https://preview.redd.it/zldt4ziqplge1.jpg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7a59f537408a1b71ab79c86c402829f7144242f3

https://preview.redd.it/q3l2m1jqplge1.jpg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0d58bf4be7e13ff4818540ff6c196a9116cbefe3

Basically, my backrest is pushed too far forwards, I need to angle it back. I watched an animated video on YouTube but it made zero sense to me. Apparently it’s a pretty simple thing to do, but I just don’t understand how! Thank you

Hello my SCI/WC peeps. I've tried looking for volunteering services under the search bar but got limited results. So I'm asking yawl out there of various volunteer services that I can pass the time with. Self history: I'm a 52yo healthy slightly overweight WC dependent male. 6'3" 250 lbs T4 incomp. This happened 2 yrs ago. I also GOOGLED services for HCP WC peeps. I live in Fresno Cali and Option #1 is to be a peer counselor at the trauma rehab hosp here in town. Option #2 is to be a volunteer at the cardiac hosp where I used to work as a cardiac ICU nurse. Other than that I been taking up photography(not classes rather just going out and taking pics). Observing trials at the county courthouse(very interesting). What are other options that anybody has? United Spinal? SPCA? Childrens hosp as a cuddler?

I ordered replacement fender parts for my firefly 2.5 and received fenders that appears different from what I previously had and seemed too small for the wheel size I had. When I opened the box none of the packaging had any indication on what part it actually was and no packing slip confirming serial numbers or items in the box.

I’ve heard people say in the past that they have used Washi tape to decorate their chairs… is it decent? Does it stay on? I need to cover up a logo on a (flat) side panel (on both sides of the chair) that’s about 13”x3”… I previously used vinyl, but it’s starting to peel off so need a change. Any suggestions?

Good Morning All,

My trip to Florida in a month will be the first time I've traveled by air with my SmartDrive MX2+ device.

I'm flying into Southwest Florida International Airport in Ft. Myers. (Friend and his wife will be staying at his Dad's wheelchair accessible home there while his Dad's on a business trip...so yay free lodging!!) It appears Frontier has, by far, the cheapest flights.

I don't think I've ever flown on Frontier. Any advice on what, if anything, I can do to make sure my SmartDrive and SpeedControl Dial (and charger) don't get broken during flight? Also, any advice on any airlines I should definitely avoid?

I've had so many problems with the SpeedControl Dial (I think I'm on my third dial within a year or so) I've thought about leaving my SmartDrive MX2+ at home. However, I'll be renting a car and spending at least one day in Orlando visiting my sister, brother-in-law and nephew, and going to Disney's Hollywood Studios (I *need* to visit Galaxy's Edge!) and maybe EPCOT or Universal Studios. Even if I didn't end up in pain after pushing myself around multiple MLB baseball spring training stadiums and parking lots, I know my shoulders would really hurt after even a single day at a theme park.

Lastly, anybody been to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and Universal recently? I, amazingly, haven't been to any of the Florida theme parks since I was in high school in 1992. From what I can recall, because I was in a wheelchair I skipped every line for a ride. I think I recall reading something about Disney and other theme parks changing their wheelchair line policies recently because they believed too many people were taking advantage needlessly?

Edit: can't post the photo. The tube around the screws connecting the two halves of my foot plate bracket/tube are cracked from the edge of the screw holes and now the whole thing is a wobbly useless mess.

What is the purpose of this split here? This is the underside of my flip up foot rest on my tilite aero T for ref.

I feel like the concept behind a rigid chair understands that the fewer seams and moving parts, the better. Why have FIVE pieces (two tubes, a connector tube and two screws) in a spot that is going to be exposed to heavy force over and over again (I use my feet and legs to reposition in my chair, so Im pushing against the plate frequently.

I have had this chair for less than 18 months and it is otherwise holding up well. I know that it too approximately nine-hundred and eleventy-thousand days to get my chair in the first place because everything was custom made. Why is the tube under the foot plate not also custom cut and installed as a single piece, rather than this thing?

