Wheelchair 106369 225386560 2008-07-13T12:08:13Z SmackBot 433328 Date the maintenance tags or general fixes {{Unreferenced|date=June 2007}} {{Mergefrom|Wheelchair (hydrogen)|date=June 2008}} [[Image:WheelchairSeatingNTSB.jpg|thumb|Wheelchair seating in a theater.]] A '''wheelchair''' (also called '''chair-carriage'''{{Fact|date=July 2008}}) is a wheeled [[mobility device]] in which the user sits. The device is propelled either manually (by turning the wheels by the hand) or via various automated systems. Wheelchairs are used by people for whom [[walking]] is difficult or impossible due to [[illness]] (mental or physical), injury, or [[disability]]. People with both sitting and walking disability often need to use a [[wheelbench]]. The earliest record of the wheelchair in England dates from the 1670s [Oxford English Dictionary, (2nd Ed.), 1989, Vol. XX., p. 203.], and in continental Europe this technology dates back to the [[German Renaissance]]. ==Types of wheelchairs== [[Image:MecanumWheelchair.jpg|thumb|right|Wheelchair fitted with [[Mecanum wheel]]s, taken at an [[Trade fair|exhibition]] in the early 1980s.]] A basic standard manual wheelchair incorporates a seat and back, two small front (caster) wheels and two large wheels, one on each side, and a foot rest. Wheelchairs are often variations on this basic design, but there are many types of wheelchairs, and they are often highly customised for the individual user's needs. The seat size (width and depth), seat-to-floor height, footrests/leg rests, front [[caster]] outriggers, adjustable backrests, controls, and many other features can be customized on, or added to, many basic models, while some users, often those with specialised needs, may have wheelchairs custom-built. Various optional accessories are available, such as anti-tip bars or wheels, safety belts, adjustable backrests, tilt and/or recline features, extra support for limbs or neck, mounts or carrying devices for [[crutch]]es, walkers or oxygen tanks, drink holders, and clothing protectors. Experiments have also been made with unusual variant wheels, like the [[omniwheel]] or the [[mecanum wheel]]. These allow more directional movement options. The [[electric wheelchair]] shown on the right is fitted with [[Mecanum wheel]]s (sometimes known as Ilon wheels) which give it complete freedom of movement. It can be driven forwards, backwards, sideways, and diagonally, and also turned round on the spot or turned around while moving, all operated from a simple joystick. ===Manual wheelchairs=== Manual wheelchairs are those that require human power to move them. Many manual wheelchairs can be folded for storage or placement into a vehicle, although modern wheelchairs are just as likely to be rigid framed. '''Manual or self-propelled wheelchairs''' are propelled by the occupant, usually by using large rear wheels, from 20-26 inches in average diameter, and resembling those of bicycle wheels. The user moves the chair by pushing on the handrims, which are made of circular tubing attached to the outside of the large wheels. The handrims have a diameter that is slightly less than that of the rear wheels. Skilled users can control speed and turning and often learn to balance the chair on its rear wheels - do a "wheelie". The wheelie is not just for show - a rider who can control the chair in this manner can climb and descend curbs and move over small obstacles. One-arm drive enables a user to guide and propel a wheelchair from one side. Two handrims, one smaller than the other, are located on one side of the chair, left or right. On most models the outer, or smaller rim, is connected to the opposite wheel by a folding axle. When both handrims are grasped together, the chair may be propelled forward or backward in a straight line. When either handrim is moved independently, the chair will turn left or right in response to the handrim used. Another alternative is a lever-drive chair that propels the chair forwards by using a lever that is pumped back and forth. Some chairs are also configured to allow the occupant to propel using one or both feet instead of using the rims. '''Attendant-propelled chairs''' are designed to be propelled by an attendant using the