in weight with an average cost of up to $900. It could go less if you avail slightly used items in auctions and sale. There are brands available with extended functions usually for car and other auto use. They are slick and transportable and safe to use.

Actually there are array of concepts and designs suited for specific requirements. There is even a van ramp only for those who would not choose extra complications with mechanisms. But actually, most of portable car lifts are skeletal frames with hoisting accessories, small enough to occupy space. The appearance itself guarantees the effective slimness.

Car wheelchair lift is made functional by electricity and hydraulics. It means it will cost a lot as an added device for electronic or any manual wheel chair. It guarantees to give satisfaction and added independence to a disabled person for any travel by vehicle.

Low Jeremy maintains wheelchair-lift.articlesforreprint.com. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.

Wheelchair Lifts For the Physically Disabled

2010-12-24T10:00:00.001-08:00

With the help of wheelchair lifts, physically disabled persons can access the different parts of their residences or offices rather easily. These accessibility equipments largely support the individuals struggling with mobility impairments, and help them lead a confident life with enhanced independence and momentum.

Convenient and Affordable Accessibility Solution

These accessibility devices are considered a more cost-effective accessibility option than elevators. To provide smooth and convenient access for physically disabled individuals, permanent and portable models of such lifts that are suitable for residential or commercial indoor and outdoor purposes are available in the industry.

With the help of inclined platform lifts, physically challenged persons can comfortably travel up and down the stairways. These lift models are suitable to be used on curved and straight stairways.

These lifts can be obtained in two operating modes namely electric and hydraulic. The hydraulic model wheelchair lifts use hydraulics for enhanced functioning. Electric wheelchair lifts are provided with battery back-ups, so the lifts can be operated even during power outages. Compared to hydraulic models, electric lifts are more flexible, less expensive and can be installed rather effortlessly.

Designed with Superior Safety Features

For ensuring the users maximum safety and trouble-free operation, these lift models are designed with user-friendly controls and superior safety features such as:

• Anti-skid flooring
• Under-platform sensors
• Emergency alarm
• Emergency stop switch
• Cable safety device
• Handrails
• Manual lowering device

Besides, the platforms of almost all wheelchair lift types are designed in such a way that these can accommodate different wheelchair models including power wheelchairs, child wheelchairs, adult wheelchairs and sports wheelchairs.

Select the Right Dealer for Making the Purchase

When planning to purchase such lifts for physically disabled persons, it is necessary to consider factors such as the extent of disability of the user, available models, their price levels and manufacturers. The leading manufacturers offering superior quality wheelchair lifts are Savaria Concord, Adaptive Engineering, ThyssenKrupp Access and Garaventa. Always make sure to purchase these branded products from renowned dealers, offering quality installation and maintenance services at reasonable charges.

Wheelchair Lifts for Physically Disabled - Day Elevator & Lift provides a wide range of mobility products in the categories of elevators, wheelchair lifts, and stairlifts.

Used Wheelchair Ramps Can Save You Money

2010-12-23T05:00:00.001-08:00

It is an effective way to save on money expenses when you are interested in purchasing a used wheelchair ramp. If the word 'used' makes you as a consumer feel uneasy about the quality of used wheelchair ramps and whether it is too old or not functioning properly it is understandable, but it may not always be true.

Look around for ramps such as wood ramps or even metal ramps that are being advertised as having been previously owned. These used wheelchair ramps can not only make you as the wheelchair occupant feel you have more mobility, you will also benefit from the convenience of owning such ramps. In a time where we all encounter various difficult obstacles in our lives, it is a great relief to know that various accessories will help you as a wheelchair user to feel more at ease and comfortable with your situation.

When you are intending on buying a ramp, there are a few issues concerning the quality that you would need to take into consideration before spending money on the ramp. If you intend on purchasing a ramp that has been previously owned by a private user, you will need to examine the ramp in detail as the owner will probably not offer you a guarantee or your money back policy that you will obviously get from a wheelchair and wheelchair accessories company.

When you are considering buying a wood ramp it is advisable to check if the ramp may not have sustained rot and you will also need to have the wood treated to ensure that it will not be slippery when you use the ramp. You will need to check how much weight the ramp will be able to hold and also how steep it is. If you intend on buying a wooden ramp, keep in mind this would be less costly if you just get the building material and build it yourself.

Alternatively when you are considering purchasing a metal ramp, the first sign you will obviously need to look for is rust. There after, check the plastic grip, if there are tears or holes in the plastic you should probably keep looking for another ramp. Stability of the hand and toe rails need to also be tested carefully as many accidents can occur if these rails are faulty. You as buyer will also need to check how much weight the ramp will be able to hold to avoid any mishaps.

If the ramps are able to fold, test whether they fold properly and how good the durability is. It will inevitably decide on how portable the ramp is. Ultimately you can not put a price on the safety of the wheelchair occupant and investing in a ramp of quality will ensure longevity. Private owners offer portable and fixed wheelchair ramps that they no longer need, but before you consider purchasing one from them, see what offers the manufacturers of used wheelchair ramps have to offer you before making your decision.

Gavin Cruise was born in New York, his father was a wealthy business man in real estate. Gavin had the privilege of traveling extensively with his father learning about a wide variety of subjects. He attended Harvard where he majored in English and from the age of 26 Gavin supported himself by freelance writing. If you would like to read more articles about Gavin Cruise, please visit http://www.wheelchairliftsramps.net

Wheelchair Accessible Bathrooms - 5 Necessities For Easy Access

2010-12-21T09:00:00.001-08:00

There are millions of people all over the world with many types of disabilities. Several of these disabilities make it extremely difficult for wheelchair-bound individuals to gain access to the necessities they need - particularly bathrooms

Bathrooms can pose extreme barriers for disabled people and can make an ordinarily simple task time consuming, frustrating and often impossible.

Creating a wheelchair accessible washroom - whether for residential or commercial purposes - has become more and more popular. If you're thinking of creating a new wheelchair accessible washroom - or updating an existing bathroom to accommodate wheelchairs - there are several things you'll want to consider.

1. Doorway Widening. Before you even consider the wheelchair bathroom accessories, you need to make sure a standard wheelchair can fit through the door of your washroom. A standard wheelchair is 24-17" wide. A wheelchair accessible bathroom doorway should be a minimum of 32" wide.

2. Grab Bars. Safety grab bars make it easier and more convenient for wheelchair bound individuals to gain appropriate access to all areas of the bathroom. Installing grab bars next to the toilet and near bathing areas and inside showers and tubs is essential. You may also want to consider installing grab bars behind the toilet and installing roll-under sinks and vanities.

3. Accessible Showers and Bathtubs. Residential washrooms where one or more of the residents (or even a close family member who visits often) should be converted to accommodate wheelchairs. Roll-in showers and walk-in bath tubs are a great way to make the showering process easier.

4. Tilted Mirrors and Accessible Cabinets. Wheelchair accommodating washrooms should definitely have at least one tilted mirror for disabled individuals. There's no sense building an entire washroom for easy wheelchair access if you're going to leave out the mirror. As we mentioned before, roll under sinks and counters are also very accommodating for wheelchair-bound individuals.

We hope our tips have helped and we're happy to hear you're taking the time to research the necessities of a wheelchair accessible bathroom. It's not an easy task, but it's worth the work in the end.

Rhonda Splinter has been helping disabled individuals with accessiblity issues for many years. She specializes in designing wheelchair accessible shower stalls. In her spare time she shares her knowledge with the readers of TheWheelchairSite.com.

Mobilift CX Portable Wheelchair Lift

2010-12-20T01:00:00.001-08:00

Mobilift CX portable wheelchair lift is specially designed for wheelchair users to access stages and other elevated platforms. This multipurpose lift is of high demand in universities, auditoriums, churches, colleges, historic buildings and schools.

Advanced Technological Features for Higher Performance

The Mobilift CX portable wheelchair lift functions without the support of external electric power, batteries or hydraulic components. It comes with self-sufficient features that help in manual operation. Mobilift is flexible to use in any residential or commercial settings; no structural modifications need to be made to the building in order to enable use of this device. The large platform of this accessibility device can accommodate electric wheelchairs and scooters conveniently. No special training or skill is required to operate the lift, and it is completely maintenance-free.

Mobilift CX Portable Wheelchair Lift for Multipurpose Use

The Mobilift CX portable wheelchair lift is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications. It is built to withstand extreme temperatures and is now popularly used for helping wheelchair users to board aircrafts, trains and even boats. Its quick elevation time and locking mechanism add more convenience and comfort for the users. There will be no issues related to rust or corrosion as this lift is built of corrosion-resistant aluminum.

Find Reliable Dealers for Quality Services

Usually Mobilift models are offered 2 years warranty. Today, Adaptive Engineering is the leading manufacturer selling this product that is fully ADA compliant. It is available with many dealers and distributors. Experienced and highly qualified technicians are there in most of the companies supplying these mobility products. They will help you with the installation, repair and maintenance services of the products they sell.

The Mobilift CX portable wheelchair lift has proven to be an economical and extremely convenient means of transporting mobility challenged, sick and aged people.

Mobilift CX portable wheelchair lift - DAY Elevator & Lift provides an extensive range of mobility products such as elevators, stair lifts, platform lifts etc.

Planning to Buy a Wheelchair? Know Your Facts

2010-12-15T06:00:00.001-08:00

Anybody who has ever done a market survey on wheelchairs would know that wheelchairs come in various shapes and sizes and can range from $5000 to $30,000. As an allied health professional, my endeavor here would be to make your job of choosing a wheelchair simplified to an extent.

Two things to be kept in mind before you set out for purchase of a wheelchair are

1. The level of assistance you would be requiring.

2. The places where you would be using it.

Your condition determines the type of wheelchair you would require. A person with tetra-plegia would require an electric wheelchair with a joystick to drive it around. However, people with good strength in their upper arm muscles can go in for a manual wheelchair. Why a manual wheelchair can be a better option than the electric one is because it costs significantly lesser and is much lighter (4lbs. to 30 lbs.) as compared to its powered counterpart (250 lbs.).

It is important to give a thought to whether your wheelchair is for inside or outside use or for both or whether you are planning to do a lot of traveling with it. It is best to get a wheelchair that can go past the narrowest door frames and passages at home or at work place. Accessibility is the key word. You would not want a frustrating situation where size constraints make it impossible to turn it left or right.

