Author: Tom

Keep Your Mobility Scooter Working: A Maintenance Checklist

Seniors and people with physical disabilities have to deal with limited mobility every day. This can hinder their ability to complete daily tasks and increase their risks for slips and falls, which can cause serious injuries. Fortunately, there are mobility aids, like electric scooters, that can improve the quality of their life and minimize their risks of accidents.

 

Electric mobility scooters, however, require proper maintenance and the right accessories to keep them in excellent condition and prolong its lifespan. Otherwise, you’ll lose not only your investment, but also your or your loved ones chance to live independently amid mobility issues.

 

Self-Reliance with a Properly Functioning Mobility Scooter

 

A well-kept scooter provides several benefits that significantly improve the lifestyle of users. These include the following:

  • Lowering the risk of falls. A scooter allows seniors or physically challenged individuals to move around without the risk of falling. Falls can lead to injuries that can cause further complications.
  • Encouraging individuals to stay active. One major purpose of a mobility scooter is to provide users with the independence to move around indoors and outdoors. The ability to move independently can motivate them to stay active, which promotes better wellbeing.
  • Less hospital stays. A mobility scooter helps users avoid injuries, which can save money on costly hospitalization.
  • Making shopping more convenient. Errands become easier with a mobility scooter. You or your loved one can head to the mall or the neighborhood store to get supplies for the house without relying on further assistance from friends or family.

 

Maintenance Tasks to Prioritize

 

Knowledge of proper maintenance ensures the scooter will last for as long as it’s necessary, even with daily use.

Here are some maintenance tasks that you should do:

  • Check the batteries. You should know what type of battery your scooter has to determine the right maintenance method. Some batteries must be discharged completely before recharging, while others can be recharged anytime.
  • Clean your device at least once a week. You may use a damp cloth to clean the surface. There are also special cleaners designed for cleaning mobility scooters. Avoid damaging the surface when cleaning.
  • Consider getting the device serviced once a year. It’s vital to the health of your scooter if a professional will check on it at least once a year. A professional can spot any problem that needs an immediate solution before it gets worse.
  • Read the manual. Some users would skip this part, but the manual has maintenance instructions specific to the brand and the type of scooter (e.g., three-wheel, heavy duty, or portable). It may also contain guidance on common signs that indicate your scooter may break down.

 

Invest in High-Quality Accessories

 

Apart from proper maintenance, the right accessories can help you protect your mobility scooter against various elements. These can contribute to extending the lifespan of your mobility aid. Some accessories, like scooter lifts, also make it convenient for you to carry your scooter.

Here at 1800wheelchair.com, we offer different mobility scooter accessories to help or your loved one maximize the use of a mobility aid. You can choose from our selection of bags, covers, and lifts, among others that fit your needs. We use only durable materials to meet your requirements.

 

Contact us for further information.

Helping Someone with Limited Mobility Accomplish Everyday Chores with Ease

The sight of a person on a wheelchair brings misconceptions. Many non-disabled individuals assume wheelchair users are severely sick, have mental conditions, or cannot walk completely. While this may be true in some cases, many wheelchair users can function well enough. The only reason they need a wheelchair is that they have limited mobility. The wheelchair helps them get on with their everyday activities.

 

Many wheelchair users can accomplish the following chores despite their conditions, proving that they can get by with their mobility issues:

  1. Vacuuming with a handheld cordless vacuum
  2. Sweeping with a lightweight broom
  3. Gardening on an elevated bed planter
  4. Cleaning dishes with a dishwasher
  5. Doing the laundry with a front-loading washing machine
  6. Prepping meals on a height-adjustable work surface
  7. Creating shopping lists and grocery inventory
  8. Keeping track of finances and budget
  9. Paying bills online or through digital means

 

In 2016, approximately 1.85 percent of the world’s population required a wheelchair, according to the Wheelchair Foundation. That percentage translated to about 131,800,000 people.

 

Making the Home Wheelchair-Friendly

 

With more people requiring wheelchairs, it’s time for home builders and contractors to design residential structures that adapt to the needs of these individuals. Family members must also keep these needs in mind when thinking of the layout of the home, to accommodate the wheelchair user.

 

Start with the doorway and the ramp. The Americans with Disabilities Act sets the standard for doorway width, which should allow a wheelchair to enter or exit, as well as maneuver easily. Family members or landlords must also simplify the interior layout to facilitate wheelchair movement and maintain the safety of the disabled resident. Here’s how:

  1. In the kitchen, invest in wall ovens instead of standard floor units. To help wheelchair users see the contents of pots and pans while cooking, place mirrors where necessary. Still, though these handy tools are available, someone should assist the wheelchair user cook to ensure safety.

 

  1. Remove unnecessary objects from the living room, so there will be fewer items to dust and clean. Also, furniture should be strategically positioned to allow for wheelchair access.

 

  1. In the laundry room, place all hampers, detergents, and other laundry materials in one reachable place so that the wheelchair user doesn’t have to go back and forth to fetch things. Opt for non-slip flooring in this part of the house.

 

  1. Place storage cabinets on the floor in kitchens, laundry rooms, and washrooms. Make sure they have side openings for easy access to stored items.

 

While the wheelchair is a part of who they are, wheelchair users are not defined by their wheelchairs or their conditions. Friends and family should not be quick to dismiss their interest to help out around the house. Instead, they should encourage these individuals to find something valuable or meaningful to do. When wheelchair users are not pitied or treated differently, they can start feeling like 98 percent of the population.

 

If you or your loved one is looking for a place to buy a wheelchair to help with your loved one’s mobility needs, you’ve come to the right site. Here at 1800wheelchair.com, we offer various wheelchairs that suit your unique needs.

 

Talk to us today for any questions and subscribe to our newsletters for exclusive deals.