handles, and thus the back wheels are rimless and often smaller. These chairs are often used as 'transfer chairs' to move a patient when a better alternative is unavailable, possibly within a hospital, as a temporary option, or in areas where a user's standard chair is unavailable. These chairs are commonly seen in airports. Special airplane transfer chairs are available on most airlines, designed to fit narrow airplane aisles and transfer a wheelchair-using passenger to and from their seat on the plane. '''Wheelbase chairs''' are wheeled platforms with specially-[[Molding (process)|mold]]ed seating systems interfaced with them for users with a more complicated [[posture]]. A molded seating system involves taking a cast of a person's best achievable seated position and the either carving the shape from [[memory foam]] or forming a plastic mesh around it. This seat is then covered, framed, and attached to a wheelbase. Light weight and high cost are related in the manual wheelchairs market. At the low-cost end, heavy, tubular steel chairs with sling seats and little adaptability dominate. Users may be temporarily disabled, or using such a chair as a loaner, or simply unable to afford better. Heavy unmodified manual chairs are common as "loaners" at large facilities such as airports, amusement parks and shopping centers. In a higher price range, and more commonly used by persons with long-term disabilities, are major manufacturer lightweight chairs with more options. The high end of the market contains ultra-light models, extensive seating options and accessories, all-terrain features, and so forth.wheelchair er bra ===Electric-powered wheelchairs=== The electric-powered wheelchair was invented by [[George Klein]] who worked for the [[National Research Council of Canada]], to assist injured veterans during [[World War 2]].[http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/highlights/2005/0510klein_e.html] [[Image:Woman in wheelchair.jpg|thumb|left|Woman in motorized wheelchair.]] Three general styles of electric powered chairs (EPWs) exist: rear, center, front wheel driven or four wheel driven. Each style has particular handling characteristics. EPWs are also divided by seat type; some models resemble manual chairs, with a sling-style seat and frame, whereas others have 'captain's chair' seating like that of an automobile. EPWs run the gamut from small and portable models, which can be folded or disassembled, to very large and heavy full-featured chairs (these are often called 'rehab' chairs). EPWs may be designed specifically for indoor use, outdoor use, or both. They are generally prescribed for persons who have difficulty using a manual chair due to arm, hand, shoulder or more general disabling conditions, and do not have the leg strength to propel a manual chair with their feet. A person with full function of the arms and upper torso will generally be prescribed a manual chair, or find that their insurance will not cover an EPW. The user typically controls speed and direction by operating a [[joystick]] on a controller. Many other input devices can be used if the user lacks [[coordination (physiology)|coordination]] or the use of the hands or fingers, such as chin controls and puff/sip scanners for those with C2-3 [[spinal cord]] [[lesion]]s or head injuries (the user blows into a tube located near the mouth, which powers the movement of the chair). This controller is the most delicate and usually the most expensive part of the chair. EPWs can offer various powered functions such as tilt, recline, leg elevation, seat elevation, and others useful or necessary to health and function. EPWs use [[electric motors]] to move the wheels. They are usually powered by 4 or 5 [[ampere|amp]] deep-cycle [[rechargeable battery|rechargeable batteries]], similar to those used to power [[outboard motor|outboard boat engines]]. These are available in [[wet cell|wet]] or [[dry cell|dry]] options; currently dry cell batteries are more popular{{Fact|date=March 2007}}. Many EPWs carry an on-board charger which can be plugged into a standard wall outlet; older or more portable models may have a separate charger unit. ===Other wheelchair variants=== A standing wheelchair