I give a lot of importance to the size and weight of a wheelchair. After all, those are the two factors that determine maneuverability and thus your freedom. A lightweight chair, say around 25 to 35 lbs, is easier to fit into a car trunk. Also, they are easy to fold and carry when you are traveling. Motorized wheelchairs cannot be folded.

This brings me to the next criterion which is the dimensions of your wheelchair. Seat width and the height of the back support are two major things that need to be decided. The Seat width is measured as the width of the backside when sitting down. The seat depth is measured as the measure of the back of the buttock to the inside of the knee. The back support height is measured as the length of the top of the shoulder to your bottom.

Add 8 inches to the seat width and that should be the overall width of your wheelchair. Transport wheelchairs are much narrower as their overall width is only 3 inches more than your seat width.

Anti tips, seat belts, and brake extensions can make your wheelchair much safer for use. Cushions and back supports help in positioning a person more comfortably in a wheelchair. Also, head control, trunk control, and upper extremity strength are major determinants of the height and the type of back support you would be requiring. Your physical therapist can be of great assistance in customizing your wheelchair.

I hope that you are better informed about wheelchairs and what to look out for while buying one. An informed customer is the smart customer.

While buying a transport wheelchair, it is best to buy from a website where the features of the product are clearly listed. ojmedical.com is one such site which gives in depth specifications of each wheelchair.

Wheelchair Lifts For Vans - Types, Benefits and Cost

2010-12-05T16:00:00.001-08:00

Wheelchairs have become a very significant mechanism to all disabled persons. Although these devices are beneficial, precautions should still be observed in order to ensure the safety of the persons sitting on them. Even when the user is simply sitting on the chair, we have to ascertain his security. How much more if the disabled is being transported to another place? Definitely, the level of precautionary measures should increase as well. And in the case of transporting people sitting on a wheelchair, the best option is through a van which is large enough to accommodate the wheelchair inside.

However, transportation could sometimes be a bit difficult. For instance, getting the wheelchair inside the vehicle is very effortful and time-consuming, most especially if no capable device is used, like a wheelchair lift.

Basically, there are two kinds of wheelchair lifts: the electric and the hydraulic lift. The electric wheelchair lift, as the name implies, is powered by electricity, while the other one is powered by hydraulics. Either of these types makes the process of lifting the wheelchair into the van much easier. Traditionally, before the chair was boarded into the vehicle, someone had to fold the wheelchair, carry it inside the van, and then lift the patient into the automobile. But nowadays, patients need not to leave their wheelchair because the lift will do all the work for them.

Both types of wheelchair lifts may be used not just in automobiles, but also for residential areas and public buildings. Electrical lifts, however, are mostly preferred by customers because of their lower price. But unfortunately, these lifts are completely unusable in cases of power failure, unless there is a reserved battery for back-up. Hydraulic lifts, albeit not so very popular among wheelchair lift consumers because of their high-maintenance requirement, do not depend on electricity - a reason for them to be fully functional despite a black-out.

A platform wheelchair lift, a more specific type of lifts, includes a small dais that can accommodate the wheelchair and its user. One has to simply roll the chair onto the platform and then push a button that will raise or lower the platform into or out of the van. To maximize the space, the dais folds into the van when not in use. There are two types of platform wheelchair lifts: the automatic and the semi-automatic lift. Their difference is quite simple: the former automatically folds the lift when a button is pushed, while the latter still needs manual folding (and unfolding).

A rotary wheelchair lift, also called a swing lift, is another specific model. It carries the wheelchair in and out the vehicle through an electric or hydraulic boom arm. However, this lift is less popular in the market than the first type. Aside from its demanding maintenance, it is also less capable of lifting heavy weight. On the other hand, rotary wheelchair lifts cost less than a platform one.

Installing a wheelchair lift on a van could be very expensive since it needs modification in the interior of the vehicle; the height of the floor needs to be lowered, and the seats have to be remodeled to accommodate the lift. But the benefits that it gives us and our disabled loved ones are quite priceless.

Victoria Brightman is a former patient who successfully overcame a severe physical disability. Being bound to a wheelchair for more than a year, she has also helped many people suffering from similar conditions to gain a new hope for recovery. As main author at wheelchairvictoria.com, she writes about wheelchair lifts, their types, functions and benefits. Visit her blog if you want to learn more about the wheelchair lifts for vans and the way they can simplify a disabled person's life.

Compare Options When Purchasing a New Power Wheelchair

2010-11-27T16:00:00.001-08:00

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

2010-11-21T10:00:00.001-08:00

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

2010-11-06T12:00:00.001-07:00

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

2010-11-05T04:00:00.001-07:00

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.

Fashion Designs for Women in Wheelchairs

2010-10-29T21:00:00.001-07:00

Women in wheelchairs often find that their physical condition can severely limit their choices in clothing in addition to their mobility. Clothing is manufactured which is designed to be comfortable and easy to use for people with mobility problems, but there has been a tendency to design with a "one size fits all" approach, making clothing which cater to any kind of disability without taking style into account. Now designers are emerging who cater to women who want up-to-date fashion designed to be stylish and comfortable in a wheelchair.

Clothing designed for use in wheelchairs is generally made to accommodate any disability. This can be very important for people who suffer a lack of motor ability in their hands, as many wheelchair clothing manufacturers include Velcro seams with feaux buttons, making it possible to dress themselves independently. If you are able to use buttons, however, you may prefer a button-down shirt, but still want it to be designed to look good while you're in a sitting position. Clothing is usually designed to look its best when a person is standing or walking.

Clothing design for people in wheelchairs has been slower to evolve than wheelchair design. You can get a variety of wheelchairs to match any disability with any cause, but most wheelchair-appropriate clothing design is designed to be accessible to anyone. Clothing for men with mobility problems is usually very classical, including polo shirts, feaux button-down shirts, classic pants, jeans, or khakis with elasticized waistbands, and sport jackets cut a little shorter to look good in a sitting position.

This isn't as much of a problem because men's clothing design is more uniform to begin with. Women's clothing is much more complicated and varied. Women's wheelchair clothing, in addition to sometimes not having the option of excluding Velcro seams or other accommodations that, depending on your situation, you may not need, are often also very classical or even targeted towards senior citizens. Senior citizens make up a large part of the market for mobility products, and while there are older people who want to use up-to-date clothing, the stereotype is that they may have an antiquated fashion sense.

Designers are finally catching up with wheelchair fashion. There still aren't many sources of fashion clothing for people in wheelchairs but the market is expanding. These designers tend to focus on simply making clothing which looks good and is comfortable while sitting down, which may make them a tempting option for people who work in an office as well. Jackets are designed not to bunch up when a person is sitting down with the jacket buttoned, as are shirts and blouses. Pants are designed to accommodate your stomach in a sitting position, using elastic or loose-fitting waistbands, as are skirts, which are cut at a length which is tasteful and won't get caught in your spokes.

With new wheelchair fashion designers, women in wheelchairs no longer have to feel that they can't use up-to-date, fashionable clothing which looks and feels good.

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 more about fascinating women in wheelchairs, or you simply want to know about some unique wheelchair accessories, we've got you covered!

A Review of Popular Electric Wheelchair Products

2010-10-19T04:00:00.001-07:00

Several brands of electric wheelchairs are available both on and offline. With so many options to choose from, it is helpful to distinguish between the various features that each manufacturer and product offers. The following list of product and manufacturer reviews

Hoveround Electric Wheelchairs

Hoveround Corporation, founded in April 1992, is one of the leading Mobility device companies in the U.S. Hoveround designs, manufactures, sells, and services personal mobility vehicles like electric and manual wheelchairs, electric scooters and electric lifts. The company operates at a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, which has received the ISO 9001 certification for design, manufacturing procedures and distribution.

Hoveround supplies mobility devices directly to customers, insurers and other public and private entities. The company handles every aspect of the client's mobility needs, right from evaluation to prescription and provider approval, delivery, training and service. The company employs therapists, nurses, rehab technology suppliers and assisting technology practitioners to cater to all needs of the customers. The most popular of Hoveround's products are the highly maneuverable MP4 and the powerful Teknique XHD, which can carry up to 500 pounds.

Pride Electric Wheelchair

Pride Mobility is a leading provider of mobility equipment. Pride
Mobility is well known for its Pride and Jazzy lines of electric
wheelchairs, which are the most popular electric wheelchairs on the
market.

Pride Mobility Scooters include the Sundancer, Rally, Celebrity, Maxima, Victory and Legend models.

Pride Mobility Jazzy is the most popular brand of electric wheelchair from Pride Mobility. The Jazzy range is known for its patented mid-wheel drive system, exceptional maneuverability and trendy designs. Available in many different models, the Jazzy range promises maximum performance with standard active-track suspension and enables easy assembling and disassembling. Powered with motors, and having a speed range of up to 4 mph, the Jazzy electric wheelchairs offer exceptional maneuverability control. They are also extremely user-friendly and convenient, having been designed with a patented mid-wheel drive design.

Quantum Rehab is a line of customized power positioning systems and mobility products. It includes Power Recline, Power Elevating and Power Articulating Legrest options.

Lift Chairs are designed to fit into the home's decor and are available in luxury, gentle and casual lift modes.

Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) have great mileage (up to 25 miles before recharge) and can be used for long rides -- even for golf.

The Hercules 3000 Lift is a power lift for wheelchairs with easy assembly and disassembly operations. The Hercules has a dynamic braking system and is provided with various docking devices that are suitable for any scooter or Jazzy.

Electric Wheel Chairs Info provides detailed information about electric wheelchair lifts and scooters, used electric wheelchairs, electric indoor wheelchairs, Medicare, electric wheelchair reviews, and more. Electric Wheel Chairs Info is the sister site of Scooters Web.

A Review Of The National Wheel-O-Vator and Stannah Wheelchair Stair Lift

2010-10-10T01:00:00.001-07:00

Very few companies make genuine wheelchair stair lifts; Wheel-O-Vator and Stannah are two that make excellent stair lifts for wheelchairs. Both are have very similar features with some minor differences.