The New York Subway: Why it’s Inaccessible for People in Wheelchairs

 

Getting around New York is a challenge everyone in a wheelchair has to face. Using a portable aluminum wheelchair ramp is helpful, but there’s a great need for the city to become accessible for all.

 

Inaccessibility: The Subway Challenge

 

There are many accessible spots in New York. But the subway is one of the culprits for challenging accessibility in the city. Subways in other states are accessible; all stations in Washington are wheelchair-friendly, in Boston, it’s 74 percent of the stations and 67 percent in Chicago.

 

The New York Times reports that it’s not just New Yorkers in wheelchairs who struggle with using the mass public transportation system. Other commuters, like parents with strollers and travelers with luggage, find the subway difficult to navigate.

 

The main problem: the elevators in the subway stations. Only about a quarter of the 472 subway stations in New York are wheelchair accessible. It’s a low percentage for any major transit system across the globe.

 

The small number of elevators isn’t the only problem because many of them don’t work. Every subway elevator malfunctions on an average of 53.2 times a year. Although some of the elevators work, commuters then have to deal with the issue of foul odor and the inaccessible location of the elevators, typically at the far end of a narrow platform.

 

The Hope of a Wheelchair-Friendly City

 

Access is one of the defining issues that many persons with disabilities (PWDs) across the world face. It’s either a shop has too large steps or raised doorframes, or worse, has no wheelchair ramp.

 

Small wonder then that PWDs are less likely to mingle with other people or worked. Of course, the law requires cities and any establishment or property to provide wheelchair accessibility. The mandate doesn’t only benefit PWDs; it’s good for the economy, too.

 

With wheelchair-friendly transportation, people in New York, from residents to tourists, will have more confidence to explore the city. PWD employees will also find it easier to go to work, helping businesses meet their goals.

 

New York, however, is still on its way to becoming one of the most accessible cities for those with disabilities. Funding is hard to come by for the city’s transportation system, and when it does, it is usually diverted to new cars or signal improvements. Gabriel Amari, supervisor for the Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled, also points out that money for the subway is usually insufficient.

 

Although mass transportation needs further improvements to be wheelchair-friendly, you don’t have to be limited when traveling.

 

 

A Portable Wheelchair Ramp Can Help

 

At 1800wheelchair.com, we have a variety of portable wheelchair ramps. Our products can make it easier and better for people in wheelchairs to get around the city. The ramp system offers a semi-permanent yet durable solution to inaccessible places, including homes without wheelchair access.

 

Choose from our selection and find the right length and weight you need. Some will come with their own bag, allowing for further convenience.

Contact us today for more information.

 

Alzheimer’s Care: Assisting Seniors in the Bath

Alzheimer’s disease affects more than five million Americans, and this number may continue to grow over time. An American develops this degenerative brain disorder every 65 seconds. This health condition takes a toll on patients lives as well as to their family. It limits them from performing daily tasks, like bathing and dressing.

 

As a caregiver, whether you’re a professional or a family member, it’s important to understand how to assist a patient in their daily life. Bathing, for instance, can be one of the challenging tasks for them. They can get into an accident without proper assistance.

 

Preventing Seniors from Performing Daily Tasks

 

Alzheimer’s symptoms include memory loss, which makes it difficult for patients to complete simple tasks. They may also suffer from other challenges like difficulty in concentrating and thinking. The disease can limit their ability to multitask, too.

 

Since Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, you may notice significant changes in the patient’s personality and behavior. Patients may experience depression, irritability and aggressiveness, and delusions, among others.

 

It may become more challenging to provide care to patients during the late stage of Alzheimer’s. You need to be patient and gentle to help them live a comfortable life despite their condition.

 

A Caregivers Guide for Bathing Alzheimer’s Patients

 

Bathing can be a confusing task for patients with Alzheimer’s. Some patients may guard their privacy and not want to get help. As a caregiver, you need to make the patient feel comfortable during the process. You may play soft music to help them relax.

 

Investing in bathroom assistive devices can enhance the safety of a patient. For example, the bathroom must have sturdy shower chairs, rubber bath mat, and safety bars in the tub. Even with these devices, you’ll still need to practice safety precautions:

  • Never leave a frail person alone in the shower
  • Before the patient gets to the bathroom, the temperature of the water should be right for the patient
  • The soap, shampoo, washcloth, and towels should be ready, so you don’t have to go out and get them in the middle of the bath
  • As much as possible, don’t use bath oil because it can make the tub slippery
  • When you’re bathing the patient, put a towel over the person’s shoulders or lap to make them feel less exposed
  • Talk to the patient about other things to distract them, especially when they get upset

 

The bathing process may vary depending on the condition of a patient. Always consider a method that’s comfortable and convenient.

 

Making Your Bathroom Safe for Seniors

 

Your bathroom must be safe for seniors with Alzheimer’s. They should be able to use it comfortably with minimal risks of slip and fall. A variety of devices can make this everyday task easier, even enjoyable for your loved one.

 

Here at 1800wheelchair.com, you can find different devices that can improve the safety in your bathroom. We offer commodes, bathroom wheelchair, shower accessories, and more. We design our products to address the needs of people who struggle to bathe or use the toilet on their own.

 

These devices also reduce the stress that caregivers and family members may experience.

To know more about our products, contact us today or explore our online store.

K9 Companions for the Disabled: Learn About Service and Therapy Dogs

golden retriever helper dog

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Traditionally, dogs are pets that are appreciated for their companionship and affection. They are fully dependent on their human owners. Owners might be lonelier if the dogs weren’t around, but it wouldn’t affect their daily tasks. However, not all dogs are pets. Such is the case with assistance and therapy dogs, that is, those animals that undergo extensive training to be able to perform specific tasks. There are several types, but the two major categories are service dogs and therapy dogs.

