The wheelchair is basically a handicapped persons second home. In most cases they spend nearly their entire day in it and it is their only means of transportation. A wheel chair accessory can make the persons coming and going easier. Here I will discuss some of the most commonly used accessories for wheelchairs.

Cushions

Each individual has a certain level of comfort when sitting. Cushions are very important to adjust the height of the seat and provide support to the back. There are several types of cushions available in the market: Gel cushions, foam cushions, air cushions, and sheepskin cushions.

Wheelchair Ramps

This is very important if there are elevations around your home. There are always reports of handicapped individuals trying to move down from an elevated place on a wheelchair which resulted in another accident. And this is the last thing that we want to happen. There are several types of ramps for different purposes: ramps for SUVs, ramps for low elevations, modular ramps, and others.

Trays and Arm Accessories

People will find it easier to eat from their wheelchair when they have much needed accessories. Some though, need the trays as to make it easier for them to store their bottles or glasses while they are on the move. It is tedious enough if they still have to find their way to the kitchen table to lay down their plates. Gloves are also of essence to help in pushing their wheels.

Foot and Leg Rest Accessories

This last one I think, is also crucial since many disabled individuals have little control over their feet. Their feet are either paralyzed or in a cast. The feet should be comfortably and securely placed on the leg rest to avoid any other accidents from happening.

Wheel chair accessories may be expensive, but always remember that these are for your loved ones.

Thousands of Americans suffer from illnesses and injuries every year that would require them to use a wheelchair. How much impact does this have on society? If you happen to be a loved one of one of those who has to use a wheelchair, you may have to perform some wheelchair accessible construction at home to make it easier for them to move around.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public accommodations to meet certain standards so as not to discriminate against the handicapped, including people in wheelchairs. As a result, business owners have to make their facilities accessible for handicapped persons. Not only is it required, but it’s also good for business.

So what type of wheelchair accessible construction are you thinking of? Homes and businesses should have handrails, wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and of course, commercial washroom accessories. At home you will need something to sit on while taking a bath, so a folding tub seat or shower seat will be necessary.

For wheelchair ramps, there are many varieties to choose from. The first type is the modular wheelchair ramp which is portable but really strong and affordable. Another is the solid wheelchair ramp, a one piece unit for times when a permanent ramp is needed. A folding wheelchair ramp, on the other hand, is durable and lightweight for travel. Lastly, a threshold wheelchair ramp is specifically created for doorways.

Grab bars and handrails are considered to be two of the most important parts of the wheelchair accessible construction for home or business. They make great accessories for those individuals on wheelchairs, especially in restrooms.

Handrails and bars provide the stability and extra support for those who really need it. In fact, handrails may be used beside a ramp and would prove to be really helpful if the ramp happens to be very long. It will help the individual keep their balance and provide safety.

According to ADA, handrails must also be securely anchored and mounted between 34 and 38 inches high, projected from the wall 1 1/2 inches, and the ends rounded off for safety. On the other hand, grab bars need to be mounted securely and it involves screwing the hardware directly into wall studs or wood blocking.

One of the very important parts of making a home ready for an individual with a wheelchair is the shower or tub seating. There are actually many different types of seating including the L-shaped shower seats and folding tub seats. It is recommended to have the seats mounted on the wall as the individual wouldn’t have to place the unit in and out of the tub. Keep in mind that security and safety are the two most important things when working on wheelchair accessible construction. Always ensure that all additions are safely made and comply with the ADA standards.

Wheelchairs offer freedom of movement to people with varied mobility problems, in a range of environments such as the home, work place or locality, often times, without the aid of a caregiver.

Wheelchair ramps come in a wide assortment of designs that are perfect for making steps and curbs accessible, stowing a wheelchair into a vehicle, and in places where there is a requirement to make up for height differences. Miniature ramps can be used to negotiate the threshold without making any structural changes.

The various types of wheelchair ramps can be divided into four subgroups depending on their main features such as horizontally and longitudinally folding ramps, telescopic ramps and fixed dimension ramps. Telescopic ramps can be further divided into “U” shaped gutter ramps and reverse profile ramps.

The various wheelchair ramps available in the market are Track Wheelchair Ramps, designed to line up with the wheels of the wheelchair some of which use a telescoping design tht extends to be used on steps, vans or curbs. These are designed for both manual and electric wheelchairs and are mostly made from anodized aluminum. Threshold Wheelchair Ramps mostly made from lightweight aluminum are designed for both indoor and outdoor use to help negotiate difficult obstacles like doorways and other raised areas. These can either be fitted permanently or can be moved form place to place. Modular Ramps designed for permanent or semi-permanent installation. These may include platforms, integral landings, self-contained leveling systems, supports, wheels, flanges, and handrails. The units may be joined by bolts or clamps, or fitted together. Many manufacturers of modular ramps offer custom dimensions and generally ship all of the parts with installation instructions. Single-Fold Wheelchair Ramps designed to fold in the middle making them highly portable, easy to handle and set up. Multi-Fold Wheelchair Ramps folded not once but twice and can be carried like a suitcase and the added length allows for taller obstacles to be maneuvered easily. Roll-Up Wheelchair Ramps are extremely portable with their hinge design which allows for easy folding and convenient storage. Telescoping Wheelchair Ramps are multi-purpose, telescoping ramps that can be extended to suit diverse needs and lengths. Most are made from aluminum and come with a lasting non-skid driving surface. Van Wheelchair Ramps are designed for quick access to a van door (side or back). These are easy to install, have a high load capacity of 800 lbs, are lightweight and manually operated and made from high strength aluminum with a non-skid driving surface.

Product appraisals and trials involving wheelchair users have highlighted the fact that no single ramp design met all the needs of the users, though wheelchair ramps were available in a diverse range of designs and configurations.