Unfortunately even in this day of political correctness, there are still some stigmas to get past, for wheelchair users.  One of the most annoying things, for someone in a wheelchair, is when you go shopping and the shops you wish to go to, have no provisions at all for wheelchairs of any type like power wheelchairs, or mobility scooters. 

Having to ask for a ramp to be put at the entrance, is not something people should have to do, then there is the added factor, that no thought is given to the space in the shop, so even a transport wheelchair user cannot get around, let alone a mobility scooter.  All the wheelchair user want is to have nice a shopping experience, just like someone who is able to walk around and browse. 

Not every shop is as thoughtless, but the majority just don’t seem to even think of catering for wheelchair users.  Sometimes it really does seem as though the shop will never be visited by anybody using a wheelchair and it is this attitude that needs to be changed.   

Even the journey to the shops can be a daunting task for a wheelchair user.  If you have to rely on public transport, it is a nightmare.  Not everyone in a wheelchair has the comfort of being driven to the shops, there are some good cab companies, that cater for wheelchairs, but I am yet to find a bus service that is able to get a wheelchair on board.  Some train stations do have wheelchair access routes that can be easy to use, but there is no guarantee that when you get to your destination, you will be able to get off of the station by yourself, let alone the train. 

The independence of wheelchair users is seriously being halted, by local authorities, chains of shops and even our governments, not to mention people’s narrow mindedness.  Wheelchair users around the world are still being treated like second class citizens, more should be taught in schools and to the retail industry.  

So next time you visit a shop and they don’t have a ramp or enough space inside, stay right where you are until something is done about it, maybe they will think a bit more about wheelchair users in the future.

Non wheelchair users will take life’s luxuries like using the toilet, having a shower or taking a bath for granted. Everyone needs to visit the bathroom a number of times everyday, so making sure the bathroom is wheelchair user friendly is one of the first necessary modifications to make. 

Let’s tackle going to the toilet first. Installing a Locking Elevated Toilet Seat with Removable Arms or Toilet Safety Frame, will make it a lot easier for a wheelchair user, to position themselves on the toilet, support themselves with the arms and maneuver themselves off the toilet as well.  If this is not a suitable solution, there are also a variety of commodes available that could be placed near the bed, or sitting area ready for use.  These commodes don’t have to look out of place. 

A “U” Shaped Shower Chair With Back is a great help to place in the bath, or shower unit for added support whilst taking a shower, as its lightweight, corrosion free and very stable. Also a Deluxe Handheld Shower Spray with Diverter Valve makes it easier to take a shower. 

Some things that can be installed to make it easier to take a bath, are simply putting an extra long bath mat in the bath, which helps safety by preventing slippage in the bath, with a multitude of suction pads keeping it place.  Also grab bars can be placed on strategic places around the bath to aid getting in and out of it.   

For added assistance getting in and out of a bath, than an I Class Transfer Bench would be ideal, as transfer benches have an extended edge that goes over the bathtub.  They have a good seating area, arm rails, backrest and adjustable leg heights.  

This is just some of the equipment, which can make the bathroom an easier place to access for a wheelchair user.

In the United States, researchers estimate that approximately 2.2 million people rely on wheelchairs for mobility.  This number is on the increase, because as the population ages more people will need wheelchairs for mobility.  It is estimated that this figure will increase by 22% within the next 10 years.   

Wheelchairs are used by people who have temporary or permanent mobility issues caused by conditions and accidents like spinal cord injuries, arthritis, motoring accidents, stroke and multiple sclerosis.  

Different types of wheelchairs help people with different mobility issues – manual wheelchairs being the most popular.  Power wheelchairs and mobility scooters are becoming more and more popular as well, with worldwide sales figures at $1.7 billion in 2005, and this figure is expected to increase by 2012 to $5.3 billion

(source: http://www.allbusiness.com/services/business-services/3990267-1.html).   

With this growing market there is all sorts of research going on to make wheelchair mobility better and more comfortable.  

