618 chapter 66
WHEELCHAIR WITH LYING BOARD
This is useful for an active child who
must lie face down to heal pressure sores
or to stretch hip and knee contractures.
The board is sloped so that the child can
play, look ahead, and move about more easily.
If necessary, you can make the lying board
adjustable so that the child can rest lying flat.
This helps to improve circulation and to prevent
swelling of the feet.
After the pressure sores heal, the lying board
can be removed and the frame is easily adapted to form a lightweight wheelchair.
The design we show uses a simple, non-folding steel tube wheelchair frame with a
wooden lying board mounted on top. However, many other designs are possible. (See, for
example, the photo of a lying and standing wood wheelchair on p. 190.)
angle
iron
bicycle
wheels
WITH LYING BOARD
Lying board should be well
padded with thick foam
rubber. If necessary, cut out a
hole for urine to pass through
(line hole with thin plastic so
the foam rubber stays dry).
6” casters
footrest
(height
and angle
adjustable)
heel
strap
WITHOUT LYING BOARD
and with other additions
3/4” round
thin-wall tubing
(or 1” tubing for
adults) or use
square tubing
removable handle
for pushing
shopping
or book
basket
For tall persons, place the casters farther
from the big wheels to help prevent tipping.
front bar
forms
footrest
3/4” square tubing.
Use 1” for persons
over 150 lbs (70 kg.).
THE LYING BOARD
SIDE VIEW
Attach thin wood or plywood boards
with small screws so that they can
be easily adjusted to leave open
spaces under bony parts or sores.
TOP VIEW
Make the board
and wheelchair
just a little
wider than the
child’s hips.
urine
hole
height
adjustment
pin
angle
adjustment
pin
footrest
strong wood
pole
(or 1” square
tubing)
rack to
hold urine
pot (if
needed)
adjustable
footrest
The board attaches to the chair
with angle irons or wing bolts.
You can make wing bolts by
brazing a stiff bent wire to a
bolt.
wire
bolt
Disabled village Children