Donate Wheelchairs to help Others

You can donate wheelchairs that are no longer needed to various charitable organizations. They will make sure needy individuals receive them. They keep a database of available wheelchairs and those in need. This allows them to make a perfect match. In some cases the recipient of the wheelchair has to cover the cost of shipping it to them.

Wheelchair donations are available from many local and national organizations; a person in need of a wheelchair would contact these organizations either by phone or email and give their basic measurement requirements and reason for the wheelchair.  The organization will then match the person in need with a wheelchair that best fits their needs.

If you want to help those who need a wheelchair but you don’t have one, consider donating money if you can’t donate wheelchairs to an organization that provides them. There are several internet-based avenues to donate to. The wheelchair Foundation has a website where you can donate wheelchairs or money so they can purchase them for those in need all over the world.

Donating Electric Wheelchairs

Donate wheelchairs, especially those that operate by electricity as they are easier to use but more expensive to purchase. If you donate wheelchairs that are electrical they are generally only used locally as it is too difficult to ship them. The majority of organizations out there that work with donated wheelchairs strive to match the chairs with the person it goes to. They also try to work out the best method for delivery. It is common for someone from the organization to take donated wheelchairs half way to their destination and meet with someone who can pick it up on behalf of the recipient.

About International Wheelchair Donations

Some organizations assist with the donations of wheelchairs to be sent internationally. This is because many other countries can’t afford any level of health care and their people live in constant poverty. Without such organizations those individuals who need a wheelchair would never get one. Such outreach programs donate wheelchairs and money so that they can be sent to other countries.

Trying to recycle a wheelchair isn’t easy, but donating it to charity is a great way to relieve yourself of it while helping someone else too. That satisfaction is worth more than the couple of dollars you will earn if you decide to sell your wheelchair to someone else.

Wheelchair Q and A’s

If you have ever broken an ankle or leg then you know how important mobility is to a person. Being trapped in one position, unable to venture out to work or to perform routine daily tasks can make a bad situation even worse. A lack of mobility can greatly reduce the quality of life a person has and can make a medical situation worse if they are unable to get around independently. Wheelchairs may bring to mind the elderly but in reality wheelchairs are a great factor in many people’s lives on a day-to-day basis. You may be unfamiliar with wheelchairs and their necessity and be wondering how you or a loved one will be able to get around. This article will discuss the differences between wheelchairs as well as what to expect when operating a wheelchair. No one has to be stuck in bed or in a chair stationary any longer. A wheelchair can improve their quality of life and let them get out of the house or hospital.

Q - When was the first wheelchair invented?

A - The wheelchair has had a long history with mankind. The first foldable wheelchair with steel tubing was invented by Henry Jennings in 1932. Early wheelchairs have been linked back to the Chinese as far back as 525 CE and even have been documented with royalty. King Phillip II of Spain was depicted in a wheeled chair with head, foot and arm rests but it was not self-propelled.

Q - What types of wheelchairs are there?

A - There are a wide plethora of different styles of wheelchairs on the market. Some are used primarily for day-to-day use and some are specialized wheelchairs used for sports. Wheelchairs can be hand operated or they can be motorized. They come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes so that individuals preferences can be taken into account.

Q - I’ve seen those ads for motorized scooters. Are they the same thing as a wheelchair?

A - Motorized scooters and wheelchairs are similar in that they both help an individual become mobile but are quite different in their uses. Most people who use a motorized scooter only need them for specific instances such as when shopping or getting around their living arrangements easier. People who must use wheelchairs can use a scooter if they are able to transfer themselves over to the unit and can maintain their balance.

Q - What sizes do wheelchairs come in?

A - Wheelchair sizes range from those used by children upwards to those chairs that can accommodate plus size adults. Each wheelchair has a maximum weight limit it can support. If the individual weighs more than the recommended weight allowance, a bigger chair will be needed to support his or her girth and weight.

Q - How do I decide which wheelchair is best for me?

A - Wheelchairs come in a variety of shapes and styles. Deciding which wheelchair is best for you depend on your level of mobility and how long you will need the wheelchair. Some people prefer motorized wheelchairs. This is especially true if they lack upper body strength needed to propel the chair up inclines. If you are a condition that greatly reduces your total body strength, you may want to consider a specialized chair that takes your limitations into mind. You should also consider your home when making a determination. Large spaces can accommodate motorized wheelchairs much easier than apartments or mobile homes. In those cases the person may want to utilize a hand propelled chair that can maneuver well in tight spaces.

Q - How much does a wheelchair cost?

