Question:

My brother is expecting his first child and I am looking for a stroller that can be attached to his wheelchair or a stroller that a person in a chair can handle. Is there such a stroller out in the marketplace?

Please any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Ena

Answer:

Let’s face it parents have really tough jobs, but I applaud parents like your brother, they really have their work cut out for them. Most parents who use wheelchairs carry baby on their laps in a padded strap-on baby carrier. These either have baby facing forward in the carrier or hold baby lengthwise across the width of the wheelchair, facing up in the cradle position. Unfortunately, carrying baby on your lap in your wheelchair leaves you unable to use that space for other items - such as groceries and your baby bag. Worse still, this position can also cut off the circulation in the legs if you hold baby on your lap for lengthy periods of time.

We’ve probably all seen a bike trailer, those little enclosed carts that bolt securely to the back of a parent’s bicycle and pull baby behind. Those bike trailers attach to the back of a bicycle, and some models even seat more than one child. Well, why haven’t they thought of something similar for wheelchair-using parents?

The good news is that designers are really starting to become aware of how important assistive devices are to mobility-impaired parents – and there is finally something being done about it. An article from the Southern Methodist University in Dallas mentions a group of mechanical engineering students who altered an inexpensive umbrella stroller, raised its height and designed clamps that attach to any wheelchair. The stroller was made to be attached to the front of a wheelchair so that it faces either ahead or in the direction of mom or dad. The stroller’s wheels were replaced with sturdier wheels from a scooter, so it could keep up with mom or pop’s wheelchair.

The students, who made the assistive stroller for their senior design project, estimate that it can hold a child that weighs up to 40-pounds (maximum). Paul Packman, engineering professor at SMU says "One of the goals [of our project] is to make things that persons with disabilities can afford.” Although I can’t find these strollers on the market yet, hopefully this signifies more innovations in assistive devices for parents in the future.

Question:

I saw a wheelchair last week that had a front wheel attached and pedals and handle bars. It looked like a tricycle, but it was a wheelchair. Do you know what these are called?

Yours,

Linda

Answer:

Wheelchair tricycles are designed for traveling long distances. They can also handle rough terrain with more ease then their 2-wheeled counterparts. Wheelchair tricycles are manual wheelchairs that are powered by a hand crank. So instead of pedaling with your feet like you would a tricycle, a wheelchair trike is hand-cycled.

Wheelchair tricycles give the rider more independence to travel further distances. This is why they are often donated to needy individuals in third world countries such as Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Tanzania, where the terrain is rough and mountainous. In many cases, these individuals would never be able to venture outside without wheelchair tricycles. Wheelchair tricycles have literally opened doors for individuals who need to travel long distances to school or work on rough roads.

For the North American clime and terrain, a wheelchair tricycle would be ideal for those who live in rural areas or for those that enjoy a lot of hiking and beach going. The main advantage of the wheelchair tricycle is its large front wheel, which can move smoothly through sand, mud, dirt and gravel. Wheelchair tricycles are also very useful for people with one-sided paralysis (or only one strong hand). This is because the hand-crank on a wheelchair tricycle can be powered with a single hand; whereas you need one hand on either wheel to power a manual wheelchair.

However, wheelchair tricycles aren’t for everyone. For example, if you spend most of your time indoors or if you ride public transit, the tricycle’s large front tire is often too cumbersome for indoor and bus travel.

Question: I would just like to enquire about some wheelchairs specific to an aquatic environment. We run four aquatic centers in the area and would like to purchase some plastic wheel access chairs specific to swimming pools. ~David

Answer: I believe you are referring to amphibious wheelchairs. Many of these non-corrosive aquatic wheelchairs such as the Steel Wheel Aquatic Chair by Interior Mediquip Limited or Forward Motion's Sand-Rik can be used at the pool or beach. Check out an informative article on the ABLEDATA website concerning amphibious wheelchairs at www.abledata.com/Site_2/aquatic.htm. ABLEDATA is sponsored by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, and provides information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment available within the United States.

Question: I'm looking for device called a power wheelchair rocker. Do you know where I can find one? ~Tim

Answer: Yes, these platform rockers are becoming very popular among wheelchair users. A quick internet search should help you locate a manufacturer or a sales department that sells them. A wheelchair platform rocker is basically a small curved platform that can hold a person in a wheelchair. The wheelchair user can experience the benefits of a rocking chair with one of these devices that will help you to relax while providing some exercise. The vestibular motion of the platform helps to stimulate brain chemistry; while the rhythmic motion helps to prevent skin breakdown by shifting body weight and position. Rocking platforms come in various types and sizes, but they all basically serve the same purpose. You can also get different platforms if you want to experience more vigorous or less vigorous rocking. The rocking platform has a small ramp for getting on and off, and when the wheelchair is centered it's strapped into position.

Question: I'm looking for a manual wheelchair with a basket on the front (similar to the type found at Wal-Mart for customer use) to take my grandma shopping since many stores do not offer manual wheelchairs and she can not drive a wheel chair. ~Nadia

Answer: If you can't find a wheelchair that has a basket attached to it there are various types of baskets, packs, pouches and holders that you can attach to a manual wheelchair. Some pouches attach to the arm rest or push handles of a wheelchair by hooks, loops or Velcro straps. There are also bags and pouches that can fit underneath the seat of a manual wheelchair. Most of these bags and pouches are lightweight and can be bought starting at about $10. If you are looking for more carrying or storage space you may want to get a bag or pouch that attaches onto the back of the wheelchair. These bags fit onto the back rest of the wheelchair and are lightweight, but quite large in size. There are various types available and bags with zippered compartments are ideal for carrying personal items. Just make sure your bag or basket doesn't hinder the movement of the wheelchair and won't get caught up in the wheels.