At Propel Physiotherapy, we assist our clients with finding the right wheelchair to fit their needs and maximize their mobility. This often includes helping them to make modifications or choose wheelchair accessories for specific activities and conditions, like our harsh Canadian winters.
In this article, we take a look at typical wheelchair assessments and modifications, as well as wheelchair accessories and assistive devices that can help them tackle snow, sleet and even the beach.
Table of Contents:
- Wheelchair assessment and modifications
- Wheelchair accessories and accessibility devices
- WheelBlades
- Batec Handbikes
- SmartDrive
- Freedom Trax
- Custom wheelchair tires and rims
- Action Trackchair
- We all have a role to play in accessibility for all
Wheelchair Assessment and Modification
In more severe weather conditions, wheelchair users can struggle to maintain their mobility and independence in the community. According to one study, wheelchair users reported making fewer outings during inclement weather due to:
- tires/casters becoming stuck in the snow
- slipping on the ice,
- difficulty ascending inclines or ramps,
- and cold hands while using controls or pushing rims.[i]
Therapists are often asked about wheelchair accessories, modifications and fixtures that can be added to a person’s wheelchair to make them more independent.
Traditionally, our role includes ensuring the wheelchair has the correct size, height, length, depth, dump, axis location, wheel size, seat cushion/backrest, and controls to help ensure maximum efficiency, and limit injury and fatigue for the wheelchair user.
There are however, specific situations where the user is trying to navigate an environment that has an increased number of barriers such as snow, gravel, sand, sleet or significant uphills and downhills. These examples are particularly evident in environments where we may have to rely on an individual’s wheelchair utility as opposed to an environmental modification or adaptations like ramps, paved roads, and curb cuts.
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Wheelchair Accessories and Accessibility Devices
Here are a list of wheelchair accessories, wheelchair-accessibility devices, and fixtures that may be appropriate for clients looking to navigate an unparalleled number of environments and to address significant barriers to participation in their communities.
It is important to note that not all accessories are appropriate for every individual. Some have significant resource limitations, and some may only be available in select regions of the world. It is always best to consult with your health care professional that is experienced in wheelchair prescription and understands the unique situation of the client.
WheelBlades
The Wheelblade accessory is attached to the front of a person’s wheelchair, where the front casters normally sit. The shape of these devices resembles mini skis, which allow the user to transform their chair into a mobility device that can traverse over compact snow or sand. Ideal for the person who is active on the beach or ski hills and can propel themselves independently.
Batec Handbikes
Batec Handbikes are attachments that fit easily to a manual wheelchair users base and, in essence, turns their manual wheelchair into an electric hand bike in a matter of minutes. This allows for an improved explorative experience for the user and the ability to cross bumpier terrains and hills with hand-control assistance. These handbike attachments can be customized to address different levels of upper body abilities (paraplegia, and hemiplegia/hemiparesis).
SmartDrive
With a Smart control Wheel and Bluetooth connectivity, the SmartDrive allows the user to assist in controlling speed going uphill, downhill, and on flat surfaces. It also allows the user to maintain a consistent speed throughout differing terrains. With simple commands and taps to the wheel, the user can have the SmartDrive activated in an instant. The SmartDrive Sits in-between the main wheels that are manually propelled, and is anchored to the axis and frame of the chair. Its footprint is integrated to the dimensions of the person’s manual wheelchair. SmartDrive is ideal for outdoor paved and indoor environments.
Freedom Trax
Freedom Trax acts as a platform that allows the users to propel their manual wheelchair over all surfaces. Sand, gravel, snow, and dirt are ideal for the tracks to displace the weight of the user and their wheelchair wheels across a larger surface area. The dual track system allows for the user to wheel up and onto the device and become secured to it so that the user can be mobilized throughout the environment without any barriers. This is a substantial increase in the person’s physical surface area and footprint. Ideal for outdoor environments.
Custom Wheelchair Tires and Rims
Custom wheelchair tires do not only come in sports performance or regular, they also come in varieties that are designed for snow and slushy weather navigation in addition to softer grounds like sand or soft dirt. They also come in a variety of colours and a variety of positions that can be placed on the axis of the wheelchair.
The customization of rims has also become slightly more popular in the last decade. Some rims have a metallic feel while others slightly more plastic. A variety of companies have created custom rubber coatings that fit around the rim itself to provide increased comfort, temperature control for contact, and grip for the end user who is propelling their wheelchair. This improves propulsion efficiency by increasing energy transference to the wheel and limiting the amount of slippage when trying to propel.
For the more rugged individuals tackling bumpier grounds that would benefit from internal suspension within the tires, SoftWheel offers just that kind of comfort and control for the user. The ability to absorb impact offers a more comfortable ride and decreases irritable forces that can be transmitted to the sit bones and overall spine.
Action Track Chairs
Action Trackchair powered wheelchairs are intended for heavy outdoor use and to break down all barriers to outdoor activities. This product is intended for people to traverse over the most challenging of terrains. With the ability to be customized, these chairs are built on the tenets of freedom, independence, and mobility. With options to attach a motorized standing frame, this form of chair allows the chair to perform beyond traditional measures. This device is not an attachment, rather an entirely separate mobility device and should be used with specific direction from a healthcare professional.
Standard features include tilt abilities, dual tank tracks for mobility, stability wheel, and user-friendly seating for comfort.
This short list serves as an example of products, accessories, and fixtures that may be appropriate for some people who are interested in barrier navigation as a wheelchair user. It is always important to consider cognitive abilities, physical capabilities, and tolerance to using these pieces of equipment. In addition, it is always best to see how these products can help to address the client’s goals and if they are aligned both functionally and practically.
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We All Have a Role to Play in Accessibility for All
The challenges wheelchair users face on a daily base can be numerous from environmental barriers to inclement weather. Research suggests that wheelchair users decrease their community participation in colder weather because of the multiple environmental barriers that they face.[ii] This can have a tremendous impact on one’s mental, physical and economic well being.
There are many opportunities for those not using a wheelchair to help improve accessibility for others in the winter months. Firstly, educate yourself on the unique and tremendous challenges faced by users of wheelchairs. Secondly advocate for increased accessibility in your place of work, place of residence and even in community settings such as restaurants and community centres. Lastly, ensure sidewalks are clear of snow and debris that can impact a wheelchair user.
While we’ve come a long way, we still have a long way to go to ensure accessibility for all.
If you have questions about wheelchair accessories and modifications or think you could benefit from an assessment to optimize your wheelchair, please contact our office to book a complimentary phone consultation today.
References
[i] Ripat JD, Brown CL, Ethans KD. Barriers to wheelchair use in the winter. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2015 Jun;96(6):1117-22. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2015.01.020. Epub 2015 Feb 7. PMID: 25666785.
[ii] Ripat JD, Brown CL, Ethans KD. Barriers to wheelchair use in the winter. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2015 Jun;96(6):1117-22. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2015.01.020. Epub 2015 Feb 7. PMID: 25666785.
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