Every disability is different and we want to help more people enjoy the world around them. Call us today!

Research Center

The Truth About Being in a Wheelchair+

beesleyadamextrememotus

Feb 17, 2019

header-bg-image
image

The Truth About Being in a Wheelchair

Why I Decided To Get An All Terrain Manual Wheelchair

My Story

No one really knows how it is to be in a wheelchair unless you are confined to a wheelchair. Those people in the wheelchair are the only ones that really know how it feels.

It is not possible to know how it will affect each facet of your own life. Those who have been forced to use an all terrain manual wheelchair usually say something along the lines of “I never ever realized how hard it is.

There are no user guides for the person in the wheelchair or even the people they interact with. I am blessed to have friends and relatives that are close to me that have given me the support I need.

They all have made sacrifices to help me live a better life. One of my hero’s is my husband Brady who acts as if he was born for helping someone in a wheelchair.

walking was no longer a possibility for me

I was diagnosed with MS in 1990 and by the mid-1990s my legs had deteriorated to the stage that walking was no longer a possibility for me. Going out was getting tougher and harder because I needed to use my walker. I really could not wander very much without my wheelchair.

I even had problems at work. I couldn’t drink much in the mornings since I could not wander into the restroom in the afternoons! I thought, fine, maybe I ought to begin using a wheelchair full-time.

Dealing With Change

Accepting I had to use a wheelchair was a big barrier to overcome. Not only was coping with bodily changes courtesy of this MS, but I also needed to make a change to my routine.

There is the inevitable question “why me” (So the answer is “why not?”) I had the growing feeling of frustration that was almost overwhelming.

In the long run, I had to make a choice to make I could either sit on my sofa and never go anywhere or use a wheelchair, and go on with daily living like normal.

I chose the second option. I wasn’t going to let my MS dictate my life. I needed to take control of my life or my MS would.

There are people who can’t bring themselves to use a wheelchair and miss out on most of their lives. So far, as far as I am concerned, my wheelchair has become my legs.

That does not mean life is over for me, I just need to adapt to what life has given me and move forward looking at the bright side.

People react differently to someone in a wheelchair. There is an overall assumption that because I am in a wheelchair I cannot think for myself. People stare all the time at me. I smile at them, even if it resembles a grin.

Their reaction is either to grin or look away. Regrettably, there are some who are ashamed by those of us who have to use a wheelchair.

Learning To Smile & Laugh More

One thing does make me smile, kids. Kids do not judge or make assumptions like adults do. There are kids that consistently grin; they simply don’t have a problem with people in wheelchairs and most is the time a young kid has struck up a conversation with me personally, wanting to know why I am in a “pushchair.”

I had consistently been really independent, therefore, it was difficult for me to accept help; there are days I am rather grateful in case it is offered.

I cannot do the job. I cannot go everywhere on my own. I can no longer drive, nor can I put my wheelchair into the truck of a car. Anywhere I go I have to check the accessibility and if there really is a disabled restroom.

No matter how much I plan, it always feel like someone has it out for me: perhaps there is a door that is way too heavy for me to open or even a ramp that I can’t get up (and they’re always steeper than they appear). Brady and I realized several years ago that spur of the moment adventures can no longer take place.

Our secret to a successful trip is planning, planning, and more planning. If you want to get a glimpse into this life of being in a wheelchair take a person in a wheelchair out to lunch for the afternoon.

It takes almost three times as long to do anything and you will see the amount of planning that goes into such a simple task.

Adjusting To Daily Life In A Wheelchair

Daily life is tolerable in a wheelchair (after all, what alternative would I have?) But it could be so much better. It seems to me that the person in a wheelchair is infrequently consulted about their needs and lots of people today are guilty of not being bothered (“It is only a disabled person”).

Others don’t think of these things. A classic example of this I saw at my local bank which, for many years, had a major step up for its entry and a prominent sign saying “For Disabled Access Enquire Within” How in the world am I going to get in to enquire about how to get into the building!

There is the occasional advantage for being in a wheelchair. For instance, I’m never without somewhere to sit down. I am often amused when someone states “have a seat”, and then quickly realizes what they have said and begins to back pedal and proceed “Umm, what I meant was…”

One evening I arrived at a meeting to find all the seats had been taken. My colleague had saved me a chair! I asked her what the second one was for? She explained “It’s for you. I honestly forgot you were in a wheelchair.” Men and women who see that the person beyond the chair are to be treasured.

