Wheelchair/Audio Tape Questions ...

[donna in Oz]

I've got two totally-unrelated questions, but I'm sure this is the place to ask them:

(1) What can be done to make WDW wheelchairs more comfortable? My MIL only needs one at WDW (she got a bad hip replacement and just can't handle the distances). By the end of our trips, she has developed sore places because she's not used to them. Do cushions help? Behind her or under her, or both?? Any words of wisdom appreciated here!

(2) She's also totally blind: I know guest services has braille pamphlets but reading braille is time-consuming and is hard to do when you're bumping along in a wheelchair. Does WDW have an audio tape for each park that can be used??

Along this line, I think we're gonna have to get her Pal Mickey !!

 

[Nanajo1]

I think a cushion would help. I suggest going to a medical supply or a pharmacy that has medical supplies and ask if they carry w/c seat cushions. I don't think a regular pillow would be as good but it might alleviate the pressure points if your Mother repositions it throughout the day. I know when I was in a folding manual chair the sling type seat gave no support and I was very uncomfortable. Something to make the seat a little firmer helped alot.
Sorry I don't know about the tapes. I'm sure someone will be by shortly with some info.
I'm glad you came here to the disABILITIES board.
Hope you have a great trip.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

You might want to contact one of the full-service medical companies below. They will rent wheelchairs and they can provide one that is most comfortable for her.

Walker Mobility:
1-888-726-6837
www.walkermobility.com

Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html

You can discuss her size with them (height, weight, etc.) as well as any other concerns. They should be able to provide a chair that is comfortable for her. If there is need for a cane or crutch holders those can also be provided.

If you rent from the parks, or try to borrow one from the resort, there is no guarantee of what you will get. They will deliver to your resort prior to your arrival and pick up after departure.

I don't know about the audio tapes, but I'm sure that the Pal Mickey will definitely help.

 

[SueM in MN]

The "sling" style wheelchairs (sort of like a director's chair, but with a longer back) are what you will find for rent in the parks and also at the resorts. They don't do a good job of spreading the weight of the person over the whole seat. In addition, they tend to rotate your hips in because of the sling effect of the seat.
Renting from one of the medical equipment rental places is a good idea. In adddition to getting something more comfortable for her, you would also have it available outside the parks.
A medical supply place near you should have some type of cushion, like Nanajo mentioned. I haven't seen them in pharmacies, but they might if you have a really big one. You might be better off with an actual medical supplies place where they could advise you on what is best for a sling type wheelchair. Here's an example of an internet site that carries cushions. Look for the "Search" box and type in "cushion". This site has cushions ranging in price from $17-$40. Just so you don't get shocked by prices, wheelchair cushions go up to prices of hundreds of $$$ (my DD's was somewhere over $500, but she is a full time wheelchair user at risk of problems. You don't need anything too fancy or expensive, so if someone tries to sell you one that's $30 or more, you are probably getting more than you need. Some people who use a wheelchair just at WDW do just fine with thin pillows, eggcrate or even a chair cushion (the kind you can get to tie onto a wooden kitchen chair). Getting up and walking around a little periodically will also to help prevent stiffness and soreness.

I don't have a link to the Guidebooks for Guests with Disabilities on this computer, but from what I remember from them, the audio tapes and players are available from Guest Services in each park. I believe there is a $25 deposit required that will be refunded at the end of the day when you bring the player and tapes back.

From what I have read about Pal Mickey, he would be a fun addition to your group.