If you are in a wheelchair or take care of someone who is, you may not be aware that wheelchair swimming is possible. In fact, swimming for wheelchair users actually carries many benefits, from the social aspect of swimming with others to the exercise it also provides. There are some accessories and devices that can help make wheelchair swimming easier, as well as a few benefits you should know about before hitting the pool or the ocean.

Benefits of Swimming for Wheelchair Users

There are more than a few reasons why wheelchair swimming is beneficial. First of all, swimming is fully inclusive for everyone. You don’t need full use of all your limbs in order to be able to swim in the pool. While you may need some help and guidance, and swimming aids for seniors or for those in wheelchairs may help, the buoyancy of the water will be your biggest benefit. This also allows those who take part to have more freedom.

Swimming can also be a very social sport—whether you join a class at the local gym, or you’re spending time at the ocean with friends—swimming with others can help expand your social circle. Swimming also provides exercise. While you may not be fully mobile, you can exercise what you are able, which gives you more physical strength.

Different Aids and Helps for Pool Wheelchair Swimming

From devices such as a swimming pool wheelchair to floatation devices, there are swimming aids for disabled persons that can help make the process easier. Some of these include, but are not limited to:

• Floatation devices: Everything from kickboards to pool noodles can help keep you afloat in the water if you don’t have full mobility. You can also use vests or inflatable rings to help.
• Human guides: A human guide in the water can also help when it comes to being in a wheelchair while swimming. For those who have other disabilities, there are also swimming guides for the blind as well, to help guide you along.
• Pool wheelchair lifts and ramps: Many pools (discussed in further detail below) are already equipped with devices such as a pool wheelchair lift or ramp. There are many swimming pools with wheelchair access, to help make the process easier.

Wheelchair Swimming in the Ocean

While wheelchair swimming with a wheelchair accessible pool is a readily available option, heading to the lake or ocean can be slightly tougher when it comes to wheelchair swimming. However, more and more public beaches and town beaches are making outdoor and water recreation so much more friendly.

For example, if you go swimming at the Jersey Shore in Asbury Park, NJ, you can use one of the available floating beach wheelchairs that are designed to go into the water. This makes sure that everyone has equal access to the water. In fact, if you’re heading to a public beach or are going on vacation, it may be worthwhile to do a quick Internet search to see what kind of options there are. Helpful devices such as a sand wheelchair or beach wheelchair rental are not unheard of. However, these wheelchair swimming devices may be something you need to reserve ahead of time, so a little research is a great idea.

Swimming for Wheelchair Users and the Law

While swimming in the ocean or outdoors in nature is kind of a grey area, the 2010 Revised Standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has information about public swimming pools. In fact, all public swimming pools in the United States must have accessible entries and exits for those in wheelchairs, for wheelchair swimming. This revision extends not only to public pools but pools within hotels as well. Be sure to let a business or town know if they’re not up to code—under the law, they must make wheelchairs for swimming pools 100-percent accessible.

For more information on how to make pools and beaches more accessible for swimming for wheelchair users, or to hear about other mobility products, such as wheelchair ramps and stair lifts, contact Williams Lift Co. today. Having more mobility can certainly help you live your best life.

When you or your loved one is in a wheelchair, finding wheelchair recreation (such as vacations, hiking, and outdoor activities) may be kind of tough, although it shouldn’t be. While many parks and recreational facilities are compliant with ADA standards, that doesn’t necessarily mean that wheelchair accessible trails in NJ are so readily available. Sometimes, ADA compliance can refer to bathroom or picnic facilities, without much adaptation for wheelchair hiking. However, there are quite a few wheelchair accessible trails in NJ and handicap accessible trails for you to enjoy.

