#wheelchairtips

[allthestuffandeverything]

How to act around wheelchair users

Interacting with wheelchair users, a crash course:

1) if you dont have the time or time to read the rest of this, then at least take this part - start out from the assumption that you should give the same level of respect and treatment towards wheelchair users as you would to a walker.

2)if you think you’re breaking the tension by saying something cringey and demeaning like “no speeding lol!”  “got a license for that thing? haha!”...you’re not.  Please don’t do this, we’ve heard it hundreds of times and it wasnt funny the first time.

3) You can say the word disabled.  Most of the disability community prefers “disabled person” rather than “person with a disability” - and nearly all prefer it over “handicapped” “handicapable” “differently abled” or other condescending euphemisms for disability.  Use the phrases “X is a wheelchair user” or “X uses a wheelchair” rather than “X is wheelchair bound” or “X is in a wheelchair”

4) Please remember that we are adults and grabbing us and moving us places without consent or warning is classified as assault.  You should not grab strangers simply because you see they are using a mobility aid, that doesnt make it okay.  Assaulting people is not your kind deed of the day!!

5) respect our privacy.  Please do not ask why we use a wheelchair (extremely rude!) or whether we can drive, engage in intercourse, have children, etc.  

5) following off of 4, dont assume that we need your help.  I saw a post recently that had a comment from an abled person that basically said they felt awkward talking to wheelchair users becuase they want to help but dont know how - in the context of...no help being needed.  Many people see wheelchair and assume “help needed!!” and rush to our aid, ignoring our consent or autonomy in the process.  That is not okay.  Ask first.  And respect a no.  But before asking - does the person actually seem to need help?  Are they stuck on a curb (that’s happened to me!) or have a flat tire, or struggling in the terrain?  Or are they simply chilling on their phone, or opening a door by themselves with no signs of difficulty, or pushing themselves down the sidewalk minding their business; yet you assume they must need help because wheelchair = needing help??

-

This isnt a perfect list, but i think its a good overview of the basics!  And remember that disabled people aren’t a monolith, and if you are extensively interacting with a wheelchair user (such as a partner or family member, or a roommate) you should definitely see what they personally prefer and listen to them as well!  

[allthestuffandeverything]

So I'm saving up for a new wheelchair.

Going to be getting a secondhand active style rigid wheelchair.

Looking at tilite and quickie and ki mobility as my top options

Any of my followers have any suggestions?

[edisons-australia-blog]

7 Maintenance Tips From Wheelchair Experts

Wheelchairs, like most machines, need regular maintenance to ensure a proper functioning condition. The smallest issues can easily snowball into a substantial problem, therefore it's important to fix the causes while they are still easily reparable. Below are a couple of maintenance tips so you can enjoy your wheelchair to get quite a while.

1. Know your wheelchair

Nobody knows your wheelchair as you do. After repeated use, you become familiar with its numerous quirks: the noises it generates, how the seat hugs your spine, the particular sensations once you push it about. You will immediately hear any new noises, however low. And you know what it can and can not take on. The wheelchair becomes an extension of you.

If something seems different, how the wheels squeak, the tightness of the backrest, you then want to probably get it checked out. As I mentioned previously, the tiny things can easily collect, and catching them in the root may prevent them from turning into a huge issue.

2. Avoid stairs and curbs

If you are in an unknown location, it is probably much better to stay away from curbs and staircases. While it may appear melodramatic, a lot of people have unintentionally fallen down a kerb or a flight of stairs.

Not only is it dangerous to you, but it might also seriously damage your wheelchair. A broken spoke or a loose thread is all it takes for your own wheelchair to become a hazard.

3. Avoid obstacles

While wheelchairs are made for durability, they're less elastic as a 4-wheel drive automobile. Try and steer clear of puddles, because the sand and water may get clogged up in the bearings. What's more, it's an invitation for rust to make, making driving tougher. If you would like to keep your wheelchair fluid and rust-free, wash off the wheels after contact with water (e.g. rain, snow).

Be cautious and scan ahead for debris that you may encounter such as crap, stones, broken glass and dog litter. You do not need your brakes to come in contact with something that might destabilise the wheelchair and change its movement.

