The homes of physically disabled individuals have to accommodate for the wheelchair user. Each area should be accessible for the wheelchair user and the wheelchair should be able to be used around the home without any problems.

Depending on the shape and width of hallways, doors and rooms are, manuvering around your home in a wheelchair may be challenging for the wheelchair user. When using a wheelchair within a house the walls may suffer from scratches and scuff marks from the wheelchair. For this reason, wall guards have been developed. Wall guards ensure that damage is restricted to a minimum.

Before going out to buy wall guards an understanding of the different types and variations, as well as the needs of the user and the users home is important in choosing the right type of wall guards.

First of all, it is important to determine which rooms require wall guards. Depending on the area and the preferred function, wheelchair users may have a lot of wall guards to choose from.

Wall guards come in a variety of sizes to suit every kind of wall. They range in height from 3 inches to 6 inches. The smaller wheelchair wall guards are used low on the walls as these serve to protect from damage made by the wheels of the wheelchair. The taller variants are used to protect against potential scratches from the wheelchair arm rests.

Wall guard are often made of aluminium, they also come with a layer of vinyl to help them become more impact absorbent. Depending on the taste and preference of the home owner, they can have smooth or grooved surfaces. They also come in a wide variety of colours and designs to blend into any room.

When looking to buy wall guards, make sure you first consult with other wheelchair users for recommendations, check out similar products online, and evaluate those in nearby stores. It is always important that you take all factors in to consideration, buying the wrong wheelchair wall guards means that the walls will still be damaged.

Wheelchairs need to have quality seating because wheelchair users spend most of their time on them. Quality wheelchair seat cushions should protect against sores and bruising and be comfortable for long periods of times. Wheelchair backrests can also be cushioned out which can help with the seating position and prevent or minimize any form of back strain.

Depending on the type of wheelchair seat cushion they can cost anything between £20 to £200. When choosing your seating requirements there are three main types of wheelchair cushions to consider that are available on the market today. All three have their own advantages and disadvantages.

The three types of wheelchair cushions are:

1. Foam Wheelchair Cushions:
   These are the most economical. They are light and can easily be customised according to the shape the user needs. However, they are known to wear out quite quickly making them lose their shape after some time.

2. Gel Wheelchair Cushions:
   Although more expensive, they are preferred because they are not only more comfortable because they contour according to the posture of the user but also make space for the legs. However, these are known to be less impact-absorbent. They also weigh more and they may leak when punctured.

3. Air Wheelchair Cushions:
   The most expensive wheelchair cushion on the market. These cushions are preferred because they can be inflated to the wheelchair users requirements. They are very comfortable because pressure is evenly distributed allowing it to better absorb impacts. They weigh less than the gel cushions and are often waterproof. However, air cushions need special attention as they can be easily punctured or deflated.

No matter which type of cushion you choose ensure that all aspects have been considered and that functionality and comfort are taken in to consideration. It is important that the wheelchair doesnt cause any problems that can irritate your physical disability. The seat is probably the most important part of the wheelchair as your posture can be affected dramatically.

Like vehicle seatbelts, wheelchair belts strap the wheelchair user in place and can quickly be released by the push of a button. Unlike seatbelts, wheelchair belts are made to be more comfortable because the wheelchair user has to use them for long periods of time.

Wheelchair belts often come with soft padding ensuring comfort and safety. Also unlike the seatbelt, wheelchair belts are made to secure the wheelchair users lower extremities and not the torso. Most often, these types of belts are fastened using locking devices made of plastic, Velcro, or metal.

There are several ways to install these types of wheelchair accessories onto a wheelchair. Among the most common are through grommet holes and through metal brackets. While it is easy enough to create grommet holes on the belt, metal brackets are often preferred because they are known to be more secure and more comfortable.

This is because they still allow for limited natural movement while being strapped in. Nevertheless, when you buy a wheelchair belt, there are instructions on how to install, adjust, and maintain the belt.

How wheelchair belts are installed have significant effect on what part of your body will be most secure. For example, belts installed onto the wheelchairs back rest will make your lower waist more secure. In contrast, your hips will be most secure if you install your wheelchair belt onto the seat frame. Many wheelchair users prefer to strap the belt across the lower hip in order to still have the ability to bend or move whilst in the wheelchair.

There are an extensive amount of wheelchair belts to choose from, going to a store and picking one out is easy enough. However, what is more difficult is choosing one that will suit and fit your physical disability. For those who have used wheelchair belts in the past, it is recommended to use an old one as a comparison for measurement.

When you have purchased your wheelchair belt, you may choose to cut off or secure the extra nylon so it won't be left hanging about.This could cause safety problems when pushing the wheelchair as it may get caught in the wheelchairs wheels.

Although there are professionals who can install wheelchair belts for you, much can be saved if you can do it yourself along with the assistance of a friend or relative. The instructions are easy enough to follow and all it takes is a little common sense.

Your safety whilst in your wheelchair should be taken seriously, with the help of a wheelchair belt you know that you can improve your safety.