The relationship between a disabled human being and their service dog is symbiosis. The dog helps the human perform tasks they would otherwise be unable to do and in exchange receives food, shelter, hygiene and love. Service dogs are not pets and are therefore legally permitted into grocery stores and housing that may otherwise not allow animals. However, the law does not apply if the dog is violent or serves as a serious health risk. It is not necessary for a service dog to wear a vest or tag, but many owners choose to dress their dog anyway so others can identify it. Regardless of identification, many people, especially children, do not know proper behavior when a service dog is in the vicinity. Some will try to pet it or speak to it, effectively distracting it from doing the work for which it is intended. This behavior should be discouraged by the owner through the use of verbal explanation or etiquette cards. Service dogs are generally German Shepherds, Labradors or Golden Retrievers.

Therapy dogs are different from service dogs in that they haven’t been trained to assist humans with a variety of activities. Instead, these dogs are stress relievers trained to be “bombproof” against the tugging and hugging of small children in hospitals. They’re also sometimes sent into nursing homes for the benefit of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Unlike service dogs, most breeds can be a therapy dog with the right training.

The following links lead to assistance dog resources. Included is information about service dogs, their training and what they can be trained to do. There are answers to frequently asked questions about assistance animals. Also provided are specifics about the laws permitting their use as well as proper etiquette both for the owner and the onlooker. The last few links lead to information on how a qualifying individual can apply for an assistance animal.

If you find this article useful, please free feel to link or reuse it. All we ask is for a credit back to our site.

Check out 1800wheelchair’s list of their best wheelchairs or aids to daily living (ADLs) which include: reachers, pill cases, ponchos and sleeping pillows.

Can I Be Fired While On Disability Leave?

The following is a guest post from Alex Granovsky.

CAN I BE FIRED WHILE I AM ON DISABILITY LEAVE – WHAT’S THE DEAL?

Short answer – yes, but….

CAN I BE FIRED WHILE I AM ON DISABILITY LEAVE –BUT I’M ON SHORT TERM/LONG TERM DISABILITY LEAVE?

Short and Long Term disabilities are not job protected.  But, there are cases where you may qualify for leave under the FMLA and/or the ADA.  The FMLA provides you with job protection, and the ADA protects you from discrimination on the basis of your disability.  We detail your protections under the FMLA and ADA below.

CAN I BE FIRED WHILE I AM ON DISABILITY LEAVE –ISN’T IT DISCRIMINATION?

Not necessarily, but it might be.  There are plenty of legal reasons for an employer to fire you.  One reason may be that you are on leave indefinitely and that cannot be accommodated by the employer.  Another reason may be economic/business necessity.  Just because you were terminated and disabled/on leave is not enough – you need to prove that you were terminated because you were disabled/on leave.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of disability (or perceived disability).  The ADA also requires the employer engage in an “interactive process” to determine whether your disability can be “reasonably accommodated.”  Sometimes, a leave of absence may be a reasonable accommodation – at a minimum, your employer is required to investigate/consider (i.e. engage in the interactive process) whether this is possible.

Ultimately, it comes down to why the employer made the decision to terminate.  If the decision is made because of your disability, it very well may be illegal.

CAN I BE FIRED WHILE I AM ON DISABILITY LEAVE –WHAT ABOUT THE FMLA?

The Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) is a federal law that applies to employers that have 50 or more employees. Under the FMLA certain employees may take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for certain reasons, like a serious health condition.  Although FMLA is “job-protected” (meaning you should be returned to your prior or equivalent position), you can still be terminated while on FMLA if the reason is not related to the leave and is not otherwise not discriminatory.   If your employer can show that the decision to terminate is unrelated to the FMLA leave, it is legal.

About Granovsky & Sundaresh PLLC Can Help

Granovsky & Sundaresh is a boutique labor and employment law firm with offices in New York City and Cleveland that helps employees with all aspects of employment law.  Our practice specializes in discrimination, severance negotiations, employee wages, medical leave and non-compete/non-disclosure agreements.  We offer free consultations and have a proven track record of results.  If you need help, call us to set up a free consultation today.

Down Syndrome Resources Online

This article is brought to you by 1800wheelchair; we offer wheelchair ramps, rolling walkers, mobility scooters, & walkers.

Down syndrome (also known as Down’s syndrome in the United Kingdom and often referred to as “DS” among families of those with Down syndrome) is the most prevalent genetic cause of learning or intellectual disabilities. One in every 800 babies is diagnosed with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is an abnormality of chromosome 21 that results in extra genetic material, and can be caused by three distinct genetic variations. Over 90 percent of Down syndrome cases are caused by Trisomy 21, in which children have three copies of chromosome 21 in all of their cells (instead of the normal two). Children with Mosaic Down syndrome, a rare form of Down syndrome, have three copies of chromosome 21 in some of their cells but the usual two copies in other cells. In children with Translocation Down syndrome, part of chromosome 21 attaches to another chromosome.

Children with Down syndrome can have other health conditions. Half of children with Down syndrome have congenital heart defects, some of which require surgery. People with Down syndrome have a higher chance of developing leukemia in childhood and are more susceptible to pneumonia and other infectious diseases. Later in life, people with Down syndrome are at increased risk of sleep apnea, dementia, and obesity.

Children with Down syndrome can benefit from early intervention programs to help them increase their quality of life and realize their full potential. Early intervention programs are specialized programs for children with Down syndrome that helps to stimulate them in infancy and as young children with motor, sensory, and cognitive activities. Special therapists help children develop their motor skills, self-help skills, social skills, and language skills.

Parents and families of children with Down syndrome can benefit from the help and support of other families impacted by the condition Online support groups allow parents to talk directly with others to share advice, stories, and help. The websites of national and international organizations offer parents information about Down syndrome as well as information on how to educate children with Down syndrome both at home and at school. Many of these organizations also offer advice on transitioning young adults with Down syndrome to living independently. Some national and international organizations offer in-person support and social groups and activities and may match parents to other families in their area.