How does it feel to be disabled, or to use a wheelchair? No suitable life, no fun, right? WRONG.

What you want to understand is that it is not of necessity being disabled that stops me from doing things. What limits me (apart from my daily wellness) is, for instance, which buildings I can get into and which friends’ houses I can visit.

Adjusting To Daily Life In A Wheelchair

How To Take Control Of Your Life

Being disabled does not define my personality; it does not mean I am miserable all the time. I have the same energetic sense of comedy and enjoyment I still can make jokes.

I do realize not everyone is like me that is in a wheelchair. Everyone has his or her different circumstances. I often have to tell myself I’m so much more than “a woman in a wheelchair.”

How To Go Outdoors More In A Wheelchair

Have you been told that you can’t perform an activity that everyone enjoys because you use a wheelchair or walker to get around? You might have encountered boundaries for your own freedom. According to wheelchairtraveling.com, approximately 600,000 individuals with disabilities don’t leave home because of transportation challenges.

I want you to take a minute and think of over a half a million people that never get to leave their house. I am so excited that there are companies like Extreme Motus that are breaking these barriers for people and making it easier for people to get out and explore the world around them.

These new all terrain manual wheelchairs are amazing. I get exited just thinking of the possibilities of all the places these off road manual wheelchair can take me.

Outdoor activities for disabled individuals are possible with a little creative thinking, preparation and knowledge. We are going to discuss numerous forms of outdoor pursuits that are available for disabled individuals.

We will also give you some suggestions for purchasing or enhancing mobility apparatus such as the all terrain manual wheelchair because they truly are far better suited for the great outdoors.

Tricks For Camping In A Wheelchair

Many parks have created wheelchair available paths. These usually have smoother grades and broader paths. Many novice trails do not require special equipment.

One obstacle to getting outdoors is that the fear of the unknown. Doing your research before you venture out can keep you from getting anxious about an excursion.

Consult friends or perform research online to find out what’s readily available. You can find wheelchair accessible hiking trails on your state government websites.

The National Parks Service offers a free access pass that provides lifetime entrance to more than 2000 federal recreation sites. It covers entrance fees at national wildlife refuges and national parks.

In Addition, it pays for day-use fees at grasslands, national forests and possessions managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

This Access Pass is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have a permanent disability. Users need to show proof of long-term disability and residency or citizenship to obtain the pass.

An all terrain wheelchair can make activities around a lake, river, stream or sea a possibility. Off road wheelchairs make even a rocky trail possible for wheelchair users.

Planning Ahead

Accessible camping is unexpectedly feasible. Most campgrounds have sites and allow you to reserve them in advance. Calling in advance is actually really a great idea for virtually any camper.

You don’t want to get stuck with a rocky campsite that stays on a slope because you didn’t anticipate beforehand. Having an off road wheelchair in a situation like this makes all the difference if you forgot to plan a head at a rocky campground, it would still be possible to navigate.

A lot of campground websites have maps and pictures of the amenities. This can help you scope out the terrain before you go. Don’t be afraid to call and ask questions about a campsite.

Camp managers are usually happy to accommodate your requests. You also need to find out if the restrooms have an handicap accessible toilet and shower stalls.

It is critical to note that the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, will not have any guidelines for available in camping. Therefore, the expectations are up to the campground.

Sometimes, an accessible site is simply closer to the bathroom compared to one other campsite. The best accessible campsites have level ground, a crystal very clear path towards the restrooms as well as a picnic table with an overhang that lets you use a wheelchair.

There should be sufficient room for you to park a vehicle and use a wheelchair lift. Using the Extreme Motus is a bonus. Because it is light weight at only 49 pounds and folds in half so it can be stored in your trunk.

Other things to consider the fire bowl needs to have higher sides. Wheelchairtraveling.com offers many great suggestions for campsites for people with all terrain wheelchairs.

Other Outdoor Activities

You don’t have to organize an adventurous trip to go outside. Heading to the local park can give you the sunlight and clean air that you need for the day. Although using an all terrain wheelchair makes it easy for the person taking you and will open up a lot of possibilities with what trails you can go on.

Lots of cities have been building accessible playgrounds that are ideal for kids with disabilities. Accessibleplayground.net offers a searchable directory of all-inclusive and reachable playgrounds. In the event that you really are a thrill seeker, you can visit one of these extraordinarily obtainable theme parks.

People who live near the ocean might find it tough to visit the beach. Sand is not usually a wheelchair’s friend. Another benefit of having an off road wheelchair is they are fitted with balloon tires and safety straps. The Emma X3 even floats in the water.

