Archive for the 'Wheelchairs' Category
United Spinal Association has some important tips to handle situations before and during a fire, and to address fire prevention within private homes. It is important to recognize that all people living with mobility impairments do not have the same type of home. Therefore, the following tips should be used only as a model to be modified and adjusted to fit each individual’s private residence.
- Identify and determine the nearest emergency exit or exits within your home. It is important to always know the safest and quickest exit from any location you are in and it should always be based on your physical capabilities. If it is at all possible, try to live, or have your sleeping area, close to an accessible exit. Then, in the event of an emergency, you will have the quickest escape route. You might require some accommodations to facilitate an emergency exit such as a ramp or removal of barriers.
- Make the adjustments necessary to ensure a safe escape route. In addition, be sure that you can also open all locks on windows and doors throughout your house.
- Install heat or smoke detectors throughout your home. Key locations for smoke alarms are: the kitchen, basement, storage areas, trash areas, accessible attics, sleeping areas, and hallways. Please note that there are various types of smoke alarms. .
An electric wheelchair is a chair powered by a motor. These motorized wheelchairs are ideal for people who need to use a wheelchair all the time. Some power wheelchairs are made for indoor use only and using them outdoors is rather dangerous.
When buying an electric wheelchair, there are a lot of things to consider. You have to find a chair that fits your needs. Some of the features you should look at when purchasing a wheelchair are its weight, whether it is designed for indoor or outdoor use, its weight capacity, the power source etc.
Some electric wheelchairs are designed both for indoor and outdoor use and can be used by someone between 5’0″ and 5’10″ high.
Electric wheel chairs have been out for a while now helping people get where they want and need to go, but when buying one you should take the time to research and test it before you buy. The 30 minutes of research might save you some money.
The earliest wheelchair was built in 1932, by engineer, Harry Jennings. He built a folding, tubular steel wheelchair. Pictured here is one of the newest models, of which is similar to the original one. The original chair was built for a paraplegic friend of Jennings called Herbert Everest. Together they founded Everest & Jennings. This company monopolized the wheelchair market for many years. An Antitrust suit was brought against Everest & Jennings by the Department of Justice, who charged the company with rigging wheelchair prices. The case was eventually settled out of court. This opened the door for other companies to compete in the market; which brought about a change in pricing for these essential items, making them more affordable to the general public.