Organizations

Education

  • Birth Defect Research for Children: This organization provides information for parents of children with Down syndrome and other conditions. The organization will match parents with other families whose children have the same or similar conditions and links to support groups.
  • National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities: This organization advocates for children with disabilities. The website includes information on Down syndrome, disability awareness, inclusion, and resources for parents.
  • Learning about Down Syndrome: Information about Down syndrome and its diagnosis and treatment.
  • Living with Down Syndrome: Basic information on Down syndrome and related medical condition; site also includes information on early intervention and education.
  • Caring for a Baby with Down Syndrome: Information for new parents of a child with Down syndrome.
  • Resources for Parents: Answers to parents’ questions about parenting a child with Down syndrome; includes information on parenting newborns to young adults transitioning to living on their own.

Inclusion

  • Making Inclusion Work: An article on best practices for the inclusive education of children with Down syndrome.
  • Council of Exceptional Children: This organization advocates for children with special needs.
  • Goodwill Industries: Goodwill Industries works with people with disabilities to help them find and keep jobs and increase their independence.
  • Education: Educational resources and inclusion for people with disabilities.
  • Inclusion Solutions: Resources for parents and educators on inclusion.
  • School inclusion: Inclusion information for children from preschool to high school.

Healthcare

Personal Stories

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1800wheelchair is proud to offer a wide selection products doctor’s offices: exam tables, hospital beds, scales, exam gloves, masks and gowns.

Helpful Resources for the Aging

This article is brought to you by 1800wheelchair; we offer power wheelchairs, mobility scooters, & walkers.

Aging is a part of life that nobody can avoid. Whether it’s yourself or a family member, it is important to remember there are resources available to help target almost any obstacle or question. An aging person should be treated with dignity and respect. Below is a useful resource guide targeted to help anyone with questions.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia

National Institute on Aging — Information on Alzheimer’s Disease including symptoms, general information, coping, and treatment of the disease.

Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center– Information and different ways to rate cognitive and functional performance related to Alzheimer Disease.

Memory and Aging Center — A list of dementia resources available including websites, books, articles, and videos.

Alzheimer’s Association — Learn about Alzheimer’s Disease and recent news on it.

Alzheimer’s , Dementia, and Driving — Information, resources, and support on Alzheimer’s Disease.

Assistive Technology and Aging

Sage Advice Information and help with assistive technology.

CODI — Information on assistive technology resources for people with disabilities.

Intellectual Disabilities, Aging & Dementia — Information and help for people with disabilities, including research and training.

Caregiver Resources

The Family Caregiver Handbook — Information and help to find caregiver support and resources based out of Massachusetts.

Caregiver Resources— A collection of various links for caregivers on topics from resource materials to finances.

Patient/ Caregiver Resources— Guidance and a list of websites on how to find the proper help after receiving a diagnoses.

Consumer Protection & the Elderly

Elder Consumer Protection Program– A progressive and educational program for professionals on general and legal topics for the elderly.

Internet Resources for Gerontology — Information on The Elderly Abuse and Exploitation Project.

Disability and Aging

Aging Resources Available at the Center for Disabilty Resources Library– Resources available for elderly with disabilities.

Disability Programs — Information for people who are on disability through social security.

Elder Law

Elder Law– A resource page of links of elder law information and research guides.

Aging with Dignity– A medical directive in 20 languages giving the patient 5 wishes the elderly patient wants to have made.

Older People Work Longer for Less– A resource available that helps older people claim their rights and challenge discrimination.

International Federation on Aging — Information on an international non-governmental organization who believes in positive change for older people throughout the world.

Exercise and Fitness

The Age Antidote – Information on the effects exercise has on the brain.

Nursing Homes

A Place for Mom— Local Senior Living Advisors offer personalized guidance at no charge to caregivers as they search for the right senior care for a loved one.

Listing U.S. nursing homes and their quality ratings.

Family Resource Center– A list of skilled nursing home resources.

Nursing Homes– Resources on nursing homes and different units available.

Before Moving into a Nursing Home– An article about what you should consider before moving into s nursing home.

Resource Center on Aging — A center providing information and education on the elderly and nursing home resources.

Mental Health and Aging

Mental Health and Aging– A resource for mental illness and the aging web links.

Center for Mental Health and Aging– A center for education, testing, and disseminating information on the aging and mental health.

Mental Health & Aging Project– A program offering education, training, and consults for clinicians.

Center for Mental Health and Aging– A center dedicated on improving lives of older people living in the community.

Transportation and Mobility

Safe Mobility for Older Persons– Information on effects elderly driving has on society and the negative consequences for older people.

Healthy Aging Column- Transportation for the Aging Population — Information on the increased number of traffic accidents caused by the elderly.

Pedestrian Mobility Aids for the Elderly– Information on the elderly and how important it is to have mobility.

Workforce & Aging

Aging & Work– Information on the aging in the workforce.

Workers Affected by Chronic Conditions: How can workplace policies and programs help?– An article on workplace policies and chronic conditions and the effects on elderly people.

AGS Foundation for Health in Aging — Resources for the elderly in the workplace.

Programs— A program from the School of Labor & Industrial Relations dealing with laws against discrimination of the elderly in the workplace.

If you find this article useful, please free feel to link or reuse it. All we ask is for a credit back to our site.

1800wheelchair is proud to offer a wide selection products from top supplies, including: Jay Wheelchair Cushions, Pride Mobility Lift Chairs, Golden Tech Power Wheelchairs, and Invacare Wheelchairs. See 1800wheelchair on Bloomberg.

