Wheelchair
A wheelchair is a device used for mobility by people for whom walking is difficult or impossible, due to illness or disability.
It typically consists of a seat supported on two large wheels on an axle attached towards the back of the seat and two small wheels near the feet, though there are often small additional features to prevent toppling or to assist mounting curbs. The person moves by pushing with his/her hands circular bars on the outside of the large wheels with a diameter that is slightly less than that of the wheels, or by actuating motors, usually with a joystick.
Experiments have also been made with unusual variant wheels, like the omniwheel or the mecanum wheel. These allow more directional movement options.
Disabled athletes use streamlined sport wheelchairs for sports that require speed and agility.
Powerchairs
Powerchairs are extremely maneuverable because they're controlled with a joystick device you can operate with as little as one finger. A powerchair is ideal for navigating tight spaces indoors and can often turn 360 degrees in the same spot. Powerchairs can be easily customized to accommodate the rider's specific situation. Powerchairs can be used as part of adapted sports such as Wheelchair Soccer.
Buildings
Adapting the built environment to make it more accessible to people with disabilities who use wheelchairs is one of the key campaigns of disability rights movements and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). For example, the construction of low floor trams and buses is being encouraged whereas the use of paternosters 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 incorporates today better accessiblity for people with disabilities.
Notable users
- Ron Kovic, Vietnam veteran and peace activist
- Christopher Reeve, late movie actor, the former Superman
- Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States
- Stephen Hawking, theoretical astro-physicist
- Sheik Ahmed Yassin, assasinated founder of the Hamas organization
Fictional
- Katie, from Sesame Park
- Timmy, from South Park
- Wheels of the Burger King Kids Club Gang
- Ironside
- Andy of Little Britain (doesn't really need it.)
- Dr. Strangelove(apparently doesn't need it.)
- Guy Caballero, head of SCTV (only uses it for respect.)
External links
- Dept of Transportation Information about air travelers with disabilities and their rights in the US