is one that supports the user in a nearly standing position. They can be used as both a wheelchair and a [[standing frame]], allowing the user to sit or stand in the wheelchair as they wish. They often go from sitting to standing with a [[Hydraulic machinery|hydraulic pump]] or electric-powered assist. A [[mobility scooter]] (see full article) is a motorized assist device similar to an EPW, but with a steering 'tiller' or bar instead of the joystick, and fewer medical support options. Mobility scooters are available without a prescription in some markets, and range from large, powerful models to lightweight folding ones intended for travel. A [[bariatric]] wheelchair is one designed to support larger weights; most standard chairs are designed to support no more than 250 lbs. on average. [[Pediatric]] wheelchairs are another available subset of wheelchairs. ===Sport wheelchairs=== [[Image:Rennrollstuhl.jpg|right|thumb|A modern racing wheelchair]] Disabled (and, often, other participating) athletes use streamlined sport wheelchairs for [[disabled sport]]s that require speed and agility, such as [[wheelchair basketball|basketball]], [[Wheelchair Rugby|rugby]], [[wheelchair tennis|tennis]] and [[wheelchair racing|racing]]. Each wheelchair sport tends to use specific types of wheelchairs, and these no longer look like their everyday cousins. They are usually non-folding (in order to increase solidity), with a pronounced angle for the wheels (which provides stability during a sharp turn) and made of composite, lightweight materials. Sport wheelchairs are not generally for everyday use, and are often a 'second' chair specifically for sport use, although some users prefer the sport options for everyday. ===Beach wheelchairs=== This wheelchair allow users to enter the water and provide a better mobility in the sand. There are lots of different models available. In many countries in Europe where the [[Accessible Tourism]] is well set, many beaches are wheelchair accessible and provide this kind of wheelchairs to clients free of charge. <!-- Unsourced image removed: [[Image:Ab beach wheelchair1m.jpg|right|thumb|Beach wheelchair example]] --> ===Recent developments=== Recent technological advances are slowly improving wheelchair and EPW technology. Some wheelchairs, such as the [[iBOT]], incorporate gyroscopic technology and other advances, enabling the chair to balance and run on only two of its four wheels on some surfaces, thus raising the user to a height comparable to a standing person. They can also incorporate stair-climbing and four-wheel-drive feature motorized assists for hand-powered chairs are becoming more available and advanced. Three-wheeled wheelchairs are wheelchairs with the least wheels and are found in EPW technology. == Building access == [[Image:WheelchairRampAt2500AugustineBlvd.jpg|right|thumb|Wheelchair ramp and disabled parking space]] [[Image:Gate for a wheelchair 1.jpg|thumb|A gate for wheelchairs in [[Hiroshima]]]] [[Image:Wheelchair Elevator Outdoors.jpg|thumb|Wheelchair elevator located outdoors]] Adapting the built environment to make it more accessible to wheelchair users is one of the key [[Political campaign|campaign]]s of [[disability rights movement]]s and the [[Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990]] (ADA). The most important principle is [[Universal design]] - that all people regardless of disability are entitled to equal access to all parts of society like public transportation and buildings. A wheelchair user is less disabled in an environment without stairs. Sometimes it is necessary to add structures like ramps or [[elevator]]s in order to permit people in wheelchairs (and those using crutches, canes, walkers and so forth, or those with unsupported walking disabilities) to use a particular building. Other important adaptations are powered doors; lowered fixtures such as sinks and water fountains; and [[toilet]]s with adequate space and [[grab bars]] to allow the person to maneuver himself or herself out of the wheelchair onto the fixture. In the United States, most new construction for public use must be built to ADA standards of accessibility. The construction of [[low floor]] [[tram]]s and [[bus]]es is being