Americans With Disabilities Face Too Many Bumps in the Road

people in wheelchairs Our survey of Americans with disabilities revealed that:

  • 28% encounter a barrier to a building, transportation or service once a week
  • 20% encounter a barrier at least once a day
  • 36% live in a home that is not wheelchair accessible; of this group:
  • 70% have steps leading into the home
  • 51% cannot afford to make their homes wheelchair accessible
  • 25% say they find ways to “deal with” the challenges and inconveniences
  • 16% say that landlord/homeowner/condo board won’t allow modifications

Top 5 challenges to wheelchair/scooter users:

  1. Unsafe sidewalks due to hazardous slopes, uplifted/deteriorated/blocked sections of sidewalk.
  2. Narrow aisles/thruways in public places
  3. Non-compliant curbs and crosswalks
  4. Blocked wheelchair ramps
  5. Buildings that are completely inaccessible

In January 1987, Robert L. Burgdorf Jr. drafted the The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as “a response to an appalling problem: widespread, systemic, inhumane discrimination against people with disabilities.” On July 26, 1990 the bill that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public was signed into law. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Problem solved, right? Not exactly.

In March 2017, we surveyed 554 Americans with disabilities (including people who live with or are companions to people with disabilities). The provisions of the ADA have effectively removed many barriers, but our survey revealed that far too many still remain.

Barriers Everywhere

Americans with disabilities often encounter barriers that prevent them from entering a building, accessing transportation or accessing a service. 28% of survey respondents say that, on average, they encounter a barrier once per week. 12% say it happens multiple times per day!

graphWhat Gets in the Way?

Those who depend on a wheelchair or scooter (or accompany someone who does) were asked to rank a list of common barriers and obstacles that prevent them from entering a building, accessing transportation or accessing a service in order of the most frequent challenge to the least frequent challenge. The #1 complaint: Unsafe sidewalks due to things like hazardous slopes, uplifted and/or deteriorated sections and sections of sidewalk blocked by poles, trees and other obstructions.

top challenges graph

Crumbling sidewalks and roads are a common sight in many communities. In 2015, the city of Los Angeles agreed to fix a huge backlog of crumbling, impassable sidewalks and remove other barriers that prevented wheelchair access–a violation of the ADA. The L.A. City Council took this action only after attorneys for the disabled filed a lawsuit.

At Home, You’re On Your Own

36% of our survey respondents who depend on a wheelchair or scooter, or live with someone who does, say that their home is not wheelchair accessible.

36 percent respondents who depend on a wheelchair or scooter graph

70% face a huge hurdle before they can even enter their homes: STEPS! Once inside, 55% say narrow doors impede their ability to maneuver around the home. 53% are inconvenienced by inaccessible bathroom fixtures.

wheelchair inconvenienced graph

What’s the Big Deal?

Why wouldn’t a person who needs a wheelchair or scooter simply renovate his or her home to make it completely wheelchair accessible? The #1 reason: money. 

renovate graph

51% of survey respondents say they can’t afford to make alterations to their homes. While some federal and state organizations and private non-profit charities offer grants to subsidize remodeling costs, Americans who depend on a wheelchair or scooter are typically responsible for the costs associated with modifying their homes, even those who live in a rental property.

Many of the 25% who say they find ways to deal with the challenges and inconveniences of living in a home that is not wheelchair accessible certainly have a reduced ability to live independently or even spend time alone. When the challenge is a flight of steps, assistance from one (preferably two) people is required, which adds another challenge: finding people who are ready, able and willing to assist whenever needed.

Define “Reasonable”

Under the ADA and the Fair Housing Act, Americans who have a disability, can ask for a reasonable accommodation for that disability.

16% of our survey respondents say that they haven’t made their home wheelchair accessible because a landlord/homeowner or condo board won’t allow them to make alterations to the home.

According to this joint statement by the US Department of Justice and the Department of Housing and Urban Development: “A request for a reasonable accommodation may be denied if providing the accommodation is not reasonable – i.e., if it would impose an undue financial and administrative burden on the housing provider or it would fundamentally alter the nature of the provider’s operations. The determination of undue financial and administrative burden must be made on a case-by-case basis involving various factors, such as the cost of the requested accommodation, the financial resources of the provider, the benefits that the accommodation would provide to the requester, and the availability of alternative accommodations that would effectively meet the requester’s disability-related needs.”

Try to make sense of that.

Willful Disregard for the Law

The ADA guarantees protections to people with disabilities but too often, rules are broken, provisions ignored and ambiguities exploited without consequence to anyone but the people with disabilities.

Essentially, a landlord or anyone who has authority over the property can use the “undue burden” clause to deny a request for accommodations. The person with a disability can file a Fair Housing Act complaint to challenge that decision and in the meantime endure barriers that may be in violation of the law.

“New York Has a Great Subway, if You’re Not in a Wheelchair” writes Sasha Blair-Goldensohn in a March 2017 “New York Times” opinion piece. After an accident eight years ago, the lifelong New Yorker found himself dependent on a wheelchair and “became increasingly aware of how large, inflexible bureaucracies with a ‘good enough’ approach to infrastructure and services can disenfranchise citizens with disabilities, many of whom cannot bridge these gaps on their own.”

Joyce Forrest, a Washington DC resident, risks her life everyday just to travel to her bus stop in her wheelchair. Matt Trott of Falls Church, VA, one of the wealthiest counties in Virginia, faces similar obstacles. Like many wheelchair users, they suffer tremendous inconveniences and dangers, and they do not have the same opportunities as everyone else, but local officials do nothing. Apparently, it takes a lawsuit or a news team to get government officials to look into the problems. Not fix, look into.

Too often, people with disabilities have to fight long and hard for the rights and protections afforded under the ADA.

What is Disability Discrimination in New York?

New York State Flag

What Laws Apply to Disability Discrimination in New York?

If you work in New York, you are protected from disability discrimination at the workplace by both federal and state law – the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL).  If you work in New York City, you have an added layer of protection under the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL).

What are Your Rights?

Discrimination on the basis of disability is illegal.  If you have suffered an adverse employment action (e.g., you have been fired, laid off, suspended, subjected to a hostile work environment, demoted, etc.) and you believe that your disability played a role in the decision to take such adverse employment action, you should contact an employment lawyer.

How is a Disability Defined?