Just about all stair lifts comprise a mechanized chair that travel along a track that is mounted on to the stairs. These handicap stair lifts have improved the lives of many people who are handicapped or who have difficult walking up and down stairs. However, these stair lifts require that the person using them has the ability to lift themselves on and off the chair unaided. Unfortunately, for those who are wheelchair bound this is not usually possible and so chair stair lifts don't provide the solution to home mobility.

Wheelchair stair lifts can provide access to all floors but there are a number of issues and most domestic homes are unsuitable for these lifts. Most domestic stairways are too narrow to accommodate the platform and secondly, the track must be fitted on to a load bearing wall. But if the house is suitable then two companies provide inclined wheelchair stair lifts.

Features of the Pegasus inclined wheelchair stair lift from Wheel-O-Vator.

1. The bi-directional safety ramp sensors not only provide protection for the user of the Pegasus Handicap stair lifts, but also for other people on the stairway.

2. Each platform is custom measured and built for the exact requirement of the user.

3. The platforms folds up to clear the stairway using only a space of 12 1/2" from the wall.

4. The platform can turn inwards and outwards to fit all stairways shapes.

5. Access to the platform is from either the front or side.

6. The side access ramps on the platform lift up to secure the wheelchair.

7. The safety barrier arms and access ramps are mechanically locked and electrically monitored during travel.

Features of the Stairiser CR wheelchair stair lift from Stannah

1. The stair lift is fully automatic, with electrically controlled folding platform and barrier arms that lock into position when in use.

2. The platform will stop immediately when any obstruction is encountered.

3. Access to the platform is from either the front or side.

4. The side access ramps on the platform lift up to secure the wheelchair.

5. The platform folds away against a smooth rail when not in use, leaving ample room to allow others to use the stairway.

6. Fold down seats are available as an option.

7. The Stairiser CR can be used internally and externally.

8. The platform can turn both inwards and outwards.

9. There is a choice of 4 platform sizes.

10. The platform can carry a maximum weight of 225kg

Both the Wheel-O-Vator and Stannah wheelchair stair lifts require an onsite inspection. Installation can be quite quick depending on the stairway; a wheelchair stair lift can be fitted in 3-4 days on a straight stairway.

The features offered by both companies are more or less the same. Choosing which wheelchair stair lift to buy will ultimately come down to price and 'extras' that your local dealer offers you. Whether you eventually choose the -O-Vator and Stannah wheelchair stair lift you can rest assured you'll be buying an excellent product.

Following the links for wheelchair stair lifts and handicap stair lifts from Stannah Stair Lifts.

Wheelchair Lifts Explained - The Different Types of Lifts to Keep the Disabled Mobile

2010-10-07T02:00:00.001-07:00

Simply put, a wheelchair lift is a tool or piece of equipment used to elevate or lift wheelchairs. This device is particularly helpful to people who have difficulty in stepping up when they use their wheelchairs. It can operate either by electricity or hydraulics, but on occasions when there's power failure, it can still function manually. Generally speaking, lifts can either be designed as a retracting platform or a fold-up lifting apparatus. In the same way that you choose a wheelchair, you also have to employ careful consideration in selecting a lift to go with it. After all, your decision can help spell the difference between comfort and inconvenience.

Lifts can be used both in hospitals and at home. Which is no surprise, because it only takes a relatively short amount of time to install, and is practically maintenance free. In addition to that, it features a non-slip platform, safety barrier and railing, and even pressure switches. To help you in the selection of a lift suitable for you or someone you're buying it for, here are the different types of wheelchair lifts:

Inclined platform wheelchair lifts - Inclined platform lifts are designed with a major consideration in mind: they can be used both indoors and outdoors. If you or the person who will use it is quite flexible in his/her activities, then this type of wheelchair lift is definitely worth checking out. It can be used in a wide variety of places, from private houses and offices, to churches and schools. It is especially helpful when climbing stairs.

Portable wheelchair lifts - If the person who will use the lift is very mobile and always on the go, then getting a portable wheelchair lift is a good option. This kind of lift is also sometimes referred to as mobilift - and with good reason. It is easy to bring along practically anywhere, like outdoor bleachers and vertical raised platforms.

Vertical platform wheelchair lifts - If you're thinking more along the lines of commercial application, then you might want to have a look at a vertical platform lift. This kind of lift is designed to function in just that area. Alternatively, you can also use it as a home elevator.

Portable Vertical lifts - A portable vertical wheelchair lift hints of its flexible function in its name: it can be used both as a portable and vertical lift.

Nathan Mattel is a disability consultant who works with patients requesting wheelchairs San Diego. With over 15 years of experience in manual and electric wheelchair consulting for the San Diego disability community, he can help you find the right wheelchair for you or your loved one.

Being in a Wheel Chair And Living Life to the Fullest

2010-10-05T15:00:00.001-07:00

Life is good when lived in freedom--the freedom to choose, to achieve, to discover, to do what one wishes to do, to go places where one wills to go. It may not be perfect, but it will be great if one chooses to make it this way. Happiness they say is after all a state of mind. But what if such freedom was constrained so that where one wishes to go, one cannot do without the aid of a machine? Will life still be the same? If you go looking for a person who claims he/she has never been sick from the time he/she was born, you must be staring at someone out of his/her own mind, a walking miracle or plainly a liar.

For the most part, the latter would hail to be true. In today's modern society, we are made more aware of the needs of the handicapped and the disabled, especially those with in wheel chairs. Since the world is an imperfect place and we are housed in imperfect bodies, life could prove to be very challenging, all the more those confined with life in a wheelchair. As everything is a choice, one can still choose to be happy, productive, busy and even very rewarding in a wheelchair.

Being in a wheelchair, the whole world would seem much bigger; people walking on their own two feet will seem much taller than you. Sometimes people don't even see you and actually even stumble over you. Like all things, the good and the bad--well-meaning people on the other hand, will want to push you or do things for you. You can of course do these things for yourself to help you maintain that own sense of independence and self-esteem.

Being in a wheelchair, also gives you bumps along the way like how a wheelchair ramp that's a little too steep can make you gulp and unless you can afford a car especially equipped for your disability, you have to depend upon friends for rides or special public transportation. It's also how you acquire your weekly groceries. It may even surprise you to know that even in a wheelchair, you can accomplish all these things! It sure would be nice to go to the beach or the mountains occasionally.

Being in a wheelchair, isn't at all that bad. I mean able-bodied people of all ages, although they become understandably angry, frightened, easily frustrated and lose hope when accidents or illness limits them to a life in a wheelchair, should always look to the deeper meaning of their lives. Anyway, your condition may only be temporary like minor spinal cord injuries that are expected to improve with time through a period of intense physical therapy and avoiding weight bearing on your legs via crutches, casts and spending several months in a wheel chair. Of course, some conditions are permanent, causing irreversible paralysis of the lower limbs. This is always bad news. The news, however, could be even worse if you refuse to gracefully accept your limitations and make the very best life for yourself in a wheel chair.

Being in a wheelchair doesn't change who you are as a person. Many disable people are still able to live productive and happy lives despite being in a wheelchair. they hold jobs, they raise families, they contribute to their community and their country, and they are as financially and physically independent as they could possibly be.

Fulfillment in life does not require one to walk on two feet or be fully equipped with the perfect abled body. Living your life to the fullest even in a wheelchair can allow you equal or even a greater sense of fulfillment if you choose to make it happen. After all it is not our physical bodies that rise up to the challenges of life, but more so our spirits that are not limited to the confines of our physical bodies that is able to exceed and go beyond what society and human capacity can conquer.

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Wooden Wheelchair Ramp Building and Seven Things You Must Know

2010-09-14T23:00:00.001-07:00

I have recently noticed a great deal of interest in information on building wooden wheelchair ramps. While I recently wrote an article that covered the building of concrete ramps here at my own residence. I thought I would cover building a wooden wheelchair ramp. I have in the past built several wooden ramps.

Wooden ramps come in a wide range of sizes and materials. So we will cover the general rules you must follow in order to build a sturdy and most importantly safe wooden wheelchair ramp. I say most of all safe because I have seen and even used some wooden ramps that to my mind were more dangerous than not having a ramp. There are seven thing you must know in order to build a safe and sturdy wooden ramp.

1. Do I really need a wooden ramp here or would something else be better?

2. Remember the rules of ramp building. Your angle is 1:2 or 1" rise = 12" run, every 30" rise a landing of 60" long. Avoid long runs break them up if you can.

3. Materials must pressure treated or rated for outdoor use. Use stainless steel or galvanized carriage bolts and screws. You'll round footing forms and post brackets as well.

4. The tools you will need are very basic. You will need a hand saw or circular saw. A drill with a 1/2" bit to drill holes for the carriage bolts. A ratchet to tighten the nuts. A tape measure, a carpenters square, level, and cordless drill driver are other tools you will need. You will also need a post hole digger and a shovel.

5. Any structure is only as good as it's foundation. So we take special care with the footings of our wheelchair ramp. They should be place every six feet forming a 6' x 4' rectangle with a post bracket embedded in the top.

6. Don't make it too steep. Always check your angle and use the ratio. If it is too steep the user won't make it up.

7. Put it together right! Use screws for the decking and nuts and bolts at all the joints. Think of the ramp as a bridge for a wheelchair and build it as such. Don't just nail it together.

As we can see building a wooden wheelchair ramp is not a simple undertaking. It is however within the skill level of the average do-it-yourself builder. And while I wrote an article covering the building of a concrete ramp it was a rather simple threshold ramp you would encounter in typical slab construction home. I would not however recommend a concrete ramp project of the scale I have just described for the do-it-yourself builder unless you have prior experience with concrete projects of this scale.

My name is Gary M Renick and I am a 55 year old retired engineer. I have be handicapped since the age of three when I was stricken by polio. I have spent the last 37 years confined to a wheelchair. The last five in a power chair as I now suffer from Post Polio Syndrome. My experience as a wheelchair user helps me to write about accessibility problems and solutions. My blog is called "Ask Gary ADA" and it deals with answers to accessibility problems and other handicap issues and changing government policy. You can visit my site at http://www.askgaryada.com

Wheelchair Accessories

2010-09-10T00:00:00.001-07:00

A person who is confined to a wheelchair can do a lot to customize it in order to make it attractive and comfortable. Just because being in a wheelchair is unavoidable does not mean that it has to be entirely uncomfortable. This realization has resulted in a growing demand for wheelchair accessories of all types. As a result, there are many companies that specialize in the manufacture and sale of good quality accessories for all sorts of wheelchairs.