A - Wheelchairs come in a great variety of styles and materials. The rigid wheelchair can range from $400 to $3000 depending on the model. All-terrain wheelchairs can cost thousands of dollars. One of the biggest factors in cost is what the wheelchair will be used for and whether or not it is motorized. Motorized versions will cost much more than their hand operated cousins. Some people find that they cannot afford buying a wheelchair, especially if they do not have insurance, so they elect to buy a used wheelchair that is still in good operating condition.

Q - Does insurance cover the cost of a wheelchair?

A - If the attending physician writes a prescription for a wheelchair, your insurance company will cover the cost or at least a portion of the costs. It must be a medical necessity in order for insurance to pay for the chair. If you do not have insurance you may be able to find a wheelchair in a medical supply outlet or find a used one in good shape. There are also organizations and charity groups that provide wheelchairs for people with limited income.

Q - How do I make my home wheelchair accessible?

You can make your home wheelchair accessible by installing a few items that can help the impaired individual. You must make sure that your door is wide enough to accommodate the width of the chair and wheels. You should also install a ramp leading to your door if there are steps involved. Hopefully you have a downstairs bathroom; otherwise you will have to install equipment that can allow the person to see to their bathroom needs. If you find that you are not skilled enough to make the changes, you can hire a contractor that specializes in handicap renovations.

Q - Is there wheelchair etiquette?

A - Yes, you may be surprised to know that there is etiquette where wheelchairs are concerned. The first is to always allow your children to ask questions. You want them to not act shocked or are rude when they are around individuals in wheelchairs. It is better for them to know how to ask the proper questions than to let them be afraid or uncertain. One common faux pas individuals do when meeting a person in a wheelchair is to not shake their hand. Even if the person is impaired, it is considered good manners to greet them and shake their hand as you would any one else. When in a group of friends and one or more people are confined to a wheelchair, make sure and include them in the discussion and conversation. All people deserve respect and acknowledgement.

Q - My wheelchair is not motorized and the palms of my hands are becoming irritated by the wheels. What can I do?

A - Manually operating a wheelchair can be very rough on the arms and hands. Most people who use a wheelchair a majority of the time will elect to wear special gloves. The gloves are made of light weight leather, have padding in the palms and are usually missing the finger tips. The absence of the finger tips allows the user the freedom to perform tasks without being forced to remove their gloves.

Q - How do I keep my wheelchair in good condition?

A - You can keep your wheelchair in good condition by keeping it out of the elements. Water can cause the gears and spokes to become rusty. If your wheelchair becomes wet, you will need to make sure it is dried. Small nuts and screws need to be checked regularly for any loosening. You should also make sure that the padding has remained stitched and that no rips or tears are present. Tires should be free from bald spots and free from any protruding lumps in the material

What are Climbing Wheelchairs?

Climbing wheelchairs are the latest technological advancement in this area. It allows the user to be able to climb stairs, be on various types of terrain, and do more of their daily tasks with ease. Climbing wheelchairs look very similar to powered wheelchairs but they wheels in the back are much bigger and there are four of them. The front features to small wheels. Read more

Using a Wheelchair to get around on a College Campus

Many people who use a wheel chair are able to get around on a college campus without any trouble. Most colleges have the latest technology including internet access, cell phones, and handicap access.

Of course, campuses have been “handicap-accessible” for quite some time, but only recently are they becoming truly 100% accessible. While class buildings have always had elevators so that students could get to their classes on the upper floors of a building, not all buildings have had ramp access at all entrances. That is still not entirely the case, but each time a building is renovated, the handicap access tends to be one of the things that gets a lot of attention. Wheel chair transport is becoming more and more of a focus for college campuses across the nation, if not across the world. Read more

Aluminum Wheel Chair Ramps

Wheel chair ramps are very versatile and help those who need to use a wheel chair. It is important that you choose the right ramp for your needs and for your physical abilities.

Selecting The Material For Your Wheelchair Ramp

There are many types of wheelchair ramps available from different types of materials that are specially designed to fit your precise needs, for example, if you need a wheelchair ramp for getting into the house you are looking for something easily used so that you can get in and out with little effort. The best choice for that would probably be a mixed alloy aluminum wheel chair ramp. They are a popular choice because they are very light and easy to maneuver. The aluminum used is soft so it has to be mixed with other materials in order to be durable. Read more

Choosing the Right Wheel Chair for your Child

There are many different shapes and sizes of wheel chairs to choose from. Selecting the right one for your child can be tricky because you need to take many different things into consideration. Here are some helpful hints to make the process easier for you.

What are the Needs or your Child?

The first thing to consider when looking for a child wheel chair is the specific needs of the child. Their age and their health will have to be considered as well. Look for a child wheel chair that will offer them a variety of movement options. Many of the electric wheelchairs out there are very high tech. Read more