ADA

Under the ADA, to qualify as “disabled,” a person must have “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual,” have a “record of such an impairment,” or be “regarded as having such an impairment.”

In 2008, the ADA Amendments Act was passed and added the following guidance to how “disability” should be defined such that:

  • “The definition of disability in this chapter shall be construed in favor of broad coverage … to the maximum extent permitted by [law].
  • “An impairment that substantially limits one major life activity need not limit other major life activities in order to be considered a disability.”
  • “An impairment that is episodic or in remission is a disability if it would substantially limit a major life activity when active.”
  • “The determination of whether an impairment substantially limits a major life activity shall be made without regard to the ameliorative effects of mitigating measures such as (I) medication, medical supplies, equipment … prosthetics … hearing aids and cochlear implants … mobility devices, or oxygen therapy equipment and supplies; (II) use of assistive technology; (III) reasonable accommodations or auxiliary aids or services; or (IV) learned behavioral or adaptive neurological modifications.”

What is a Major Life Activity?

“[M]ajor life activities include … caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working.”

The term “major life activity” “also includes the operation of a major bodily function, including … functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions.”

What is it to “Be Regarded as Having an Impairment”?

“[a]n individual meets the requirement of ‘being regarded as having such an impairment’ if the individual … has been subjected to [discrimination] … because of an actual or perceived physical or mental impairment whether or not the impairment limits or is perceived to limit a major life activity.”

NYSHRL

The NYSHRL defines disability as “ (a) a physical, mental or medical impairment resulting from anatomical, physiological, genetic or neurological conditions which prevents the exercise of a normal bodily function or is demonstrable by medically accepted clinical or laboratory diagnostic techniques or (b) a record of such an impairment or (c) a condition regarded by others as such an impairment, provided, however, that in all provisions of this article dealing with employment, the term shall be limited to disabilities which, upon the provision of reasonable accommodations, do not prevent the complainant from performing in a reasonable manner the activities involved in the job or occupation sought or held.”

Note that this definition is a bit more limited than the ADA because it requires an employee to show that his or her disability can be reasonably accommodated.  On the other hand, the definition is a bit broader in that it does not exclude temporary or transitory conditions.

NYCHRL

The NYCHRL offers the broadest definition of disability.  Under the NYCHRL, disability is defined as “any physical, medical, mental or psychological impairment, or a history or record of such impairment.”

Physical, Medical, Mental or Psychological Impairment

“Physical, medical, mental, or psychological impairment” is defined as “an impairment of any system of the body; including … neurological … musculoskeletal … sense organs and respiratory organs… cardiovascular … reproductive … digestive and genito-urinary … hemic and lymphatic … immunological … the skin … endocrine system … or a mental or psychological impairment.”

What Damages Are Available?

Plaintiffs can recover damages for the following: reinstatement, compensatory damages (damages to compensate the employee for lost wages), punitive damages (damages to punish the employer for its act(s) of discrimination), injunctive relief (a court order forcing the employer to do – or not do – something), attorneys’ fees (the amount that a Plaintiffs’ attorney would be paid based on a reasonable hourly rate and the amount of time put in by the attorney) and costs (hard costs for litigation, e.g., filing fees, depositions, court costs, photocopies, mail, etc.).

What Other Laws Are at Play?

Wage Payment Laws – Are you sure you are being paid for all of your time worked?  Even if you are paid a salary or have a “manager” or “supervisor” title, you may still be entitled to overtime or other wages.  The laws at play here are the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the State New York Labor Law (NYLL)

Workers’ Compensation – If you suffered an injury at work, you may have a workers’ compensation claim.

Medical Leave Laws – Certain employees are entitled to unpaid leave under the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).  If you suffer an adverse employment action based upon taking or requesting leave (for yourself or a family member), you may have a claim under the FMLA.

What Should You Do?

If you have suffered an adverse employment action, and you believe that it is related to your physical condition and/or disability, you should absolutely call an employment lawyer.  We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours and offer free initial consultations.  Contact us today.

Granovsky & Sundaresh PLLC Can Help

Granovsky & Sundaresh is a boutique labor and employment law firm with offices in New York City and Cleveland that helps employees with all aspects of employment law.  Our practice specializes in discrimination, severance negotiations, employee wages, medical leave and non-compete/non-disclosure agreements.  We offer free consultations and have a proven track record of results.  If you need help, call us to set up a free consultation today.

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Flag image courtesy of Wikipedia

5 tips how to get back on track after a knee injury

Knee injuries are no fun, because they not only come with pain, but they also limit your movements and take quite a long time to heal completely and for you to get back to where you were before the injury. Lucky there are thing you can do to aid in your knee injury recovery and to make this process take a bit less time than it usually would.

#1: Rest, ice, elevate

The vary first thing you should do when you are recovering from a knee injury is give your knee time to heal. If you start activity too soon, without the injury being properly healed, you can easily re-injure your knee and  even make the injury worse. So rest your knee and avoid putting stress or weight on it, if it still huts to do it. And start to walk on it only when that doesn’t hurt anymore. Then I would also recommend your icing your knee to keep the swelling down and to ease the pain that knee injuries bring, as well as elevating your knee when you aren’t standing will also provide pain relief as well as quicker healing.

#2: Talk to your doctor

Before you start any additional activity, you should talk to the doctor that is treating your injured knee. There are many different knee injuries that one can sustain, and they all also require different times to heal and different recovery process. Consult with your doctor as to when would be the best time for you to ease back into exercising and how to exactly do it, so you can do it without being scared that you will do something to hurt your knee again. You can even go to a physical therapist if you want, because these doctors specialize in injury recovery and will be able to provide you with the best possible advice.

