______________________________________________________________________________________________
Issue_G_January_2013 12 Dash Lite
4.9 OCCUPANT CONTROLLED MOBILITY
Handrims
These are provided for the occupant to grip and
push round to propel the wheels. Best results will
be obtained by a long pushing stroke, which
gives a continuous and smooth forward motion.
Many users find that gripping across the tyre and
handrim at the same time gives better control.
We recommend that when operating in this way,
wheelchair gloves are worn.
Users with gripping difficulties may find larger
section or Capstan types, with easy grip features,
more practical.
When using a handrim to turn a chair round in a
tight space, push one wheel forward, whilst
pulling the other wheel backwards. Always make
sure when carrying out this manoeuvre, that
there are no obstructions or bystanders in the
turning space required.
Balance Training
Physically active, independent people require
wheelchairs, which allow them to safely negotiate
kerbs and achieve efficient control and
manoeuvrability.
It can be hazardous for an occupant to attempt
wheelie positions on wheelchairs, which are
stable above 10 degrees rearwards static
stability, as physical effort needed to manoeuvre
and pull a wheelie can be excessive,
consequently increasing the risk of accidentally
tipping over backwards.
Maximum efficiency of hand propulsion occurs
when occupant centre of gravity and wheel
centre coincide, and is dependent on the
occupant shape and size.
Physically active
people should have wheelchairs with fine wheel
position balance settings, i.e. below 10 degrees
rearward stability. These chairs should have rear
stabilisers when supplied to inexperienced users,
allowing the user to practice balancing
techniques with the reassurance that the chair
will not accidentally tip over backwards.
During training, the Therapist, or Training
Supervisor can therefore build up the confidence
of the occupant in stages, by initially setting the
wheelchair up in a safe balance position, with the
stabilisers acting positively, and progressing
gradually towards optimum performance settings,
with the stabilisers only acting as a back up.
Once satisfied that the occupant has developed
the full range of wheelchair skills, and provided
that the medical condition is not compromised,
the therapist can authorise removal of the
stabilisers, and the occupant then takes full
responsibility and control of the wheelchair.
If stabilisers are removed for ascending or
descending a flight of steps additional carers
and handlers should be present, and they
should be refitted when the manoeuvre has
been completed.
Outdoor Safety Hints
Most pavements slope slightly towards the kerb
and the wheelchair may have a tendency to
pull towards the road
.
Occupant controlled
Active User wheelchairs with cambered wheel
setting reduce this tendency.
The fitting of polyurethane tyres eliminates
punctures, and provides reassurance of not
being stranded some distance from a service
centre, but the use of these tyres imposes a
harder ride and the wheels must be checked
more frequently, to ensure that there is no
deterioration of spoke tension and security.
Polyurethane tyres have slightly less grip than
pneumatic tyres, therefore, self propelled
chairs fitted with polyurethane tyres are also
fitted with a high friction brake shoe grip.
When out at night, ensure that both you and
your wheelchair are visible, consider both
clothing, and light reflective trim features.
4.10
TRANSPORTATION
Wherever possible it is recommended that
wheelchair occupants transfer to a vehicle seat
during a journey, with the wheelchair securely
stored separately in a purpose made storage
area.
Stowing the wheelchair in a car boot
The folded chair should be placed close to the
car boot with armrests, footrests and other
removable parts detached to split total weight
into component form. Wheelchairs with
detachable wheels reduce the weight for lifting.
The person stowing the chair should grip
convenient fixed parts of the chair, and lift
STABILISERS ARE FOR OCCUPANT
SAFETY. THEY SHOULD NOT BE
REMOVED UNTIL THE USER IS ABLE
TO DEAL WITH BACKWARD FALLS
AND TIP OUTS
keeping the back
straight, bending from
the hips and knees. If
in any doubt about
handling the weight,
assistance should be
sought.