Customized Manual Wheelchair
Donation protected
I was born both blind and physically disabled due to 2 neurological conditions. I currently use a power wheelchair, and I need it because it's easier for me to use with my white cane, especially in grocery stores etc. But although I'm really grateful to have the power chair, I've always wanted to be able to use a manual one.
Why? For 2 reasons. First, I'd rather get around actively, under my own steam, if possible instead of pushing a little joystick around. Although I can walk short distances I get tired very quickly and my balance and coordination are bad, so that's why I need wheels. Pushing myself in a manual chair would also give me more exercise. My second reason for wanting to get a manual chair is that I'd REALLY like to participate in charity walks or runs, and to me there's no challenge in doing that in a power chair (except that the power chair's batteries would definitely be pushed to their limit).
But for me to be able to use a manual wheelchair and get the most use out of it, I need to have certain components on it that are more expensive. For example, it would be really helpful for me to attach the Benoit Systems LightDrive, a power-assist pack with a joystick, which will not only help me to get up slopes and over bumps but will also turn my manual chair into a power chair when I'm too tired to push. This pack is about $6800CAD and you can check it out at http://www.benoitsystemes.com/minotor2.html. I also need a contoured headrest to support my head, a pair of grade aids to keep me from rolling backward on ramps and hills, and a chest belt. And I need a specific style of pushrim that will keep my thumbs out of the space between the wheel and rim so they don't get chewed up by the mounting tabs. So when you put all these things together with the chair itself, then add mudguards and anti-tip wheels too, it comes to a lot of bucks.
The reason I'm asking for help raising money is that although I'm now working I don't have the money for this chair or another way to get it funded. Despite my disabilities I've always wanted to live as active and fulfilling a life as possible, and having a manual wheelchair with the custom features I need will help me accomplish this. At least some of the time I'll probably be with a sighted guide helping me to navigate, but I also designed a rolling hands-free cane that I can use from a manual chair. The hands-free rolling cane was built for me by a great guy and fellow Tetra Society volunteer named Ron. So I'm hoping people will help me to fund a manual chair that will meet my needs and that will help me do charity walks/runs and other cool stuff. Thanks.
Why? For 2 reasons. First, I'd rather get around actively, under my own steam, if possible instead of pushing a little joystick around. Although I can walk short distances I get tired very quickly and my balance and coordination are bad, so that's why I need wheels. Pushing myself in a manual chair would also give me more exercise. My second reason for wanting to get a manual chair is that I'd REALLY like to participate in charity walks or runs, and to me there's no challenge in doing that in a power chair (except that the power chair's batteries would definitely be pushed to their limit).
But for me to be able to use a manual wheelchair and get the most use out of it, I need to have certain components on it that are more expensive. For example, it would be really helpful for me to attach the Benoit Systems LightDrive, a power-assist pack with a joystick, which will not only help me to get up slopes and over bumps but will also turn my manual chair into a power chair when I'm too tired to push. This pack is about $6800CAD and you can check it out at http://www.benoitsystemes.com/minotor2.html. I also need a contoured headrest to support my head, a pair of grade aids to keep me from rolling backward on ramps and hills, and a chest belt. And I need a specific style of pushrim that will keep my thumbs out of the space between the wheel and rim so they don't get chewed up by the mounting tabs. So when you put all these things together with the chair itself, then add mudguards and anti-tip wheels too, it comes to a lot of bucks.
The reason I'm asking for help raising money is that although I'm now working I don't have the money for this chair or another way to get it funded. Despite my disabilities I've always wanted to live as active and fulfilling a life as possible, and having a manual wheelchair with the custom features I need will help me accomplish this. At least some of the time I'll probably be with a sighted guide helping me to navigate, but I also designed a rolling hands-free cane that I can use from a manual chair. The hands-free rolling cane was built for me by a great guy and fellow Tetra Society volunteer named Ron. So I'm hoping people will help me to fund a manual chair that will meet my needs and that will help me do charity walks/runs and other cool stuff. Thanks.
Organizer
Maria Cruz
Organizer
Toronto, ON