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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
Item Details
Buyers Guide: Childrens Manual Wheelchairs
ILC Reference NO 43:33:900
Item sourced from ILC VIC database
Factors to Consider
The client
The age of the client. Future changes in body dimensions and weight. Growth issues (scoliosis/kyphosis). Postural requirements. Consider requirements now and in the future.
Method of propulsion. Power/ self / assisted.
Ability to propel. FWD./ RWD./ transit / Power chair. Will this change in the future?
Cognitive issues and perception.
Method and ability to transfer. Easily removable arm rests, FWD / RWD.
Endurance and fatigue. Power chair/ Manual chair.
A pressure relieving cushion may be required.
Continence. Consider washable covers.
Other issues to consider-Level of vision and hearing.
The environment
A home visit to the user's home any other place frequently visited by the user to see circulation space is useful prior to prescription.
Where is the chair to be used- Inside / outside use. Ground surface, rough or even. Steep terrain.
Time How much time will the user spend in the chair? Is there an alternative seating option?
Space
Manoeuvrability of the chair. Does it have a Tilt in Space / recline option?
Is it to be used in confined spaces.
Consider the width of narrowest doorways.
The length of the chair affects turning space in corridor.
Transport Space for transport in car or van. Head height available, especially if the user is to be transported in the chair, allow enough space for head clearance. Consider trailers, hoists, lifts, portable ramps and alternative vehicle options.
Table height
Consider the height of the tables that are used in the child's environment.
Consider using a tray on the chair.
Ability of the carers.
Physical ability of carer
Ability to dismantle and re assemble the chair
Ability to maintain the chair
Ability to assist in transfers
Ability to attend to pressure relief of the user.
Future considerations
Consider;
Is there a treating therapist? One off or on going involvement.
Training requirements- is there a need for users and or carers to have training?
Availability for trial. Check the chair suits the everyday needs of the client in their home environment.
After sales service. Is there a local agent for repairs?
Warranty period
Local supplier / service technician. Rural or metropolitan.
Repairs. Provision of replacement chair during repair period.
Manual. For service and repairs.
Comfort and special needs.
Tilt in space (The seat and back tilt as one.)
Available on rigid frame chairs
Chairs tend to be larger and user needs to consider balance when the chair is tilted
Chairs may require larger circulation space.
The carer has to operate the tilt mechanism
Recline(The backrest can lay back.)
The operator has to operate the recline function.
Personal preference
Reflection of self. The chair expresses the personality of the user.
Activities
Special needs chairs, there are specialised chairs for certain sports. Consider protective clothing!
Pressure cushions
The type of cushion chosen should reflect the need and risk involved. There is a large range available eg air, gel, combination, and foam. Consider if an incontinence cover needs to be purchased. Cushions should have a two way stretch cover to assist with maintaining pressure relieving properties while the user is seated.
Short Description
Careful assessment must be done to decide the most appropriate type of manual wheelchair for the user.
Price Guide
Refer to supplier details for pricing.
More Details
Features
Rear wheel drive
Large wheel at the back and small castor at the front.
Designed to be self propelled or pushed by helper.
Available in a variety of weights.
Front wheel drive
Large wheel at front.
Useful for those with limited shoulder movement.
Harder to push.
More difficult to use under tables.
Difficult sideways transfers
Footrests often do not swing away
More manoeuvrable in tight spaces.
No tip bars to help with kerbs.
Transit wheelchair
4 small wheels and some have swivel wheels to increase manoeuvrability.
Difficult to turn and lift up kerb if client is heavy.
Maintenance
Refer to the supplier and manufacturer manual for maintenance instructions and safety warnings.
Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information on what standards the equipment may need to meet, see www.ilcaustralia.org/explanationofstandards.
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
AC MOBILITY PTY LTD,
MALAGA, WA
AUSMEDIC/METRON,
CARRUM DOWNS, VIC
FAS THERAPEUTIC EQUIPMENT PTY LTD,
BRAESIDE, VIC
LINDS REHABILITATION EQUIPMENT - BENDIGO,
BENDIGO, VIC
LINDS REHABILITATION EQUIPMENT - GIPPSLAND,
SALE, VIC
LINDS REHABILITATION EQUIPMENT - HALLAM,
HALLAM, VIC
MOBILITY PLUS WHEELCHAIRS PTY LTD,
PRESTON, VIC
Additional /images
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