Customised wheelchairs are designed for individuals with disability who require specific modifications and specialised postural supports to provide them with mobility and prevent secondary deformities and pressure problems associated with their disability. This may vary from simple modifications to an entirely unique design. Customised wheelchairs can also be used as a medium of expressing personal style and image.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
The possibilities for customising a wheelchair are endless and can make the wheelchair more practical and easy to use in the workplace.
Wheelchair modifications for upper limb conditions include:
- plastic coated push rims that provide the occupant with more traction to propel the manual wheelchair forward. These are also useful for occupants with weak hand grip
- capstans or rubber coated projections on the push rim that assist with the upper limb coordination of both wheels to manoeuvre a manual wheelchair
- moulded and height adjustable armrests used to provide support for individuals with frozen shoulder or skeletal deformities such as scoliosis as well as providing security for the occupant and assist with transfers
- a range of wheelchair accessory supports including midline and lateral head and neck supports or lateral thoracic supports
- one arm drive wheelchairs for upper limb amputees that allows both wheels to be propelled with one hand.
Wheelchair modifications for lower limb conditions include:
- calf straps that attach behind the calves on the footplate hanger and prevent feet from falling backward or hitting the castors
- alterations to the wheelchair axle position, for lower limb amputees, to ensure their centre of gravity is balanced
- elevating leg rests
- swing away knee supports.
Wheelchair modifications for conditions involving the trunk and abdomen include:
- reclining seating system so the angle of the backrest can be changed for individuals with low sitting tolerance such as severe spasticity
- height adjustable seats to assist individuals with transfers
- rear or front suspension to absorb forces present during wheelchair propulsion ensuring occupants experience decreased pain or involuntary muscle movements and increased ride comfort.
Operational modifications include:
- specialised devices for users that have limited motor control with functions such as chin or puff/suck controls
- extended brake levers to reduce the force required to engage/disengage the brake and minimise forward reach required to access the lever
- an anti-tip device used to reduce the chance of the wheelchair tipping backward when manoeuvring around kerbs and footpaths
- a protection cage around the joystick to prevent accidental knocking due to involuntary muscle movements.
Specialised modifications include:
- a child seat attached to the front of the wheelchair for mothers who require a wheelchair to mobilise
- lengthened or shortened wheelchairs for tall or short wheelchair users
- reinforced wheelchairs for large framed users
- performance wheelchairs for athletes or very active users
- welded brackets on the wheelchair base made to fit the individual, making it non-adjustable
- indoor and outdoor wheelchairs for use over a variety of terrains
- hemi wheelchairs with a lower seat height and armrests to fit under a desk or table
- aesthetic alterations, for example, frame colour and design, upholstery, spoke guards, wheel castors or zip-on frame covers or bags
- a personalised tray with cup holder.
Modifications for transporting or storing the wheelchair include:
- quick release hubs which have a push button mechanism to allow the easy removal of the rear wheels when the wheelchair is being transported
- quad release axles which are levers attached to the quick release hubs for occupants with limited hand function.
It is recommended that any individual wanting to make modifications to a manual or mobilised wheelchair seek advice from a qualified Occupational Therapist. Please see the Related Links on this page for a qualified Occupational Therapists or refer to the following link:
More information on wheelchair accessories can be found at the link below:
References
Cooper, R. 1998, Wheelchair Selection and Configuration, Demos Medical Publishing, Denver.
Emmer, G. & Soldatenko, G. 2006, Custom wheelchairs: The trend from functionality to individuality, Med Services Europe, Zurich, viewed 9 August 2010, http://www.e-bility.com/articles/wheelchairs.php.
Faulkner, D. 2007, Custom wheelchairs – Opening up the world, Ezine Articles, Essex, viewed 9 August 2010, http://ezinearticles.com/?Custom-Wheelchairs---Opening-Up-The-World&id=554695.
Motion Wheelchairs 2007, Customisations, Motion Wheelchairs, Braeside, viewed 9 August 2010, http://www.motionwheelchairs.com/Products/Customisations.html.