Archive for July, 2009

Making Pedestals One Lift Away

Low Jeremy asked:

Obviously, the world I almost divided in half for people with disability. In particular, those who are confined to wheelchairs need more than patience to face the truth about having no legs to use.

Fortunately, global "building codes" promulgate and provide accessibility for disabled people so that going to any establishments and commercial centers have special place and set-up suited for them.

Disability provisions are visibly noticed in public comfort rooms, parking areas, special railings at corridors, emergency switches, elevators/lifts, and ramps along sidewalk curbs. It is mandatory to provide mobility for wheelchairs to alleviate the sufferings. Given all the considerations, portable wheelchair lift can make this world caring for the indigents.

Portable wheelchair lifts are mechanical solutions to lift people on platforms like stages where ramps are not available and practical to be built. Even though there is global support to ease the accessibility of wheelchairs anywhere, there are selected but many instances where portable wheelchair lifts are necessary.

A standard minimal width of 32 inches requirement is specified to accommodate installation of special wheelchair lift for stairwells. Portable wheelchair lifts will specially conform to the best ergonomic possibilities for daily activities. Designs are very adaptable to ease household needs without affecting the usual functions of the family members.

Although it seems like the solution for mobility, expect space consumption when you purchase a portable wheelchair lift. You could imagine a massive but movable small elevator hovering your house. It is basically made of steel hollow frames, steel plates, square tubular steel strong enough to withstand a weight of up to 750 pounds. It is an innovation highly engineered to safeguard the need of lifting heavy dead weight.

Its mechanism is sophisticated and complete with fasteners and screws for attachment, springs, rollers and tracks for flexibility. Packages include installation of these parts by technical personnel to avoid errors in trial attempts. But just like any collapsible designs one can purchase everywhere, portable wheelchair lifts can be managed for layman's assembly with all the technical instructions and manual.

Usually, portable wheelchair lifts must comply with the most important functionality considerations:

* SAFETY - like any design standard procedure, safety is the most important attribute portable wheelchair lifts are built for.

* INNOVATIVE - must have the best design for handy use and give maximum comfort with less effort both on the assistant and the patient.

* FUNCTION - it must serve well the practical purpose of lifting or raising wheelchairs the practical way possible and bridge the gap between incapability and achievement with provision of this device.

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Wheelchairs and Other Medical Equipment

Barney Garcia asked:

Wheelchairs are a common piece of medical equipment but most of us are unaware of the different types available on the market today. If your are ever in the unenviable position of needing a wheelchair for yourself or a loved one, you must be aware of the different types that are out there. Who would ever imagine there could be such a variety?

First of all, there are the manual wheelchairs that are powered by the user himself or by someone else who pushes the chair for him. These chairs are very light and easy to maneuver and are recommended for everyday or occasional use.

The next on the list are electric wheelchairs, which have a motor and are ideal for someone who must use a wheelchair for most of the day. They are fairly expensive, costing around $3000 or more, and are not recommended for outdoor use as most will not stand up structurally to the rigors of outdoor use.

Sports wheelchairs are available and can be designed for any number of sports. It is advised that you buy a sports specific wheelchair to get the most enjoyment out of your sport.

Believe it or not, you can even buy wheelchairs designed for dogs with mobility problems, though I have yet to see a dog being pushed in a wheelchair by a person.

Some things to consider before buying a wheelchair is whether it is designed for indoor or outdoor use. You might need to buy two if you plan to do a lot of outdoor travel in the wheelchair. You need to consider the size and the weight it can hold. If you plan on car travel, the wheelchair should fold up for easy storage in the trunk. If you are planning to buy an electric wheelchair, you will need to know where the power source is located. An electric wheelchair with a rear wheel power source will usually move faster than ones with a front wheel power source. Will you need a wheelchair that reclines or one with removable armrests? Some wheelchairs have adjustable footrests. Last, but not least, you need to find out if it has a warranty and for how long.

Like any other type of purchase you make, do your research and shop around before you buy. If you put some thought and consideration into what you need in a chair and how much you will use it, you will be much happier with your purchase in the end.

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Air Travel Tips for Travelers with Health Issues or Disabilities

Helen Hecker asked:

Travel by air for people with health issues, handicaps, disabilities or special needs, can be challenging. The following air travel tips will help make your flight and trip, whether domestic or international, easier, cheaper and safer.

