Wheelchair Tilt Modification

CUSTOM ADAPTATION PURPOSE: To provide a customized adaptation to an existing wheelchair to allow a young adult with a rare genetic disorder and his caregivers to tilt the chair backwards with minimal effort (i.e. for mounting curbs or pushing onto a vehicle hoist platform). The wheels were moved forward so that more of the weight of the chair is behind the wheels. Then the rear handlebars were redesigned so that they were easier to push down on. The original handlebars had a cross bar making it difficult for caregivers to get between the handles and had to push down from behind the handlebars. The cross bar was removed and new individual handles were made and the bar was repositioned closer in to the back of the chair. This allows caregivers to use their body weight more effectively when they are pushing down on the bars and can keep their backs straighter thus avoiding back injury. Finally, a foot bar was added to the back of the chair to allow caregivers to easily add additional downward pressure. TITLE: A safe bed fro Will. JOURNAL: TAD Journal. REF: Volume 28, Number 3, October 2008: p. 16-17. PAGES: 3. (including cover).