Wheelchair Positioning Belts
A 'positioning belt', in wheelchair terms, is basically a seatbelt. They serve a similar purpose; have a push button release and comfortable padding. They are unique because they come in all sorts of fastener materials, such as metal, plastic and Velcro and more than 1 can be installed on a chair. Despite obvious comparisons to a standard seatbelt, positioning belts secure your lower extremities into your wheelchair and are usually used in addition to a metal seatbelt. There's nothing like feeling off-balance in your chair, so positioning belts are crucial devices to help you glide with confidence and security.
There are 2 ways to attach a positioning belt to a wheelchair. The first is hardware compatible with a grommet hole punched through the belt's nylon. The second method is by using metal mounting brackets, bolted to the chair frame. The latter is usually considered to be the most secure method as it allows limited shifting, and is the more popular method to attach your belt. When you first purchase your positioning belt, mounting instructions and hardware will be included, as well as tips on how to properly adjust and care for this accessory.
Where you choose to mount your belt will dictate where you position it. If attached to the backrest, you lower waist will be strapped in. If mounted on the seat frame, you will feel pressure on your hips when the belt is fastened. Keep in mind that for maximum upper body mobility, belts that press on the abdomen will inhibit any bending motion; while those on the lower hips leave plenty of room to stretch about.
Selecting and securing your positioning belt is the easy part. Making sure it fits correctly is often the most challenging step. It pays off to keep an old belt and use it to measure the new one to the same length. Wheelchair belts often have clips, similar to those found on knapsacks, and sometimes it's a smart idea to leave them fairly loose until right before the final tightening when you can be sure the fit is correct. Trim any excess nylon and you're literally ready to roll.
A team of 2 people can easily install a positioning belt so you can save money by doing it yourself with a friend.
