[Blind-rollers] Power Wheelchairs and Blind People

[Becky Frankeberger]

Joshua, there are more tools out there to help navigate with a scooter or
power chair. This is a huge decision as you can't fold up a power wheelchair
in a trunk of a cab or Uber to get to places with friends or family. So keep
the folding wheelchair in very good shape. 

There is the mini guide you can wear that gives vibrations of objects around
you. This is not for drop offs though. There are also vibrating glasses that
do the same thing but at a shorter distance. These again are not for drop
offs. You will need a long cane and a good O and M specialist that can
brainstorm with you on the best most efficient ways to get around. With the
glasses for example you have to bob your head around to get the best
information. 

You can also use a sort of walker with two wheels you push. The frame is
wider then your power chair thus gives you a better idea of drop offs. This
might be better with people with coordination problems like you, and perhaps
Jennifer. These frames are easy to make with PVC pipes. I wil try to find a
link for the both of you later though. If I don't post soon, feel free to
bug me.  This is the way I will probably go as I have wrist problems and the
frame will be kinder to my hands then the constant death grip I put on a
cane, grin. 

Also, with CP you absolutely have to exercise or lose the muscle function.
When a friend of mine used a scooter at  a large college campus, she lost
the ability to walk for the most part. She has CP also. 

Oh but pushing a manual wheelchair can beat the crap out of your shoulders,
sorry. Also if you have snow around you, factor that in as to which model of
power chair you will get. House bound is no fun in the winter. 

Warm smile,

Becky and guide dog Jake    
-----Original Message-----
From: Blind-Rollers [mailto:blind-rollers-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Jennifer Aberdeen via Blind-Rollers
Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2016 11:08 AM
To: Blind wheelchair users list <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Jennifer Aberdeen <freespirit328 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] Power Wheelchairs and Blind People

Hi Joshua,

I think it all depends on the person, I did not have a positive experience
with a power wheelchair

Actually I did ok in-doors; it was outside that was dangerous for me. No
matter how slow I tried to go, I always ended up falling off the sidewalk. I
had a cane too, but it didn't help when it came to outside. I generally
don't have a problem with coordination in my hands, so I don't know what my
problem was...I know of other blind people who don't have a problem.

Anyway, good luck in whatever you decide to do. In case you don't know
however, once you transition to a power wheelchair, your insurance won't let
you get another manual chair later.

Jen



-----Original Message-----
From: Joshua Gregory via Blind-Rollers
Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2016 1:49 PM
To: blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
Cc: Joshua Gregory
Subject: [Blind-rollers] Power Wheelchairs and Blind People

Hello,

My name is Joshua Gregory. I am blind and have Cerebral Palsy, so am in a
wheelchair. I currently use a manual chair, however am probably going to
need a new one soon, so I'm wondering about the efficiency of a power chair
for a blind person? If any blind people here use one, what benefits do you
see, what challenges do you encounter as compared to a manual setup? Is any
special equipment needed to navigate, such as a cane?

Thanks very much, I greatly appreciate it.

Sincerely,

Joshua

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