I have sent in all the things needed for my seating folks to get a repair/replacement, but im irritated that its even an issue.

Does anyone have a chair where the foot rest tube is integrated into the frame? I understand that it would not be adjustable at all, but I think I would prefer that to having to tighten it up and deal with repairs.

https://preview.redd.it/ibloocrxijge1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f5f96dc5831dfab9a32654ddaae92ae7e3b52f25

Can you do wheelies in a helio a7?. How do you do one?

I wasn’t diagnosed with any health conditions until somewhat recently, and my mobility has taken a huge hit in the last year. At 27 I just got a prescription for my first wheelchair, which was never something that was predicted for my future until recently. But I’ve had more mild issues with pain and stability in my legs since childhood, and I remember “joking” with my girlfriend when I was 19 and asking her if she’d push my wheelchair when we were 30. (Side note, we’re married now, and she absolutely does help me when I need it!) And as a kid I was always curious about wheelchairs and how they worked. It feels like there was a little part of me that has always known that I’d end up in this position someday, and it’s weird to look back on and know I was right, even if I didn’t have much evidence to support that line of thinking.

Anyone else here feel like there was always a little part of them that knew they’d have mobility problems fairly young, even before they were diagnosed with anything?

Looks like insurance will pay for new wheelchair to go with the E-fix 35 . Any recommendations?

Would something like this work for thick pile carpet: https://www.homedepot.com/p/ES-Robbins-Clear-27-in-x-20-ft-Vinyl-Ribbed-Runner-Rug-184015/204590830

https://preview.redd.it/c0shf7gcmfge1.png?width=1494&format=png&auto=webp&s=1bad768a93d205625f7ee708dcbb8faabf1bf2d8

It's a plastic carpet runner but looks slightly ribbed and I'm having trouble finding anything completely smooth that isn't a super expensive chair matt. My issue is I need to have multiple to cover multiple areas of the room as the room is basically unusable to me without something to go over the carpet. Anyone find something that worked for them that was affordable and covered decent square footage?

Can it be lowered or heightened as desired or is it fixed?

Is range of motion terrible with 18 in high back rest or not?

Also, can anything be changed/customized on a Tilite Z after getting the chair?

Edit: I was informed my insurance wouldn't cover some features/add-ons on a Tilite Z, one of these being fold-down push handles and the other being a low back rest. How could get these two after getting my chair?

Hi! I've been assessed and prescribed a manual invacare 3ng. I'm a little concerned because I've noticed a couple issues. One of them is that it doesn't come in a size small enough for me - the OT said a 13" wide seat is ideal for me but the 3ng minimum is 15" so it felt kind of tricky to get to the push rims. Another problem was the wheels felt like they were too far back. I also thought that the foot plates stuck out a lot at a weird which would make navigating around a little tricky. If you have used or currently use the invacare 3ng, please share your experiences.

I’m trapped in a library.

I’ve been working to get a powerchair for over a year. We had a few regular hiccups, insurance change etc. But I have an amazing team, OT, pcp, seating specialist, who are zealous advocates.

My insurance finally just said no. They would not even entertain an appeal, they just sent it back. Despite having an entire team of medical professionals who believe this wheelchair is medically necessary, because I do not fit any of the 4 extremely narrow qualifications, I’m denied with no opportunity for appeal. My OT said it was the most infuriating insurance she’s ever had in career. Told me she had to take a bit to calm down before calling me with the news because she was so upset on my behalf.

So why am i trapped in a library? Well I’ve been a wheelchair user for three years. I have an ultralightweight manual and a smart drive that I got second hand while figuring out other health stuff. It worked for me very well for a while. But now, my shoulders and upper back have lost too much strength to really manage it. If I don’t have my smart drive, my chair is basically useless. and it’s an old smart drive… and you all know how that goes.

