Image via Wikipedia
Many people have asked me for information about wheelchairs, figuring that since I call myself the Wheelchair Kamikaze, I must know something. Truth is, the only wheelchair I really know much about is mine, a Quantum Q6000Z, and really, I mostly just know how to drive that chair like a lunatic.
The best resource I've found on the Internet for reliable information and opinions on all things wheelchair is the Wheelchair Junkie website, which is run by Mark E. Smith, one of the higher-ups at Pride Mobility, who is a power wheelchair user himself. Although he’s an employee of Pride, his site contains useful information that pertains to wheelchairs of any make and model. One of the most valuable features of the site is the message board, which is populated with lots of very friendly and very knowledgeable folks who are more than willing to offer their opinions and expertise to those seeking knowledge and camaraderie. The "Ask Mark" forum allows message board members to ask questions directly to Mark E. Smith, who knows just about everything about wheelchairs that there is to know.
Now, if you want to ask me about, say, what it's like getting into a head-on collision at full speed with a parking meter while driving a wheelchair, go right ahead. For all other inquiries, though, I recommend checking out Wheelchair Junkie.
Buying a "real" wheelchair is costly. As my kids whined "Mom!! You could have bought me a used car instead." NOW, I know what I like and what I wish I had. 1st purchase also took some legrest and seat tweaking.Sorry to sound like Tool-man, but I love the power of mine. I am a force to be reckoned with.
ReplyDeleteI'd also recommend the CareCure forums for manual wheelchair users (plenty of power chair users there too, but these folks really know their stuff about manuals).
ReplyDeleteHi Marc,
ReplyDeleteLight, fast wheelchair is best.
Came by to say hello and wish you well.
Hope you are having a good day.
Love,
Herrad
I agree with you, Wheelchair junkie forums are the best place out there for information and conversation right now.
ReplyDeleteI recommend Gary Karp's book Choosing a Wheelchair. there's some great info here at Wheelchair University. And there are also two books called A Manual Wheelchair Training Guide and A Power Wheelchair Training Guide, both very good books that explain a lot and aren't related to a particular company - available free as PDFs from Wheelchairnet.
p.s. I like to go extremely fast down hills with kids in my lap. I should get some video of that!
ReplyDeleteOr for some comprehensive info try www.wheelchairdriver.com
ReplyDeleteIt includes one of your COOL VIDS! found on the the great tube of U!
Burgerman
I have never seen a page about wheelchair but it was a necessity for the large part of the community who uses them just as Generic Viagra is for others. I will show this blog to one of my friends who suffered an accident some years ago.
ReplyDeleteIt is very interesting topic you've written here..The truth I'm not related to this, but I think is a good opportunity to learn more about it… And as well talk about a different topic to which I used to talk with others..
ReplyDelete