Ramps & Slopes

• Are ramps at least 36″ wide between the two handrails to allow for convenient wheelchair travel?
• Does the ramp rise no more than 1″ per foot? A ramp that rises vertically 7″ should be at least 7 feet long.
• Do interior ramps have top, middle and bottom landings that are level and at least 60″ long to allow for adequate maneuvering and resting space?

Hallways & Doors

• Is the doorway leading to accessible spaces at least 32″ wide?
• Are hallways free of steps or abrupt vertical changes over 1/4″?
• Is the hardware required for an accessible door mounted no higher than 48″ above the finished floor?
• Does at least one door to each accessible space have door hardware (levers, pulls, panic bars, etc.) usable with one hand, without tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist?

Bathrooms

• Is the toilet seat between 17″ and 19″ inches above the floor?
• Does each accessible toilet have a horizontal grab bar on the adjacent side wall at least 40″ long and between 33″ and 36″above the floor for stabilization and assistance during transfer from a wheelchair?
• Does the sink have at least 29″ of clearance under the front edge to allow wheelchair users to pull under the sink and use the faucet?
• Is there a faucet that is easily operable with hardware that is usable with one hand, without tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist?
• Is there enough room for a wheelchair user to turn around (either in a 60″ diameter circle or in a T-shaped turn)?
• Are the roll-in showers free of doors that would impede wheelchair transfer onto the seat?
• Is there a shower spray unit with a hose that is at least 60″ long and that can be used both as a fixed shower head and as a hand-held shower?
• Is there a securely attached tub seat for persons who cannot stand in the tub?
• Along the side of the tub, are there two horizontal grab bars at least 24″ long for stabilization and to aid in transfers from a wheelchair?
• Does the medicine cabinet have a usable shelf located no higher than 44″ above the floor space?

Bedrooms

• Is there at least a 36″-wide route on each side of the bed and at the foot of the bed to allow people who use wheelchairs to transfer onto the bed from either side?
• Are drapery wands, controls on fixed lamps and thermostat controls easily operable with one hand?
• Are drapery wands, controls on fixed lamps and thermostat controls within 54″ of the floor for side approach or within 48″ of the floor for forward approach for people who use wheelchairs?
• Are the rods and shelves in the closet within 54″ of the floor for side approach or 48″ of the floor for forward approach for people in wheelchairs?

For more detailed information visit http://www.ada.gov/.

What to consider before buying a power wheelchair?

• Do you have any visual limitations?
• Your sensory level
• Mental health state
• What are your functional capabilities?
• Duration of time spent in wheelchair
• Accessibility of your home and work place
• Will you need to transport power wheelchair

Power wheelchairs are best suited to people with weak upper body strength and come in three basic models: front-wheel drive, mid-wheel drive, and rear-wheel drive.

A Front-Wheel Drive power wheelchair offer good maneuverability. The drive wheels are mounted on the front of the wheelchair which allows the chair to handle uneven terrain. Varying by manufacturer, the turning radius is around 25″ to 28″. Overall speed is slower in a front-wheel drive, around 5 to 5.5 mph, because this type of wheelchair tends to ‘fish-tail’ at higher speeds.

Mid-Wheel Drive or Center-Wheel Drive power wheelchairs are the most prevalent type available. They offer the smallest turning radius, which makes it easier for some to maneuver and drive. It is considered to be the best for indoor driving. It can basically turn around in its own space making it easier to use in tight spaces.  The downside is it does not handle uneven terrain as well the front-wheel drive and because the wheels are in the middle or center, the ride is not as smooth.

Rear-Wheel Drive power wheelchairs are best for people who will use their wheelchair outdoors the most. The drive wheels are in the back which makes it easier to handle and more stable when driving in gravel, tall grass and uneven terrain. The downside is the rear-wheel drive has the largest turning radius.

Deciding on the right drivetrain configuration is often determined by what you feel is more comfortable physically and in what environment you will be using the wheelchair the most.

You can also seek the advice of a rehabilitation professional such as a physical therapist or occupational therapist by getting a wheelchair evaluation. They can help you understand the different options available and help you choose the right wheelchair to accommodate your functional requirements.

Once you know what type of wheelchair you need, you can buy your wheelchair online or purchase it from a local wheelchair provider. If you decide to purchase online there are a few questions you need to address with them before you make a purchase.

• How long has the company been in business? You want a company that has built a good reputation for quality and reliability.
• Does the company have an ATS on staff? An ATS (Assistive Technology Supplier) has passed an exam and has the knowledge and skills needed to correctly sell and service rehabilitation equipment. Medicare requires an ATS to be directly involved in the selection of any group 2 or higher power wheelchairs for any medicare beneficiary.
• What brand of wheelchairs does the company offer?
• Is the company a member and in good standing with the Better Business Bureau?
• What kind of warranty is provided with the wheelchair purchase?
• Is there a return policy if you are unhappy with the wheelchair?
• Does the company provide in-home delivery, set-up and training for the equipment?
• Does the online company offer secure ordering?

Your main goal in choosing a wheelchair is meeting your functional requirements, comfort and gaining mobility.