encouraged, whereas the use of [[paternoster]]s in public buildings without any alternative method of transportation has been criticized due to the lack of access for wheelchair users. Modern [[street furniture]] design now incorporates better accessibility for people with disabilities. ==Notable users== {{Primarysources|date=February 2007}} ===Australia=== *''[[Judith Durham|Durham, Judith]]'', singer ===Canada=== *''[[Steven Fletcher|Fletcher, Steven]]'', [[Member of Parliament]] *''[[Rick Hansen|Hansen, Rick]]'', athlete *''[[David Onley|Onley, David]]'', [[Lieutenant Governor of Ontario]] *''[[Sam Sullivan|Sullivan, Sam]]'', mayor of [[Vancouver]] *''[[Lise Thibault|Thibault, Lise]]'', former [[Lieutenant Governor of Quebec]] ===Czech=== *''[[Jan Potměšil|Potměšil, Jan]]'', actor ===France=== *''[[Georges Couthon|Couthon, Georges]]'', follower of [[Maximilien Robespierre|Robespierre]] ===Germany=== *''[[Wolfgang Schäuble|Schäuble, Wolfgang]]'', [[Minister of the Interior]] ===Nigeria=== *''[[Chinua Achebe|Achebe, Chinua]]'', writer ===Russia=== *''[[Vladimir Lenin|Lenin, Vladimir]]'', leader of the Bolshevik party, first premier of the Soviet Union ===Serbia=== *''[[Laza Ristovski|Ristovski, Laza]]'', musician ===South Africa=== *''[[Ernst van Dyk|van Dyk, Ernst]]'', athlete ===Switzerland=== *''[[Clay Regazzoni|Regazzoni, Clay]]'', former Formula One driver and disability activist ===United Kingdom=== *''[[Morag Balfour|Balfour, Morag]]'', co-chair [[Scottish Socialist Party]] *''[[Anne Begg|Begg, Anne]]'', Member of Parliament *''[[Julie Fernandez|Fernandez, Julie]]'', actress *''[[Michael Flanders|Flanders, Michael]]'', songwriter, actor and performer *''[[Frank Gardner (journalist)|Gardner, Frank]]'', journalist *''[[Stephen Hawking|Hawking, Stephen]]'', theoretical [[astrophysicist]] *''[[Asta Philpot|Philpot, Asta]]'', [[Disability rights movement|disability rights]] activist *''[[Frank Williams|Williams, Frank]]'', founder and manager of the [[WilliamsF1]] Formula One racing team ===United States=== *''[[Lionel Barrymore|Barrymore, Lionel]]'', actor *''[[Max Cleland|Cleland, Max]]'', former [[US Senator]] *''[[Larry Flynt|Flynt, Larry]],'' publisher *''[[Aaron Fotheringham|Fotheringham, Aaron]]'', wheelchair acrobat *''[[Mike Hansen|Hansen, Mike]],'' comedian *''[[John Hockenberry|Hockenberry, John]]'', journalist *''[[Ron Kovic|Kovic, Ron]]'', [[Vietnam veteran]] and [[peace activist]] *''[[Jim Langevin|Langevin, Jim]]'', [[US Congressman|Congressman]] *''[[Eric the Midget|Lynch, Eric]]'', leader of [[The Wack Pack]] *''[[Wayne Rainey|Rainey, Wayne]]'', former Grand Prix motorcycle World Champion *''[[Christopher Reeve|Reeve, Christopher]]'', former movie actor *''[[Ed Roberts (activist)|Roberts, Ed]]'', disability activist *''[[Franklin Delano Roosevelt|Roosevelt, Franklin]]'', 32nd [[President of the United States]] *''[[Lori and George Schappell|Schappell, George]]'', folk singer *''[[Alan Tholkes|Tholkes, Alan]],'' inventor of the EasyStand [[standing frame]] *''[[George Wallace|Wallace, George]]'', former Governor of Alabama *''[[Justin Whitlock Dart, Jr.|Dart, Justin Whitlock, Jr.]]'', [[disability]] activist *''[[Johnny Cash]]'',Singer/Songwriter/Guitar Player. Was seen not long before his death in 2003, in his final concerts he was in a wheelchair the whole time *''[[Vic Chesnutt]]'', musician. ==Fictional== [[Image:Tv sesame park katie.jpg|right|250px|thumb|A puppet of Katie from ''Sesame Park'', at the CBC Museum in Toronto.]] *'''B.Max''' from ''[[RAGGS Kids Club Band]]'' *'''[[Bentley (Sly Cooper)|Bentley the Turtle]]''', a character from the ''[[Sly Cooper]]'' series. *'''[[Jimmy Brooks]]''' and '''Nadia''' from ''[[Degrassi: The Next Generation]]'' *'''Will Cartwright''' from ''[[The Sleepover Club]]''. He's Rosie's older brother. *'''Colin Craven''' from ''[[The Secret Garden]]'', mistakenly thought to have a hunchback all his life, never walked on his own before he goes out to see his mother's garden, and uses a wheelchair until his legs get strong enough to walk. *'''Guy Caballero''', Joe Flaherty's ''[[Second City Television|SCTV]]'' character used a wheelchair, to try and gain sympathy around the network he owned. *'''Kevin