When making your travel reservations, request any carts, wheelchair services or any other transportation you'll need. Fully describe your limitations and needs. Get your airline ticket and boarding pass well ahead of time so you don't have to wait in any lines. You'll be able to arrange travel at a discount, get better travel deals, and avoid last minute travel headaches.

Talk with your airline representative or travel agent regarding the type of restrooms that are on the airplane. Call your airport and find out as much information as possible about the restrooms and handicapped parking at the airport.

You'll need to find out how you'll be boarding the airplane at each of the airports involved in your trip. You may need another type of airplane or alternative route so you'll have Jetways, or jet bridges, into the plane from the airport and not have to worry about stairs.

One year my mother and I were going to fly out of the San Jose, California airport and discovered after we arrived that we had to go outside on the ground level with the wheelchair to the tarmac. Four airline employees had to carry my mother in the wheelchair up the steep steps to board the plane. This might be impossible if there are weight issues.

Think about what seat arrangement will work best for you needs. Would an aisle seat make it more convenient to get to the restroom? You'll want to avoid sitting in the emergency exit row. The passengers in this row may be asked to help others in an emergency situation.

Let the airlines and flight attendants know if you have any assisting devices. Find out the best way to store them so they arrive without damage.

Always keep in mind what you can do easily and without assistance, as well as situations that would require help.

Can you transfer to seats by yourself? Will you need a transfer board or assistance from airline staff?

Consider hiring a travel nurse if you have serious health or medical issues. There are traveling nurses networks.

Can you describe your wheelchair, scooter or walker, dimensions, weight, type of tires, type of batteries, etc.? You may need to take along spare batteries. You also may need to rent or buy a travel wheelchair.

Make sure to mention to your travel agent or airline representative any assisting devices you may need or already have like canes and crutches. Do you need a slow pace or are you a slow walker?

If you will be traveling through different time zones, how will jet lag affect your situation?

Consider how the following will be of concern during your trip and discuss with your travel agent: upper body strength, communication ability, speech issues, voice issues, vision problems, hearing problems, heat issues, medication needs, oxygen requirements, and dietary requirements such as gluten-free meals.

Try to arrange or book your air travel through experienced travel agencies or tour operators that specialize in disabled travel. There are a large number of agencies throughout the U. S., Canada, Europe, Australia and many other countries.

Just in case you need them, it's also good to know if there are any travel agencies that specialize in disabled travel at your destination, for return travel, local resources or travel services.

At the airport let airline boarding personnel know that you may need extra time to board the plane. Sit close to the door at the gate so you're called first and then board at a comfortable pace.

After the plane has landed, never get off the plane until you see or have your assisting device, wheelchair, travel wheelchair, etc. Flight attendants have to stay on the airplane until the last passenger leaves. They will help you while you're on the plane but once you're off the plane they won't be able to help you.

Make sure you carry your medications and back-up prescriptions with you onto the plane, along with doctors' names, addresses, fax numbers for faxing prescriptions, phone numbers, medical diagnosis, names and dosages of medications you're taking and any allergies you have.

Photocopy passports, airline tickets, American Express Travelers Cheques, credit cards, any important papers.

Carry your health insurance information with you on the plane. Know what you'll do if you encounter a health problem or medical emergency on your trip. Get travel insurance to ensure less costly medical assistance. These emergency bills may not be covered under your health insurance policy. It'll ease your mind to have this back-up travel insurance and prevent costly emergency medical charges on your trip. Emergency medical costs can run considerably higher than standard medical fees.

These air travel tips should provide good insurance and help make your airplane travel, with health issues, handicaps, disabilities or special needs, easier, safer and cheaper.

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How to Donate Wheelchairs?

Simon Hemmings asked:

If you own a wheelchair and no longer have a need for it, you can donate wheelchairs to one of many organizations which distribute wheelchairs to the more needy. Several organizations perform the service of matching a donated wheelchair to its recipient, whereas some require the recipient to cover the cost of shipping costs if applicable.

If a Wheelchair Is Needed

Wheelchair donation are available at local and national levels, they work in the way as the person who needs the wheelchair will call and give the reason for the wheelchair and the basic measurements and the organization will try and match the request.

Donate without Owning

If you like donate a wheelchair but don’t own one, it can still be done. You can contact people like Wheelchair foundation who allow you to donate money towards wheelchairs or even donate a wheelchair. They accept all types from ultralight wheelchairs to electric wheelchairs.

International Donations

Many organizations are committed to donating wheelchairs internationally; many countries cannot afford health care at any level and their impoverished citizens cannot afford the wheelchairs they need to have active and productive lives.

