wheelchair question

[Momx3]

WHat are the options for wheelchairs around WDW? My uncle had a stroke a couple of years ago and his vision was affected so an electric one is not really an option. My aunt (140lbs) who weighs less than my uncle (230lbs) is planning to push him in a wheelchair when we tour the parks. Can you steer an electric wheelchair while the person riding in it makes it go electrically? Just trying to find a way to make it easier for her.

 

[Michigan]

WHat are the options for wheelchairs around WDW? My uncle had a stroke a couple of years ago and his vision was affected so an electric one is not really an option. My aunt (140lbs) who weighs less than my uncle (230lbs) is planning to push him in a wheelchair when we tour the parks. Can you steer an electric wheelchair while the person riding in it makes it go electrically? Just trying to find a way to make it easier for her.

No the person driving has to do all the driving.

 

[Chuck S]

Pushing a person with that much of a weight difference will be extremely difficult for your aunt, considering that there are areas that require her to push the chair up inclines, or hold the chair from freewheeling in areas that are down slopes. Is there anyway someone with more body strength could accompany them on the trip to push your uncle?

I'm surprised there are no configurations of powerchairs where the person behind the rider (similar to the handlebars on a standard manual chair) can control the speed and direction, the technology is certainly available for such a system.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

I'm surprised there are no configurations of powerchairs where the person behind the rider (similar to the handlebars on a standard manual chair) can control the speed and direction, the technology is certainly available for such a system.

Such controls exist. One option on my power wheelchair, for instance, has the joystick controller for speed & direction, located on the rear handlebar for the 'pusher'. Whether the off-site rental companies offer them as an alternative to regular controlers is another matter!!!

Andrew

 

[Momx3]

Yes there will be 2 other men with us, but the problem is that we are all
"go-getters" and they like to stop and smell the roses. Never have liked rides, etc. More "show" people. We may just all get up early and hit the parks and then meet her when they get there (they are late sleepers).
One reason they don't have an electric wheelchair of their own is that he can walk. He just has balance issues because of his vision loss.
Does your type of wheelchair have a name or is the steering mechanism an added thing?

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm surprised there are no configurations of powerchairs where the person behind the rider (similar to the handlebars on a standard manual chair) can control the speed and direction, the technology is certainly available for such a system.

The only way to do it would be the extra joystick that Andrew mentioned. The power and the direction are actually controlled by a computer that sends power to the wheels in proportion to which way and how far the driver is pushing the joystick. If you want to turn one way, the controller actually sends more power to one wheel and less power to the other, whihc makes the wheelchair turn. So, it's not quite as simple as pushing the wheelchair.

Such controls exist. One option on my power wheelchair, for instance, has the joystick controller for speed & direction, located on the rear handlebar for the 'pusher'. Whether the off-site rental companies offer them as an alternative to regular controlers is another matter!!!

Andrew

My DD has a little joystick on the back of her power wheelchair. Her controller can be set in a certain program so that the regular joystick is not operational and the only one that can control the power wheelchair is the small joystick on the back. That is usually called an attendant control.

BUT (a big but), the wheelchair is MUCH harder to control from back there. I can drive DD's power wheelchair from the side (right or left handed) quite well using her regular joystick, but I have a lot of difficulty driving with the attendant control. All the parents and Personal Care Attendants I know found it took a while to get the hang of driving it.

Most of the rental companies won't rent a power wheelchair for use by someone unless they have experience using one. So, it would be doubtful that any would rent one for someone who needs an attendant control. In fact, when we were trialing power wheelchairs to buy a new one for DD last year, the companies we dealt with said they don't usually outfit the trial ones with an attendant control because it is an expensive option (like around $1000).

 

[Momx3]

Thank you all for your help. My aunt has ordered the passporter book for those with disabilites so hopefully she will get some good guidance there. It looks like we are going to be doing some pushing around the world!!!

 

[Andrew Bichard]

One reason they don't have an electric wheelchair of their own is that he can walk. He just has balance issues because of his vision loss.
Does your type of wheelchair have a name or is the steering mechanism an added thing?

A story:-

My father-in-law was a very proud man. Well into his eighties he was still trying to preserve the illusion of a fit younger man although he was getting frail and unsteady on his feet. My wife could not convince him to buy a scooter.

I ride a powerchair (Invacare Storm). To get him from the car to the restaurant and other short distances, I would drive myself very slowly with him holding on to the back, effectively acting as a powered walking frame. He liked this because everyone saw a fit older man pushing his son-in-law along in his wheelchair.

In answer to your second question, the 'attendant controller' is not wheelchair specific. I have seen it in the catalogues of several powerchair manufacturers.

If your uncle is fit and strong, and his only problem is one of balance, why not rent a manual chair for your aunt, which your uncle can push. ( or a stroller?) You can even buy lightweight folding walking frames. There are variants with wheels with bicycle type brakes that can be pushed along. Other variants include fold-down seats, and shopping baskets like you see on many scooters.

Does your uncle have access to a physio who can advise on an appropriate walking frame? Maybe his medical insurers will pay for it.

Andrew

 

[SueM in MN]

In answer to your second question, the 'attendant controller' is not wheelchair specific. I have seen it in the catalogues of several powerchair manufacturers.

My DD's power wheelchair is an Invacare TDX3. Her old one was the same type as Andrew's. I also know people who have Quickie wheelchairs and also have the attendant control. it is an option when a power wheelchair that can be added by the manufacturer (you have to have the one that is specific for the specific power wheelchair because it needs to work with the electronics on that chair).
It doesn't really matter though because a power wheelchair not an option for someone who can't see.

