[Blind-rollers] some good news to share

Wed Aug 15 21:38:26 UTC 2012

Deb,

Thanks so much for the information.  Those are excellent questions!  I am actually the director of the New Mexico Orientation Center.  From time to time we have students who use wheelchairs.  A student has been using a INVACARE ATM; however, it is proving difficult to drive well.  Because we live in the desert and desert scape is popular for homes and businesses, gravel is often on the sidewalks.  Rolling over just a small piece of gravel can change the direction of the chair; thus, it is not practical for daily use outdoors.  Independent travel is the student's goal.  We would like to help him choose a good wheelchair that will meet his needs.  The information you have provided will help considerably.  Please send any other ideas to consider or suggestions or opinions.  I am very glad to hear you are doing well and enjoying your power chair.

Warmly,
Lucy 

-----Original Message-----
From: blind-rollers-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blind-rollers-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of AgapeDEW at aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 2:08 PM
To: blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] some good news to share

Lucy, 

Wow, its exciting you got the funding for your chair.  Can I ask if Medicare, Medicaid or OVR paid for it/other funding because right now many  people are having difficulty getting funding for electric wheelchairs.  I  am having problems getting a different type of wheelchair then the one I got six years ago.  I had a jazzy chair but I have progressive spinal conditions that I need more thoracic  and cervical support then previously. I was just diagnosed with MS and lost my ability to walk during the first part of the disease.  Having these new problems becoming so severe with spine changes  the type of chair I actually need.  I found out a great deal of the information I am sharing below from an excellent mobility specialists TEAM  including a physical therapist, mobility specialist. and a Doctor of Rehab  Services of the area hospital.  Here are things I learned from them and my  life experiences with electric wheelchairs.  

There is a whole department at our hospital that does wheelchair recommendations so just asking every one on the internet might just make you  have to get a different one earlier then expected. 

 Things to consider... 

Are you going to be in the chair the entire day and not able to pivot to another chair to sit? If so, the seat should not be the hard surfaces but a soft surface with good lumbar support and a tilt feature that allows you to go  into a reclining feature  takes pressure off the tailbone and legs. I personally cannot sit in a Jazzy type chair all day. 

Do you need to stand to teach class, public speaking or reaching high areas  for your job, etc?  Some chairs even go to the standing  position. 

The toggle that operates each electric wheelchair can be put on either the left or the right arm to allow you to operate the chair.  Do you have any conditions  such as carpel tunnel or poor muscle coordination etc  or stroke that would prevent you from operating a toggle switch?  Do you  have any 
upper arm/shoulder issues that will affect your use of the chair?   I do, so 
they adjusted my toggle joystick to work easier.  

 Do you need foot petals that will protect your feet from sliding off (Jazzy's are well known for ankle injuries from people with neuropathy etc not noticing their feet fell off between the foot petal and the front spinning
wheel.)  

Do you require support while sitting in the chair as some chairs come with a standard type seat belt where others come with complete support across your  body? 

 What are your housing accommodations?  Some chairs have a  sharper turn radius then others and must have certain clearance to get in  bedrooms and baths.  

Outside use:  No chair is made to be used out in grassy surfaces but  of course the wheelchairs are our "legs" so we must continue to do what we did before we became disabled like gardening and family picnics etc.  Jazzy  goes well on grass with traction tires.  

Definitely check out the chair to see when you lean forward, does the chair  tip forward?  That could throw you out of your chair.  Jazzy solved  that problem by putting front wheels and tip protection underneath your foot petal.  

Weight and height is also considered as some chairs have a weight capacity.  

Many people get the "scooter" type chairs thinking they are "cool" and do not take in consideration that it is extremely hard to get in and out of those  scooters if you have back and knee problems.  Also, if any cervical or thoracic problems, having your arms in extended position for long periods getting around is extremely hard and painful on your body.  The swivel  chair also is not easily used to eat if you have chronic back pain as you must literally glide yourself with the chair 45%.  Its perfect to get around parks, streets, and going from point A and B.  Its not something you would  want if in a wheelchair the majority of the day.  

Will you be using public transit or have a need to use tie-downs to get yourself to appointments and work, etc.  Wheelchairs actually can be made specifically to have the tie down hook under the chair for public transport or van accommodations.  

I probably will think of a whole lot more when I finish sending this email but I am so happy to hear that you are getting your chair.  Remember to do a fire drill using the chair at night to assure you can get out of your bed,  into the chair and out of your facility under three minutes.  

Please keep me posted on what you get and why you chose that model.   
Debbie Wells :-)

In a message dated 8/15/2012 3:15:19 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, Lucy.Alexander at state.nm.us writes:

What  type of chair are you getting?  What types of chairs do people  
recommend?  And, what are the advantages and disadvantages of each?   Thanks for 
your help and congratulations!
-----Original  Message-----
From: blind-rollers-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blind-rollers-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Criminal Justice  Major
Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 1:04 PM
To: ;
Subject:  [Blind-rollers] some good news to share

Hi, all,
Sub says it  all.
The approval went through for my power chair and I'll be getting it at  the end of August and beginning of September.
I'm happy and excited.
On  the days when I hurt really bad or have just experienced a seizure upon not  having any physical ability to move around, I can get into my power chair and  just go, go, go.
Because I've not been able to get anywhere with Denver  Vocational Rehabilitation here in Denver, Colorado, a physical therapist named  Cindy Duff at Denver Health Medical is willing to come out and help out with  training if need be.
I've taken up her offer and do welcome it as it will  take me time to get used to operating a power chair.
Thoguth I'd share the  good news with you'alls.
Bibi, husband Dale and the stubron son Odie _______________________________________________
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