These outreach programs collect financial donations and send the wheelchairs to the needy communities around the globe who can benefit most from them. These programs rely on donated wheelchairs, or funds for wheelchairs to provide them for these people.

Donating a lightweight wheelchair is a great way to recycle a wheelchair and at the same time help a needy person. Many people all over the world, and more importantly the third world countries who cannot afford one and benefit from contributions of concerned, caring people.

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Selecting the Right Power Wheelchair

IC asked:

People that use power wheelchairs are able to move around the house, go to work, and carry on most other routines with relative ease. There are even sports dedicated to people in wheelchairs including basketball and tennis. There are many types of wheelchairs ranging from manual to electric powered, and they come in a variety of styles and designs. Some even have storage compartments just below the seating area.

With so many types of wheelchairs out there, selecting the right one can be difficult. This is especially so if the person has just met with an accident or undergone surgery and requires them to rest their feet or legs for a couple of months and needs one quickly. The person that requires the wheelchair could also be someone who is old and their hands and legs have lost strength, making them dependent on others to tend to their needs, and to help them get from room to room. If one is working with a therapist or trainer with building muscles back up after a traumatic accident, one can ask for advice on a wheelchair. If the person’s upper body is healthy and strong, they can use a manual wheelchair to propel themselves around. If they are feebler however, or had a much larger injury that affects more than just their legs, they will require something that is easier to control and get around with. This is where a power wheelchair comes in handy.

Most electric wheelchairs today are much lighter and compact than they used to be. This makes them easier to be loaded and unloaded from vehicles. There are many types and brands of electric wheelchairs alone. There are also portable electric wheelchairs that can be taken apart. These usually break down into three to five light weight sections to store or transport very easily. Portable electric wheelchairs are great for transport if the person’s car is not large enough to fit a full size electric wheelchair in it, and does not want to use a wheelchair lift. If a person will be using their power wheelchair outside a lot, they might want a more sturdy and rugged wheelchair, instead of a light weight or portable model, which are more ideal for indoor use or light outdoor use.

If you will be spending most of your day in a wheelchair, then select one that has adjustable seating. You will want to be able to tilt and recline the backrest so there will be no discomfort in the spine. The foot rest should also be adjustable so your feet can have good blood circulation. If your legs are stuck in a single position for too long, it can cause discomfort because the muscles will tighten, making it difficult to flex them. If you prefer to use your left hand for controlling the electric wheelchair, or perhaps you can only use your left or right hand, be sure to specify where to have the controls fixed, on the left or right side. Most power wheelchairs come with the controls fixed on the right side unless specified otherwise. With all the electric wheelchairs out there, be sure to buy the one that best suits your lifestyle.

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Join A Power Chair Club.and Have Fun!

Rc Rougeux asked:

Are you the proud new owner of a power chair? If you are, you may be wondering "now what?" Power chairs are not just a way to get around, they are an entire lifestyle.

New power chair owners will be surprised to find that there are power chair and wheelchair clubs all over the place! Some get together to play basketball or do some other recreation, others get together to lobby the government for increased accessibility. Ask your power chair dealer if they know of any clubs in the area. If they do, that's great. If they don't know of any, you should consider starting one. You can be sure that if you want to meet other power chair users, there is someone out there feeling the same way.

You may be surprised to also learn that there are accessible vacations and wheelchair vacations that allow people in power chairs and wheel chairs to enjoy a fully accessible vacation experience! If it's been a while since you've been on vacation, check it out online and see what you find. On top of the social aspect of power chair ownership, there is also the practical aspect. Part of the "now what?" includes building a ramp into your home. If you have a minivan, you might want to get a ramp or even a lift to life the wheelchair into the van. There are also external lifts that attach to your car's trailer hitch so you can drive your power chair onto the ramp and lock it in place.

One consideration of your new power chair is the tires. Do you have tires that are the most suitable for your lifestyle? Ask at the store to find out if you do. Tell them how you spend most of your time and where you live and they'll be able to help you out. There's one kind of tire that is good for mainly indoor use and there's another kind of tire that's good for mainly outdoor use and there's a third kind of tire for a mixture of both. You will also want to find out what the drive time is on your batteries. By learning this in advance, you will be able to plan your outings accordingly so that you'll never be caught away from home with a dead battery and no way to return.

