| A wheelchair isn't just a wheelchair anymore. A | | | | well as information about manufacturers and |
| generation ago, the word "wheelchair" conjured up | | | | distributors. |
| the image of a boxy, shiny steel frame and vinyl | | | | The USA TechGuide is an Internet guide to |
| upholstery. Wheelchairs are used by people for | | | | wheelchairs and assistive technology, with reviews of |
| whom walking is difficult or impossible due to illness | | | | specific wheelchair models, including children's |
| (mental or physical), injury, or disability. The materials | | | | wheelchairs, written by caregivers and professionals. |
| used in the frame determine the wheelchair's | | | | A basic standard manual wheelchair incorporates a |
| strength and capacity. Wheelchair frames are made | | | | seat and back, two small front (caster) wheels and |
| of a variety of materials, including stainless steel, | | | | two large wheels, one on each side, and a foot rest. |
| chrome, aluminum, aircraft aluminum, titanium, chrome | | | | The seat size (width and depth), seat-to-floor height, |
| alloys, and other lightweight composite materials. Now | | | | footrests/leg rests, front caster outriggers, |
| there are many wheelchair styles, colors, and options | | | | adjustable backrests, controls, and many other |
| available. | | | | features can be customized on, or added to, many |
| Different models of wheelchairs may be compared | | | | basic models, while some users, often those with |
| by referring to the standards approved by the | | | | specialised needs, may have wheelchairs custom-built. |
| American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in | | | | For an updated list of publications on wheelchairs and |
| cooperation with the Rehabilitation Engineering and | | | | other assistive technology products, go to the AT |
| Assistive Technology Society of North America | | | | Library at the ABLEDATA web site, where you will |
| (RESNA). The ANSI/RESNA wheelchair standards | | | | find objective information about assistive technology |
| establish uniform requirements for products as well as | | | | products and rehabilitation equipment available from |
| procedures for information disclosure and consistent | | | | domestic and international sources. |
| measurement of such qualities as wheelchair | | | | Professional wheelchair prescribers, such as physical |
| strength, weight, and stability. The ABLEDATA fact | | | | or occupational therapists and physicians, make some |
| sheet is an introduction to the vast amount of | | | | of the initial decisions of the selection process. |
| information available on wheelchairs and wheelchair | | | | Decisions such as these determine whether the |
| alternatives, including for children. In addition to the | | | | person uses a manual chair, powered chair or a |
| fact sheets on powered wheelchairs, manual | | | | wheelchair alternative, and whether special seating |
| wheelchairs, and scooters, ABLEDATA also offers an | | | | systems or supports are needed. These individuals |
| Informed Consumer's Guide to Wheelchair Selection. | | | | are most aware of the environment and |
| ABLEDATA offers information on all types of | | | | circumstances in which the wheelchair will be used. |
| wheelchairs currently available in the United States, as | | | | |