Although wheelchairs offer a form of
mobility to those who would otherwise be confined to a very limited area, their
functionality is basic. Ask anyone who has been confined to a wheelchair for
any length of time and you will be told that while it is useful, it is far from
perfect. Only a wheelchair user will know the obstacles that have to be faced
everyday. However, advances in technology have made new designs possible which
in turn offer much greater comfort, mobility and
flexibility of use.
·
Carbon Fiber Wheelchairs: The use of
carbon fiber has transformed the bicycle from a humdrum means of transport to a
high tech piece of equipment that can be used for everything from daily
transport to world class sports. The same now applies to wheelchairs. Carbon
fiber wheelchairs are very tough, light and offer much cycle like features,
including lights for night time use.
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·
Off Road Wheelchairs: Motorized, using tank like tracks and with precision controls,
including joysticks, these offer wheelchair users the chance to enjoy the
outdoors like never before. From beaches to snow cover hills, they are like
ATVs and can go to places that an ordinary wheelchair cannot.
·
Workout Wheelchairs: Made from high
grade industrial materials and using special design features, these wheelchairs
offer users the opportunity to work on their core, back, shoulders and arms to
build up strength and stamina. Most offer a range of seating position options
each of which enables strengthening of a
specific part of the body when the wheelchair is being used. A seating position
for normal use without placing stress on any one part of the body is also
available. This can be selected for normal daily use.
·
Power Assisted Wheelchairs: There are
now power units available that can be attached to a normal wheelchair to
provide the extra power needed to climb hills or cover long distances. These
are wheeled, independently powered units that are attached to the front of the
chair and controlled by handlebars like a cycle.
·
Sports Wheelchairs: These have been
around for some time and are a common sight in marathons
and other sporting events. These are special chairs and are not suitable for
daily use. Now, there are sports wheelchairs available that combine the best of
both worlds. With some minor adjustment, which
the user can do themselves, the chair can be converted
from sporting use to normal indoor functionality.
There
are Still Limitations
Even with the best of wheelchairs,
traveling for any distance can be difficult, if not impossible. That means that
motorized transport is needed. While some wheelchair users are able to drive themselves
using specially adapted vehicles, other are dependent on public transport (if
available) or friends to take them where they need to go. This can often be
difficult or awkward. That is where Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
plays a role. NEMT provides special vehicles with trained drivers to transport
wheelchair users and others with mobility problems to where they have to go.
Reliable, reasonably priced and always available, an NEMT is an
ideal way for those with mobility limitations to enjoy the freedom of
movement that means so much to everyone.
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