The topic of wheelchairs may be scary for some. These links provide you with an overview of perspectives on the use of wheelchairs. Some of these perspectives might surprise you!
Recommendations for wheelchair fitting for children and adults Wheelchair seating and fitting can be a particular challenge for some individuals with SA/CRS due to the fixation of joints, webbing between calf and upper thigh and small size.
Comparing power and manual wheelchair options
Information on wheelchair selection
Tips for ordering a wheelchair
Wheelchair skill development
There are several wheelchair development skills listings and tests available online, including the one at this link
The following list has been developed that is expected to be suitable for most individuals with SA/CRS
Skills for entry and exit to the wheelchair:
Basic transfers:
Transfers to and from chair or bed to wheelchair independently
Transfers from chair to floor independently
Transfers from floor to chair independently
Transfers from wheelchair to car or van seat and back
Toileting transfers
If applicable, transfers to toilet seat and back to chair
If applicable, manages catheterization and associated clothing changes/adjustments from wheelchair
Driver transfers
While seated in car, removes chair from car and assembles parts of chair to transfer into chair
Transfers from wheelchair to car seat and disassembles wheelchair, loading it into car
Folds wheelchair (rigid type with folding back and removable wheels) and puts wheelchair into car
Pulls wheelchair (not folded) into van through side door from seated position on floor of van
Exits wheelchair to scoot up/down series of steps, pulling wheelchair along going up or down then transfers back into chair
Transfers for those who stand/walk
If walking, transfers to and from wheelchair and seated to standing/walking position
While standing, disassembles chair and places it in vehicle side or trunk
While standing, removes chair from car and assembles it and transfers into chair
Skills for maneuvering the wheelchair
Basic movements (approximate age 2-5 yrs)
Pushes forward on flat surface independently
Pushes backward on flat surface
Turns in place right and left
Turns right or left while moving forward
Turns right or left while moving backward
Controls increased speed for forward and backward
Moves chair forward and backwards for increased distance (around school building/around block)
Positions chair sideways near object/table/counter/bed, etc
Guides chair through hallway, around turns and obstacles
Pushes chair over slight inclines
Controls chair speed on downward inclines
Adjusts speed for changes in gentle slope up and down
Stops chair with control on gentle downward slopes
Controls sudden stop
Intermediate skills (approximate age 5-10)
Controls sudden turn, avoids moving objects
Pushes over door threshold
Pushes over gap/road rut
Enters and exits doorway in wheelchair, using push through or pull through doors
Angles chair for pushing up steep inclines zig zag
Angles chair for control on steep decline zig zag
Rolls across side slope
While moving forward, guides chair by shift of weight without touching wheels with hands
Wheelie skills (approximate age 6-12 yrs)
Raises front wheels balancing a wheelie in place (all wheelie skills only possible with manual chair)
Raises front wheels balancing a wheelie while moving forward on flat surfaces
Raises front wheels balancing a wheelie while spinning and turning
Raises front wheels balancing a wheelie while moving forward over soft or rough surface
Raises front wheels balancing a wheelie while moving forward on descending slope
Raises front wheels balancing a wheelie for bumping down a curb
Raises front wheels balancing a wheelie with forward speed to bump up a curb/or places front wheels on curb and pushes forward to ascend curb/step (curb height up to 2 or about 5 cm inches)
Ball skills (approximate ages 5-12 yrs)
Bounces ball from wheelchair
Bounces ball from wheelchair while moving forward, controls speed and movement forward of ball
Raises ball from floor with forward push and pressure of ball against push rim
Throws ball while moving
Catches ball while moving forward
Catches ball while moving backward
advanced skills (approximate age 10-18 yrs)
“walks” wheelchair side to side by shifting weight and lifting opposite wheel
Descends high curb (ascends high curb may be difficult for most)
Ascends escalator in wheelchair
Descends escalator in wheelchair (riding backwards)
Ascends/descends wide stairs in wheelchair
Skills for activity from wheelchair
Shifts body weight in chair for release of pressure on buttocks
Reaches high objects, maximizing chair surface for platform/balance
Reaches down to pick up object from lower surface/floor forward and side to side
Carries objects in lap or otherwise in chair while pushing
Carries object with one hand while maintaining push control with other hand
Switches object hand to hand to control angle of forward movement of chair while carrying object
Propels rolling suitcase/racing wheelchair/baby stroller while pushing forward
Carries large/heavy object while pushing forward (in backpack or front of chair or under chair)
Walks dog on leash from wheelchair
Pushes shopping cart while using wheelchair
Elite wheelchair user skills
WCMX skills involve using the wheelchair as a skateboard. Steep ramps, flips, stair rail ‘slides’ push the limits in skate park facilities and competitions
Here iSACRA’s member Jason Brass is one of the athletes featured in this article about the sport
Wheelchair racing: using specialized racing chair with 3 wheels and forward pressure/release against the push rim rather than a pushing stroke. iSACRA president Jessica Rogers is a wheelchair racer.
Wheelchair tennis. Several iSACRA members enjoy tennis. Here’s Lauren Hopps.
Wheelchair basketball Several iSACRA members are elite basketball players. Here’s Elissa Robinson.
Wheelchair fencing Any iSACRA fencers out there?
Wheelchair dancing Some iSACRA members participate in this sport. Here’s Joanne Fluke.