The longer you keep your power chair, the more you'll find that you want to enjoy accessories for it… there are so many to choose from, including cup holders, extra baskets, and desk trays. Your power chair is a machine, which means it has mechanical parts. Keep your power chair tuned up so it lasts a long time. Just like your car, keep it clean and bring it in for regular servicing.

Power chairs are fantastic devices to help you get around and lead a life that allows you to do whatever you want. Not only that, but they let you do it in style!

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The Increasingly Popular Transport Wheelchairs

Kirk Peterson asked:

Walking disabled people are more fortunate nowadays. While in the past they always have felt incapacitated and immobile, nowadays, they are provided with more and better means to roam and move around. With the development and heightened popularity and usage of wheelchairs, such handicapped people are given more advantage and privilege. The emergence of transport wheelchairs have significantly helped improve the way people make use of wheelchairs.

What are transport wheelchairs? Transport wheelchairs are machines or equipment that facilitate for mobility and movement of wheelchair confined people at public places. While it is true that simple wheelchairs can do the trick, transport wheelchairs are specifically designed and manufactured to facilitate better roaming and mobility at malls, restaurants and parks where people usually converge to relax.

How are transport wheelchairs different from conventional and usual wheelchairs? To begin with, the materials with which transport wheelchairs are made are of more superior quality and strength. That is because transport wheelchairs are made very specifically to facilitate movement at public and outdoor places. Also, transport wheelchairs are made of materials that are highly durable to enable it to carry out its purpose. Thus, it is often that users complain about the limited usefulness and comfort of using the wheelchairs.

Modern transport wheelchairs

To answer and respond to concerns over modern transport wheelchairs’ usefulness and comfort, manufacturers are devising ways on how the machines can be made more efficient and cozy. Thus, as more users used to complain about their comfort when using transport wheelchairs over extended periods of time, makers are quick to respond by spending significant amount of time and efforts to making such initiatives.

Now, transport wheelchairs are made more effective and comfortable. As a matter of fact, there are more and softer cushions that are integrated into the machines. The wheels are also made lighter but more durable and efficient for better facilitation of mobility.

As for the issues over comfort, the overall designs of transport wheelchairs are modified and significantly improved. The seats are now made broader and more comfortable so that the user would not feel discomfort when seating at it over extended periods of time.

There are also transport wheelchairs that have footrests and arm rests. Such added features make transport wheelchairs advantageous and highly useful. Now, there is a rising number of transport wheelchairs that are praised and preferred because of such comforting features.

Choosing the best transport wheelchairs

Choosing the best transport wheelchairs is highly imperative. That is because consumers basically would aim to extract and get the best services and products available in the market. No one wants to get substandard transport wheelchairs at prices that are almost close to prices of highly comfortable and premium ones.

There are several trusted brands of manufacturers of transport wheelchairs. As you choose the best products there are, it would be helpful if brand names would given utmost consideration. It follows that the best and most trusted brands are also those that are likely to come up with the best transport wheelchairs in the market.

It is a basic requirement to be more discerning and selective when buying transport wheelchairs. With so many machines and brands out in the market, you would resent it if you would invest in products that would otherwise be not so helpful to you.

Buying transport wheelchairs

Transport wheelchairs can be easily purchased. Visiting and shopping around at the nearest and most reliable wheelchair stores would be of great help. When you do so, be sure to spot the transport wheelchair that you think would be highly useful to you. Take note of the materials used, the comfort provided and the height.

Transport wheelchairs also come in handy and foldable types. These transport wheelchairs are very convenient and can facilitate more convenience because they can easily be transported and carried anywhere the user and the attendants would go. Thus, whether the user would go to the mall or go cruising at the park, there would always be a handy and reliable transport wheelchair for you.

Online purchases are more advisable because such transactions are more convenient. Usually, online acquisitions of transport wheelchairs are more preferred because such actions would scrap and leap from the tedious action of actual buying.

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More Families Sue Airlines

Sunil S asked:

More families are getting serious in suing the airlines these days. The first and the foremost that the family does to sue an airline, is to educate itself on how to sue an airline. Suing an airline can be intimidating; however if done right with the legal information at hand then the case can be in your favor.

More families who pursued suing an airline considered the following factors when filing. Prior to pursuing action in small claims court for suing an airline, they determined the following:

Is the amount of the claim smaller than the state or local law monetary limit?

Does the airline do business in the court in which you are filing?

Does the airline have a contract of carriage which must be followed?

Has the airline been given the opportunity to follow any of its obligations?