If you visit other people in their homes a lot using your wheelchair, then wheel covers are absolutely essential. They will prevent your wheels from carrying dirt into the homes and offices you enter.

A wheelchair tray is another accessory, and it helps a person keep things in from of them without having to hold it in their hands or in their lap. Similarly, a wheelchair backpack can be fitted to the back of the wheelchair, even a motorized wheelchair, so that the user can carry all sorts of essential things there. Some of these backpacks have multiple pockets that can be used to carry mobile phones, money, cosmetics or bottled water within easy reach. If the person requires it his or her wheelchair can also be fitted with a cane holder.

These accessories cover a whole lot of functions, and they are very helpful in reducing the inconvenience caused by having to use a manual or motorized wheelchairs. There are many interesting accessories available, and you should find out exactly which ones will help you the most before you decide on buying any one. You obviously cannot buy every accessory you see, and you will have to limit your choice to the most useful ones.

Bebo is concerned about accessibility for everyone because it personally affects his life. A member of his family uses motorized wheelchair and this fact led him to start a website/blog on motorized wheelchairs

Funding Options and Sources For Your Wheelchair

2010-09-04T15:00:00.001-07:00

The wheelchair, an equipment to help paraplegic get greater freedom and independence, might be affordable to most families, but to some, this cost might be a whole year's savings. If you are in need for some funding to help you get that wheelchair, this article is a good resource to help you out, as we discuss a few funding options and sources.

1. The Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers (RTS) also known as Durable Medical Equipment sales assistant (DME) are the professionals who sell, service, and maintain the functionality of wheelchairs. Being the expert in the industry, they know the US funding system well and can help a great deal to get funding for their customers. In fact, some of the larger RTS companies in the market even hire a funding or reimbursement specialists to help customers work with insurance companies and other suitable sources, depending on your circumstances, to get payment and claims. Currently, there is also a new trend for Managed Care Organization (MCO) and Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) to refer their customers to the DMEs that they own.

2. Medicaid - a joint Federal State program to pay for medical services for eligible low income and unfortunate families can be also a source of funding for your wheelchair. The covered services and funding for adults may vary in the state you live in, nevertheless a comprehensive sets of services called Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) are provided for children till twenty-one years old.

3. Waivers for children who use wheelchairs known as "Katy Beckett Waivers" are also available in most states. This waiver allows low-income families to apply for a waiver. The waiver would makes the child qualified for Medicaid funding that can be used in combination with the family's health insurance. Other kinds of waivers are also provided for the needs of children with other special diagnoses or disabilities.

4. Another important source of funds is Medicare. Medicare Part A covers you while you are in a health care facility, providing you with the necessary wheelchair and medical equipment needed. Medicare Part B covers a range of outpatient health care services like health insurance policy and this is the part of Medicare that pays for wheelchairs. Medicare has very clear guidelines about what type of wheelchairs one can buy namely - The wheelchair must be required in order to provide a safe and functional means to get around inside the house. The usage of the wheelchair must fit this guideline, as Medicare is only concern about funding wheelchairs for use within the home. Therefore all documentation, the letters of justification and the Certificates of Medical Necessity (CMN), must support and explain the need for the wheelchair within the home.

So now the first thing you need to do is, to determine which DMERC is responsible for your state. The DMERC Link will give you the toll free number for the DMERC for your state. Besides an 800 number, each DMERC has information in various formats to help you with any questions regarding equipment, a claim or an appeal.

These are the available options that Americans can use should they need any assistance in funding for a wheelchair and if the respective authority reckons that based on the individual circumstances, the applicant is eligible for the grant or benefits then he will get funds for the wheelchair.

Moses Wright is the webmaster of WheelchairUser.net. He provides more helpful information on Wheelchair, Wheelchair Ramps and Wheelchair Lift that you can learn in the comfort of your home on his website. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

How To Sell Your Used Electric Wheelchair

2010-08-18T18:00:00.001-07:00

Wheelchairs are a boon to the physically disabled people who cannot walk or move. With the help of these wheelchairs they can move around anywhere and everywhere. They are free to go wherever they want with the support of wheelchairs. The wheelchair is a chair like thing with wheels under it which helps the movement of the chair when the gear is moved. But today the movement of wheelchairs has been made easier by the manufacturing of electric wheelchairs. These electric wheelchairs are powered by electricity and hydraulic power and have a power button. By pressing the power button one can move around easily.

Electric wheelchairs can be purchased from any showroom selling such wheelchairs. Electric wheelchairs also come with a wheelchair lift which is also powered with the similar mechanism as the wheelchair itself. This wheelchair lift allows the disabled person to rise above the surface of the ground. The person places the wheelchair on the platform of the wheelchair lift and then by pressing the power button raises the wheelchair above the surface. This is very helpful in going up in elevated places. The only factor about the electric wheelchair which acts as a negative point is that is far too costly and most of the people are unable to afford it.

Electric wheelchair might cost up to a few thousands of dollars. So it is not so easy for a middle class man to buy the electric wheelchair which is otherwise so much advantageous. But a solution to this problem is purchasing used electric wheelchairs. There are showrooms which sell used electric wheelchair but in good condition.

It is seen that used electric wheelchairs are bought to save money; similarly used electric wheelchair can be sold to have a money return. People can sell their electric wheelchairs once they have finished with the use of it. Electric wheelchairs cost more so to get back at least the half price of the wheelchair will be enough. If the electric wheelchair is almost new and is in a very good condition then the price given may rise up. There are many showrooms and places where they buy the electric wheelchairs. The condition for selling these used wheelchairs is that it must be in excellent condition to be most of the showrooms do not buy wheelchairs which are more than three years old. But the prices given by different showrooms vary; the prices also vary on the condition in which the wheelchair is.

To sell the wheelchair one must take few steps. To initiate the selling process the person concerned might give advertisements in the classified pages of a daily newspaper or at the bulletin boards of a supermarket. One might also try the website for featuring the advertisement, but these unprofessional methods must be avoided as much as possible because these companies seldom match the proper equipment with the user.

The reliable resources for selling used wheelchairs are the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) which will match the equipment with the needy through newsletters, word of mouth or notices. The state rehabilitation department can be contacted to see whether they can connect the seller with a therapist who can help him finding a new user.

http://www.Electricpowerwheelchair.com offers a wide range of electric powered wheelchair, folding electric wheelchair and also Gel Foam Soft Touch Wheelchair Cushions. Please visit us today.

Motorized Wheelchair - All You Need to Know

2010-08-11T05:00:00.001-07:00

When wheelchairs were invented as early as the year 1700's, this gave chances and hope to people who were not given the gift to walk or ware deprived to walk. From those ages until this day and age, innovations are still on going in developing a new trend, make, model and design to best fit the needs of recipients of these very helpful inventions.

Then came a new innovative step in the line of wheelchairs, a motorized wheelchair was invented to cater the needs of some wheelchair users who cannot move themselves around using a manual wheelchair. Motorized wheelchair comes with a motor which drives this chair in lieu of manual power and navigational controls for steering and moving back and forth. As these motorized wheelchairs shoot up in the markets, it however admits of some limitations. Some users of these motorized wheelchairs are facing space problems as this kind of wheelchair needs a bigger than usual space to drive on because this is somehow bulky and not to mention it weighs much more than a manual wheelchair.

Traveling along with these motorized wheelchairs however requires another extra baggage room or space in the car for it to be carried from one place to another. Another is that these wheelchairs will costs a much higher maintenance as it comes with some other gadgets which needs to be changed or charged like a battery or any other power driving device. Although these inventions admit of some limitations, this kind of device could not be denied that it gives a person the capability to move from one place to another and not to mention reliability and comfort.

Pediatric Wheelchair Considerations

2010-08-09T14:00:00.001-07:00

Children with disabilities needn't miss out on all activities of childhood if you properly choose the right type of pediatric wheelchair so their mobility is enhanced. There are all sorts of variables to take into considerations when it comes to picking out the right chair. One such consideration is transportation. So while an electric power chair is popular among kids and adults alike, a more lightweight wheelchair might be more easily transportable.

Since you will be maneuvering your child around your home and transferring him from wheelchair to chair you would probably want a lightweight wheelchair for that purpose. Choose one with detachable hardware so you can get the wheelchair as close to the chair as possible to save on back strain. Also consider which type of wheelchair would be best suited for school and any other activities your child participates in. Of course the most important consideration is that you choose a wheelchair that meets with the doctor's specifications.

You can opt to purchase a wheelchair that is the size of your child and then buy a larger chair as your child grows. Or you can buy a wheelchair that grows with your child. Certain types of pediatric wheelchairs are built to expand in size to accommodate increased bulk and weight by altering a cross balance on the bottom of the chair. The front frames for the legs can be lengthened as your child's legs grow longer. A wheel chair such as this can last for 10 years or longer making them a wise investment.

Also, you want your child to be comfortable. Select cushions that are not overly soft or rough so your child will be comfortable sitting for long periods of time. A cushion that is too thick will be uncomfortable and one that is too thin will not provide enough support. Be sure to choose a pediatric wheelchair with a footrest that is low enough so that it allows the seat to be in contact with the entire thigh.

Other considerations that are not as important are the style and color of the wheelchair. Although, these options might mean more to your child than they do to you. There is no need to settle for a depressing gray or brown metal framed chair. Pediatric wheelchairs can be purchased in lively colors such as red, blue, or pink and decorated with stickers and painted flowers so they are more appealing to children.

You can see that there are many things to consider when picking out a pediatric wheelchair. Do not rely on price alone. Pricier does not necessarily mean better. You want a wheelchair that is comfortable and provides proper support. It should be easily maneuverable to make things easier on both of you. Remember that you can buy your cushions separately to further customize your pediatric wheelchair.

Milos Pesic is a successful webmaster and owner of highly popular and comprehensive Wheelchairs web site. For more articles and resources on wheelchairs, shower wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs, wheelchair lifts and vans, wheelchair rentals and much more visit his site at: http://wheelchair.need-to-know.net/

How to Look For a Wheelchair on eBay

2010-08-06T10:01:00.001-07:00

If you like to shop online as I do, I will suggest eBay. I love eBay. This is my favorite online store to shop at. By now, I'm pretty sure you have heard of this website. Thousands of transactions happen constantly on eBay. Just about anyone can sell almost anything here. Items are sold one at a time or several at once (these are called lots). Sellers of all kinds sell their wheelchairs used and new on this site. Type in wheelchairs you will be amazed at how many search results you get in return.