I walk across campus to class every single day. Today it was raining a lot. My smart drive was being annoying but normal, until one puddle later and it isn’t responding at all. It turns on, gives a little beep and shows power. My bracelet responds normally too. It just won’t actually start. So I get as far as I can before my arms give out, the library, and collapse inside.

I’m not making it to class. It’s gonna take me an hour before I have the strength to get home. So I’m just laying on the floor in a corner (another reason we wanted a powerchair, because I have to regularly take lay down breaks for the pressure on my butt and BP) feeling sorry for myself. So, so demoralizing.

So my first manual chair is in the process of being ordered through insurance. (“Kaiser Complex Manual”{tri-lite X}from National Seating and Mobility)

I am mostly ambulatory but deal with major fluctuations in balance, pain and coordination to name some big ones. (Adult onset A-T, aka LouisBar Syndrome)

My trained service dog is a 64lb Labrador who is about 22” at the shoulder. I’ve been a service dog handler for a little over a decade and a half now so that not new to me

BUT!

I know I’m going to need to get a power assist type device for my chair and I know for safety reasons and practicality I’ll need to find a way to have my dog on-top of me or on a little platform or something at some point while using the chair.

Does something like this exist?

I’m imagining something like what baby strollers have for toddlers to sit/stand behind the seat… or a platform to put at my feet when using a firefly type power assist device.

He’s been using the smart drive when we go out. I’ve read a couple post about the damn smart drive becoming possessed and running people into walls. Well yesterday we were on our way out to go to the doctors office, I get on the elevator and he’s enjoying his slow and steady stroll down the hall when as soon as he got into the elevator the smart drive decides to go Mach 5 and pins me against the elevator and it just kept smashing us into the wall lmfao. I wouldn’t have believed it if it didn’t happen to us. My god it was pretty scary and I’m glad I was able to help before he ended up flipping backwards or something. We got into the car and laughed our butts off and drove off. I have a couple bruises on my shins but boyfriend is untouched and was out of harms way. But man tat was an intense 30 seconds

Check out my new sub where eople can share various disability hacks that they have found. Some really easy ones that I have found are simple like wearing a fanny pack and being able to hold lots of stuff while I'm sitting. Using puppy pads instead of expensive incontinence pads on my wheelchair or bed. Various items for dogs I have found like cooling vests or towels.

Any kind interesting gadgets or repurposed things to help around the house or out and about. Think about joining if you want.

r/DisabilityHacks

I'm looking for input on the pros and cons of in-floor vs fold-out side ramps for a wheelchair van. I'm going to get a Toyota Sienna and I already know I can't use a rear ramp (need to reach kiddo in a carseat in the back, and also will be the driver). Wondering if people know the most common issues with either ramp style and some that I wouldn't have thought of. I'm demoing them today at a MobilityWorks but kind of prefer to hear this stuff from another chair user vs a salesperson.

“Complex” has a specific health industry meaning in this context: it’s power wheelchairs that have additional electromechanical components other than just driving the wheels around. So electrically controlled tilt, leg lifts, Elevating seats, etc. This also means that typically these chairs Have sophisticated control systems which have to be programmed by a technician for that individual person.

Recently, my own primary chair was out of service for two weeks while we were waiting on parts to repair it. I do have an all day backup chair, but it doesn’t have any complex features and I found I had a lot more muscle cramps and also was really exhausted at the end of each day without my regular chair.

I have the opportunity to acquire a used complex chair of a very similar model to my primary chair. My OT has verified that it would be medically suitable for me . I’m really tempted because my illness has now progressed to where a complex chair would be very helpful as a backup.

The candidate chair is in very good shape, but it won’t have a warranty or repair contract, and I’m concerned that it will be too hard/expensive to keep serviced.

For those of you who have bought used complex powerchairs, what has your experience been like with maintenance? If you needed programming changes, were you able to get those done? (I checked with my regular DME provider, and for liability reasons, they don’t service chairs that they didn’t provide.)

