All children value their freedom, their ability to move in space while experiencing the many wonders of the world. This is as true for children who cannot walk as it is for those who can. In the past, being confined to a wheelchair was just that… confined. But today, wheelchairs are technologically advanced and sophisticated enough to allow children who cannot walk a freedom they have never been able to experience before. The right pediatric wheelchair can allow for a variety of positions, including sitting, lying down and standing so that the user can move around throughout the day while still being comfortable and functional.
Pediatric power wheelchairs are available in the same basic models as other power wheelchairs. There’s rear-wheel drive, which moves fast but can be hard to maneuver in tight spots; the front-wheel drive, which can make tighter turns and runs only slightly slower than the rear-wheel model; and finally, there is the center drive wheelchair, which has the tightest turning ability but can be unstable in stops and starts.
Much more important when choosing the right pediatric power wheelchair for your child, however, is how well it meets their needs. The wheelchair should be a single component in a comprehensive support program designed to meet your child’s needs, strengths, and environment.
With this in mind, some hospitals and medical centers go through a comprehensive evaluation program to determine the best pediatric power wheelchair for each child. All these factors are taken into account to build a wheelchair that is tailored to the specific needs of the child. Some of these considerations include:
o Which mobility controls are the most appropriate
o The extent of the child’s need for independent mobility
o The physical abilities and functional abilities of the child.
o The child’s ability to control his upper and lower extremities, as well as head and eye movements.
o The child’s ability to use activation switches or joysticks
o The child’s needs for postural support and seating.
These are all valuable considerations, whether or not you are in a situation where your child’s wheelchair needs can receive a full evaluation through a medical facility. Also, you’ll want to look for a wheelchair that will grow with your child. Most pediatric power wheelchairs have adjustable bolster brackets and expandable frame sections so your child’s chair can be used for ten to twelve years.
Additionally, you will want to understand that a pediatric power wheelchair will require regular maintenance. Beyond normal cleaning, the hardware, tires, seat, brake system, control system, and battery will need to be tested periodically.
In the social aspect of your child’s wheelchair needs, consider your lifestyle, your child’s temperament, how he handles social situations, makes new friends, deals with being different, etc. For example, how will your child handle the frustrations of first learning to use the controls and maneuver the power wheelchair? Will she become impatient and give up quickly or will her son be determined? Will your child be embarrassed to enter new environments and new experiences while confined to the wheelchair? Or will she prosper under these circumstances?
Finally, you’ll also want to consider how you plan to transport your child’s pediatric power wheelchair. For example, these chairs are much heavier and bulkier than a standard manual chair. Do you have a vehicle large enough to handle the chair? Do you have a riser or shelf that can handle the extra weight? Will you need additional help when transporting the wheelchair?
While pediatric power wheelchairs offer greater freedom than ever before, including the ability to allow your child to participate in activities at floor level or table height or even standing in some situations, they also require decision-making. important. Choosing the right pediatric power wheelchair is a process of balancing the needs of your child with the practicality of today’s versatile chairs.