Before purchasing anything, make sure to check the seller's return policy so that you can see how much time you have to test the wheelchair before you are able to return it for a refund. Make sure the seller has pictures so that you can see what you are getting before you purchase. Last but not least, check the seller's rating to see how his pass customers were treated. The seller's rating is next to his user's name. The rating lets you see the feedback that the seller has from other buyers. Most sellers on eBay want to have a 95% - 100% seller's rating because it shows that they take care of their buyers which in turn give them more sales.

Nowadays, everyone is trying to save dollars. You are probably reading this article because you want to do the same. Buying a wheelchair for a low price is very possible on this site. However, you have to be a member to begin purchasing items. Signing up for eBay is free. I have a link to eBay on my site that can take you directly to eBay.

To find wheelchairs on eBay [http://www.wheelchairstation.com], go to WheelChairStation.Com [http://www.wheelchairstation.com] to learn this and much more.

Electric Wheelchair Batteries - Selecting the Right Battery For Your Wheelchair

2010-08-05T09:00:00.001-07:00

When choosing a new electric wheelchair battery, it is important to understand how that choice will affect your chair, and to purchase the right kind of battery for how you use your wheelchair. Choosing the wrong kind of wheelchair battery can leave you without power, due to the battery running out, or being insufficient for heavy use over rough terrain. Consider the characteristics of each kind of battery, look at how you typically use your wheelchair, and then choose the best one for you.

First, let us take a brief look at two of the major types of electric wheelchair batteries and their characteristics. Both are considered to be "deep cycle", meaning they are designed to be fully depleted almost fully with each discharge cycle, using nearly all of the battery's available capacity (unlike the battery for, say, an automobile which is a "starter battery", meant only to provide large bursts of energy over a short period of time).

The first type of wheelchair battery is a wet-cell lead-acid battery. Wet-cell batteries usually have a larger capacity, meaning they can travel a longer distance on a single charge, can provide more power for moving over obstacles and rough terrain, and usually are the least expensive choice.

Many wet-cell batteries require you to add distilled water every few months: this can prove to be difficult as the batteries are quite heavy and can be hard to reach. In addition, the user has the potential to become exposed to chemical burns, through acidic spills if the battery boils over or the battery case becomes damaged. Wet-cell batteries are not allowed on airlines.

The second type of electric wheelchair battery is a gel-cell lead-acid battery. This type of battery never needs water, so it is maintenance free. As a result, there is no potential for chemical spills, and is the only kind of lead-acid battery approved for airline travel. The main disadvantage to gel-cell batteries is that they typically have 10-20% less capacity than wet batteries. If you are a wheelchair user that tends to travel long distances in your chair, this can be an important consideration in your battery choice.

How long an electric wheelchair battery lasts will greatly depend on how the chair is used. Most batteries can last about a year, and for a user who mostly travels indoors, the battery may last up to 2 years. A good rule of thumb to determine if the wheelchair battery is becoming weak, is if you notice the wheelchair slowing down at the end of trips that were not a problem when the battery was new.

Another factor in how long your battery lasts is having the right kind of battery charger. Correctly charging your wheelchair battery using the recommended type of battery charger will extend the life of the battery and increase it's performance.

So how do you ultimately decide the right type of electric wheelchair battery for you? Most manufacturers seem to recommend gel-cell batteries due to environmental and maintenance concerns. However, if you require more power and range for your wheelchair than a gel-cell typically provides, you might consider having both types, using the wet-cell for daily use, and the gel-cell for travel, or light indoor use. For most wheelchair users who do not have extreme needs for power or range, the gel-cell lead-acid battery will probably be just fine for regular everyday use.

N. Bobby was the caregiver and advocate for her elderly parents for nearly a decade. In that time, she personally experienced first hand, many of the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of adult children who care for their aging parents. She discusses many of the issues related to caring for the elderly and disabled on her blog, Aging Parent Conversations. She also provides additional information and resources related to electric wheelchair batteries, wheelchair parts, and simple wheelchair repair.

Take 10 Minutes - Ask 10 Questions - Shopping For a Wheelchair Accessible Van

2010-08-03T05:00:00.001-07:00

In this wonderful era of technology, there is a plethora of information at our fingertips, anytime we want or need it. Simply type in any keyword phrase into Google or Yahoo and information overload hits us like a slap in the face.

Let's take for example the term wheelchair van. After typing that into Google, there are 592,000 results that appear. Now take the phrase handicap van, which yields 706,000 results on Google. How does one decipher what is valid and legitimate information, especially when we all have the attention span of a 5 year old and can only get through 2-3 pages of results.

VMI has launched a new campaign this week to assist buyers of wheelchair accessible vans get one step closer to finding answers to very important questions, many of which are foreign to many first time buyers and even second and third time buyers. After talking with hundreds of our customers over the years, these questions are, in my opinion, the most important, in terms of what best suits you and your needs. We all want certain features, but the wheelchair user may have needs that outweigh those wants and desires.

1. What are the differences between an in-floor and fold-out ramp?
2. How does SURE DEPLOY help in case of vehicle power failure?
3. Why is a 55 1/23 door opening height so important?
4. What is the benefit of having an 8 degree ramp angle?
5. Why is an 113 dropped floor beneficial?
6. What does "wheelchair maneuverability" in an accessible van mean?
7. How do I know how much interior headroom I need in an accessible van?
8. Is the functionality of the front passenger's seat the same with all ramp systems?
9. Where is the spare tire located and how is it accessed?
10. How much ground clearance do I need to clear speed bumps?

When searching for a wheelchair van, take these 10 questions to your local Certified Mobility Equipment Dealer and take 10 minutes to get educated. Test out different vehicles with you and your family and see which best fits you. Just because it is a wheelchair accessible van, does not mean it is a one size fits all. Take a look inside the latest VMI wheelchair accessible minivan.

Exercises For You In Your Wheelchair

2010-07-25T08:00:00.001-07:00

There are several ways to increase you health by diet and exercise no matter what condition you are in which you find your self (with the exception of paralysis, of course.)
Aging with strength, assuring good oxygen flow and a strong heart, and of course, doing as much exercise as is necessary, are all sure ways to increase your overall quality (not to mention the length) of your life. When you are "stuck" in a wheelchair but you still have some mobility in your arms and legs, you can begin at whatever pace you desire... but there are exercises out there for you. Even if you are bed-ridden, you can still try to keep your muscles from atrophy if you do exercises that your doctor approves and considers safe for your condition.

The great thing about exercise is that it is something that your muscles will remember and therefore, it becomes easier and easier for you. Some people begin at a difficulty level that is just too hard for him or her. This is when it is easy to tell your self that it is too hard. To tell your self that you might as well give up before you hurt yourself. However, some people do the best thing someone can do in his or her situation. The individual must start small and develop the strength to work harder, more difficult exercises in the future. When there is pain, stop. Without question, if you feel like you are over-exerting your self, and especially if your muscles shake - do not continue! You can always wait until tomorrow and try to push your self further, harder, gaining flexibility and strength.

An exceptionally important thing to remember about strengthening the muscles you do have is that you can become more able to prevent accidents and injuries. In other words, you can support your self with the muscles you do use and strengthen to compensate for the muscles you can not use. This will increase your mobility and help you avoid injury due to muscle weakness. It is said that when people grow older, even without a disability, it is important to focus on the muscles that will help maintain balance.

For example: an older woman (or a man) who is susceptible to weakened bone density and will be more likely to break a bone (usually a hip-bone) if (he or) she takes a fall will be less likely to hurt themselves if they have strong muscles to help them keep their balance. For an older man or woman, practicing the "tree position" which is a very popular Yoga pose, is extremely beneficial. The "tree" is a standing position or posture that increases balance through the torso, and also on each leg - which helps especially if someone looses his or her footing. In the "tree" position, you lengthen through the body, push down into the floor with your standing leg and place the other leg against your ankle, knee, or inner thigh (however it feels most comfortable) and hold the position. Basically what you are doing is practicing standing on one leg. You can keep your arm to the side to help with balance, or you can raise them up into the "prayer position" above your head and lengthen through your body. There are many muscle groups engaged in this exercise - which should (as always) be repeated on either side of the body. You will increase strength in your core as well as in your leg muscles - and you will develop excellent balance.

Nonetheless, there are people who are much more disabled than this. But did you know that strengthening whatever muscle groups you can, in addition to all the other benefits, will help you with your balance no matter what your circumstances are? Many people without the use of his or her legs will exercise his or her arms - the strength you can potentially develop in your arms can help you in a surprising capacity. Say you fall out of your wheelchair for some reason, or out of your bed perhaps: with muscle strength in your upper body you can help yourself get back into bed, your chair, into the bath, onto the toilet etcetera. However, if your muscles are too weak you will require assistance. So it is always a great idea to find some kind of exercise or physical therapy treatment, no matter how unhelpful you may believe it will be. Many people have realized not only that they have fallen under this misconception - but also that they will feel so much better when they do, at last make the effort for a better life.

Leg lifts are also possible when you are in a wheelchair. Lift the foot to straighten the leg for a few repetitions on each side and then lift the knee as high as you can for a few repetitions on each side. Increase the number of repetitions as your legs begin to get stronger and stronger. In addition, you can add lifting and lengthening as part of the same exercise, lift your knee as high as you can, extend the leg forward, straightening the knee, and lower. You may want to try moving up to leg pulses - basically lifting the leg as much as you can and then pulsing it upward before you rest, and of course, always repeat on the opposite side.

There are many ways even for someone who is bedridden to do some physical activity to avoid muscle atrophy, bedsores and other complications. When someone exercises on a regular basis - no matter how little, they are steadily improving their physical abilities, their overall health, and their overall quality of life. More mobility means more freedom. If you are disabled, find out what you can do about your life under your particular circumstances - how exercise and diet may be able to help you.