Again, my condition is progressive, so it’s quite possible I might need changes in the next year or two.

I know a lot about the engineering specs for these chairs, but I’ve never known anyone who got one used, and I don’t know what the ownership experience is like in those cases.

Thanks! 😎

I currently have a 16x16 synergy solutions get seat but I absolutely hate it. It would maybe be ok if it fit properly but it's definitely too small. It came with my second hand folding quickie wheelchair but now I have a pride go chair med and need an extra seat cushion and possibly a back cushion for it because I need to sit up a little taller for it to be comfy with my legs and it's already adjusted to max chair height.

The synergy seat fixes the leg length issue but it's too narrow on my bum and hurts my hips. However the back rest part is then a little too short and not great but still better than nothing. The seat is either 18x17 or 18x18 (ice read both at different places) so I'm looking for an off the shelf thing that would fit.

I've heard good things about purple cushions but the big comfy looking one that i want the most is massive and will definitely not fit the seat. Should I get a new cushion that's actually made for wheelchairs? Or should I just stick n with trying to get some generic thing?

For reference I'm 5' 10" and about 230# any recommendations are appreciated for seat cushion and /or back rest extention or cushions. Stock photo of current cushion. Thanks!

Hi everyone, I'm pretty new here but I have noticed as I'm going through posts that a lot of you have mentioned you're not eligible for pip? Wheelchairs I'm still learning 😂 but pip? I know about 😂😂

I've helped people challenge pip decisions in the past and am pretty familiar with pip policy and some of the things I've seen mentioned on here had alarm bells ringing.

I think some of you probably are actually eligible for pip, though you may think you're not. They're just messing you round, which is very normal with pip unfortunately. I've included some info here explaining what they're actually asking, and how you apply and make sure you're treated fairly (and why you may have been rejected in the past even though you're eligible)

Ok so with pip only 56% Of ppl applying are awarded ANYTHING at first. Considering how long the form is and how many ppl give up before getting to that point? That's a really really low acceptance rate. IT IS EXPECTED THAT YOU WILL FILE A MANDATORY RECONSIDERATION even if you're in that 56% because most ppl don't get awarded the correct amount at first. A lot of ppl get the right award at this point. Just for a phone call, all of a sudden they actually read your evidence and award you the right number of points. If they don't, you NEED to appeal this. I know it's stressful but there are charities that'll help. 70% of appeals are accepted in favour of the customer and the dwps decision is overturned. On balance, if you have mobility problems at the level we all do, you're very very likely eligible, just some ppl are unlucky and have to jump through hoops first.

Next important thing. 'But I'm not eligible for pip as I'm ambulatory/ not paralysed/ can walk in an emergency.' This is a misunderstanding of what the pip points system is asking, and it's a really easy one to make as they bury it right in the handbook and word the questions so ppl won't question it.

The key to all pip questions is, 'An individual must be able to complete an activity descriptor reliably, in a timely fashion, repeatedly and safely; and where indicated, using aids and appliances or with support from another person (or, for activity 10, a support dog). Otherwise they should be considered unable to complete the activity described at that level.'

If you can not fulfil reliably, timely, repeatedly and safely (which INCLUDES you not being in unreasonable pain/ fatigue as well as risks of falls and injuries, you DO NOT say yes. Under no circumstances. Don't say yes but. Say. 'I can not do that repeatedly/reliabl/without extreme pain ect''

This applies to all the questions but I want to talk about the mobility ones as they're the most important to you all.

The first mobility question is about planning and following a journey. Its asking about visual impairments/psychological distress/ conditions that affect memory or result in confusion/disorientation.

The most important question for us though is the second one.

