Chapter 4
What is available?

Personal mobility aids

Support for Walking:

• wearing a hip protector
• custom-made orthotics
• choosing streets/routes with the fewest obstacles (stairs, a difference in levels, heavy doors, etc.)
• advocating: speak to your local politician about your problems in order to stress how important getting around is to you
• a cane or walking stick
• a frame walker
• a rollator (wheeled walker)
• a trolley

Wheelchairs & Scooters

There are many types of wheelchairs and scooters (motorized
wheelchairs) available. The points below should be considered
a simple overview of things to consider when deciding whether
or not a wheelchair or a scooter is right for you.

Consider:

• Do you want a manual or electric wheelchair?
• Will you use it outdoors, indoors, or both?
• Will you transport it in a car? a van? (i.e., does it need to be collapsible and/or lightweight?)
• Will your wheelchair be pushed by someone else?
• Do you need a sport or high performance wheelchair?
• Can you control the wheelchair yourself or, for instance, will
  you need computerized steering?
• Will you need assistance standing?
• Where you will store it?

Bed transfer, turning and lifting activities:

• a transfer board
• a turning disc
• glide sheets or glide cushions
• a lifting pole, available in many models for beds, chairs and bathtubs
• a mobile hoist, available in either hydraulic/manual-operated or electric operated models (note: lifting by a hoist always needs an assistant)
• a standing hoist
• a footstool or lowering the bed

Biking:

• an adult tricycle
• a tandem bike, which can be used by people with visual impairments or disabilities
• a hand-driven bike, if you have little or no force in the legs
• attaching a small help-engine to the bike

Driving:

• a vehicle fitted for your wheelchair
• a personal assistant to do the driving
• having a vehicle adapted for your use with specialized hand
  controls for driving
• alternative transport if you can no longer drive

Climbing Staircases:

• railings
• a wheelchair specially constructed to climb stairs
• a stair lift
• an elevator

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