Doing as much as you can is another example of how to improve your mobility. Instead of asking your caregiver to get something for you, if you are able, try to go and get it your self. Simple tasks that you are able to perform are essential for you to try and do to help you maintain muscle strength. If you know you are unable - or if you are not certain - please do not try to do anything that may endanger you. If you know you need help ask for it. Nonetheless, the more you are able to control certain muscle groups of your body the more that these muscle groups can compensate for the lack of mobility elsewhere in your body.

Overstraining is a concern - but so is general weakness or muscle atrophy. So be sure to do what a doctor or other professional who you trust recommends. Be sure you feel comfortable with the suggested plan of action - and then take the leap. Take charge of your life and overall well-being in ways you didn't think you ever could. You will be glad you did.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more of her articles on health and fitness, please visit americanfitness.net, supplier of high quality Cardio Equipment and Exercise Clothes.

Key Differences Between Portable Wheelchair Ramps

2010-07-18T18:00:00.001-07:00

Portable wheelchair ramps are of great significance to the wheelchair user. Without it, his life is made increasingly difficult as being able to travel to various locations become a long difficult and tedious process plagued by frustration. By using portable wheelchair ramps in and around your home and van, it cuts down on frustration and also ensures easy convenience.

When purchasing a portable wheelchair ramp you will need to check the style of ramp most suited to your everyday needs. These ramps also need to adhere to a strict building code and mistakes cannot be allowed, as it is extremely dangerous and could result in a fatal accident. Various ramps are available at your nearest wheelchair accessory outlet. There is also an option of purchasing a used wheelchair ramp, but take carefully into consideration the quality of the ramp you wish to purchase. Is it still durable and does it still have a relatively long lifespan? When it comes to the safety precautions involving these ramps the option of purchasing a new ramp as opposed to a second hand one might be the better idea. However if budget is an issue you can always opt for a plastic ramp. It is relatively less expensive than a metal or concrete ramp, although the least expensive of the portable wheelchair ramps would be a wooden portable ramp.

When deciding on purchasing a portable wheelchair ramp you will need to choose what suits your wheelchair. Full width ramps are the most popular kinds of ramps as they are specifically designed to load scooters, power chairs or wheelchairs that work manually. These ramps are relatively easy to store and are generally available in a couple of styles to promote mobility more easily as well as storing them effectively when they are not being used. The width of the whole ramp may very from between 28 to 30 inches. They will also generally come with solid grit to prevent wheelchair from sliding backwards.

Another form of portable wheelchair ramps is called ramps on tracks. They are very different to your standard portable ramp due to the fact that they do not have a driving surface with a full width. Track ramps consist of two sections that need to be aligned perfectly in order to prevent accidents and ensure a safe and easy loading. Choosing the ramp most suited to your needs is an important decision. Full width ramps are usually the most acceptable and user friendly option as it not only provides assistance in the instance of a manual wheelchair but also for power chairs and scooters as well as walkers and are also a lot safer to walk on.

The benefits of a full width ramp are that it is more stable and you do not need to align the width and therefore making it more users friendly. However on the other hand track ramps are lighter in weight and can be adjusted easily.

It is best to contact the company you purchased your wheelchair from and speak to a representative regarding choosing perfectly suited portable wheelchair ramps for your use.

Gavin Cruise was born in New York, his mother encouraged him to write and read and his father was a wealthy business man in real estate. Gavin had the privilege of traveling extensively with his father learning about a wide variety of subjects. He attended Harvard where he majored in English and from the age of 26 Gavin supported himself by freelance writing through all the knowledge gained from traveling. If you would like to read more articles about Gavin Cruise, please visit http://www.wheelchairliftsramps.net/

Electric Powered Wheelchair For Maximum Luxury

2010-07-14T02:00:00.001-07:00

Electric mobility chairs are a bit expensive compared to the standard types of chair but is a good deal because of the excellent features it can give you. If you are still in the thought of knowing which equipment to choose, you have the preference of picking out a device that would best fit your needs in everyday living.

Health care professionals are a good source of information regarding your decision in picking out a mobility device. After your consultation with them regarding your current situation they will be able to advocate certain types of mobility device fit for your requirements. More or less suggestions are like procuring an electric powered chair is on the list when the equipment is for long term use.

When you already have a wheelchair but you are thinking of obtaining another due to restrictions in your daily task, then you have to be sure to research first for the best chair available in the market. Make a record of your specifications to avoid unnecessary dilemma in the future. Things that you need to consider are the right specifications, comfort, easiness and speed of movement.

Recommended for individuals on mobility chairs who travel a lot are usually the chairs which have the ability to be folded and kept at small areas at your means of transportation. This type of chair is composed of very light materials that it can also be carried easily by an individual. If you have your own car that is spacious enough, then you can be able to choose other types of chair even those bulky ones. The verdict is really up to you.

For custom made chairs the good thing is you have a precise specification especially made for you. Things such as back rest can be tilted backwards and a diverse kind of sitting area can be chosen from. To make your bottoms cozy and stress free, extra pad for protection against blisters from sitting on your wheelchair for the longest time is a preference. For the trendy type you can also have a wide range of shade to pick from. Anything you can imagine to add-on on your custom made mobility chair for your ease is given a thought.

When it comes to maximum luxury, superior maneuverability and discretionary performance electric types of chair is unmatched.

Get more resources and information for electric wheelchairs, visit the #1 wheelchair resource site on the net: http://wheel-chair-center.com

Choosing Accessible Showers

2010-06-23T08:00:00.001-07:00

If you have a family member who is handicapped and confined to a wheelchair, you will no doubt need to install an accessible shower. There are numerous styles of handicap showers, but as a general rule, an accessible shower is designed so that the person can enter the shower without the need to get out of their wheelchair. Sometimes referred to as a roll in shower, this style of shower enclosure can provide a handicapped person with a great deal of independence and safety, as compared to other shower styles. However, the term "accessible shower" is also sometimes used to describe any shower that is designed for easy access by a handicapped or elderly individual, even if they are not confined to a wheelchair. For this reason, it is extremely important that you understand the specific features of a shower before you purchase it, to make sure it meets your exact needs.

Important Features to Look for in Accessible Showers

Just as with other handicap showers, you'll want to make sure that there are no sharp edges or glass surfaces that could cause injury if a person slips, falls, or bumps into anything with a wheelchair or their body. The shower must also be designed so that there are no ledges or uneven surfaces on the bottom of the shower that would prevent a wheelchair from rolling freely. Shower pan enclosures that are lower than the entrance of the shower should be avoided, as they can be dangerous or even impossible to negotiate in a wheelchair. They should also be large enough so that the wheelchair can be easily maneuvered in and out of the shower enclosure.

How to Choose an Accessible Shower

In addition to looking for safety and accessibility features, you will need to decide whether to get a commercially manufactured shower or to try and adapt an existing shower to suit a person's needs. In most cases, a commercially manufactured shower is the best solution, as standard showers are often difficult to adapt for wheelchair access. Commercially available shower models are often surprisingly affordable, especially as compared to what you might need to spend to properly adapt an existing shower. These showers are usually mass produced, so that they can be supplied to nursing homes, retirement communities, hospitals and other care centers, so manufacturers can often keep costs affordable. You will find highly accessorized showers in addition to simpler "bare bones" models. In many cases, a simpler shower is the best choice. Not only are they less expensive, but they can give you the opportunity to install features such as grab bars and other features in the location that would work best for your bathroom. Additionally, in the case of an accessible shower, fewer features is often preferable to more, since accessories can cause problems when trying to maneuver a wheelchair. Some accessible showers, especially those which are also designed for those who are not wheelchair-bound, have features such as towel bars and soap racks that could just get in the way when a person is in a wheelchair. Installing only the features that are truly needed by the handicapped person for comfortable and convenient showering is often the best approach.

For more information on an ADA accessible shower or ADA grab bars contact an accessibility expert at BarrierFree.org

What Will Happen to Me If I Don't Exercise?

2010-06-12T07:00:00.001-07:00

Proper exercise to the human body is absolutely critical. Most people do not really realize its importance as the time aspect between inactivity and functional decline is so long that the connection is often not linked.

If we do nothing to prevent it we lose precious muscle tissue at the rate of around 5 pounds every decade of our adult life. This rate doubles after the age of fifty and as the result we become weaker and lose our flexibility. Our strength is of vital importance as we get older and many people think they can just stop using their muscles and all will be well.

Hand in hand with loss of muscle are several other problems. One is the decrease in the metabolism (the body's engine) which results in increased body fat. This is a primary risk factor in disease particularly the 'big three' heart disease, cancer and diabetes along with many others. The effects on one's bones though are not so obvious from not doing enough muscle building and maintaining activity.

Your muscles are attached to bones and if you do not use your muscles your bones do not get the muscles pulling on them keeping them strong. The solution - proper exercise. This means low force, high intensity strength training is the only safe and productive means of addressing both loss of muscle and bone mass.

Many of the activities that have been recommended as appropriate exercise by so-called "experts" will do little to nothing to help anyone restore and rebuild lost muscle and bone mass. Repetitive type recreational activities such as walking, jogging, cycling or swimming will not build strong muscles and some of these activities will cause degenerative joint and spinal conditions that may not show for years.

This can mean a person will be forced to become less physically active much earlier in their life that they otherwise would. These conditions can even reduce a person's ability to perform proper strength training exercise further accelerating their loss of muscular strength and functional ability at a time when they need it most.

As 8 out of 10 adults do not perform proper exercise they rationalize it by making excuses about being 'too busy' and not having enough time or being unable to afford a gym membership. But it is easier to budget for some workout clothing and a gym membership or a wheelchair and a nurse?

The amount of exercise time necessary to significantly improve ones health and physical condition is far less each week than what most people have been led to believe. Just 2-3 sessions of around 40 minutes each week is all that is needed if done correctly. For something so important there are few people, if any, who can not schedule the small outlay of time each week

It is each of our responsibility to make sure we can take care of ourselves for as much of our life span as possible. We should not need to go into a nursing home and have to have someone else dress, feed and bathe us because we no longer possess the necessary strength and functional ability to take care of ourselves.

Other people like family, friends and our communities should not have to pick up the tab for this so make it your mission to keep yourself strong and fit so it never happens to you. Make proper exercise one of your highest priorities.