Federal Wheelchair Accessible Trails in NJ

Federal parks are maintained and run by the federal government, while state and local parks are maintained by the state or municipality. Federal parks are more likely to be ADA compliant, however, that’s not a guarantee. There are several federally owned wheelchair accessible trails in NJ:

• Dingmans Creek Trail. This is part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which is located on the Pennsylvania border, and much of the park is in PA. This particular trail is a 0.4-mile boardwalk, which takes you past two lovely waterfalls (Dingmans and Silverthread Falls).
• McDade Recreational Trail. This trail is also part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and is said to have handicap accessible trails. However, not all trails may be accessible trails, so it’s best to call the park at 570-426-2452 before making the trip.

State Wheelchair Accessible Trails in NJ

In addition to federal locations, there are several state parks that have wheelchair accessible trails in NJ. However, park websites may not always have the most up-to-date information, so if in doubt, it’s always best to call before making plans to ensure there are wheelchair accessible hiking trails. Some state areas include:

• The Brendan T. Byrne State Forest. This forest is located in New Lisbon, NJ, which is also reasonably close to Connecticut and Pennsylvania. There is a 1.1-mile loop trail that is paved. Reportedly, there are other trails within the park that are easy to manage but may be a long journey.
• Cape May Point State Park. This state park is located in the southernmost tip of New Jersey in Cape May and offers a 0.5-mile wheelchair accessible trail. It may be one of the most scenic paved walking trails in NJ, as it offers views of a lighthouse and large pond on both sides, with glimpses of area wildlife, such as osprey.
• The Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park. This trail is 34 miles in length, but the trail at mile marker 31.5 is ADA accessible. This state park is located near Princeton, which is central.

Making Non-Accessible Trails Work for You

If you are an avid hiker, you may wish to consider the possibility of adaptive wheelchairs for hiking. There are several different types of all-terrain wheelchairs (and add-ons) that you can use to make non-paved, yet simple, trails, more accessible to you. While wheelchair accessible trails in NJ are likely the best option, these off-road “power chairs” give you the mobility to access much more. There are both manual and motorized choices, and additional options, such as off-road walkers or crutch tips, depending on your depth of mobility. For one-time hiking trips, all-terrain wheelchair rental is also a cost-effective idea.

For more information on ADA-compliant recreation, or to learn about products that can help give you more mobility and freedom, such as stair lifts or wheelchair ramps, contact Williams Lift Co. today. We want to help you live your best life.

The first of March is International Wheelchair Day every year, and the ‘international’ part is quite truthful. There are celebrations all around the world, such as in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia, among other countries. If you’ve never heard of this celebration, it’s a great time to get involved and promote disability awareness. Further, it is a good reason to celebrate with friends and family. Those who wish to celebrate should look for local events in their area as there may be a local wheelchair-accessible International Wheelchair Day.

What Are the Aims of International Wheelchair Day?

There are a few aims of International Wheelchair Day other than simply the promotion of disability awareness. This day allows those who use wheelchairs to share how wheelchairs have helped them with mobility and taking control of their lives again. There are many positive aspects that a wheelchair can bring to the user, and International Wheelchair Day is a great time to share stories with others. Also, this day is for caregivers, manufacturers, providers, salespeople, and anyone involved with the design, manufacture, and sale of wheelchairs. Their hard work has truly made the world a better place, and they are honored on this day in addition to those who use wheelchairs.

Beyond just disability awareness, International Wheelchair Day also wants to shed light on the fact that many people around the world could use a wheelchair or other medical products to help improve their quality of life, but because of financial or insurance reasons, they are unable to access one. International Wheelchair Day wants to see a world where every person who needs a wheelchair is given access to one.

Quick Facts About Wheelchairs and International Wheelchair Day

International Wheelchair Day was founded in 2008 by a British blogger coined “wheelchair Steve,” with the aims and purposes mentioned previously. In the United States alone, three million people use a wheelchair each day. This number doesn’t include the vast number of children and adults who need a wheelchair but cannot afford one.