If your uncle is fit and strong, and his only problem is one of balance, why not rent a manual chair for your aunt, which your uncle can push. ( or a stroller?) You can even buy lightweight folding walking frames. There are variants with wheels with bicycle type brakes that can be pushed along. Other variants include fold-down seats, and shopping baskets like you see on many scooters.

Does your uncle have access to a physio who can advise on an appropriate walking frame? Maybe his medical insurers will pay for it.

Andrew

That is a very good suggestion for someone who can walk, but has vision and balance problems. My FIL had problems with walking and liked to push DD's manual wheelchair for a little extra support. The problem with pushing a wheelchair comes when going up or down hills - it's a bit hard to control the wheelchair from going too fast downhill.
You can find this type of walker in a lot of places.
Walgreens has them for prices between $99 and $300.
Walmart also has similar walkers and may have them in their store near the Pharmacy area. I have seen them for sale in Sam's club.

If you do a search for "rollator" or "rolling walker" or "wheeled walker", you will find a lot. With one of those, he would have something to help him balance, a seat if he gets tired and someone can walk beside him to help him steer.

 

[disneymarie]

I use a rollator. It is a walker with the wheels and a seat on it. I can lean, and sit for the lines.
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=326131

This is the one I have, not so feriatric in appearnce and I can keeps things in the basket. Also, when my daughter got tired I was able to wheel her.

SAM;s Club
It is so inexpensive $66.99, sturdy wheels, it has hand brakes too!.
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=161715

Another option. I don;t know where it came from, but our trip in 2001, there was a couple, the wife was driving her ECV and the husband was being towed behind in a towed seat. They were so cute.

When I took my Mom to Hershey Park, in her wheel chair, when we got to hills or inclines, Mom got out and walked them holding onto the chair to get over the hump.
dianne

 

[Momx3]

When my uncle had his stroke almost 2 years ago, he had to have brain surgery to remove the clot, so he had part of his skull removed. They replaced it last year. He was in a coma for 2 months. His balance issues are vision related, but he also cannot walk without guidance. My aunt has to help guide him as he walks. Sometimes they both take a tumble. Luckily, they are both still quite young (in their 50s) so that is about the one thing going for them.. He is still in physical therpy twice a week and vision therpy once a week. He is probably as good as he is going to be.
The scooter with the car to tow is a great idea!! Does anyone know anything about this????

 

[SueM in MN]

Another option. I don;t know where it came from, but our trip in 2001, there was a couple, the wife was driving her ECV and the husband was being towed behind in a towed seat. They were so cute.

WDW added things like that to their "what not to bring to the parks" information on the WDW FAQs.
Q. Are there any personal items I should not bring with me into the Theme Parks?

A. Items that you may not bring into the Theme Parks include, but are not limited to:
Items with wheels, such as wagons, skateboards, scooters, inline skates, shoes with built-in wheels, two-wheeled or three-wheeled conveyances, strollers larger than 36" x 52", suitcases, coolers, or backpacks with or without wheels larger than 24" long x 15" wide x 18" high (coolers required for medication may be stored in a locker or at Guest Relations), and any trailer-like object that is pushed or towed by an ECV wheelchair or stroller
Alcoholic beverages
Weapons of any kind
Folding chairs
Glass containers (excluding baby food jars and perfume bottles)
Pets (unless they are service animals)
In Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park (for the safety of the wildlife), balloons, straws and drink lids are not permitted.

 

[Momx3]

Aww, Shucks!!!! I can understand why though. Can you imagine the traffic jams?!?!?!

 

[SueM in MN]

Aww, Shucks!!!! I can understand why though. Can you imagine the traffic jams?!?!?!

I think they specifically added that to their list because they had some problems.

 

[disneymarie]

WDW added things like that to their "what not to bring to the parks" information on the WDW FAQs.
Q. Are there any personal items I should not bring with me into the Theme Parks?

A. Items that you may not bring into the Theme Parks include, but are not limited to:
Items with wheels, such as wagons, skateboards, scooters, inline skates, shoes with built-in wheels, two-wheeled or three-wheeled conveyances, strollers larger than 36" x 52", suitcases, coolers, or backpacks with or without wheels larger than 24" long x 15" wide x 18" high (coolers required for medication may be stored in a locker or at Guest Relations), and any trailer-like object that is pushed or towed by an ECV wheelchair or stroller
Alcoholic beverages
Weapons of any kind
Folding chairs
Glass containers (excluding baby food jars and perfume bottles)
Pets (unless they are service animals)
In Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park (for the safety of the wildlife), balloons, straws and drink lids are not permitted.

This towed vehicle was part of the ECV, manufacture related. It was not a wagon attached, nor a trailer of any kind. I really am not really certain it can be ruled out as a true EVC compatable for Disney.

I can see where they would not want a childs wagon towed, or person on a skate board, but they have allowed the use of these extended EVC. Maybe a guest relations would know if there is a seperation from a accessable mobility device and towed wagon.??????
Perhaps I can find on on the Internet to post a picture.
dianne

 

[SueM in MN]

This towed vehicle was part of the ECV, manufacture related. It was not a wagon attached, nor a trailer of any kind. I really am not really certain it can be ruled out as a true EVC compatable for Disney.

This same subject came up a few months ago and someone was able to find some pictures. Apparently, there was one company that made them (but probably didn't make very many) and they are no longer making them. It's possible that someone made their own adaptation for their ECV.
besides the 'towing' problem, the other problem with a device like that is the length. Some of the lines are barely accessible for the WDW park rental ECVs. The length of this kind of ECV would make it too long for lines, parking in shows, going in shops and going on buses, boats, etc.
I think they have it covered with "trailer-like object", so they would not have to allow it. There is a definition of "common wheelchair" in the ADA that includes size, which this would be too big for.