Sunrise Medical SMA manual

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characteristics of rear wheel drives, they may be a good choice for heavy outdoors use and/or if you want high speed.

On the downside, much of the user weight is placed above the drive wheels limiting curb climbing ability. Also revolving casters limit footrest placement options.

Ability to accept a ventilator

If you child is likely to need a ventilator in a few years, you will need a wheelchair that can support it. It may mean that you need to opt for a bigger, more rugged base than you would otherwise. Keep in mind the size and weight of the ventilator as well as all other accessories you may need to carry (i.e. suction machine). Also choose a configuration where you can still use the seat functions if a ventilator is added.

Seat to floor height

Seat to floor height of the wheelchair is very important. Small children benefit from sitting low to the ground, being on peer level for most activities. A generic preschool table is 19” at the bottom from the floor. With the child’s thigh and the wheelchair cushion, it places the necessary seat to floor height low if she is to be able to participate in table activities in a typical/mainstream preschool.

However, it is ideal if they can also have access to family dining room, bookshelves, kitchen counters, etc. This need can be met with elevating seats and/or seats that move to the floor; however, there may be funding difficulties. During the evaluation carefully assess how high the seat is from the ground, and what your child needs during her typical daily activities.

Transportability

Some wheelchairs come standard with tie town attachment points, while some offer it as an option. It is likely that you child will need those when taking the school bus. As for private transportation, most manufacturers recommend that the child be transported outside the wheelchair in a regular, or specially adapted booster seat. Do not let the large size and the weight of a power chair intimidate you – while it does not fit a regular family sedan, there are alternative and economical transportation options for minivans and SUVs, especially if the child is not seated in the wheelchair. Should you be looking for a crash tested wheelchair? In reality few power wheelchairs are crash tested and crash testing standards are only voluntary. While it might be a consideration, keep in mind that it would significantly limit your choices.

Transportable or folding power chairs

A folding power chair may sound like a good idea, but in reality, with today’s technology, it may be a bit of an oxymoron. A folding, transportable power chair needs to be very light weight by nature, therefore it is likely to compromise drive performance. It may be a good idea as a secondary chair or for lighter use, but consider all variables before you opt for one as a primary mobility device for significantly involved children.