The first known wheelchair was constructed by the ancient Greeks, and it was built in approximately 525 AD. One of the first “famous” people to use a wheelchair was King Philip II of Spain. However, these early wheelchairs were not very mobile and he required an assistant to push his chair. The first motorized wheelchairs came about in the 1950s to help disabled World War II veterans. As of 2018, there are many unique wheelchair designs that allow patients to be much more mobile than before.

Disability Awareness and More About Wheelchair Accessories

International Wheelchair Day 2019 celebrates all that there is about wheelchairs and disabilities. Some patients require more than just the wheelchair itself in order to have the best quality of life.

• Ramps – Installing ramps in the home is a wonderful way for those in a wheelchair to be independent when it comes to leaving and arriving at their own home.
• Eye gaze and AAC devices – Some patients, especially children, who use a wheelchair are nonverbal. Having an augmentative or alternative communication (AAC) device helps the person communicate with the world. Eye gaze devices are also available for those who do not have use of their extremities, allowing them to talk and communicate as well as operate the wheelchair.

One of the many aims of International Wheelchair Day is to bring attention to these other helpful devices as well as the wheelchair itself.

To learn more about how wheelchair accessories and mobility products, such as stair lifts and accessibility ramps, can help improve your quality of life, contact Williams Lift Co. today. We can offer a free estimate for over five different types of ramps, to help you regain control of your independence.

Just like any type of vehicle or object on wheels, wheelchair maintenance and cleaning is important for several reasons. Most importantly, regular wheelchair cleaning keeps the chair in top condition. A regular wheelchair inspection of all the moving parts ensures its functionality and usability. Similarly, as to when you wear a uniform to work or dress a certain way for the office, a wheelchair can certainly be part of your attire, so while the wheelchair’s functionality is a priority, you also want to look your best. This can be a tough chore, especially if you travel with your wheelchair or don’t have the ability to clean it yourself. Here are a few tips to keep in mind regarding wheelchair maintenance and cleaning that can keep your chair in great shape for years to come.

Wheelchair Maintenance and Cleaning: How to Clean a Wheelchair

Depending on the extent of your disability, you may need a family member, friend, or nurse to perform a regular wheelchair cleaning procedure. In fact, it’s a good idea to have a regular wheelchair cleaning schedule to ensure your chair looks its best and is functioning properly at all times.

As wheelchairs see a lot of use, it’s a good idea to wipe down the back and wheelchair cushion covers once a day with a damp, soapy cloth. Deeper cleaning should be performed at least once per month. All components of the chair are easily cleaned with household cleaners, such as Fantastik or 409. You can also use Armor-All on the metal of the chair to keep it shiny.

During this once-per-month wheelchair cleaning, the chair should also be inspected for visible signs of wear that could be dangerous to the patient. This includes cracks, deep scratches, and dents. If there is damage or parts like fasteners are loose, it should be immediately taken to a reputable wheelchair repair shop.

Important Aspects of Wheelchair Tires and Wheelchair Tire Pressure

Cleaning wheelchair tires and checking wheelchair tire pressure should be done often—in fact, tire pressure should be checked once per week. There are several kinds of tires on wheelchairs, including air-filled and foam-filled. While air-filled tires often give a more comfortable ride, the pressure must be exactly right. Tires with too little air pressure can actually cause damage to the wheel.

Your wheelchair may or may not have spokes on the wheels; if it does have spokes, you can use the same can of Armor All to polish them as you did on the casters above.

Quick-release chairs also have a tendency to get “gunk” (oil, grease, and dirt) embedded in the axles. For optimal performance of your chair and its wheels clean this once per month. You can look for a specialized wheelchair tire cleaner to do the job, or opt for a lightly oiled rag if you need to clean on the spot.