Can the dispute be settled out of court?

Is it a hardship for you to appear in court?

More families who are suing an airline are very much aware of their rights. These are some of the cases where families are involved in suing the airline.

· A husband and wife sued United Airlines for "negligently" over serving alcohol during a flight from Osaka, Japan, to San Francisco, saying the carrier's drinks fueled the domestic violence involving the two shortly after their plane landed.

· Dozens of outraged airplane passengers have threatened to sue Continental Airlines, claiming they were left stranded on a plane and grounded for hours in hellish conditions.

· A couple has also sued US Airways, alleging the husband was falsely arrested and the wife suffered a miscarriage after a dispute with a flight attendant on a trip from Detroit to the U.S. Virgin Islands.

· The families of five disabled passengers have sued North West airlines in a federal lawsuit alleging that the company routinely violates the rights of people who use wheelchairs.

Air travel is tiring enough without being used and abused by the airlines. If you suffered an indignity at the hands of an airline don't get mad or feel helpless, send a clear message this behavior will not be tolerated or else you will be suing the airline.

Take your beef to Small Claims Court. With minimal cost, whether successful or not, you will come out a winner. Typically an airline will hire attorneys to prepare the case with costs exceeding $1,000 per claim in legal fees. While litigation should never be your first option, if you believe you have a legitimate claim, it is a viable avenue when all other options fail. Even if you lose the battle you can still win the war by making your point to the airline

This best selling book will teach you how to sue an airline, get legally compensated and show that you will not tolerate airline abuse. This 50 page comprehensive step by step book that will guide you in properly filing an airline complaint and receiving the compensation you deserve because of being mistreated by the rude, irresponsible, ignorant and careless behavior of airline staff.

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All About Hunting Guides

Albie Berk asked:

A qualified professional hunting guide may be the choice option for the urban hunter with little time to scout and investigate hunting prospects. When attempting to hunt unfamiliar territory, a guide can make the difference between a good and a bad hunt. Unless you have thorough knowledge of the land you wish to hunt, you might spend unfruitful days in the bush without the help of a guide. Another name for a guide might be a "scout."

A guide can keep you out of trouble. He can limit frustrations and save you time. A guide can help with retrieving, gutting, and caping trophies. The guide can accurately predict the packing and preparation needs of the hunter, thereby eliminating the need to purchase or pack certain items. He will tell you what you should bring and what will be furnished, what is available locally and what is not.

Most hunters balk at the thought of "pay hunting" and feel no need for someone else to help them with a hunt. These hunters generally think that such setups are for "tin horns" or the corporate executive class. The price of a guide service may appear large at first, but after examining the whole spectrum of things you may find that a guide will even save you money in the long run. It is often the case that a hunter would have come out better if he had hired a guide.

Personal recommendations from other hunters who have used the guide or guide service are the most often used leads.

It is a good idea to do a thorough job of investigating a game ranch or guide service located through a magazine ad before making the leap of employing them. Ask for references, preferably from your area. Get several of them and check each one. The time spent here is worthwhile. In writing to request references, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and be courteous. If telephoning for a reference, then do so at an appropriate time of day. References should be current. They should be references to hunts the year before and not several years ago. The clients which you locate might pass on pertinent information to you concerning your guide such as that you should pack a can opener because the excellent guide always forgets his.

Any guide worth his oats will guarantee a shot. Other guide services and game ranches charge a set fee to hunt and extra for a kill.

A few phone calls or e-mails prior to the hunting scheduled with a guide could get you in with a hunting partner, not just a guide. It helps to break the ice and form a friendship before the hunt.

If contracting the services of a professional guide service or game ranch is not in the cards for you yet you need the help such an outfit would provide, then you have other options.

Ask a successful hunter of your acquaintance for his assistance in guiding you. Most hunters will enthusiastically help you get your first deer. They remember their first deer and really want to enjoy the experience again through you. Offer to pay for the hunt if they are willing to take you along, and at the very least, split the cost of the gasoline.

Some backwoods types would consider it the opportunity of a lifetime to receive a hundred dollars for leading you to a deer they are familiar with. Paying someone to help locate a nice deer for you does not mean that they will bring it to you on a leash. There will still be plenty of sport involved matching wits with the wily whitetail.

PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS

Deer hunting is a sport open to the young, the old, and the handicapped. There is a way for almost every person who desires to hunt deer to do so. Deer hunting is one of the most widely accessible sports.

