SECTION 3—SAFETY/HANDLING OF WHEELCHAIRS
22
Percentage of Weight Distribution
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to move forward in the seat or pick
them up from the floor by reaching down between your knees.
Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When reaching, leaning, bending or
bending forward, it is important to use the casters as a tool to maintain stability and
balance.
Many activities require the wheelchair user to reach, bend and transfer in and out of
the wheelchair. These movements will cause a change to the normal balance, cen-
ter of gravity, and weight distribution of the wheelchair. To determine and establish
your particular safety limits, practice bending, reaching and transferring activities in
several combinations in the presence of a qualified healthcare professional before
attempting active use of the wheelchair.
Reaching, Leaning and
Bending - Forward
NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 3.6.
Position the front and rear casters so that they are extended as far forward as possible and
engage motor release levers.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to move forward in the seat or pick
them up from the floor by reaching down between your knees.
FIGURE 3.6
