After becoming a wheelchair user, once of the hardest adjustments was letting go of my love for heels. I had to embrace a new style, which meant building confidence in sneakers, flat boots, and other footwear I never would have considered before. It wasn't easy at first. It felt like a process of trial and error.

12/30/2024 12:00:00 AM

As winter approaches, wheelchair users may face unique challenges, from icy sidewalks to snow-covered ramps. But with some preparation and the right tools, you can stay mobile, safe, and ready to embrace the season. Here are some practical tips to help wheelchair users navigate winter with confidence and ease.

12/17/2024 12:00:00 AM

If you are a power wheelchair user and you haven't had an opportunity to try power seat elevation, I highly recommend it! I literally can't say enough wonderful things about being able to raise up with my wheelchair, and wow, what a difference it has made in my life.

11/13/2023 12:00:00 AM

In May 2023, after considering the public statements made on the proposed benefit of power seat elevation, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it would fund seat elevation for power wheelchair users. This announcement came with a loud cheer from all those involved and those who will soon benefit from the technology.

11/6/2023 12:00:00 AM

The COVID-19 pandemic has led everyone to make numerous changes in their lives over the past year. Wheelchair users in need of a new wheelchair have faced closed clinics and limited access to the knowledgeable & experienced therapists that are so essential to the process. Fortunately, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the use of telehealth for medical services. Telehealth is the exchange of medical information from one site to another through electronic communication to improve a patient's health.

3/2/2021 12:00:00 AM

Approaching the task of choosing a new power wheelchair can be overwhelming, as there are so many options and details that can be customized. It can be difficult to know where to start or how to choose a new power wheelchair. I love my new Quickie Q700 M, and the following steps will help you use my same approach to choosing a new power wheelchair.

2/2/2021 12:00:00 AM

Proper cleaning and disinfection of a wheelchair is essential to extend its life and keep it looking new for longer. But it's also essential to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses such as COVID-19.

8/11/2020 12:00:00 AM

Over the past few years, battery technology has come a long way. However, some of the advice provided regarding the maintenance of power wheelchair batteries has not made great progress. This has led to a series of confusing and sometimes contradictory instructions about the "best" way to take care of batteries. In this article we will clear up some of these myths and give you seven tips for you to follow.

7/28/2020 12:00:00 AM

There is a large range of seat cushions, all meant to serve a wide variety of populations. How complex can it really get? It's easy to forget that wheelchair users don't merely "sit" on these devices. We live on them.

6/30/2020 12:00:00 AM

When I was paralyzed about nine years ago, I, like many of us at the beginning, had little idea about everything that quadriplegia would entail. I knew nothing about what my bladder & bowel care would be like. I didn't know that I wouldn't be able to use my triceps even though I could lift my arms, nor that I wouldn't have hand function. Basically, I thought I was going to be capable of everything except using my legs to walk.

6/2/2020 12:00:00 AM

Greetings from Beneficial Designs. My name is Peter Axelson. I am a wheelchair user, designer, and engineer, and I am reaching out today with important information regarding COVID-19 precautions to be taken by wheelchair users.

5/19/2020 12:00:00 AM

Whether it's your first power wheelchair or your third, selecting the right one for you is a personal process. There are pros and cons to many chairs out there, and much like driving a car, it's all about how it feels and suits your unique needs. Here are just a few tips to consider when thinking about your next power wheelchair purchase.

4/21/2020 12:00:00 AM

As a power wheelchair user and quadriplegic, I have come to rely on many accessories; I'm sure others have as well. In trying to come up with a list of my own to share, I have to first think of what is essential for my independence and health, followed by my own personal comfort and fun. I hope you will find something you may be able to use and add to this list so that others can benefit.

4/30/2019 12:00:00 AM

Being a wheelchair user in the cold and snow sure can make life interesting. Here are a few lessons I've learned from pushing a wheelchair through the last 13 upstate New York winters.

12/11/2018 12:00:00 AM

Proper wheelchair maintenance is key to ensuring the mobility, performance, and safety of your equipment. In this post we'll touch upon some of the recommendations for the daily care of your wheelchair and upon which things you should check most regularly.

4/24/2018 12:00:00 AM

Ever wonder how we all functioned without our smartphones and tablets? Remember when phones just made phone calls? Try leaving your devices at home one day and you will be quickly reminded how useful they are. How did we navigate without Google Maps or find restaurants without Yelp and Open Table?

4/10/2017 12:00:00 AM