What are the Essential Wheelchair Skills Individuals with Disabilities Must Know?

 There are many reasons why someone might need to use a mobility aid, and becoming a new wheelchair user can be overwhelming sometimes; improving your wheelchair skills doesn’t have to be. Learning the basic wheelchair skills and mastering them can help you greatly to become more independent and regain confidence in yourself. 



Basic Wheelchair Maneuvering 

Let’s start with the basic wheelchair maneuvering movements. Once you are confident with these movements, you will be ready to start with some skills requiring more practice. 

Forward and Backward Movement: Start by learning how to propel the wheelchair forward and backward using your wheelchair’s handrims. Practice finding a comfortable grip and rhythm. 

Turning: Learn different turning techniques, such as the tight turn (for narrow spaces) and wide turn (for more space). Turning while maintaining stability is essential to keeping your safety and equilibrium. 

Stopping: Practice stopping the wheelchair smoothly and gradually. Remember to avoid sudden stops to prevent tipping. 

Picking Up Something from the Ground 

We will inevitably end up dropping something; it happens all the time. When picking up objects from the floor, you would be surprised by the number of people who have fallen from their wheelchairs while trying to do so. This is why it is super important to learn how to properly set up your wheelchair to pick things up from the ground safely. 

Propulsion Techniques 

Did you know that there are different propulsion techniques? Learning which method is the most efficient can help you preserve upper extremity health while at the same time helping you go further with each push. Thousands of times a day, less than ideal contact with the wheel can harm shoulder health. Learning how to preserve and maintain upper extremity health is essential.

Getting in and Out of a Vehicle  

Transporting a wheelchair in and out of a vehicle is a crucial task that plays an essential role in your day-to-day life. Once you master this skill, you will be genuinely independent and be able to move freely anywhere you want to. Using the correct techniques when transporting a manual wheelchair in and out of a vehicle can help you avoid repetitive and strenuous upper extremity injuries. 

Transfer from Your Wheelchair to the Floor 

It would help if you transferred to the floor for many reasons, whether it is to play with your kid or your nephew or enjoy a picnic in a local park. It would help if you learned how to transfer to the floor safely to avoid any injuries that could occur while doing it. 

Transfer from the Floor to Your Wheelchair 

Whether it is to get back into your wheelchair after a fall, or to transfer back after a fun day at a park, a super relaxing yoga session, or an intense workout to improve your overall core stability, it is super important to know how to properly transfer from the floor to your wheelchair safely. This is slightly more complicated than learning how to transfer from your wheelchair to the floor. However, with some patience and practice, you will learn the proper technique to transfer safely from the floor onto your wheelchair in no time. 

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