2. Moving around.

3. Can stand and then move more than 200 metres, either aided or unaided. 0 points.

4. Can stand and then move more than 50 metres but no more than 200 metres, either aided or unaided. 4 points.

5. Can stand and then move unaided more than 20 metres but no more than 50 metres. 8 points.

6. Can stand and then move using an aid or appliance more than 20 metres but no more than 50 metres. 10 points.

7. Can stand and then move more than 1 metre but no more than 20 metres, either aided or unaided. 12 points.

8. Cannot, either aided or unaided, – stand; or move more than 1 metre. 12 points.

Aids refers to walking sticks. Not wheelchairs or scooters. This is not made clear and some assessors will try to include your wheelchair. This is not correct and needs to be challenged.

Reliably, in a timely fashion, repeatedly and safely is ESSENTIAL here

Timely- if you can walk but it takes double the time of a healthy person, it doesn't count.

Reliably- you need to be able to walk to 'a reasonable standard' this is where you think about if you're holding on to walls/ falling in a way that's not hurting you but is not what anyone would consider an efficient way of walking (eg. I tend to fall over in my house and let the wall catch me. Its not dangerous but. Would anyone reasonable consider that a reliable way to get around?)

Safely- This INCLUDES danger to other people. For instance. If you fall when walking and catch yourself without harm but have been known to knock people in to the road/cause a obstruction to traffic that may cause an accident. That's not safe for anyone around you. When we talk about danger to you, if walking makes you so tired that you'll go home and leave the cooker on, it's not safe. If your condition means that walking is damaging your body, it's not safe. If you're a fall risk, not safe. If it causes you severe pain, this could affect your psychological state and is not safe.

Now the most important one for us (imo) REPEATEDLY this applies to so many users of this sub. If you can walk 50m once. That does not count. If you can walk in to work but couldn't get home. This would not count. If you can walk 50m as many times as you need through the day but at the end you can't eat/ wash/get yourself to bed as you're so exhausted. This does not count!

I have major concerns this is not how a lot of ppl who've mentioned they can't get pip are considering things. So I'm gonna give you a wild hypothetical situation that might help you see this at the right angle. A law is introduced and for some reason they've decided to limit wheelchair use. Even for private users. To keep your wheelchair you need to go to an assessment centre and show the assessor how well you'd do without it. Its a day long test, covering all activities of daily living, and social and occupational requirements. The assessors are very fair BUT they need to see it happen. if you're having a good day you can rearrange it. Imagine yourself in that situation. ANYTHING that the assessor is going to accept as a reason you need your chair, is something that's relevant for this question. Even if they do not ask, you tell them. You need to consider anything that might have come up in that hypothetical test you just imagined, when answering these questions.

If you are a full time wheelchair user, I find it very difficult to envision any situation where you are not scoring 12 points. Because even if you can walk 100m once in a day. If you can't repeatedly move that 1m enough times in a day to do all the tasks an average person does in a day. It doesn't count. They aren't asking you if you can stand to transfer from your chair a few times a day. These questions were not written by disabled people, they don't know how our lives work. What they're actually l asking is: Can you reliably stand up from your chair repeatedly through the day, and do all the tasks that non disabled people do standing, and manage that without endangering yourself and without severe pain or fatigue.

If you are completely honest with yourself, can you answer yes to that question?

Some other common points of confusion:

Fluctuating conditions - This is a fun one! So many conditions are. They are asking. On average. And they test this by looking at if you can reliably, safely, repeatedly, do that in a timely manner more than half the time. Could you spend a day without your wheelchair and go about your day walking, with no severe pain or fatigue and no falls or other safety concerns, but then the next day you couldn't? If so. You don't meet what the questions is asking either. Because if you can only do it every other day. 50% of the time you can't do it.

