8
Slopes and Gradients
Do not attempt to climb or descend beyond your limitations to avoid tipping over.
Climbing Upwards
Lean the upper body forward and move the wheelchair forwards with short quick
pushes on the Handrims.
Downward Travel
Lean backwards in the chair and let the handrim slide gently through your hands
to control downward speed and direction.
Note:
When travelling down or up a slope, avoid sharp turns, zigzag movements
or moving across the slope
Wheelchair Assistance
Practical Use
Many activities require the wheelchair owner to reach, bend and transfer in and out of the wheelchair.
These movements will cause a change to the normal balance, the centre of gravity and weight
distribution of the wheelchair.
To determine and establish your particular safety limits, activities involving reaching, bending and
transferring should first be practised with a qualified health care professional.
Tilting
WARNING!
Do not tilt the wheelchair without assistance.
1. The attendant should grasp the push handles securely, making sure that
the handle grips are firmly attached.
2. Inform the chair occupant before tilting the chair and remind him/her to
lean back. Be sure the occupant’s feet and hands are clear of all wheels.
3. Place one foot on the tipping lever and apply a continuous motion until
the balance point is achieved. At this point, the attendant will feel a difference
in weight distribution (this usually occurs at about 14° angle).
4. Turn the wheelchair in the direction required.
5. Lower the front end, placing one foot on the tipping lever and grasping the push handles to slowly
lower to the ground.
NOTE: After mastering the techniques of tilting the chair, use this procedure to tackle kerbs, steps, etc.
Kerbs
1. The attendant should stand on the pavement and turn the chair so that the
rear wheels are against the kerb.
2. The chair should be tilted back to the balance point and in one continuous
movement, the rear wheels should be pulled up and over the kerb.
NOTE:
We recommend that two attendants are utilised for this procedure.
KERB TILT
ALWAYS
USE THE
TIPPING
LEVER
BE CAREFUL
DO NOT
