Wheel Chairs and Curb Ramps
Impact of curb ramps on people with mobility impairments
Curb ramps are designed to provide access to people who use wheeled forms of mobility. Without curb ramps, people who use wheelchairs would not be able to independently access the sidewalk and street. However, not all wheelchairs perform the same on a curb ramp. Common types of wheeled mobility devices include manual and powered wheelchairs, as well as powered scooters. Each type of technology will benefit from different aspects of the curb ramp design. For example, most powered mobility devices are maneuverable in small spaces due to their short wheelbase. Scooters have a longer wheelbase but have manual steering, and most can perform a three-point turn in tight spaces. Manual wheelchairs can turn on their own wheelbase but are difficult to steer on a cross slope as they tend to turn downhill.
For many people with mobility impairments, curb ramps are not critical to access. In fact, in some situations curb ramps make it more difficult for some people with mobility impairments to navigate. Crutches and canes are sized to fit the individual user so that the energy required for ambulation is minimized on a hard, level surface. Use of these types of walking aids is more difficult on sloped surfaces such as curb ramps. Cane, walker, or crutch users must lower their body forward when going downhill. On uphill slopes, the cane or crutch must be lifted higher and placed on the surface. The user must have the strength to lift his or her body up over the supporting device. Widening the crosswalk to allow people to use either the curb or the curb ramp will enhance access for cane and crutch users who are not comfortable traveling on a sloped surface.
Nicole Thomas offers wheel chair tips and advice at:
http://www.wheelchairtips.com
Folding Wheel Chairs
A folding wheelchair is a perfect solution for patients and people with physical disabilities. It can be folded into compact packets during transportation. A folding wheel chair provides greater maneuverability and stability while traveling. The main advantage of a folding chair is that it can be carried around without removing the wheels.There are...
Public Relations for Health Equipment Companies and Rentals
If you own a health care or health equipment rental business there are some very neat community based public relations projects you can be involved with which will cost you little or no money. Many small and medium sized businesses do not realize all the things they can do to generate the goodwill and Public Relations they need. However if one is c...
Making an Electric Wheel Chair Purchase
What should you consider when looking at electric wheel chairs? I have elderly relatives in my family who will soon require aid in getting around. Traditional wheel chairs are great if you are younger or stronger, but for the elderly the electric wheel chair seems like the way to go. The only problem is that I dont know what to look for in a good w...
Wheelchair Ramps
Wheelchairs are designed, keeping in mind the specific needs of disabled persons. They could be operated manually or maybe motorized or electric versions. They provide mobility to people who may be paralyzed or are dealing with compromised muscle movement. Wheelchairs allow the users to lead an independent and confident life, as they are able to co...
Elliptical Trainer Incline - Are Ramps on Elliptical Trainers Worth It?
Many people in the market for an elliptical trainer often ask if they should purchase an elliptical trainer with an adjustable ramp. Precor was the first manufacturer to introduce ramps on elliptical trainers and they probably also first applied the term cross trainer to elliptical trainers.Precors EFX elliptical trainer brand stands for elliptical...
Senior Travel During Holidays Does Not Need To Be Scary
No one likes traveling during the holidays, but for seniors, there are issues that most people do not think about. Uniting the whole family, children, parents and grand parents are what memories are made of and what makes the holidays so special. While most people fear the traffic and general hassles of traveling during such a busy time, seniors ha...
Holiday Party Games for a Super Fun Celebration
For each of us there are some special holiday party games that we like to see at a party, depending on the kind of party. Perhaps you look forward to doing the chicken dance each year at Uncle Hal's or the kids have an attraction to musical chairs. They'll even fight over chairs when you aren't playing the game. Sometimes though we just can't t...