Manual Wheelchairs:
Whether you are a new wheelchair user or have used a wheelchair for many years, wheelchair skills training can have many benefits. Many new wheelchair users are limited not by their wheelchairs but by their lack of training on how to use the wheelchair. For a new user, training can help you learn to safely manage your wheelchair, learn new basic and intermediate skills, improve your technique, learn about wheelchair adjustments to maximize your mobility, and overall build your confidence.
For experienced wheelchair users, wheelchair skills training can also serve to refine your technique or unlearn less optimal methods and provide an opportunity to explore advanced wheelchair skills. Wheelchair skills training allows you to maximize your propulsion efficiency and shoulder preservation which is crucial as a wheelchair user.
A few examples of some of the skills and areas that can be covered in wheelchair skills training include, navigating barriers like curbs and ramps, wheeling over and on different surfaces such as gravel and carpet, moving through doorways, wheelies and even managing stairs with and without assistance. Ultimately, wheelchair skills training aims to help you maximize your independence at a wheelchair level to allow you to participate in activities your find meaningful and those required for your daily life.
Power Wheelchairs:
If you have been provided with a power wheelchair, proper training in how to use your wheelchair is crucial to your success. Training helps to ensure you are able to operate your power wheelchair safely and independently. This includes in the environments that you want and need to access.
A few examples of some of the skills and areas that can be covered in wheelchair skills training include, turns, moving in small spaces, ramp and doorway navigation, managing on and off wheelchair transportation, and driving on different surfaces such as snow and grass. Power wheelchair care and maintenance are also areas that are covered in training.
Did you know that your power wheelchair can be reprogrammed? Its true, the electronics and settings in your power wheelchair be tailored for each user. This reprogramming helps the power wheelchair to operate most optimally in all environments and can even make controlling the chair easier for you.
The therapists at Therapy First have expertise in manual and power wheelchair skills training and can help you to use your mobility devices to the best of your ability.