The blind can participate to a remarkable degree by going with a companion to a hunt and experiencing all but the actual shooting. Many blind people become adept shooters by learning to compensate for their sight loss by increasing their hearing perception. Their marksmanship is usually limited to gun ranges where little bells are attached to targets and pulled by strings. Some blind hunters, with the aid of an assistant with eyesight for obvious safety reasons, may actually take deer.

The wheelchair-bound hunter has an advantage over most hunters in that he will not be able to yield to the itch to get up and walk around when his patience runs thin. Although wheelchairs are not practical for the roughest terrains, the majority of hunting areas are to some degree accessible to them. One of my acquaintances who is without the use of his legs manages to take his deer each season from an adapted ATV.

Determined individuals often overcome physical limitations through improvisation. Their hunting techniques may be creative and grandly satisfying responses to their handicaps. Such hunters are granted special privileges by law-enforcement agencies to allow for their differences and encourage their participation in the sport. Physical limitations might suggest that a person should hunt close to a roadway and not attempt to track or retrieve a deer without assistance. Taking part in drives and risking becoming lost by walking deep into the woods should be avoided.

Hunting with an able-bodied companion may be a must. The companion should be aware of specific physical limitations and of any first aid he might be required to administer.

It is important to consider physical limitations in planning the hunt. Access to the hunting area, the type of stand, the selection of a companion, weapon type, and other matters should be scrutinized in advance.

There are far too many instances of heart attacks in the deer woods.

If you are under medical supervision and using a prescription medicine, be sure not to forget it in the excitement. Not only could forgetting it cause medical problems, but having to go home to get it could foil your hunt.

Where there is a will there is a way for the handicapped who wish to hunt whitetail deer. Disadvantaged hunters derive greater satisfaction from their efforts.

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Wheelchairs And The Sports Lover

David Peters asked:

Just because you are in a wheelchair doesn't mean you can't enjoy the competitiveness and just all around fun that playing sports offers you. More and more wheelchair users are playing sports every day - some even on a professional level. There are several wheelchair sports associations and gaming opportunities for your wheelchair and you - all you have to do is educate yourself regarding playing the game safely andfind out what options you have. The following information is just a few examples of what gaming opportunities you have.

Wheelchair basketball is a very common wheelchair sport. It was started over forty years ago by the Veteran's Association as a rehabilitation program, and over the years has grown in leaps and bounds. Today wheelchair basketball is a professional sport that offers more than 180 teams across the United States. Different versions of wheelchair basketball have spawned off of wheelchair basketball, and are very fun to play. Some even have lower, netted basketball rims that return the ball back to the players without having to chase it down.

In order to play wheelchair basketball, it is essential to have a lightweight wheelchair. Several sports wheelchairs are on the market today just for sports enthusiasts. And if you are an amputee, several prosthetic devices have been created to enjoy the sport even more. The most common upper body prosthetic - the Super Sport, which is manufactured by TRS, Inc. - comes in different sizes and was specifically designed for playing various sports including ball sports.

The Special Olympics added Boccia ball to its itinerary years ago, and it is game that can be enjoyed by all wheelchair users. You can play it either indoors or outdoors, and set up is a breeze. You need a target ball and six balls for each player. All you have to do is try and get your ball closest to the target ball thrown at the beginning of the game. Points are awarded based on the proximity of balls to that of the target ball.

Another wheelchair sport, quad rugby, was specifically designed for quadriplegics unable to play wheelchair basketball. It is a mixture of wheelchair basketball and ice hockey. In 1988 quad rugby players officially started the United States Quad Rugby Association, and has over 40 teams on its membership roster.

To play the game you must have two teams of four players each. Each player is classified based on impairment – .5 being the greatest impairment and 3.5 being the least impairment, and teams cannot not exceed an 8.

The players then have four 8-minute quarters in which the offense must carry the ball to their goal (on the other team's side of the court). The defense is constantly trying to prevent the other team from scoring. The team who reaches the other person's goal line most frequently wins.

Power soccer is another fun wheelchair sport that can rev the sport enthusiast's engine. Players in power soccer must have an electric wheelchair.

Two teams have two 30-minute halves to push the soccer ball over the other team's goal line. The team to reach the other person's goal most frequently wins.

So, just because you are in a wheelchair doesn't mean that you cannot enjoy sports activities. And based on the sport you choose to participate in, there are several wheelchair sports accessories available for you, including belts and harnesses, gloves, bags for carrying items, drink holders and specialty back supports.

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