Do you want to discover the secret to rejuvenating your body, regaining lost vitality and improving the quality of your life? Download my free ebook "I've Found the Fountain of Youth - Let Me Show You Too!" http://www.over50looking30.com

Carolyn Hansen is a certified fitness expert and fitness center owner who in her nearly 30 years of fitness and bodybuilding competition experience she has helped thousands of people start their journey towards losing weight, becoming strong, fit and youthful at any age.

Sign up for her free newsletter on Weight Loss Tips http://FitnessWeightloss.com and get her free report "Discover 'Secrets' That Most People Will Never Know About To Really Lose Weight".

Motorized Wheelchair Or Scooter For The Disabled - What to Choose?

2010-06-08T11:00:00.001-07:00

Motorized wheel chairs and handicap scooters are made to make life easier for people with disabilities. They are both helping them to move around the house, go outdoors and visit favorite places. With them even going to shopping on their own is not an impossible task anymore. It would be the best to have both of them. However, if you have to choose between motorized wheelchair and handicap scooter, here are a several tips that can help you to make a decision.

You should always first discuss this matter with a doctor who is following condition of the disabled person. You will probably find the right answer there.

A very important thing that can help you to decide is a control issue. Motorized wheelchairs are controlled by a joystick and a set of buttons that are easily adjustable. On the other hand, handicap scooters are almost like a bicycle. Therefore, depending on body strength and ability to manipulate the controls, that can help you to determine which one is the right one for you.

Also, depending on the lifestyle of the disabled person, you can make a decision between these two. So, if the person is traveling and driving a lot, you should keep in mind that a handicap scooter can be disassembled into pieces and stored into a car's trunk, and for motorized wheelchairs, you need a mini-van for a transport. In some cases you will need a specialized van to transport a power wheelchair.

And for the end, scooters for the disabled are more affordable then motorized wheelchairs, without the add-ons that you may require.

If you want to find out more about Motorized Wheel Chair come and visit us at http://www.motorized-wheel-chair.org

The Easiest Way to Improve Your Health

2010-06-05T00:00:00.001-07:00

Everyone knows they couldn't survive without water. However did you also know that the easiest way to improve your health is to drink more water? Many people live in a constant state of dehydration according to many health experts including the Arizona Health Department. They say that a sedentary person in a moderate climate should drink no less than sixty-four ounces or eight large glasses of water a day. Since most of us do not live a sedentary lifestyle, we often need to drink more than this baseline number. However, because of other drink choices such as coffee, many people do not get the amount of water their bodies need, and their health suffers as a result. Here are some of the benefits the proper amount of water can give your body.

Pregnant women know all about water retention. I experienced this phenomenon in my third trimester. Basically, water retention means your body is dehydrated and thus it retains the fluids you do drink as an emergency measure. This causes you to swell, mainly in your legs and feet, but sometimes also in your arms, hands, and face. The solution? Drinking more water so your body won't be in an emergency state and will lose the excess fluid. "The goal is to keep lots of fluid flowing through your body."

Most people know that sweat is your body's way of releasing water to cool off. But did you know that water also plays an important role in your bloodstream? The blood, which is the first to lose water when you start to get dehydrated, uses water to transport oxygen (if you'll remember water is made up of oxygen molecules) to your cells. Water is further used to break down protein and carbohydrates and maintain muscle tone, both important functions when you are considering weight loss. This explains why you must drink more water to lose weight - water "burns" fat by breaking down the proteins and carbs more efficiently.

Lots of women know that water is good for the skin and complexion. But do you know why? In "Reverse Aging", Dr. Sang Whang explains that, "the aging process is basically the accumulation of acidic wastes built up within the body...The body tries its best to get rid of these acidic wastes through urine and perspiration. Unfortunately, our lifestyle, diet and environment prevent our body to get rid of all the wastes that it generates. Gradually, these leftover acidic wastes accumulate somewhere within our body. Since acid coagulates blood, the blood circulation near the waste areas becomes poor, causing all kinds of degenerative diseases to develop."

For more information on the importance of water please visit http://www.centralbasin.org/

Portable Wheelchair Lifts - Easy Accessibility For the Disabled

2010-05-22T06:00:00.001-07:00

Portable wheelchair lifts are premium mobility equipments that offer easy accessibility for the disabled and wheelchair confined individuals. These lifts are reliable and safe accessibility alternatives that provide comfortable movement on stairways and other areas.

Perfect Accessibility Option for Residential and Commercial Settings

With the help of these accessibility devices, disabled persons can easily access all parts of residential as well as commercial establishments including educational institutions, public and private hospitals, offices and healthcare facilities. These lifts also provide easy access to elevated platforms, stages and outdoor bleachers.

The platforms of such lifts are designed in such a manner that they can hold wheelchair models of all sizes including conventional adult wheelchairs, sports wheelchairs, child wheelchairs and power wheelchairs. To ensure safe movement, these lifts are provided with top-quality safety features. These include non-slippery loading ramps, interlocked seatbelt, adjustable tie-down straps, parking brake, easy to use controls, modifiable headrest and much more.

Minimum Maintenance Services

The significant advantage of portable wheelchair lifts is that they can be installed without making structural renovations. Another major convenience offered is that they can be easily loaded into cars and therefore the disabled persons can be taken for outings. This portable accessibility equipment can be even used as a backup system for an elevator in healthcare centers and hospitals on events of power breakdowns. As far as the cost factor is concerned, these accessibility equipments are inexpensive and require only minimum maintenance services compared to custom designed wheelchair lifts and elevators.

Buy the Best from Renowned Dealers

Renowned manufacturers offering portable wheelchair lifts include Garaventa and Adaptive Engineering. Before making the purchase, identify the requirements of the intended user and check out the different models available, the major features included and their prices. To get the right model based on your requirements, take care to purchase from well-established suppliers in the industry. Thereby you can enjoy quality products, superior installation and maintenance services in a cost-effective manner.

Portable Wheelchair Lifts are reliable practical accessibility solutions for wheelchair users. DAY provides a wide range of mobility products such as ramps, wheelchair lifts, stair lifts etc.

ADA Compliant Wheelchair Lifts

2010-04-12T19:00:00.001-07:00

ADA compliant wheelchair lifts are a safe and practical option for the mobility impaired and wheel chair confined person. These products can help them overcome their accessibility restrictions in both residential and commercial settings. These mobility equipments bring a remarkable improvement in the lifestyle of physically challenged and aged individuals.

Wheelchair Lifts Designed with Advanced Safety Features

You can buy permanent and portable models of ADA Compliant wheelchair lifts, suitable for use both indoors and outdoors. To ensure physically disabled persons with safe and convenient floor to floor access, these wheel chair lifts are integrated with advanced safety features and user-friendly operating controls including:

• Anti-skid flooring
• Continuous pressure buttons
• Emergency stop buttons
• Emergency alarm
• Grab rails
• Door interlocks
• Automatic dual access ramps
• Manual lowering device

Many of these lift models are also provided with optional remote controls to ensure effortless operation, and key locks to prevent unauthorized access. Another contributing aspect is that these lifts can be installed in straight and curved stairways without making major structural alterations.

ADA compliant wheel chair lifts are obtainable in two operation modes: hydraulic and electric operated ones. Compared to hydraulic wheel chair lifts, electrically operated models are less expensive and easy to maintain. Besides, they are provided with battery backup facility and can be operated even during power breakdowns.

Choose a Competent Dealer

The renowned manufacturers that offer ADA compliant wheel chair lifts include ThyssenKrupp Access, Savaria Concord, Garaventa and Adaptive Engineering. When planning to purchase these accessibility equipments, make sure to approach reliable dealers to obtain quality products according to your requirements and budget, trouble-free installation and timely maintenance services.

Platform wheelchair lifts are ideal for those people who have difficulty in climbing stairways. Day Elevator and Lift provides a complete range of mobility products in the categories of elevators, wheelchair lifts, and stairlifts.

Stair Chair Lift - How to Choose the Best Chair Lift For Stairs Part 1

2010-04-09T22:00:00.001-07:00

If you have been researching on stair chair lift for the physically incapacitated, you would have realized that there is a countless number of brands and extensive number of models available in the market currently. Hence, you might think that it would not be difficult to find the best one. On the contrary, you might be surprised to know that there is no one best type or model of chair lift for stairs. Rather, there is only the most suitable stair chair lift based on your specific needs and requirements.

One key piece of advice is that you should involve your family members in the decision making process, especially when they are your care givers. This also makes for harmonious communal living. Your mobility needs might well conflict with their sense of interior decor aesthetics, hence you might need to mitigate and compromise for an eventual solution which meet in the middle ground. Although trivial, your color of choice the entire system needs to blend well with the existing color theme in order that the unit does not stand out like a sore thumb.

Your physical mobility needs are paramount in the purchase decision process and this is especially so when you are wheelchair bound which might mean that you could end up choosing a vertical platform lift instead of a basic stair chair lift. The key reason is that the former is cheaper and easier to install, has greater transporting capacity and is more versatile. It is more versatile as transporting capacity includes one wheelchair bound patient, the wheelchair as well as one care giver. This literally reduces the hassle of moving from wheelchair to a stair lift and vice versa otherwise.

Another very practical issue which does impact on your purchase decision eventually is the experience of frequent power outages. Certain locations and areas around the country are infamous of frequent power outages, and if you happen to reside in one of them, you would be well advised opt for a battery operated unit rather than one running on home electricity supply. You would really appreciate the smooth, uninterrupted ride up or down the stairs, and not being stranded halfway along the trip. Although you need to ensure that your batteries are recharged, some models run on auto recharge to save you the hassle of manually recharging them.

Stay tuned for more information on part 2 of this series of Stair Chair Lift - How To Choose The Best Chair Lift For Stairs.

Get the best of Stair Chair Lift here and find out more about Chair Lift for Stairs

Lightweight Wheelchairs for Travel or High Performance Needs

2010-04-02T01:00:00.001-07:00

Wheelchair design today is advanced enough to accommodate any individual with any mobility problem. People who are unable to exert themselves physically can use power wheelchairs or scooters to get around easily, and people who are physically fit but can't walk can use high-performance lightweight wheelchairs to stay active.

Wheelchairs can be designed to be as lightweight as possible for the sake of performance or portability. People who frequently travel with their wheelchairs by car or airplane want a wheelchair which is not only lightweight but also takes up the least possible amount of space. Manual travel wheelchairs are the most compact, lightweight folding wheelchairs, but compact wheelchairs are also available for people who are unable to use a manual wheelchair and require a motorized apparatus. Folding power wheelchairs are designed to be folded or disassembled into compact pieces, each piece light enough to be lifted for loading.

