
GENERAL GUIDELINES
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.
WARNING
Many activities require the wheelchair user to reach, bend and transfer in and out of the
wheelchair. These movements will cause a change to normal balance, centre 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.
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.
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NOTE: This activity may be performed
independently provided you have adequate
mobility and upper body strength.
1.
Position the wheelchair as close as possible
along side the seat to which you are
transferring, with the casters pointing
parallel to it.
2.
Engage clutches. Refer to Gear Selection in
your owner’s manual.
3.
Shift body weight into seat with transfer.
During independent transfer, little or no seat platform
will be beneath you. Use a transfer board if at all
possible.
FUNCTIONAL REACH FROM A
WHEELCHAIR
The approximate reach-limit values
shown in the accompanying graphs
were derived on the basis of a
sample of 91 male and 36 female
wheelchair users. Note the
difference between the maximum
and the comfortable reach limits, a
subjective but important
consideration in design.