I now have my own handy dandy manual wheelchair (smile), as I need it more often then just when we visit Disney. We used it for the first time on our last trip the first week of February. And I discovered that I need some sort of bag (for lack of a better word) to hang over the back of the wheelchair to hold all of the extra stuff I seem to accumulate at Disney. Does anyone have any idea where I can get something that will hang over the outside back of the wheelchair that holds stuff?
Wheelchair Type Question
- Thread starter Figaro
- Start date
When we go to Disney we use a backpack on the back of the chair. Since the shoulder straps are padded it causes my mother no discomfort. Also, another tip, we have been able to exchange mom's chair for one of Disney's, you know, to keep the wear and tear down.
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- Aug 23, 1999
- Messages
- 36,337
We looked at the ones made for wheelchairs when DD got her power chair. But, because they are made for wheelchairs, the ones we saw were about 3 times the price.
We have always just used a regular backpack. You can find everything from a very simple one with only one big and one little pocket to backpacks with a separate pocket for almost anything you might want.
There's also a style of backpack/purse that's popular right now that would work well on back of a wheelchair. It's sort of just a pouch with drawstring straps to keep it closed. I can't explain it better, but if you go to the purse/accessories department at Target, they have some in bright prints for less than $20.
If you know anyone handy with sewing, you could also make a really plain bag like the volunteers at the hospital where I work make for wheelchairs and walkers. They use upholstery fabric and it's basically just 2 rectangles of fabric sewn together along 3 sides. You hem the top and add a strap on each of the back corners to sling it over the wheelchair push handles. If you want to be fancy, you can add a zipper or some velcro to the top to close it.
We have always just used a regular backpack. You can find everything from a very simple one with only one big and one little pocket to backpacks with a separate pocket for almost anything you might want.
There's also a style of backpack/purse that's popular right now that would work well on back of a wheelchair. It's sort of just a pouch with drawstring straps to keep it closed. I can't explain it better, but if you go to the purse/accessories department at Target, they have some in bright prints for less than $20.
If you know anyone handy with sewing, you could also make a really plain bag like the volunteers at the hospital where I work make for wheelchairs and walkers. They use upholstery fabric and it's basically just 2 rectangles of fabric sewn together along 3 sides. You hem the top and add a strap on each of the back corners to sling it over the wheelchair push handles. If you want to be fancy, you can add a zipper or some velcro to the top to close it.
- Joined
- Aug 23, 1999
- Messages
- 36,337
We looked at the ones made for wheelchairs when DD got her power chair. But, because they are made for wheelchairs, the ones we saw were about 3 times the price. I'll be interested in the brand you found, Linda. I'd like to see how it would be planned out compared to a backpack.
We have always just used a regular backpack. You can find everything from a very simple one with only one big and one little pocket to backpacks with a separate pocket for almost anything you might want.
There's also a style of backpack/purse that's popular right now that would work well on back of a wheelchair. It's sort of just a pouch with drawstring straps to keep it closed. I can't explain it better, but if you go to the purse/accessories department at Target, they have some in bright prints for less than $20.
If you know anyone handy with sewing, you could also make a really plain bag like the volunteers at the hospital where I work make for wheelchairs and walkers. They use upholstery fabric and it's basically just 2 rectangles of fabric sewn together along 3 sides. You hem the top and add a strap on each of the back corners to sling it over the wheelchair push handles. If you want to be fancy, you can add a zipper or some velcro to the top to close it.
We have always just used a regular backpack. You can find everything from a very simple one with only one big and one little pocket to backpacks with a separate pocket for almost anything you might want.
There's also a style of backpack/purse that's popular right now that would work well on back of a wheelchair. It's sort of just a pouch with drawstring straps to keep it closed. I can't explain it better, but if you go to the purse/accessories department at Target, they have some in bright prints for less than $20.
If you know anyone handy with sewing, you could also make a really plain bag like the volunteers at the hospital where I work make for wheelchairs and walkers. They use upholstery fabric and it's basically just 2 rectangles of fabric sewn together along 3 sides. You hem the top and add a strap on each of the back corners to sling it over the wheelchair push handles. If you want to be fancy, you can add a zipper or some velcro to the top to close it.
Thanks for all of the suggestions! Dumb me, as it had never crossed my mind that a backpack could hang off the back of the wheelchair (smile).
