[Blind-rollers] Power Wheelchairs and Blind People

[Charlotte]

Hi all. I myself have some ability to walk but not much. I use a power 
chair for the most part and a very long straight cane. I do have for 
when I need to go in cars a manual lightweight foldup transport 
wheelchair. I can not push myself in a manual chair due to my other 
issues so the power chair was the only option for me if I wanted to be 
independent in any way. I don't do much outdoor travel by myself right 
now unless it's going from store to store in a strip mall that I'm 
familiar for example. I am still working on expanding my travel routes 
but the place I live right now is not very wheelchair conducive. The 
transport chair I use is for when I am with other people who can push me 
and if I need to go in a car. It weighs about 20 pounds and folds quite 
flat. It is very handy when I need to be in a car. It is not as 
comfortable for me as my power chair but it does give me the ability to 
get where I need to go if I have someone with a car who can take me. 
Otherwise I use the city bus with my blind partner or paratransit by 
myself. I hope this helps.

Charlotte



On 10/20/2016 1:50 PM, Becky Frankeberger via Blind-Rollers wrote:
> 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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