The Emma X3 even floats in the water

Before you enter the water with a wheelchair, make certain that you speak with a lifeguard to ensure that weather and surf conditions are safe. Always use a life jacket when you are in the water. And always use the buddy system. No one should do this alone or without supervision.

In the event you don’t live near the beach, you can use the all terrain wheelchair at a local pool or lake.

Why Should I Get An All Terrain Manual Wheelchair

What if I don’t have an all terrain wheelchair? When you have a regular wheelchair or walker, then you might wonder if you can safely use it outdoors. That depends on the activity along with terrain. I highly recommend the all terrain wheelchair or Emma X3 that Extreme Motus offers.

Contact them if you have any questions or concerns about their product. The all terrain wheelchair has opened so many doors and opportunities for me and I use it almost daily.

A standard wheelchair with regular wheels is designed for sidewalks and floors, but it may not roll on roots or wet leaves as you’re hiking like an all terrain wheelchair would do.

A walker can sink into the wet ground, making it tricky for you to walk across the grass at a park, or use on the trails. Many different mobility devices exist that can make it possible for you to spend time outside.

Complications arise when you realize that some local parks prohibit the use of motorized vehicles on the property. Manual all terrain wheelchairs are great because they will work in any situation.

What Options Do I Have For Off Road Wheelchairs

According to the ADA, some men and women use Segway’s instead of all terrain wheelchairs to simply take advantage of their wellness benefits of standing. When there’s no legitimate safety reason why you shouldn’t use the device, you may be in a position to get around with it outdoors.

Keep in mind anything that is allowed on community lands is permitted on private property. However, the inverse is not correct. The very best method to find out is to call the manager of the property before going on any adventure. If at all possible, get the answer in writing and then bring it with you so that you aren’t held liable for breaking any regulations or a law if someone reports you.

All terrain wheelchairs have larger wheels. They tend to be heavier but the Extreme Motus makes the EMMA X3 at only 49 pounds. Off road wheelchairs are ideal for taking an all terrain wheelchair on outdoor excursions because they move more easily over demanding terrain. Another benefit of the Emma X3 is that it folds in half and can fit on buses and other vehicles that previously would not allow you to ride on them.

Off Road Wheelchairs

Benefits Of An All Terrain Wheelchair

You can avoid the concerns that come with using a motorized wheelchair by using an wheelchair. Some people would rather use these because they can exercise their top human body as they move around. However, these aren’t functional for everyone in every case.

Switching into some wheelchairs with a greater weight limit may help you get around outside no matter your size. Some all terrain wheelchairs may have an even have a motor, which will help you get right up hills and more obstacles.

After sitting in the all terrain manual wheelchair that Extreme Motus developed; the EMMA X3. I highly recommend checking it out and see if the chair is a good fit for your lifestyle. Like I s said before, it is up to you to stay inside or break free and get out and the all terrain wheelchair from Extreme Motus has been that opportunity for me to explore the world.

How Do You Settle On Which All Terrain Wheelchair Would Be Best For You

No more than ever wheelchair users have many options when it comes time for them to get outdoors. So many options that it can be a little overwhelming when trying to decide. Extreme Motus wants to wheelchair users to be able to enjoy the benefits of spendin time outside. They know there is a perfect wheelchair for everyone, but that not one chair will always work for everyone.

This is why they started the “All Terrain Wheelchair Research Center” The only off road wheelchair Extreme Motus sells is the Emma X3. It’s a great wheelchair, but it might not work for some people. The Research Center is filled with articles about other wheelchairs that will help you find one that is right for you.

There are wheelchairs for: manual, inflexible, transportation, stair climbing, outdoor electricity, pet, sports, and the list continues on. Check out the section you want to know much more about. If you require a sports chair, you’ll find a few on the marketplace to give you the edge you are looking for.

There are 24 Paralympic sporting events and 14 more sports that you can participate in. Which sport chair is right for you? Our goal is to help people just like you find the right chair. It is unfortunate that most individuals are not actually conscious of the different types.

Independence is dependent upon several things. Do you need to get to faculty, college, work or stay at home to care for your family? If you can propel yourself but can think for yourself you might be able to use a power chair. See whether an Extreme Motus wheelchair will do the job for you personally.

Can’t Afford It? Check out this article with tips and tricks on how to successfully crowdfund an off road wheelchair.

Choosing the ideal wheelchair includes measuring doorways, knowing what equipment it comes with, and how to get into your home.

