Independent Living Centres Australia Inc
infoline: 1300 885 886
web: www.ilcaustralia.org
DISCLAIMER:
The Independent Living Centres Australia Inc does
not sell this equipment, but provides this information as a community service.
Details and prices are provided by the equipment supplier and are subject to
change without notice. The provision of this information does not constitute
a recommendation. Responsibility for final selection of any item rests with
the individual.
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
Name: AC Mobility Pty Ltd
Price: POA
Address:
Unit 5,
7 Oxleigh Drive
Malaga
WA 6090
Postal Address:
PO Box 3409
Malaga DC
WA 6945
Phone: (08) 9209 1777
FAX: (08) 9209 1999
Email: acmobility@acmobility.com.au
Website: www.acpowerwheelchair.com
Name: Ausmedic/Metron
Price: POA
Address:
57 Aster Ave
Carrum Downs
VIC 3201
Postal Address:
57 Aster Ave
Carrum Downs
VIC 3201
Phone: 1800 245 169 (Customer Service)
Email: sales@metron.com.au
Website: www.ausmedic.com
Name: FAS Therapeutic Equipment Pty Ltd
Price: POA
Address:
6 Bate Drive
Braeside
VIC 3195
Postal Address:
PO Box 840
Braeside
VIC 3195
Phone: (03) 9587 6766
FAX: (03) 9587 6899
Toll Free: 1300 303 536
Email: sales@fasequipment.com
Website: www.fasequipment.com
Notes:
Showroom operates 9:00 - 5:00 Monday - Friday.
Equipment usually held in stock - minimal delivery period.
Cost of delivery POA.
Name: Linds Rehabilitation Equipment - Bendigo
Price: POA
Address:
78 Beischer Street
Bendigo
Vic 3550
Postal Address:
PO Box 5099
Bendigo
Vic 3550
Phone: (03) 5441 8966
FAX: (03) 5442 8375
Email: bendigo@lindsrehab.com.au
Notes:
Showroom operates 8:00 - 5:00 Monday - Friday
Delivery time usually next day if in stock, if products require customisation additional time required for delivery.
Contact Linds for courier delivery costs and postage costs.
Name: Linds Rehabilitation Equipment - Gippsland
Address:
17 - 19 Bond St
Sale
Vic 3850
Postal Address:
PO Box 1376
Sale
Vic 3850
Phone: (03) 5144 7796
FAX: (03) 5144 6044
Toll Free: 1800 501 601
Notes:
This company services all of Gippsland.
Showroom open Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm.
Contact Linds for courier delivery costs.
Name: Linds Rehabilitation Equipment - Hallam
Price: POA
Address:
58-60 Star Crescent
Hallam
VIC 3803
Postal Address:
PO Box 380
Berwick
VIC 3806
Phone: (03) 9796 3399
FAX: (03) 9796 3313
Email: sales@lindsrehab.com.au
Notes:
Opening hours:
8.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Friday
An appointment may be preferred for complex enquiries. Appointments are not always necessary.
Name: Mobility Plus Wheelchairs Pty Ltd
Price: POA
Address:
Unit 1 , 23 Bell St
Preston
VIC 3072
Postal Address:
PO Box 1598
Preston South
Vic 3072
Phone: (03) 9495 1955
FAX: (03) 9480 3177
Toll Free: 1300 011 000
Email: info@mobilityplus.com.au
Website: www.mobilityplus.com.au
Notes:
Opening Hours:
9.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Friday
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