Wheelchair Users

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Introduction

Wheelchair users are people who already have a wheelchair or who can benefit from using a wheelchair because their ability to walk is limited. The needs of each wheelchair user will vary. However, they all need an appropriate wheelchair. Every well-fitting wheelchair provides the user some postural support. The backrest, cushion, footrests and armrests all provide postural support when adjusted to suit the wheelchair user’s size. However many children and adults need additional postural support in their wheelchair. Wheelchair users include:

• Children, Adults and the Elderly;
• Men, Women, Girls and Boys;
• People with different mobility impairments, lifestyles, life roles and backgrounds;
• People living and working in different environments including rural, semi-urban and urban.

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Neurological Conditions

Non-Progressive

Spinal Cord Injury

People with a spinal cord injury are very likely to be at risk of developing a pressure sore. This is because most people with a spinal cord injury cannot feel below the level of their injury. Always prescribe a pressure relief cushion.

Spina Bifida

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy affects people very differently. For a person with cerebral palsy who can sit upright, it is important to remember that they may have difficulty keeping their sitting position because they get tired. This makes doing things harder and more tiring. Good support is very important. People with cerebral palsy may need additional postural support in a wheelchair. To do this safely and effectively, intermediate-level training is needed.

Polio

Progressive

Multiple Sclerosis

Motor Neuron Disease

Orthopaedic Conditions

Amputations

References