ADA Compliance ramps require all new ramps to have a 1:12 ratio. The PVA has on staff architects to help veterans with design assistance. Wheelchair components make daily life less difficult for the wheelchair user. How will you know which will work best for you personally.

Outdoor Activities For Off Road Wheelchairs

Today, just about anything is possible for individuals with limited freedom from going to the beach with an off road wheelchair to rock climbing, and everything in between. Listed here are 10+ recreational activities that wheelchair users and people with limited mobility can get out there and enjoy with the Extreme Motus Off road wheelchair.

Ideas list: trails, hunting, fishing, sports events, 5K races, visit your favorite beach, ride on the sand, explore the city, go to a lake, ride on the snow.

Most metropolitan areas have community parks and open spaces, so much of which feature accessible trails for wheelchair users. All these are great places to devote time outdoors, have a picnic, do some bird watching, or if you are now living in a location without too much artificial light star-gaze at nighttime is a fun activity at night.

Wheelchair users and individuals with disabilities love a larger selection of movement in the water, and it is great exercise. You can find a number of swimming aids such as flotation apparatus and other components out there to make it easier for people with more limited movement. The Emma X3 off road wheelchair floats in water making it easy to get in and out of the water without taking the person out of the wheelchair.

Many states and provinces have organizations offering team athletics for wheelchair users including basketball, rugby, and more from recreational to competitive levels depending on the mobility of the individual. Team sports are a great way to get to know people and to get some exercise, and being part of the team feels good for everyone.

If you love to stay active and exploring the great outdoors, but your freedom device can not keep pace with you, why not take a look at the EMMA X3 all terrain wheelchair. This all terrain wheelchair readily moves along hard terrain, like bricks, wood chips and branches, and within small distances due to its tight turning radius. The design provides users with a liberating feeling when being outdoors.

Other Information About Wheelchairs You May Be Interested In Reading

Wheelchair Ramps

Ramps are created so wheelchair users can access building and homes with stairs. But do you understand which ramp will be best for your needs? You may require a handicap wheelchair ramp placed outdoors to help navigate up the steps to your front door.

Maybe you may require aluminum-loading ramp to assist transferring things that are heavy into your car. Or maybe you want an entry to help move throughout your home without tripping over a door brink. This guide will help you through determining which ramp is the one for you by providing you with all of the things you want to consider before you make a purchase.

Let’s Get Started

What point would you require the ramp for? Identify this issue. Before purchasing a ramp, you will want to identify what issue you are trying to address. From indoor walking risks such as door thresholds and raised landings, to outdoor freedom dangers such as vehicle rises and garden measures, there are several distinct safety risks that people face. A ramp provides a solution to every one of these mobility issues.

There might be several difficulties. In case that you desire a portable ramp that you can move to distinct locations, you will need to determine whether one ramp could accomplish the job or if at least two ramps are essential. It is possible that the same portable ramp that helps you get right up the steps to your home could also help you get into a vehicle.

Check your own situation. You know best your physical limitations and what risks you face as you proceed around your home. By identifying your issue(s), then you will have the ability to determine what sort of ramp would meet your requirements. What type of ramp will get the job done best for me? When analyzing what ramp would work best for you personally, you can find various things to consider. Look at each of the following factors when you make your decision.

Entry Ramp Or Suitcase Ramp

Is there a door that is actually a safety threat? In this situation, you will require a small entrance ramp as opposed to a long folding suitcase slide. Generally, an entry ramp can be used to accommodate heights less than six inches, including as for example for instance doorway lips, landings as well as a single stair. These ramps are offered in lengths up to 3 ft. any increase on the rise, along with a suitcase ramp will undoubtedly be required to meet what you are looking for. A bag ramp can extend up to ten feet and will do the job properly with 2 to four stairs to provide a gentle incline for the user.

One thing that is cool about an off road wheelchair is they can climb up to 3 stairs at one time with the help of another person without a ramp. See Video on the home page of the website.

Permanent Ramp Or Portable Ramp

How long-term would you want your ramp to become? If you might be looking for a large, wooden or metal ramp for a vertical rise of over 30 inches, then this will be considered a permanent construction with a contractor involved. In the event you happen to be looking for a temporary ramp that can be taken with you to another location or transferred to another place in your home, a portable ramp will probably work best for you. While long-term ramps or doing home renovation is pricy, portable ramps are less expensive, quick to install by yourself, and do not cause any damage to your home. These momentary ramps are just as secure as being a modular ramp nevertheless these ramps can be moved or removed at any time. Many of those ramps feature a heavy-duty bag or carry luggage to help transfer the ramp from one location to another. What size of ramp do I need?