Wheelchairs have been available for over a hundred years. Initially, they were invented to move physically disabled individuals from one part of a room to another. The variety of uses became much more apparent as physically disabled individuals became more integrated into society. Now, a wheelchair can help most physically disabled individuals to get about by their own means, instead of being dependent on others. In todays society the role of the wheelchair has become much more than it was originally intended to be.

When you look at the amount of wheelchair types available you will find that there is a wheelchair for every conceivable use. There is a strong trend towards individualised custom built wheelchairs in todays society. A wheelchair manufacturer can custom build a wheelchair specific for the individual who is going to be using it. They are able to create a wheelchair that is perfect for their specific disability and needs, this is great news for all users of a wheelchair.

There are three main categories of wheelchairs:

1. The Manual Wheelchair:
   Which relies on the user to power it under their own strength
2. The Attendant Wheelchair:
   Which relies a carer to push the wheelchair
3. Electric Wheelchair:
   These wheelchairs allow the user to move about their life without assistance and no/minimal physical exertion.

The electric wheelchair allows for greater mobility and ease of use for someone who spends a lot of time in a wheelchair. They come in all sorts of colours and sizes. The basic electric wheelchair models have rear wheel drive, mid wheel drive and front wheel drive.

There are two types of manual wheelchair:

• Wheelchairs that are transportable or attendant based (Transport wheelchairs - which can only be moved by someone pushing the wheelchair).

• Standard wheelchair which is propelled by the user but can also be pushed by a companion or carer.

The transport wheelchair is the cheaper of the two and might be a better choice for someone who doesnt have sufficient upper body strength to propel themselves. Both of these wheelchair models can be bought either as fixed or as a folding wheelchair.

It is always a good idea to keep a medical identification card with your wheelchair in the unfortunate event of an emergency or when you hav the wheelchair repaired. This identification card should contain your name and address as well as a phone number where you can be reached. The name of your doctor in the event you are involved in an accident should be in your wheelchair.

Other contact information should be on the card such as a family member or friend who can be reached in the event of an accident. The card should also contain the make and model of the chair, the contact details of a wheelchair repair shop where you have your chair repaired. Finally, your insurance policy number and a contact number for the insurance company should also be contained on the card.

When the power wheelchair was invented, it was almost as simple as a manual wheelchair powered by a motor. The current line of power wheelchairs, however, has become much more powerful and now has a greater capability to address individual mobility needs.

Nowadays, the wheelchair bound that use power wheelchairs are no longer limited to travelling short distances or specific terrain. The wheelchair motors that are built into modern power wheelchairs allow for travelling larger and coarser ground even at faster speeds.

However, the fastest wheelchair or the most powerful wheelchair is not necessarily the best option for everyone. Choosing the most appropriate power wheelchair for an individual depends largely on the individual's needs. Should there be no need for powerful wheelchair motors that are pricey and high in battery consumption, regular power wheelchairs are recommended so as not to incur unnecessary costs.

Generally, there are three things you must keep in mind before purchasing a power wheelchair. These three factors will determine exactly what type of wheelchair best suits you.

1. The first factor is your budget. This narrows down your choices but don't think that this will limit your options. Whatever your budget may be, you will surely find something that will address your needs.

2. Another important factor would be the terrain you often travel on. If you only use the wheelchair for indoors or on paved pathways, then buying a very powerful wheelchair with a large motor is not necessary.

3. Lastly, the time you spend in the wheelchair should be looked at. If you spend a lot of time moving around using your wheelchair, you may not want to lug additional batteries with you so the more powerful wheelchair may or may not be needed, this depends on the amount you travel with the wheelchair and the run time of the battery.

Scooters that are specially made for disabled individuals are often referred to as "Mobility Scooters" or "Medical Scooters". The scooters come in various forms and each one addresses the needs of the physically disabled individuals. Mobility scooters are powered by electric motors that can be controlled using tillers or handlebars.

Compared to electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters were not as popular because they were bulky and difficult to control. However latest developments have led to lighter and more manoeuvrable scooters.

Although some mobility scooters are powered by gas, electric powered scooters are more popular. This is because many major countries do not allow the use of gas powered models as an effort to minimise pollution, especially indoors. However, no matter which type of scooter an individual chooses to use, both have the capability to cover the same distance.

Another reason why electrical scooters are popular is because they make use of rechargeable batteries that can hold out up to 10 hours. This would translate to about 25 miles when travelling at a maximum speed of 8 miles per hour.

Mobility scooters come in 3 or 4 wheeled models. Although three wheeled scooters are smaller and therefore lighter and easier to manoeuvre, the four wheeled scooters are popular because they can carry heavier loads. Furthermore, the bulkiness of the scooter is not a problem because the newer models can now be taken apart for easy storage. This is especially important for wheelchair users who often travel.

Mobility scooters can be bought nowadays from various scooter manufacturers who offer them in a wide variety of models. They can also be customised to suit the preferences and the needs of each individual. Depending on the taste and requirements of the user, mobility scooters range widely in price.