De-mystifying Power Wheelchairs - Selecting Electronics In continuing our series on de-mystifying power wheelchairs, this month let's look more closely at electronics. Electronics for power wheelchairs can be categorized into expandable and non-expandable options. What this refers to is the degree to which the electronics allow different input devices, power options, drive profiles and functionality with assistive technology. 2012-09-10 Keep Reading
De-mystifying Power Wheelchairs - The Control Module As I stated in last month's article, in continuing to "de-mystify" power wheelchairs, we will look at how the controller or control module, works to provide instructions to the motors to move the power wheelchair in the desired manner. 2012-08-15 Keep Reading
De-mystifying Power Wheelchairs - Batteries and Motors In last month's article, I wrote about Power Programming Basics and the common adjustments that can be made to the programming of a power wheelchair to affect the drive-ability of such a chair for a particular user. Over the next few months, I would like to focus on the "gross anatomy" of a power wheelchair base to help in de-mystifying power wheelchairs for those who may not feel comfortable working with power wheelchairs. A power base includes the following: wheels, casters, motors, batteries, and the controller. 2012-07-13 Keep Reading
Wear in Wheelchair Cushions Often when I go into hospitals and other facilities – places that have equipment pools for seating and mobility, but limited budgets for replacement items – I am asked "How can you tell if a cushion is worn out?" Because of the frequency of that question, I thought it would make a great topic for Clinical Corner. It is also a topic that is applicable for evaluating an individual wheelchair user's cushion to determine when a replacement cushion may be needed if there are no provincial funding guidelines. 2012-05-03 Keep Reading
Sharing a Question and an Answer Recently, I received an email question through my blog from an occupational therapist and her question struck me as a really interesting example of how product design can influence skin protection in a particular clinical scenario. With the therapist's consent, I will share a synopsis of her question to me and my response. (Please note that some of the details regarding the client have been altered to ensure client privacy.) 2012-04-05 Keep Reading