'But I'm not disabled, pip is for disabled people'- in the nicest way possible. The dwp do not care about your identity. They care about if you fall under the group of people who are protected by disability legislation. If you have a chronic condition that impacts your ability to do day to day activities, and have had this for more than 6 months, you are in the group of people that these schemes are created for. It is expected that you will realise this and apply so that they can decide if you meet the criteria for help. They can not assess you if you do not apply. You lose nothing by applying. (Obviously if anyone's reading this and is hanging out on this sub cause they're using a chair for a few weeks as they've broken their leg and are otherwise healthy? Sorry. If your leg is gonna heal within 6 months, none of this applies to you)

Anyway yeah. There's a ton of guides online that can help you with applying and making sure you're treated fairly during the process. Citizens advice have a great one. There's a site called work and benefits. You've gotta pay if u want tailored advice but they've got loads of free resources. There's a ton of charity sites. If you search how to apply for pip you'll find a ton. If you've got a charity that deal with your disability/condition then they may have more tailored advice. There are so many options. Please don't go without just because you weren't treated fairly initially and (understandably) didn't realise

Edit: If you're in Scotland you don't have pip you've got adp so you're not eligible. If you're under 16 you need to apply for dla. If you're over state pension age and have never had pip you are eligible for attendants allowance not pip. If you're not a resident you won't be eligible (need to have lived in England Scotland or Wales for 2 of the last 3 years (different rules for some eu/ associated countries, if that's you check) and live in England or Wales now. If your visa says you've got no recourse to public funds you're unlikely to be eligible. If you're not a UK citizen, get specialist advice cause some refugees ect actually are eligible

Edit 2: just wanted to apologise for anyone here for the info and links in the comments. I got a little snappy earlier. I'm usually a lot more patient i swear 😂

I am a mostly full time wheelchair user, I have a very heavy Quickie Argon provided by WCS that has postural seating, it’s so heavy I cannot take it apart or lift it without doing myself an injury, I also have a small powerchair with a captains seat. Neither of these are suitable for me.

I can’t use my manual chair at all outside because I cannot keep up with a normal walking pace, I struggle to even push myself to the bus stop, but it means I can get cheaper taxis than the companies that provide accessible ones. My powerchair doesn’t have postural seating so isn’t comfortable to sit in at all and I find myself literally sliding out of it on busses but I can get around so much easier.

WCS has outright told me my Argon is “suitable” and they won’t provide anything else. I am eligible for motability but if I get a powerchair it means I cannot drive, and I have no way of getting my powerchair around meaning I’d be stuck to public transport, but at the same time i’m not sure if I want to drive anyway as I find it difficult and tiring, but I need to find work and when I’ve had interviews I’ve had places outright tell me they won’t hire people who can’t drive/ don’t have their own car.

I feel so torn as to what to do, what’s the right solution. Does anyone have any advice on making this decision?

I’ve mentioned multiple times about my being a very avid wheelchair bowler. I was a rather decent bowler that went wheelchair almost six years ago due to spasticity worsening and had my mind do continue bowling anyway, from the chair.

Now, I have a few National level tournament titles and have won a number of other events and prizes. But I have been chasing a key milestone — that being, scoring a three-game series above 600.

Last night I posted 187, 201, 224. I’ll spare most details but I went into the final frame needing nine pins, OR a spare/strike. I went nine-spare-strike and while the 224 is not my high, it’s my fifth highest single game…and I had a split in that first frame. 612 was sweet.

The bowling subreddit gets a lot of my attention and I wrote a short novel there. https://www.reddit.com/r/Bowling/s/5JlPsEcDbK

I (21f) have a few different muscle issues which means I have good days and bad days. On a good day I feel (though I'm not stupid enough to try) like I can run a lap around a football pitch. On bad days I can't get out of bed. I have been thinking for a while about getting a self-propelled wheelchair for when I do day trips, whether it be for going out with friends or a non-hiking trip with the scouts (I volunteer) Are there any recommendations on where to look in the UK for wheelchairs bearing in mind that I don't have enough money to buy expensive (though I understand money=quality)? I have never bought a wheelchair before so I don't know brands to avoid or what to look for in quality. I should also note that I do not drive so getting to stores can be awkward (I don't want to ask my dad for help as he still asks me to not use the walking stick around him).

TLDR: looking for advice on self-propelled wheelchair for day trips in the UK.