Daily Problems and Challenges of Using a Wheelchair

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

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

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!

Click on the link and visit ultra light wheelchairs for more details and information and get the latest folding wheelchairs and beach wheelchair.

Tips to Optimize Wheelchair Accessibility in Your Home

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

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

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!

Learn more information on Manual Wheelchair and Motorized Wheelchair. Wheelchairsreview.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about Wheel Chairs.

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

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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