Wheelchair Ramp Specifications

What are the wheelchair ramp specifications that you demand? Get out your tape measure for safety reasons; accurate measurements are crucial to determine the dimensions for the ramp. Measure the width of the brink, landing, vehicle rise or step. Next, measure the rise. The rise is your overall height measured from the ground to the highest point where the ramp will rest. In addition, you will want to find out the suitable wheelchair ramp angle (also known as slope or incline), for your freedom aid. This can typically be found in the equipment’s operator manual.

ADA Wheelchair Ramp

Requirements are listed below with examples for more information regarding the wheelchair ramp angle. While it is easy to measure the width of the doorway or height of the measure, figuring out that the length for your ramp is the toughest portion of buying a ramp. Make sure you have ample clearance in your home, or your porch, etc. Accommodate the distance of the ramp. If the ramp is overly long, it may additionally hinder your capacity to move in other parts of your home, causing another safety danger. If you should be buying a four-foot ramp, make certain that you have at least three feet of clearance, but preferably more!

Pounds Capacity

What will you be transporting? Think about the maximum weight the ramp needs to hold. The ramp will not only need to hold you but also the wheelchair and any other weight that is on the wheelchair. In the case that you are typically pushed in your wheelchair by a caregiver, you would calculate the weight capacity by adding up the weights of you personally, your caregiver and your wheelchair. Most ramps have a weight capacity of several hundred pounds, but it is better to be safe than sorry and consider the weight capacity of the ramp you require before purchasing.

ADA Wheelchair Standards Requirements

In order to ensure that ramps are being used safely at home, the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides recommendations for portable mobility ramps in residential places.

To determine the wheelchair ramp angle, so the ADA provides two-slope standards of loading occupancy for you personally to follow along: Occupied and Unoccupied. The Occupied standard relates to a person who sits on the scooter or wheelchair because it is pushed up or down the ramp. Even the Unoccupied standard means that no one is sitting in the scooter or wheelchair as it is pushed up or down the ramp. We recommend that you assess your use for your own ramp and follow along with ADA criteria under:

Unoccupied Ramp specifications: The ADA recommends an incline of 3.12. This requires that for each of vertical rise, there be at minimum 1′ of ramp length. For example, a 6″ rise would need a ramp length of at least two feet (6 divided by 3)

Occupied Ramp Expectations: The ADA recommends an incline of 2.12. This requires that for each 2″ of vertical rise, there is at minimum inch’ of ramp period. For example, a 12″ rise would require a ramp span of at 6 feet. (12 divided by two).

Most importantly, keep in mind that the greater the vertical rise, the longer the wheelchair ramp will be. Select a ramp with all the quantity of slope to keep yourself or your loved one protected.

If you withhold on length to spare money, you can pay for it later! Are there any distinctive features that the ramp needs to have? Maybe you will soon end up purchasing a bag ramp for use with your van. You are concerned that your van’s rear bumper averts the top lip of this ramp from laying down flat.

A top lip extension will add an extra 6 inches onto the polished lip, clearing the rear end, allowing a clean transition and preventing any damage to your vehicle. You might be concerned that an entry used indoors will not blend in with your home décor.

The Rubber Threshold Angled Entry Ramp is offered in three colors, black, gray and brown colors to match the colors already displayed in your home.

Concerns such as these ought to be resolved before purchasing so there wont be any surprises when you get the ramp.

Once considering the kind, size and features of the ramp, you will have the ability to recognize the best ramp to fit your requirements.

Contact Us

How Can We Help You?

Every disability is different and unique, help us to help you by sending us message.

Contact Details

Office Hours

  • Monday - Friday

    9:00 AM - 5:30 PM MST

Follow Sam & Ryan on Social Media

Send us a message.

Mountain
Extreme Motus Logo Text White

Extreme Motus manufactures all terrain wheelchairs. The Emma X3 is capable of traveling through grass, gravel, rocks, mud, snow, and even floats in the water. Nature is wheelchair accessible. We believe the benefits of spending time outdoors are important for everyone. Our all terrain wheelchair can take you places you never thought possible.

Contact Details

Office Hours

  • Monday - Friday

    9:00 AM - 5:30 PM MST

© 2024 Extreme Motus. All rights reserved.

Designed and powered by WebriQ.