4. Check for cracks

Many people use their wheelchairs on a daily basis, and a little bit of wear and tear is inevitable. Consistently assess the wheelchair for indications of wear and tear such as small cracks, especially in high-stress areas like the wheels alongside the cross ribbon. A small crack could grow to be a threat to your security when it expands and generates more cracks. The maintenance required may be as straightforward as a little repair to as severe as whole frame replacement.

5. Assess the wheels

A wheelchair isn't so much different from a normal chair with wheels. Constantly check the tires' condition, and have them replaced if they are not filling out entirely or when the tread becomes loose or cracked. Make sure the brakes are in fantastic shape and readily engaged.

6. Keeping it tight

Regularly inspect the wheelchair for loose bolts and screws. Should you hear or believe something has fallen off, cease quickly and have your wheelchair assessed. Do not replace worn or broken bolts out with one of a diminished strength degree. If at all possible, provide the different precise same bolt which has to be replaced.

7. Lubricate often

If you have a collapsible wheelchair, make sure it folds and opens easily. The mechanism which makes it collapsible has to be lubricated at least twice a year - much more so if you live in a moist climate.

All wheelchair joints and pivot points also have to be lubricated. Make sure you use an outstanding lubricant that may offer resistance to corrosion and water.

[mytopia-blog]

7 Quick Maintenance Tips for Your Wheelchair

Wheelchairs, like most machines, need regular upkeep to ensure a good working condition. The small things can easily snowball into a big thing, so it's important to arrest the causes while they are still easily reparable. Here are a few maintenance tips so you can enjoy your wheelchair for a long time.

1. Know your wheelchair

Nobody understands your wheelchair as you do. After repeated use, you become familiar with the sounds that it makes, how the seat hugs your back, the particular feelings when you shove it around. You will immediately hear any new sounds, no matter how low. And you know what it can and can't take on. The wheelchair becomes an extension of you.

If anything feels different, the way the wheels squeak, the tightness of the backrest, then you need to likely get it checked out. As I mentioned before, the tiny items can quickly collect, and catching them in the source may prevent them from turning into a massive problem.

2. Steer clear of stairs and curbs

If you're in an unknown location, it's most likely better to stay away from curbs and staircases. While it might appear melodramatic, many people have inadvertently dropped down a kerb or a flight of stairs.

Not only can it be harmful to you, but it might also seriously damage your wheelchair. A broken spoke or even a loose screw is all it takes for your own wheelchair to become a hazard.

3. Avoid obstacles

While wheelchairs are designed for durability, they're less flexible as a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Try to steer clear of puddles, since the mud and water can get clogged up in the bearings. Additionally, it's an invitation for rust to form, making driving harder. If you'd like to maintain your wheelchair fluid and rust-free, wipe off the wheels once contact with water (e.g. rain, snow).

Be careful and always scan beforehand for debris that you might encounter like garbage, rocks, broken glass and dog litter. You don't want your brakes to come in contact with something which may destabilise the wheelchair and affect its motion.

4. Check for cracks

Many women and men use their wheelchairs on a daily basis, and a little bit of wear and tear is inevitable. Always check the wheelchair for signs of wear and tear such as small cracks, particularly in high-stress areas like the wheels as well as the cross brace. A small crack could become a threat to your safety if it expands and creates more cracks. The maintenance required may be as simple as a tiny repair to as intense as whole frame replacement.

5. Examine the wheels

A wheelchair isn't distinct from a regular chair with no wheels. Always check the tires' condition, and have them replaced if they're not filling out completely or when the tread becomes loose or cracked. Make sure the brakes are in good shape and readily engaged.

6. Keeping it tight

Regularly inspect the wheelchair for loose screws and bolts. If you hear or feel something drop off, discontinue quickly and have your wheelchair checked. Do not replace broken or worn bolts out with a single of a lower strength grade. If at all possible, supply the particular exact same bolt that has to be replaced.

7. Lubricate often

In case you have a collapsible wheelchair, make sure it folds and opens easily. The mechanism which lets it turn into collapsible has to be lubricated at least twice a year - even more so if you live in a wet climate.

All wheelchair joints and pivot points also have to be lubricated. Make sure you use a good lubricant which could offer resistance to water and corrosion.