#3: Stretch and strengthen

One of the first things to do, when your injury is beginning to heal and you want to get back on track of  being active and working out, is to stretch the knee and strengthen it. Many times knee injuries take your knee out of commission for several months, in which time the muscles around your knee can get weak and stiff. So do strengthening and stretching exercises with your injured knee, and your knee will be able to bare your weight and the stress of movement better, hurting less and letting you get back do exercising and doing simple everyday activities as soon as possible.

#4: Ease back into it

The most important thing to remember when you are starting to be active and working out after a knee injury is to ease into it. You absolutely cannot just start vigorous training, not only because you will be in excruciating pain if you do this, but also because that can hurt your knee again, throwing all of the healing that your injury had done out of the window and leaving your injured once again. Start slowly and make sure to intensify your workouts for about 10 to 15 % at most, because this way you won’t be over-working your injured knee, but still will be able to get back in shape.

#5: Compress your knee

Also think about getting a some sort of compress for your injured knee. It can be knee sleeves, simple elastic bandages that you tie around your knee or even basketball knee pads that often have the sleeve like abilities plus an added padding on the knee for shock absorption. This type of compression gear will keep your knee tight, in shape as well as will keep your joint warm for longer, which will all help you with the pain or discomfort you will be sure to feel at first when you start exercising after a knee injury.

This article was brought to you by KneeSafe.com

Wheelchair Bowling – Adapative Bowling Equipment Review

Many sports have been adapted for wheelchair users and bowling is a popular one. The American Wheelchair Bowling Association has more than 500 members and growing. Many bowlers enjoy the sport without the use of any special equipment. They are able to roll up to the foul line lock their brakes and throw the ball. However, in some cases a person’s disability may not make it that simple. In these situations, additional equipment may be needed. Luckily, there are is a wide range of adaptive bowling equipment created specifically to assist wheelchair bowlers, such as ball ramps, ball grip handles, and ball pushers.

Adaptive Equipment for Bowling in a Wheelchair

Maddak-Two-Piece-Bowling-RampThe first piece of equipment that wheelchair bowlers can use is a ball ramp. Ball ramps are perfect for bowlers who have limited range of motion because they allow the user to easily control the ball’s release from their lap. These ramps are usually made of lightweight aluminum and work by allowing the user to simply place the top end of the ball ramp over their lap and the bottom end at the foul line; the bowler then places the ball at the top of the ramp and then releases it down the lane.

Other popular bowling ball ramps works by allowing the user to press a large button/switch with light pressure from their hand or foot to activate the ball release for a guided roll down the lane.

An additional tool is the grip handle bowling ball. For wheelchair users, the grip handle allows for better power and easier control by allowing them to use a grip handle rather than finger holes. There are two parts to this special ball—a spring-loaded handle, and the bowling ball. Once the handle is released, it retracts into the ball, allowing it to roll smoothly down the lane.grip-handle-bowling

Finally, there are bowling ball pushers. These super simple tools give the bowler control over the force and the angle of their roll. Ball-pushers have an easy grip handle at one end and forked prong at the other. Simply use the stick to push and angle the ball down the lane. These are so simple in fact, you could DIY-it, if you so desired.bowling-ball-pusher-2

Using this knowledge and equipment can help make bowling a more competitive and fun sport for wheelchair users. Also, check with your local bowling alley, they may have special lanes or even hold regular wheelchair events.

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By Dustin Via The Bowling Universe who’s mission is to help bowlers, of all skill levels, find great products that improve their game.

10 Technologies that Are Redefining Disability Right Now

Advances in technology affect all kinds of people, but this sort of progress can truly transform the lives of those with physical and mental disabilities. From mind-controlled exoskeletons to driverless cars, the past couple of years have been a windfall for accessible tech and we’ve compiled a list of 10 exciting innovations that are already redefining disability.

Mind-controlled Exoskeletons

We’re kicking things off with what may just be the most sci-fi sounding entry on the list. Bafflingly, when a 29-year old paraplegic man named Juliano Pinto kicked the ceremonial first ball at the 2014 World Cup using a mind-controlled exoskeleton to help him walk/kick, it didn’t make for major headlines. What should have been frontpage news was mentioned in passing, but it was an incredible achievement that would have seemed implausible just a short time ago.

Eye-controlled Wheelchairs

From mind control to eye control. There’s no more intuitive way to pilot anything than with your eyes. There have actually been several successful eye-controlled wheelchairs in the past couple years, but one of the most promising systems was the Eyedrivomatic, developed by Patrick Joyce, a 46-year old British inventor with motor neurone disease. The technology gives the old “watch where you’re going” refrain a whole new meaning.

Accessible Clothing

Unfortunately, those with disabilities are often forced to use goods and services designed for the non-disabled population and adapt them to their particular situation. In recent years, however, there has been a boom in accessible fashion, and companies like IZ have created fun, fashionable clothing lines truly catered to the disabled community.

3-D Printed Limbs

As we mentioned earlier, 3-D printing is a godsend for accessibility and we’ve seen the technology work wonders in the field of prosthesis. We’ve seen custom-made, 3D-printed arms and legs help folks navigate and manipulate the world around them and but Alex Pring’s prosthesis takes the cake. The 7-year old, Central Florida boy was gifted with a 3-D printed version of his favorite superhero’s arm and Iron Man Robert Downey Jr. delivered it to him in person.

Wheelchairs that Climb Stairs

Stairs: The bane of every wheelchair user’s existence. That may soon change, however, as several stair-climbing wheelchairs are currently in development with a few already in production. One of the most promising is Scalevo, the brain-child of a team of students at ETH Zurich and the Zurich University of the Arts. While ramps are still integral to accessible design, this technology may soon provide wheelchair users with a way of tackling a previously insurmountable obstacle.

Driverless Cars

Tesla Motors and Spacex CEO Elon Musk has thrown substantial weight behind this idea and recently made waves by saying that Tesla could have a commercially-available driverless car within two years. Why is this technology accessible? It allows those with disabilities that leave them unable to drive traditional cars to own and operate their own vehicles. That sort of mobility could be life-changing for thousands, perhaps millions around the world.

