Flexibility of Wheelchairs
By Andrew Kelly
Wheelchairs have come a long way in the past couple of decades as technology has made advances in how people who must use wheelchairs get around. It wasn’t very long ago that the only choice available was a non-motorized version that either the person sitting in the chair had to move along with their hands or someone had to push them.
Today, the most advanced wheelchair is called the IBOT and it sells for more than $26,000 and requires a prescription. It climbs stairs and elevates the person riding in the chair to heights where groceries and other items are accessible. Since most insurance policies don’t pay for this wheelchair, most people purchase the less expensive models.
There are still impressive wheelchairs that don’t cost anywhere near the IBOT’s price tag. There are motorized wheelchairs and scooters designed to fit around tight corners in the home and those made for independence in shopping centers and such.
Some wheelchairs have to be fitted with special devices for people who are paralyzed or are quadriplegics. These include a special straw that the person can blow into and this powers the wheelchair. Some wheelchairs have to be equipped with a high back and a brace with which to hold the person’s head up or lend support to the neck.
Most wheelchairs can be folded up and either stored in the home or easily transported in a vehicle when going out. There are some that do not break down; these are the heavier power chairs however most of them break down somewhat.
Because of all the advances in technology and innovative designers people who need to use wheelchairs are able to do things and go places that were previously off-limits.
Author Details:
Andrew Kelly writes for various websites including, Free article directories and The A to Z of with an interest in health and disability.
Article Source: http://wheelchairs.theatozof.com/
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