For example, Researchers from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania have been working with Freedom Sciences of Philadelphia in creating a a laser guided wheelchair that docks and loads itself into the back of the wheelchair's vehicle, which could give disabled drivers a whole lot more freedom.  It is designed to be used with a standard power wheelchair, and is not yet on the market, as it still needs perfecting and approval.  Take a look at this Robotic wheelchair docks like a spaceship video. 

Another interesting development is the iBot.  This wheelchair uses a gyroscope, sensors and computer software to navigate over terrains (like gravel and sand) and up and down stairs that other power wheelchairs would struggle, stop or tip over with.  It also has another function of lifting the wheelchair user up so there are eye level with someone standing, this can also be used to reach things on high shelves.  Each iBot is personally customized to the wheelchair user and is $26,000.  You can read more about it here: http://www.ibotnow.com. 

We all need a bit of a hand at times, but if we have trouble getting in and out of the bath, going up steps or in and out of the car, then are things that can help us.  Its not just old age that can do this to us, poor health is a major factor, when it comes to movement. 

Having a bath can be one of the most difficult things to do if you have a bad back, bad joints or are just getting older.  One of the things you can get to help you, are grab bars.  These don’t just have to be used in the bathroom, although they are very good for, beside the toilet, next to the bath or just to hold on to, so you can steady yourself while washing at the basin.  They can be used around the house in various places, like the kitchen, living room and even the bedroom. 

You can even buy grab bars to help you with getting in and out of the car, some off these types of handles, more than rails, can also be used in other situations.  Don’t just take the manufacturers word, for what they can be used for, although you do need to follow their guidelines, but use the products to help your life.  I have found many a product on Go Wheelchair that could be used for more than the purpose it is advertised for. 

I was looking for something for my mother, I found the Auto Assist Helper, which is advertised as being used for the car.  What I actually found, was a very strong piece of equipment, that could be used almost anywhere it was needed, as long as it had a sufficient surface, to latch on to. 

Grab bars should not be thought of as things for the infirmed or elderly, as they are very useful, helpful and can be put to many different uses.  They also come in different styles, shapes, colors and sizes, so if you think one will look out of place, think again. 

Remember if the help is there, people will use it and they should use it.  As I said before, we all need a helping hand every now and then, so get in there first and provide it.

At some point in our lives, we all have a bit of difficulty getting in and out of chairs, whether it be due to old age, the fact that we have had an operation or if we just suffer from a bad back (and most of us do).  Although there are many different reasons for having problems with being able to sit comfortably or get in/out of chairs, mainly it is down to something medical. 

I’ve known quite a few people who have suffered with bad hips, had operations on their backs, knee replacements and various other things that make movement a difficulty in everyday life.  The one pleasure that everyone enjoys though, is to be able to sit down and relax.  So when something makes it painful to get up and down from a chair, it kind of spoils it. 

A lift recliner chair is one solution to this problem, one particular model is the Capri Golden Plush Lift Recliner, this chair will allow you to comfortably get up from a seated position, without any effort on your part and allow you to be seated, from a standing position, with as little effort as possible.  You can also lay back and rest at your leisure or even swivel around to face different directions.  

This chair and others like it come in many different colors, so they fit in with your décor, but more importantly, the lift recliner chair is fitted with a strong 10 gauge steel scissor mechanism, that lifts and lowers the chair in a smooth, quiet motion that is safe. 

There is also a safety mechanism on the Capri Golden Plush Lift Recliner, that will bring the chair from recline to a seated position, if there is a power outage.  Fitted with super supportive, overstuffed, conjugated micro fiber Dacron fill, on the back and seating/leg cushions, 2” of block foam on the arm rests, it really is built for comfort. 

The springs used are long-lasting 5 gauge heavy duty springs.  You have a quick release hand control and the stress points of the chair are double doweled and the main frame is made from northern maple wood, so you know it’s going to be strong. 

Don’t suffer when you are supposed to relax, enjoy what everyone else does when sitting or reclining, but keep it to yourself, because the whole family will want your chair.