SPECIAL SEATS AND WHEELCHAIRS
When buying or making a wheelchair (or any other aids), consider:
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• Cost. Keep cost low but quality high enough to meet the child’s needs (see
p. 592).
• How long will the chair last? The longer the better, unless it is only for
temporary use.
• How easy and quick is it to make? The easier and quicker the better, as long
as it meets your needs.
• Availability of materials. Make use of local low-cost, good-quality resources
(local wood, cheap metal, used bearings, bike parts, etc.).
• What tools and skills are needed to make it? If welding equipment or skills
are not locally available, a wooden chair may be a more practical choice.
• How easy will it be to adjust or repair? Wood chairs that are bolted
together are often the easiest to adjust or add special supports to.
• Weight. The lighter the better, while making sure it is strong enough.
• Strength. Heavier persons need stronger chairs and stronger axles. (A small
child’s chair may be supported by a bicycle axle attached on one side only. A
bigger child needs the axle to be supported on both sides, or a stronger axle.
See p. 598 and 615.)
• Width and length. The narrower and shorter the better while meeting the
child’s needs (but not so short that it tips over easily).
• How easily can it be moved—by the child sitting in it or by someone behind?
How easily can it be tilted back to go over rough spots? Lifted up stairs?
Transported? (Does it need to fold to take up less space?)
• How well is it adapted to the particular child’s wants and needs? Is it
comfortable? Does it allow the child to sit in a healthy position?
• Fit and growth factor. How well does it fit the child now? How long will it
continue to fit her? Can it be adjusted to fit her as she grows?
• How well is it adapted to living situations, the home, local customs,
width of doorways, surface of floors and roads, curbs and other barriers?
• Appearance. Is the chair attractive? Does the child take pride in it? Do other
children want to ride it?
In considering choices for the design, building materials, and special features of a
wheelchair, be sure to carefully consider the above questions.
disabled village children