Wheelchair etiquette

Many people simply do not know how to act when comunicating with a wheelchair user. These facts from the horses mouth may help.

• Always ask the person using the wheelchair if he or she would like assistance BEFORE you help. It may not be needed or wanted.
• Don't hang or lean on a person's wheelchair because it is part of that person's personal body space.
• Speak directly to the person in the wheelchair, not to someone nearby as if the person in the wheelchair did not exist.
• If conversation lasts more than a few minutes, consider sitting down or kneeling to get yourself on the same level.
• Don't demean or patronize the person by patting them on the head.
• Give clear directions, including distance, weather conditions and physical obstacles that may hinder the person's travel.
• Don't classify persons who use wheelchairs as sick. Wheelchairs are used for a variety of non-contagious disabilities.
• When a person using a wheelchair "transfers" out of the wheelchair to a chair, toilet, car or bedArticle Search, do not move the wheelchair out of reaching distance.
• Be aware of the person's capabilities. Some users can walk with aid and use wheelchairs to save energy and move quickly.
• It is ok to use terms like "running along" when speaking to a person who uses a wheelchair. The person is likely to express things the same way.
• Don't discourage children from asking questions about the wheelchair.
• Don't assume that using a wheelchair is in itself a tragedy. It is a means of freedom that allows the person to move about independently.

Robin Kettle

DDA Access auditor and Disability Awareness Trainer www.blue-badge.co.uk

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Sterling Little Gem Three

This 3 wheeled mobility scooter from Sterling has been designed to fold and be taken apart in seconds.
It has no wires to disconnect and the heaviest part weighs only 11kg.

The new cable free ,Gem Lock mechanism makes it simple to release the drive unit from the front end of the scooter with a flick of the wrist - no bolts to turn , no troublesome cables, no fuss.

With the little Gem you will have the ideal partner when you are on the move, whether you're shopping, travelling or just want to pop around the corner.

* Number of Wheels 3
* Overall length 930mm overall width 500mm
* Maximum range 11 Miles
* Maximum speed 4mph
* Maximum user weight 115kgs/ 250lbs/ 18 stone
* Total weight including batteries 39 kgs / 86lbs
* Heaviest part 11kg / 24lbs (Front section)
* Battery pack weight 11kg / 24lbs

This scooter is a true travel scooter and is designed to be very easy to fold.

1st remove the rotating seat

2nd lift off the battery, This is held in place by velcro so just pull up.

Then flick the gem lock catch and the rear section will seperate from the front section making it easier to lift.

The tiller will fold down and the whole scooter can be lifted in lightweight pieces in to the back of a small car.

It really is that easy.







Buy the "Sterling Little Gem Three" online now

Make your life easier

From bathing and dressing to cooking and cleaning, living aids make even the simplest of tasks quicker and easier. Read my advice on different types of easier living aids:

Getting Dressed

Even the simplest of tasks can be very frustrating when you’re getting dressed in the morning. One of the dressing aids I find most useful is the button hook. It assists you by passing the button through the button hole and over the button. I also find zip pullers useful, if you have a weak grip then it can really help to raise awkward zips.

Bathing

For me, bath lifts and rails make getting in and out of the bath much easier. If you prefer to shower, then you may find shower seats useful. They make showering much more comfortable as they have padded seats and height adjustable legs.

Kitchen and Dining

One of my favourite kitchen aids is the cordless kettle tipper. The metal plate secures the base of the kettle and the frame keeps the upper part of the kettle in place. It definitely makes my life easier when I’m making a cup of tea!

Top 10 Scooter Accessories for 2008

1. Scooter bag

A scooter bag is a strong, durable and extremely spacious bag designed to accommodate scooters with head rests. It features a large front compartment for additional storage, a box lid for easy access and strong velcro side fastenings.

2. Scooter Seat Cover

Protect your scooter seat against the rain. The scooter seat cover is designed to fit scooters with and without headrests. It fixes securely across the back of the chair with strong velcro straps.

3. Scooter Storage Cover

A lightweight, seam sealed, fully waterproof scooter storage cover which protects your scooter from rain and dust. The scooter storage cover comes with elasticated corners to secure.

4.

Universal Walking Stick Holder

The universal walking stick holder is a weatherproof, powder coated stick carrier that fits the universal bracket on the back of most scooters. It has a self-draining retainer on the bottom for the ferrules and the top has a captive bracket secured with a velcro strap. It is suitable for two walking sticks or crutches. It has a compact design and is secured with either the locking pin or handwheel supplied with the scooter.

5. Rear Basket

The rear basket easily attaches to the seat to provide extra carrying capacity for the scooter. It is compatible with most makes of scooter that have a square tube fitted under the seat.

6. Padded Travel Bag

This bag has been manufactured for numerous travel scooters and is ideal for protecting your scooter when travelling keeping all parts together. It has a zip running the entire length of the carrying bag making it easy to use. The scooter gets pushed on to the open bag and then zips up over the top with the seat and basket positioned on the footboard. The anti tip wheels are left exposed to allow the scooter to be lifted on to these and pulled along.

It features a front carry handle for pulling the scooter along on its anti tip wheels and also two other lifting straps. The bag is well padded attractive and easy to use. The padded travel bag can be used with many travel scooters including Wispa,Go-Go,Little Gem,Ultralite,Rio,Cruizer and Cameo.

7. Deluxe Heavy Duty Scooter Garage

This heavy duty deluxe scooter garage is designed to keep your mobility scooter protected from the elements. The all weather garage made from heavy duty PVC has hinges to allow access for the scooter so that it can then be closed to keep out the wet weather.

Drive your scooter on to the base plate, fold the cover over and secure the straps. It also features an easy access charging flap to put the charging cable through.

8. Walking frame Holder

The walking frame holder fits most scooters. It has a neat and convenient way to carry your walking frame when out and about. Suitable for use with most models of scooter.

9. Deluxe All Weather Canopy

The deluxe all weather scooter canopy fits a large selection of mobility scooters.
It is supplied with clear side windows. It is made from heavy duty fabric and a maximum size front window for best visibility.

Front and rear brackets require bolting on to scooter chassis. All brackets and fixings are supplied. Comes flat packed with full fitting instructions. A choice of colours is available. (Not suitable for smaller travel scooters).

10. Scooter Cosy

The thermal fleece lining of the scooter cosy will keep you extremely warm. Featuring an easy to use heavy duty zip, a nylon shoe protector to keep your feet dry and an inside pocket for extra security. The scooter cosy is available in navy or navy/burgundy. 2 sizes are available.