Wheelchair for child?

[Jaylin]

Does anyone have any experience with a lightweight wheelchair for their child? My 6 y/o daughter had femur surgery and got her cast off on Monday. The surgeon said "have fun on vacation"! Well, she's barely walking on her leg still and I don't foresee her walking around by Thursday when we leave for Cabana Bay! We've got her monster heavy hospital grade wheelchair, but there's no way I'm lugging that thing around. So, I was looking on amazon for a light weight one. We're going to need it for the airport and the parks. Does anyone have any experience with any of these kind of chairs? I'm worried about being able to push them outside on sidewalks and the park. But I love the idea that they collapse like a stroller, which would make the bus ride much easier. Also, are we able to use the wheelchair thru the ride lines or do we park it with the strollers and do the lines without it?

Thanks for any help you might have!!!

 

[BeerMe]

You should post this in the disabilities forum

 

[macraven]

there are wc at the hotels that can be used on that property.

check out the wc rentals with the offsite vendors.
maybe they will have a lighter weight one that can be folded.

yes, wc can be used in the lines at the park.

check with guest services, email them in advance before your trip, for info on wc usage in the parks.

possible to get a card from them (gac) depending on her limitations.

 

[jacinda824]

If it's only wheelchair use - she does NOT need a GAP pass. ALL of the lines are 100% accessible with a wheelchair. You can usually wheel the wheelchair up to the ride vehicle platform so she would only need to walk a few feet. Some rides are able to accommodate the wheelchair on the actual vehicle.

 

[dixonsontour]

Hi This is a very well known disability stoller for kids.

http://www.johnlewis.com/maclaren-m...630?sku=231648630&kpid=231648630&s_kenid=329c

My DD used to sometimes use one in Orlando and it is just like pushing a normal stroller and it folds.

You can hire them from here.

http://www.mobilityequipmentrentals.com/land_baby_stroller.htm

I've never hired one but a quick search brought them up. At disney they used to give us a stoller = wheelchair sticker so cm's knew it was instead of a wheelchair.

 

[Robo56]

Did the surgeon not order any post operative physical therapy for her. The reason I ask is that the therapist would have been a wonderful resource person to help teach strengthening exercises for her leg and for her equipment needs.

I know that Walmart and Walgreens sell light weight wheel chairs. And maybe if you have a local medical supply store they might rent them.

Also I would make sure that the chair is comfortable to her and the edge of the seat does not hit her directly behind her knee. The ability to elevate her leg will help with any post operative swelling and circulation.

I would call the Doctors office and ask for a list of exercises she can do to strengthen her leg if he is not willing to order therapy.

Has her incision site healed?

Just suggestion. I am supprised the doctor did not order therapy. Usually when they do order it, your insurance pays for any DME equipment and therapy.

Have a great vacation. Hope her trip brings a smile to her face.

 

[Jaylin]

Hi This is a very well known disability stoller for kids.

http://www.johnlewis.com/maclaren-major-elite-pushchair-charcoal-and-scarlet/p231648630?sku=231648630&kpid=231648630&s_kenid=329c

My DD used to sometimes use one in Orlando and it is just like pushing a normal stroller and it folds.

You can hire them from here.

http://www.mobilityequipmentrentals.com/land_baby_stroller.htm

I've never hired one but a quick search brought them up. At disney they used to give us a stoller = wheelchair sticker so cm's knew it was instead of a wheelchair.

Thanks you so much everyone and thank you for this link! I was looking at Orlando stroller rental and was going to go with the City Mini GT but this one looks great! Although there's no canopy, that would've been perfect! It stinks that it seems like the stroller rental companies can't leave the strollers with the bell services like they do in Disney.

Robo, she had surgery almost 7wks ago and the incision is healed and her surgeon said go and have a great vacation! She didn't originally order therapy for her, thinking she is young and would just probably get up and go! Well I called on Friday since that's definitely not happening and she's going to PT on Wed....the day before we leave!!

 

[Robo56]

Great shes getting some PT help. Little ones are so resilient in their ability to heal. Pt will be a great resource for you to help her progress forward in her recovery. Have a great vacation.

 

[jacinda824]

Make sure you take the advice on the signs that so not to ride with recent surgery. For instance "Gringotts" has that sign. I know you are in a seat and locked into place the ride itself might be stressful especially for someone with a leg healing. Your feet may get bumped around and if you knock it into any part of the ride vehicle (ie the bar strapping you in or the row right in front of you) - that could either really hurt her leg or possibly knock something inside it.

 

[dixonsontour]

Glad it helped. It should work great for your 6 year old, my DD would have been almost 6 when she used one.

They do make a canopy for it called a sun hood - maybe if you check the rental company may supply one with it.

The only part I didn't like was the footplate doesn't fold and has to be detatched before folding.