Motorized Wheelchairs
description
Transcript of Motorized Wheelchairs
By: Joseph Pangelinan
George KleinIn the 1950’s the electric-powered wheelchair was
invented for the National Research Council of Canada, to assist injured veterans after World War II.
The purpose was to be able to help those individuals who are unable to manually operate a regular wheelchair, need it for distances, or cover various had to cross terrain.
How does it work?
Is a 4-6 wheeled folding/non-folding power chair. The drive/chassis system is powered by a rechargeable dry cell battery, and operates using various customizable control systems, available in front, center, rear, and all wheel drive.
Controls can be Joystick Sip and Puff
Or by any other workable body part
Who can use it ? People who are unable to use manual wheelchairs
• Paraplegics
• Muscle weakness
Those with Cardiovascular and/or Fatigued based conditions
• the severely obese, or physically incapable elderly
Those prescribed by a doctor• For Medicare or other insurance programs
Cost
THE GOOD & THE bAD
Advantages: easy and convenient, customizable to meet the user’s needs, can be covered by Medicare and other insurance companies, wider range of
use.
Disadvantages: most are heavy and can’t be used on lifts or broken down, public spaces are harder to maneuver, most are not foldable, expensive, Medicare coverage is
difficult to get.
Availability in the CNMI
Office of Vocational RehabilitationCNMI Council for Developmental Disabilities
• Assistive Technologies Program• Trankilu Program Loan
Less than 10 individuals on island utilizing this and acquired through private means
Sources• http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/education/innovations/scientists/
klein.html• http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-
business/sb-digital/innovation/the-brains-behind-the-electric-wheelchair/article4502631/
• Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (670) 322-6538• CNMI Council for Developmental Disabilities: Assistive
Technologies Program (670) 664-7003 (Ray Diaz)