Invacare Top End Terminator Jr Functional Reach From a Wheelchair, Reaching, Leaning Backwards

PROCEDURE 1 GENERAL GUIDELINES

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E N E R A L

G U I D E L I N E S

Functional Reach From a Wheelchair

The approximate reach-limit values shown in the accom- panying graphs were derived on the basis of a sample of 91 male and 36 female wheelchair users. Note the differ- ence between the maximum and the comfortable reach limits, a subjective but important consideration in design.

		FORWARD REACH			72
						64
	COMFORT			MAXIMUM
						61
					56		INCHES
					53
					48
					42
					40
					32
					29
0	8		16	24	37

INCHES

Reaching, Leaning and Bending Forward

Position the front casters so that they are extended as far forward as possible and engage wheel locks.

WARNING

DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to move forward in the seat or pick them up from the floor by reaching down between your knees.

REACHING, LEANING AND BENDING - FORWARD

Reaching, Leaning - Backwards

WARNING

DO NOT lean over the top of the back uphol- stery. This will change your center of gravity and may cause you to tip over.

Tilting

WARNING

DO NOT tilt the wheelchair without assistance.

When lowering the front casters of the wheelchair, DO NOTletthewheelchairdropthelastfewinches to the ground. This could result in injury to the oc- cupant and/or damage to the wheelchair.

When tilting the wheelchair, an assistant should grasp the back of the wheelchair on a non-removable (non-detach- able) part. Inform the wheelchair occupant before tilting the wheelchair and remind him/her to lean back. Be sure the occupant’s feet and hands are clear of all wheels.

TILTING - CURBS:

After mastering the techniques of tilting the wheelchair, use this procedure to tackle curbs, short stairs, etc.

METHOD 1 - Apply a continuous downward motion until the balance point is achieved and the front casters clear the curb. At this point, the assistant will feel a difference in the weight distribution.

METHOD 1

Roll the wheelchair forward and slowly lower the front casters onto the sidewalk. Do not let the wheelchair drop the last few inches to the ground. This could result in injury to the occupant. Push the wheelchair forward until the rear wheels roll up and over the curb.

METHOD 2 - This method requires two (2) assistants. The second assistant should be positioned at the front of the wheelchair lifting upward on a non-removable (non- detachable) part of the wheelchair frame when lifting the wheelchair and stabilizing the wheelchair when the wheel- chair is being lowered to the ground.

The first assistant should stand on the sidewalk and turn the wheelchair so that the rear wheels are against the curb. The wheelchair should be tilted back to the bal- ance point and, in one continuous upward movement, the rear wheels should be pulled up and over the curb. DO NOT return the front casters to the ground until the wheelchair has been pulled backward far enough for the front casters to clear the edge of the curb.

REACHING, LEANING - BACKWARDS

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