Which Wheelchair is Right for You?

A wheelchair isn't just a wheelchair anymore. A generation ago, the word "wheelchair" conjured up the image of a boxy, shiny steel frame and vinyl upholstery. Wheelchairs are used by people for whom walking is difficult or impossible due to illness (mental or physical), injury, or disability. The materials used in the frame determine the wheelchair's strength and capacity. Wheelchair frames are made of a variety of materials, including stainless steel, chrome, aluminum, aircraft aluminum, titanium, chrome alloys, and other lightweight composite materials. Now there are many wheelchair styles, colors, and options available.

Different models of wheelchairs may be compared by referring to the standards approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in cooperation with the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA). The ANSI/RESNA wheelchair standards establish uniform requirements for products as well as procedures for information disclosure and consistent measurement of such qualities as wheelchair strength, weight, and stability. The ABLEDATA fact sheet is an introduction to the vast amount of information available on wheelchairs and wheelchair alternatives, including for children. In addition to the fact sheets on powered wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, and scooters, ABLEDATA also offers an Informed Consumer's Guide to Wheelchair Selection. ABLEDATA offers information on all types of wheelchairs currently available in the United States, as well as information about manufacturers and distributors.

The USA TechGuide is an Internet guide to wheelchairs and assistive technology, with reviews of specific wheelchair models, including children's wheelchairs, written by caregivers and professionals. A basic standard manual wheelchair incorporates a seat and back, two small front (caster) wheels and two large wheels, one on each side, and a foot rest. The seat size (width and depth), seat-to-floor height, footrests/leg rests, front caster outriggers, adjustable backrests, controls, and many other features can be customized on, or added to, many basic models, while some users, often those with specialised needs, may have wheelchairs custom-built.

For an updated list of publications on wheelchairs and other assistive technology products, go to the AT Library at the ABLEDATA web site, http://www.abledata.com, where you will find objective information about assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources.

Professional wheelchair prescribers, such as physical or occupational therapists and physicians, make some of the initial decisions of the selection process. Decisions such as these determine whether the person uses a manual chair, powered chair or a wheelchair alternative, and whether special seating systems or supports are needed. These individuals are most aware of the environment and circumstances in which the wheelchair will be used.