Wheelchair Skills :

USE:

1. Because most SCI patients rely on wheelchairs for mobility, they should be provided with one that fits and adjusts appropriately as soon as they begin out-of-bed activities.
2. To improve the individual's ability to safely and effectively use a wheelchair
3. The purpose of these activities is to overcome barriers in the environment and to thereby permit the wheelchair user to fulfill his/her desired role in society
4. Other potential benefits of wheelchair-skills training for wheelchair users and caregivers include fewer acute and overuse injuries, improved sense of wellbeing (through self-esteem, self-efficacy, confidence and personal control), improved development (of children) and having fun
5. Improve quality of life.

WHAT ARE WHEELCHAIR SKILLS?

BASIC SKILLS:

1.  Pressure relief
2.  Rolling: Backwards, forwards, rolling on soft surfaces
3.  Stopping
4.  Turning: Turn in place, turn sideways, turn while moving
5.  Transfers: Level transfer

INTERMEDIATE SKILLS:

1.  Fold and unfold wheelchairs
2.  Going through doorways and obstacles
3.  Ramps: Ascend and descend ramps, rolling across side slopes
4.  Curbs: Ascend and descend curbs

ADVANCED WHEELCHAIR SKILLS:

1.  Transfers: Wheelchair to ground
2.  Picking up objects from floor while sitting on wheelchair
3.  Stairs: Ascend and descend stairs
4.  Wheelies
5.  Wheelie dependent skills.