Understanding Wheelchair Components, Types, and Safe Transfer Techniques

(workshop 1h:30 min)

Objective:
• To provide comprehensive knowledge about various wheelchair components and their
functions.
• To differentiate between the different types of wheelchairs and their applications.
• To educate on safe transfer techniques for wheelchair users (paraplegia, hemiplegia ..)
in order to maximize mobility and minimize risk of injury.
The proposed workshop may include:
1. Wheelchair Components explanation and how the size should be customized for
each patient:
✓ Frame: materials, structure, and durability
✓ Seating: cushions, backrests, and materials
✓ Wheels: front casters, rear wheels, tires, and handrims
✓ Controls: push rims, propulsion methods, and power controls
✓ Brakes: types and mechanisms
✓ Footrests and leg supports.
✓ Special features: anti-tippers, armrests, and storage options

2. Types of Wheelchairs
✓ Manual wheelchairs: standard, lightweight, ultra-lightweight, sport, pediatric
✓ Power wheelchairs: front-wheel drive, mid-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
✓ Specialty wheelchairs: standing, reclining, tilt-in-space, all-terrain
✓ Factors influencing wheelchair selection: user needs, environment, activities

3. Safe Transfer Techniques

✓ Assessing the user’s mobility and ability: Personalizing a wheelchair requires a
detailed assessment of the patient's body
✓ Preparing for transfer: wheelchair positioning, lock brakes, etc.
✓ Transfer methods: stand pivot, slide board, mechanical lifts..
✓ Hands-on demonstration and practice sessions (if possible having a paraplegia patient
to demonstrate)
✓ Preventing injuries during transfer for users and caregivers (ergonomics rules)
✓ Discussion on transferring under different conditions and environments: ascending
and descending curbs, ramps, slopes, uneven terrain.., )
✓ Transfer from wheelchair to car

4. Discussion: matching wheelchair types to user needs / Q/A session

Materials we may Need:
• Wheelchairs (various types)
• Transfer aids (slide boards, mechanical lifts)
• Curb