Wheelchairs Provide Independence and Mobility By Gary Milke

Wheelchairs give individuals with a disability, injury or illness the freedom of mobility and independence. There are a variety of wheelchairs available to fit an individual’s specific needs. From those designed to be propelled manually or automatically, wheelchairs can dramatically improve the quality of life of individuals with limited mobility.

Wheelchairs are commonly constructed of steel or aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight and relatively inexpensive while steel wheelchairs remain the standard in the industry for their affordability and lasting performance. Newer materials like titanium offer great strength and flexibility, but are often quite expensive.

There are a variety of types of wheelchairs available. The most common is the basic manual wheelchair. Manual wheelchairs are self-propelled by the user by pushing on the handrails of the large rear wheels. When selecting a manual wheelchair, look for models that are lightweight, easy to fold, and require minimal energy to propel the chair forward.

Transport or transfer wheelchairs feature four small wheels and are designed to be pushed by a caregiver or assistant, not the individual sitting in the chair. These wheelchairs are lightweight and easy to fold. Transport wheelchairs are well-suited for use when away from home, in airports or in medical environments.

Electronic wheelchairs can be driven in a variety of directions with the simple movement of a joystick control. Electronic wheelchairs offer incredible freedom of movement and are often custom designed to fit the needs of the individual who will be using the chair. One drawback of electronic wheelchairs is they are much heavier than manual wheelchairs and may require a special lift for getting in and out of a vehicle.

Power-assisted wheelchairs provide the best of manual and electronic wheelchairs. The rear wheels feature a battery-powered motor to assist with propelling the wheelchair when going up a slight hill or on rough terrain. Power-assisted wheelchairs are lightweight like manual wheelchairs and provide assisted ease of movement similar to electronic wheelchairs.

Wheelchairs can also help individuals participate in activities they enjoy. Sports wheelchairs are designed for speed and agility when playing basketball, racing, tennis or other sports. Beach wheelchairs allow individuals to enter the water and enjoy improved mobility on sandy beaches.

Wheelchairs are available in a variety of styles and materials to fit the budget and needs of individuals with limited mobility.

Sources:
http://www.wheelchairnet.org/WCN_WCU/SlideLectures/Sawatzky/WC_history.html