[Blind-rollers] chairs

Mon Jul 20 18:05:35 UTC 2015

Maureen, really you have brittle bone disease, so do I. I have Osteogenesis
Imperfecta. Hey we are the right height,  you four foot six and me four foot
ten, smile. Everyone else are Amazons, giggle.

Warm hugs,
Becky and Jake  

-----Original Message-----
From: Blind-rollers [mailto:blind-rollers-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Maureen Pranghofer via Blind-rollers
Sent: Monday, July 20, 2015 6:59 AM
To: Blind wheelchair users list
Cc: Maureen Pranghofer
Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] chairs

Hi Lauren
>What is the difference between a power chair and a scooter? >
A scooter sometimes has 3 wheels like a trike.  It is less stable and can
tip when you, for example, are not straight on to a ramp.  Also the scooter
is steered by what looks like handlebars on a trike and it is very difficult
for someone to handle a cane with the scooter.
>What different kinds of power chairs are there? > There are many 
>brands.  I have had Quickie and Quantum and have heard of Permobile and 
>Jazzy, Pride, and Invacare.

>How does one choose which to get?>
It takes medical knowledge to look at things like what kind of seating do
you need, where should the joy stick be placed, is the control box for
running the chair one that can be used by a blind person?  I would start by
finding a physiatrist in your area.  That is a doctor of rehab, having a
consult and they would start the process of ordering the best chair for you.

It is a long process, usually it takes me from 15 to 18 months to order a
chair because of Medicare but they will pay for them.  They are expensive
and have to be justified, but they are well worth the wait for independence.

My new chair I got 3 weeks ago cost $14,000 and we had to pay $2,000
(copay).
Often times physiatrists and physical and occupational therapists are
reluctant to order power chair for totally blind people believing they do
not work, however they do and convincing is often needed, however after my
spinal cord injury in 1996 when I needed a power chair full time I was
living in a nursing home recovering and being pushed in a manual chair which
tilted back because I could not sit.  I wanted to use my power chair, that
I'd gotten 2 years earlier to use for distances because of my brittle bone
disease and they were very reluctant to let me use it saying "Oh you'll
knock over one of the residents,"  But after the physical therapist walked
down the hall with me twice she said, "Hey no problem,"  And since then I've
never had a problem getting another chair when one wears out, and I'm on my
4th one now.
Maureen

-----Original Message-----
From: Lauren Merryfield via Blind-rollers
Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2015 11:20 PM
To: 'Blind wheelchair users list'
Cc: Lauren Merryfield
Subject: [Blind-rollers] chairs

Hi,

What is the difference between a power chair and a scooter? What different
kinds of power chairs are there? How does one choose which to get?

Thanks

Lauren

Blessings in Jesus' name

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"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

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