Casters can also pick up much debris from the floor and ground, such as hair and carpet fibers. Once these are embedded in the casters, it may be hard to get them out. The best way to remove hair and fibers is to do so with a pair of tweezers. However, this involves taking off the casters, placing them on a wheelchair wheel cleaning mat, cleaning the axles with wheelchair tire cleaner, using the tweezers, and then replacing the casters. If you have a caregiver or friend to help, this procedure should be performed at least biweekly to keep your wheelchair running as it should.

Occasionally, casters need to be replaced, as they can become loose or rusted, especially in areas that have frequent inclement weather. Two ideas to help combat this problem include wheelchair snow tires and wheelchair tire covers. It solely depends on which is more convenient for you.

Wheelchair Safety

Ideally, when it comes to your wheelchair maintenance, its safety is much more important than aesthetics, so it’s important that you or a friend inspect your wheelchair on a routine basis to make sure everything is safe. A good idea is to have a wheelchair maintenance checklist so you don’t miss any of the important inspection points.

You should also visually inspect your wheelchair before using it for the day, and before disembarking, you should always ensure that brakes are locked.

To learn more about wheelchair maintenance and cleaning, or to learn about products that can help increase your mobility, contact Williams Lift Co. today. With everything from stair lifts to wheelchair ramps, we can help make your life easier.

Whether you prefer a manual or a motorized wheelchair, there are advances in new wheelchair technology that can help with your overall mobility like never before. Decades ago, being in a wheelchair could be confining, and it was very difficult for many patients who experienced a sudden loss of mobility. As of 2019, new wheelchair technology and streamlined designs can help change your life for the better. Read on to learn a little bit more about wheelchairs and new wheelchair technology that can improve your quality of life.

A Brief History of Old and New Wheelchair Technology

The earliest wheelchair technology dates back to ancient China, where a rock slate was used to help transport those with a disability. Advances in wheelchair technology in future centuries reserved wheelchairs only for royalty, and many of them did not even need one. In 1655, the first wheelchair that is similar to what we know today was invented by a paraplegic watchmaker. From this point, advances in wheelchair technology would take off, and the first truly motorized wheelchair was introduced in the United States in 1933. Since 1970, most wheelchairs (self-propelled and motorized) have an aluminum construction and similar design.

Manual New Wheelchair Technology

Even with all the advancements in new wheelchair technology, manual self-propelled wheelchairs are still the most popular model used today. In part, this is because it gives a person much more control and freedom of movement. While it may be tiring to drive the wheelchair with your hands and arms, people overall like the feeling of control and mobility, and it’s easier to guide the device. Some new wheelchair technology when it comes to manual wheelchairs includes models that fold (which is great for traveling), and two-way wheelchairs, which are specifically designed for those with lower or upper body impairment. Part of a group of innovative wheelchair solutions, this type of chair is adjustable depending on your disability. For example, you can lower, raise, or swivel the seat to get your arms in just the correct position to guide the device. BMX sports wheelchairs also have new wheelchair technology for those who want to ride the chair like a bicycle.

Advancements in Motorized Wheelchairs

There are many advances in wheelchair technology in motorized models. There now is a wheelchair that you can control with your eyes, which is perfect for those who have full-body paralysis. Other wheelchair future technology includes options powered like a Segway, illuminated wheelchairs that can be seen well even at night, and two-seat wheelchairs that actually let you carry a guest with you, which is a great idea for events or other occasions. “Smart” wheelchairs offer wireless capabilities from apps to Bluetooth.

Other Advancements in Technology

Beyond new wheelchair technology, there are other advancements currently available to help make your life easier. Home modifications such as electronic medication dispensers and sensors to alert family members of your activity are proven devices to help you live longer. Accessibility ramps are a must for comfortably going in and out of your home. There are also advancements in accessible clothing, driverless cars, and virtual reality, all put in place to help you live your best life.

If you are in search of new wheelchair technology, products, and services to help increase your mobility, contact Williams Lift Co. today to hear about our accessibility ramps, stair lifts, and other devices. With over 70 years in the mobility products industry, we’re committed to increasing your mobility.