The Importance of Power Wheelchair Base Dimensions and Turning Radius 23/03/2021 When the first mid wheel drive (MWD) power wheelchair was made available to wheelchair users, it revolutionized the world of power mobility. I can still recall the first in-service I attended on a MWD powerchair back in 2001 while working with pediatric clients in Washington, D.C. At that time, the MWD technology was still relatively new. My clients typically lived in small row homes or apartment buildings with tiny elevators where turning radius and maneuverability were essential. Providing a powerchair option with a small turning radius and more intuitive drive allowed for more individuals to seriously consider power mobility as an option for independent mobility. Keep Reading
Visualising the Ideal Wheelchair 01/07/2020 With the launch of the QUICKIE Nitrum ultra lightweight wheelchair in 2020, Sunrise Medical also launched two new digital tools to help overcome the visualization obstacle. The online 3D visualizer allows anyone to configure a Nitrum with the numerous options available. The 3D visualizer provides a "hands-on" approach to truly understanding the options a client needs and desires. Keep Reading
Skin Microclimate and Wheelchair Seating, Part 2 25/06/2020 If you missed it, check out Part 1 of this blog. Part 1 focused on which factors are involved in seating microclimate and who is most at risk, including a difficult clinical lesson in my earlier days so you don't make the same mistake. Keep Reading
Weighing the Options of Transporting a Rigid Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair 25/06/2020 When it comes to the benefits of ultra lightweight wheelchair designs and configurations for active manual wheelchair users, the clinical evidence is strong. An individually designed ultra lightweight wheelchair is intended to serve as an extension of the individual user, so that he/she can independently participate in not only the basic activities of daily living, but also activities of choice. The ability to get out into the community via a personal vehicle or public transportation with their wheelchair is often a must-have when a client creates a list of what is important to take into consideration when getting a new wheelchair. In this blog, we will take a closer look at a couple of elements to consider related to transporting a rigid ultra lightweight wheelchair. Keep Reading
Skin Microclimate and Wheelchair Seating, Part 1 08/06/2020 Clients who use wheelchairs for mobility typically need to sit for long periods daily. This means that those of us in a clinical role to support wheelchair users need to be aware of the potential negative impacts of microclimate in seating. Keep Reading