Girardi''' played by [[Jason Ritter]] in the television series ''[[Joan of Arcadia]]''. *'''Maya Goldberg''' from ''[[Degrassi Junior High]]''. *'''[[Barbara Gordon]]''' aka Oracle, formerly [[Batgirl]], Internet information broker *'''Grigotte''' from ''[[5, Rue Sésame]]'', the French adaptation of ''Sesame Street'' *'''[[Augustus Hill]]''' from ''[[Oz (TV series)|Oz]]'' *'''Robert T. Ironside''' from ''[[Ironside (TV series)|Ironside]]'' *'''Katie''' from ''[[Sesame Park]]'', the Canadian adaptation of ''[[Sesame Street]]'' *'''[[John Locke (Lost)|John Locke]]''' on the television series ''[[Lost (TV series)|Lost]]'' is no longer paraplegic, after the jet he was on crashes on a mysterious island. *'''Jerome Eugene Morrow''' from ''[[Gattaca]]'' *'''[[Mother (The Avengers)|Mother]]''' from the 1960s spy series ''[[The Avengers (TV series)|The Avengers]]'' *'''Mr. Ng''', character from the [[postcyberpunk]] novel ''[[Snow Crash]]'' *'''Reilly O'Reilly''' in "John Callaghan's Quads": the main character in a satircal cartoon about a quadriplegic man and his friends. *'''[[Pelswick]]''', star of an animated series by the same name *'''[[Andy Pipkin]]''' from ''[[Little Britain]]'', although he does not strictly require a wheelchair. *'''[[Brian Potter]]''' from ''[[Phoenix Nights]]'' *'''Lisa Randolph''' from [[Carol Ellis]]'s novel ''The Body''. *'''Lincoln Rhyme''' from [[Jeffery Deaver]]'s novel (and movie) ''[[The Bone Collector]]''. *'''Stevie''' from ''[[Malcolm in the Middle]]'' *'''[[Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb|Dr. Strangelove]]''', Peter Sellers' title character in the 1964 comedy film of the same name. *'''[[Joe Swanson]]''', from ''[[Family Guy]]'' *'''Dan Taylor''', Vietnam veteran in the movie ''[[Forrest Gump]]'' *'''Chris Theodorakis''', character from [[Ellen Raskin|Ellen Raskin's]] novel, [[The Westing Game]]. *'''[[Timmy (South Park)|Timmy]]''', from ''[[South Park]]'' *'''Professor Charles Xavier''' aka [[Professor X]], founder and leader of the [[X-Men]] Also: *'''''[[Stupid (TV series)|I'm with stupid]]''''' is a British TV comedy with much of the cast in wheelchairs. ==See also== {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} *[[Rayleigh bath chair murder]] *[[Wheelchair (hydrogen)]] *[[Cart]] *[[Hobcart]] *[[International Symbol of Accessibility]] {{col-2}} *[[List of wheelchair organizations]] *[[Stairlift]] *[[Wagon]] *[[Accessible Tourism]] *[[Extremity Games]] {{col-end}} ==External links== {{commonscat|Wheelchairs}} {{Wiktionary}} <!--===========================({{NoMoreLinks}})===============================--> <!--| DO NOT ADD MORE LINKS TO THIS ARTICLE. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A COLLECTION OF |--> <!--| LINKS. If you think that your link might be useful, do not add it here, |--> <!--| but put it on this article's discussion page first or submit your link |--> <!--| to the appropriate category at the Open Directory Project (www.dmoz.org)|--> <!--| and link back to that category using the {{dmoz}} template. |--> <!--| |--> <!--| Links that have not been verified WILL BE DELETED. |--> <!--| See [[Wikipedia:External links]] and [[Wikipedia:Spam]] for details |--> <!--===========================({{NoMoreLinks}})===============================--> * [http://www.mobilityrerc.gatech.edu Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wheeled Mobility] * [http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/publications/disabled.htm Dept of Transportation ] Information for air travelers with disabilities and their rights in the US * [http://www.wheelchairnet.org/WCN_TownHall/Docs/etiquette.html Etiquette: Wheelchair users] Suggestions for better communication with people who use wheelchairs [[Category:Mobility devices]] [[Category:Chairs]] [[Category:Human-powered vehicles]] [[cs:Invalidní vozík]] [[cy:Cadair olwyn]] [[da:Kørestol]] [[de:Rollstuhl]] [[es:Silla de ruedas]] [[eo:Rulseĝo]] [[fr:Fauteuil roulant]] [[id:Kursi roda]] [[it:Sedia a rotelle]] [[he:כיסא גלגלים]] [[nl:Rolstoel]] [[ja:車椅子]] [[no:Rullestol]] [[nn:Rullestol]] [[pl:Wózek inwalidzki]] [[pt:Cadeira de rodas]] [[simple:Wheelchair]] [[fi:Pyörätuoli]] [[sv:Rullstol]] [[tr:Tekerlekli sandalye]] [[zh:輪椅]]