I've always used a chair from the resort, and I was amazed at how much less pain I had in my back, knees and hips from using my own chair that "fit" me so much better.
I've always used a chair from the resort, and I was amazed at how much less pain I had in my back, knees and hips from using my own chair that "fit" me so much better.
Dan spent a GREAT deal of time fighting with the insurance company to pay for his new wheelchair. It changes height, has power elevating feet, power recline and power tilt .
He is a high quadraplegic that works fulltime at American Express --he spends 18 or more hours a day in his chair so needs to change positions etc.
When the insurance finally paid for the $20,000 chair I told him to get the back pack he wanted! He looked on the internet and he found all prices from what he considered "cheap" in price and looks to the $80 types. The one he picked was $33 from www.spinlife.com
It has a small outer pocket, and three inside large pockets. It has plenty of room for his gear and the things I love for him to carry!!
Linda
He is a high quadraplegic that works fulltime at American Express --he spends 18 or more hours a day in his chair so needs to change positions etc.
When the insurance finally paid for the $20,000 chair I told him to get the back pack he wanted! He looked on the internet and he found all prices from what he considered "cheap" in price and looks to the $80 types. The one he picked was $33 from www.spinlife.com
It has a small outer pocket, and three inside large pockets. It has plenty of room for his gear and the things I love for him to carry!!
Linda
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- Aug 23, 1999
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- 36,337
Thanks, Linda. That was an interesting site. My mouth dropped when the first thing I saw was a set of wheels (just the wheels) for $590, but once I got my mouth shut, I saw they have some really good stuff on there at good prices.
Linda, WOW- I LOVE this site. I did not realize I could not hang stuff from the back of my new power chair.. no push handles... DUH!! anyway I found what I needed at this site. It is a small bag to hang off the armrest. Thanks so much.. OT's are the greatest!
Joan
PS . Glad Dan is liking his new chair so much, it sounds like a FABULOUS chair.
Joan
PS . Glad Dan is liking his new chair so much, it sounds like a FABULOUS chair.
Thanks Lisa. You know I might try a backpack. I think I have been spoiled having a 'pusher' when I venture out. I have had to send my chair in for some modifications. I was a bad powerchair driver and I broke off my cupholder on my first adventure to the mall. 
Btw, I did get the electronic powerchair lift for my van and I am loving that thing. It takes up much less room than I thought it would. The kids are also enjoying my new freedom.
Btw, I did get the electronic powerchair lift for my van and I am loving that thing. It takes up much less room than I thought it would. The kids are also enjoying my new freedom.Lisa, Thanks again. To be honest I thought I was getting the type of cupholder you described, I was surprised when I got the one to the side of the armrest. Totally forgot it was there... I wiped out part of a clothes rack at Millers with that bugger. :0 Glad to know that I am not alone in breakage.
I ordered elevating leg rests today. I had ordered them initially but dealer... forgot... my legs really missed those elr's.
Something I noticed about using a powerchair vs manual chair with a pusher... people spoke directly to me when I was in powerchair. This is something they rarely do when I am in a manual chair... hmmm.
I ordered elevating leg rests today. I had ordered them initially but dealer... forgot... my legs really missed those elr's.
Something I noticed about using a powerchair vs manual chair with a pusher... people spoke directly to me when I was in powerchair. This is something they rarely do when I am in a manual chair... hmmm.
I've found that a regular backpack works fine but it's hard to access. I bought a sun visor organizer that fits over the armrest ($12 from L.L. Bean.) It's not large (6" x 11 1/2") but it holds small items like sunglasses, cell phone, keys, etc.
Another good source for specialized equipment is M.O.M.S. (Mail Order Medical Supply.)
http://www.momsup.com/
Another good source for specialized equipment is M.O.M.S. (Mail Order Medical Supply.)
http://www.momsup.com/
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- Aug 23, 1999
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- 36,337
The sun visor organizer is a good idea. I wouldn't have thought of one of those.
As far as reaching behind you for the bag, a lot dep[ends on flexibility. My DD can reach back to her backpack. She keeps putting candy in it and then school complains because she is coming to school with a bag full of candy.
As far as reaching behind you for the bag, a lot dep[ends on flexibility. My DD can reach back to her backpack. She keeps putting candy in it and then school complains because she is coming to school with a bag full of candy.
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