[Blind-rollers] chairs

[Lauren Merryfield]

Hi,
I never heard of a physiatrist. A copay of $2,000 would be drastic for me.
Yikes, I didn't know they were so expensive. 

What do the airlines people do with a power chair? How do you protect it
from being broken? (Like they broke my manual chair?)
Thanks
Lauren

Blessings in Jesus' name
Philippians 4:6-7
"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."
My digital evangelism blog is at:
W w w . ask in Jesus name . o r g
My book, in audio format, is at:
W w w . audible . c o m 
Cats Are Terrifically Superb:
W w w . catlInes . c o m
(take the spaces out to go to the above links)


-----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

Philippians 4:6-7

"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."

My digital evangelism blog is at:

W w w . ask in Jesus name . o r g

My book, in audio format, is at:

W w w . audible . c o m

Cats Are Terrifically Superb:

W w w . catlInes . c o m

(take the spaces out to go to the above links)



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