People who wish to stay physically active in a wheelchair find that performance is an important factor in choosing a manual wheelchair. Wheelchairs designed to be as lightweight as possible offer speed and agility in addition to basic mobility. In addition, using a lightweight wheelchair offers a wheelchair user the option of adding more wheelchair accessories, like storage bags, and carry heavy items such as textbooks without having to worry about increasing the overall weight they have to push to move around.

Lightweight chairs are designed using advanced, tubular structures to reduce weight without sacrificing stability and structural integrity. Lightweight metals are used, and the lightest chairs are rigid. Rigid chairs are made of one solid piece, reducing the extra weight of the joints, hinges, and other parts which make up a folding wheelchair. Lightweight folding wheelchairs are available, allowing users to fold their wheelchairs for easy storage and travel, but the highest performance chairs are rigid.

The most expensive material used to make lightweight, high-performance wheelchairs is titanium. A titanium wheelchair is of premium quality; this material is not only extremely lightweight but is also incredibly strong. Titanium is used for both folding and rigid wheelchairs. Aluminum is also commonly used.

The lightest wheelchairs do not have some of the accessories a normal manual wheelchair may have, but most models can be customized to include items such as fold-away footrests and adjustable backs. These components can also be fabricated using carbon fiber, titanium, or other lightweight materials to provide comfort without adding too much weight.

Whether you are a frequent traveler or an active person who doesn't want to be slowed down by a heavy wheelchair, lightweight wheelchairs offer convenient mobility solutions.

http://www.Wheel-Chair-Center.com is a website fully dedicated to bringing 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 the convenience of lightweight wheelchairs, or you simply want to know the advantages and fun of custom power wheelchairs, we've got you covered!

Excellent Form of Physical Exercise for the Wheelchair Bound

2010-03-25T17:00:00.001-07:00

There are many benefits of yoga. It helps strengthen your muscles, increases your body's flexibility, improves mobility, increases stamina, and is advantageous for the working of all your vital organs. Moreover, regular yoga promotes positive thinking, a stress free and disease free existence and a happier life whether you are a normal person or confined to a wheelchair.

In fact, sitting in a wheelchair all day can be extremely taxing for the muscles over the long haul. But wheelchair yoga can help you strengthen your muscles and allow you to feel healthier and fitter. Typically, yoga is an ancient Indian form of meditation, but it has seen dramatic rise in popularity in the United States within the last 10-15 years. Known for its flexibility in style, yoga incorporates breathing techniques with bodily contortions and stretches. Nowadays, wheelchair yoga has become quite popular and specifically designed yogic exercises are helping wheelchair users to make the best of their physical limitations and begin to lead to a fuller life.

Wheelchair yoga is designed keeping in mind the physical limitations of people confined to the wheelchair, while helping them to carry out these exercises any time and any place they choose. There are many benefits to practicing wheelchair yoga. Not only will you start feeling stronger, healthier but your muscles, joints, and tendons as well as your vital organs will start functioning better and with more vitality.

Wheelchair yoga also helps you to gain spiritual, physical, and mental benefits. If you are depressed about your physical condition, you will begin to feel calmer, more in control of your life and generally begin to experience a sense of well-being that will aid you in overcoming day to day limitations.

When practicing wheelchair yoga, you will not feel stiff or lack of energy. In fact, some of the more positive effects of wheelchair yoga include increased muscle and mental strength, decreased levels of anxiety, nervousness, and stress. You will sleep better, feel stronger and experience a surge in confidence and self-esteem levels.

The exercise postures and movements are selected carefully during wheelchair yoga sessions and the emphasis is on comfort, ease, and simple poses for every wheelchair bound individual. More and more physiotherapists recommend yoga as a supplementary physical therapy to patients who are disabled, thereby helping them to connect and respond to their own body better.

Wheelchair yoga exercises are even designed for participation of caregivers and are organized in comfortable room where a group of wheelchair yoga enthusiasts can relax and have fun while exercising. And depending on your requirements, wheelchair yoga can be practiced in several different positions including sitting, standing or lying on the floor.

The Internet offers much information on wheelchair yoga and both studio and private lessons are available for you. The cost of a typical lesson could be anywhere from $20 to $50. Let wheelchair yoga help you take charge of your life and general well-being and you'll be glad you did!

The "Daycare Diva", Christine G. Groth, is the creator of "The Guide to Instant Daycare Profits". To learn more about this step-by-step program and to sign-up for her FREE "How to Start a Daycare" tips and articles, visit http://www.ExpertsatDaycare.com

Electric Wheelchair or Powerchair - Which Should You Choose?

2010-03-15T22:00:00.001-07:00

Electric wheelchairs are either rear or front wheel driven. Some of them are center driven or four wheel driven. These powerchairs come in many varieties like small portable models, foldable models, and models that can be dis-assembled. Large, full-featured electric wheelchairs that are called rehab chairs are also available. Powerchairs are designed for persons who have arm and leg disablement. Such people would find the operations of hand propelled wheelchairs quite difficult.

Electric wheelchairs are fitted with electric motors that are powered by 4 to 5 ampere rechargeable batteries. These motors are outboard boat engine types. The batteries come in dry or wet types. Dry type batteries are the most preferred ones due to ease of operation and maintenance. Electric wheelchairs are also fitted with battery chargers so that plugging into standard wall outlets is easy.

Operating either a joystick or a controller usually controls electric wheelchairs. Hand controllers, chin controllers, puff/sack controllers are specifically designed for persons with varying degrees of operational difficulty. The controller is the most expensive part of powerchairs and is quite delicate. Electric wheelchairs come with several optional functions like tilting, reclining seat and leg elevators, etc. to facilitate healthy and functional operations.

Electric wheelchairs for kids are generally those used by mentally disabled children or children affected by polio. These wheelchairs are custom made to suit the age of the child as well as the usage like indoors or outdoors or both. Polio affected kids and paraplegics were using hand supports till a few decades ago. Such hand supports normally resulted in severe body strain to the kids. The advent of electric wheelchair for kids has greatly relieved such kids of their suffering.

Travel had been on the rise and persons using wheelchairs are no exception. Traveling on vacation, travel for education, employment or participation in sports meets and general commuting for shopping, etc. have become indispensable for persons using electric wheelchairs. Portable and foldable models of wheelchairs require storage space, when not being used. As such, public transports like buses, trains and airplanes specifically provide electric wheelchair carriers. Buses with low boarding platforms that can literally lift wheelchairs into the buses have also been designed to serve such people. Such platforms are electrically or hydraulically operated.

Nowadays, in the United States, sales and service facilities for electric wheelchairs are quite widespread. You do not have to go too far to buy an electric wheelchair of your choice. As these powerchairs are made-to-order types, deliveries take some time but are normally very reliable. Electric wheelchair parts repair has also become quite easy, reliable and economical due to the healthy competition between the various electric wheelchair manufacturers.

Operation of an electric wheelchair by patients or disabled persons carries a certain amount of risk. Accidents could not be avoided at one time or another. Such accidents could be minor or major. Hence, insurance companies provide both accident/life insurance policies, as well as medicare policies to cover such risks. It is always advisable to take suitable insurance policies for physical and financial protection. Electric wheelchairs and Medicare go hand-in-hand for persons confined to wheelchairs.

Electric power scooters, or mobility scooters as they are called, are normally fitted with two rear wheels, a seat with a flat area to place the feet and a handlebar in the front to operate one or two steerable front wheels. Swiveling seats are also available. Electric power scooters are invariably electric powered by rechargeable batteries that could be charged from standard electric outlets. Certain models of mobile scooters are gasoline-powered. Such electric power scooters have been most welcome for persons confined to wheelchairs. They find such scooters handy for commuting to schools and colleges as well as to workplaces and shopping. Electric power scooters are normally cheaper than powerchairs. Insurance companies and healthcare agencies like Medicare prefer to insure or extend Medicare facilities for people using such scooters.

Eric Comforth is a consultant who writes on many consumer topics. There is more wheelchair information at Wheelchairs For You.

Wheelchair Umbrellas

2010-03-13T19:00:00.001-08:00

One thing people in wheelchairs have to contend with outdoors is exposure to rain or blistering sun. People with disabilities cherish time spent outdoors and wheelchairs provide a degree of independence and mobility. However, they may be tempted to remain indoors when the sun is high in the sky or if rain is threatening. Well, those worries can be a thing of the past thanks to wheelchair umbrellas. By getting one of these handy items you no longer have to worry about being cooped up in the house due to the weather.

Spring and summer are the best seasons to venture outside. There is a myriad of flowers in bloom and everyone is getting out taking part in outdoor activities. Spring also brings unexpected showers and summer brings with it a risk of sunburn. There is no need to miss out on all of this action however. Just get a wheelchair umbrella. It can be easily clamped right to the side of the wheelchair via the base clamp. The angle of the umbrella can be adjusted to protect from blowing rain or the setting sun. The height can also be easily adjusted.

When shopping for a wheelchair umbrella, be sure to get one that opens up to 40 inches in diameter so it will provide adequate protection for sun use. Wheelchair umbrellas are not expensive at all especially when compared to the benefits they provide. A wheelchair umbrella would cost between $17 and $30.

Wheelchairs have come a long way from the institutional looking gray and blue seated steel chairs of the past. Today, wheel chairs come in two types, the manual and electric. Both of these can be customized and come in fashionable colors and can be accessorized. You might as well ride in style, so be prepared for all kinds of weather by clamping an umbrella to your wheelchair.

It doesn't matter what kind of wheelchair you have, an umbrella can be clamped into the frame securely. You will find that the wheelchair umbrellas come in a wide variety of styles and colors themselves. You could pick a nice bright white one or one with multi-colored panels. The key is to get one that is large enough and specially designed for wheelchair use so your entire body is shielded from the sun. Plus you want to be sure that if you get caught in the rain, the umbrella isn't so small that the water run-off lands in your lap. The umbrella can be retracted when not in use so it will stay out of your way and be barely noticeable.

You can find wheel chair umbrellas at medical supply stores and catalogs from retailers that sell wheelchairs and accessories.