Accessibility Maps

Sadly, many major cities around the world lack accessible public transportation and infrastructure, but in recent years, a host of dedicated applications have aimed to make it easier to navigate a frustratingly inaccessible world. Case in point, Jason DaSilva’s AXS Map, which maps accessible locations around the US and uses community input to rate them from their friendliness to those with disabilities.

“Smart” Wheelchairs

These days, it seems everything is “connected,” and wheelchairs have benefitted from that revolution. Just like TVs, cars, and a host of other technologies, wheelchairs have gotten “smarter” in recent years and some models can now store and connect to a user’s health history, monitor their vital signs, and even send out distress calls in case of emergency.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality was once a staple of science fiction, but of late, it has been a hot topic in the real world. Head-mounted VR sets like Occulus VR’s Occulus Rift provide an immersive experience and wide commercial availability could make VR the talk of 2016. While the technology is still in its infancy, it could soon provide disabled users with virtual access to a variety of experiences that would otherwise be inaccessible. It has become cliche to say, but the future truly is now.

Wheelchairs for Animals

Human wheelchairs are a time-tested, age-old invention, but in the last few years, we’ve seen an influx of wheelchairs designed to accommodate both furry and not-so-furry friends. 3-D printing could very well have its own entry on the list, but the technology has allowed inventors to cheaply produce highly specialized mobility devices for dogs, cats, turtles, guinea pigs, and even goldfish.

Ten Things You Need To Know When Buying A Transport Wheelchair

 

 

Video Transcript

1. What is a Transport Wheelchair?
A transport wheelchair is a wheelchair that is pushed by a companion, it has smaller wheels than a standard wheelchair and it is lighter in total weight. Making it super easy for traveling and lifting into a car.

2. What are a Transport Wheelchairs best uses?
A transport chair is primarily used for short trips to the doctor, the mall, or a restaurant

3. What to look for when buying a transport chair?
The two most important things are:


4. How do I choose the correct size?
Transport chairs come in 3 Sizes:

  • Narrow – a 17” wide seat – for users under 120 lbs.
  • Medium – a 19” wide seat – for users between 120 and 300 lbs.
  • Wide – a 22” wide seat or wider – for users over 300 lbs.


5. Are Transport Wheelchairs foldable?
Yes, all transport wheelchairs fold to a size of 2.5 feet by 9 inches wide – compact enough to fit into any car!

6. Are Transport Wheelchairs comfortable?
When sitting in your transport wheelchair for more than two hours a day, we recommend you sit on a wheelchair cushion and back cushion to increase your comfort.

7. Are Transport Wheelchairs delivered assembled?
Yes! All transport wheelchairs are delivered assembled. No tools needed. All you need to do is take it out of the box and you are ready to go.

8. Do the legrests remove?
Yes, all transport chairs come with removable legrests, that hook on and hook off.

9. What else should we look for when buying a Transport Wheelchair?


10. Which Transport Wheelchairs do we recommend?
Here are three chairs we recommend: Good, Better and Best

Q&A: Quemuel Arroyo of NYC DOT

1800wheelchair caught up with Quemuel Arroyo of New York City’s Department of Transportation during Summer Streets this past August. Quemuel was out with a dozen Invacare handcycles, which anyone could try out for themselves.

We caught with Quemuel recently to find out more about the Summer Streets program and the man, himself:

Q: Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you come from and how did you end up at the DOT?

QA-HeadshotA: Though I was born in Dominican Republic, I consider myself a native New Yorker. I first came to NYC when I was three months old and grew up travelling between the DR and NYC. At eighteen I endured a spinal cord injury while downhill mountain biking in Vermont. It was then when I became a member of disability community and an advocate for inclusion and access. Shortly after my accident, I attended New York University where I earned a bachelors of arts in Urban Design and History of Architecture. After NYU, I work at Morgan Stanley before coming to the New York City Department of Transportation.

Q: What’s your role at the DOT?

A: I am the Policy Analyst for Accessibility and ADA coordinator at NYC DOT.

Q: What kind of programs and initiatives are you involved in?

A: Ranging from our Staten Island Ferry to our street plazas and 789 bridges, I oversee all matters of accessibility for the agency.

Q: What was the genesis of the handcycle program? How was it received on Summer Streets? What’s next for those handcycles?

Summer-Streets_Handcycles_DOT1-300x168-bflnyc-orgA: This past summer NYC was ranked one of the top cycling cities in the US. A cyclist myself, I wanted to provide New Yorkers with disability the opportunity to bike like everyone else. Our hand-cycling pilot started as one of many activations during Summer Streets 2015. The public loved the bikes! In three Saturdays, we had close to 900 people ride the 10 hand-cycles we purchased for this pilot. We are still in the pilot stage for hand-cycling and are looking to partner with sister agencies like the park department to gather more feedback on the bikes and assess the publics’ interest in hand-cycling.

Q: Coming from the private sector, how are things different in the public sector?

A: There are many differences working in the public sector, but above all, the responsibility I feel to doing right by all New Yorkers, and specific to my role, New Yorkers with disabilities is real. I am here to represent over 800,000 New Yorkers with disabilities and I think about that every time I enter my office.

Q: Outside of work, what kinds of things are you interested in?

A: I try to stay active and involved outside of work. I have a strong believe in education and particularly in providing quality education to disenfranchised urban youth in New York City. I feed that passion in my works as a board member of New York City Outward Bound Schools and the New York University Alumni Board. After my accident, I was inspired to pursue a fulfilling life by Project Sunshine, an incredible not for profit, and now I am one of their global ambassadors and volunteers. I am avid swimmer and continue to swim regularly at my local YMCA where I once was a lifeguard. I rock-climb regularly and as often as possible, enjoy getaway trips for scuba diving and skiing.

Images:
Courtery of Quemuel Arroyo & Barrier Free Living