One of the biggest and best changes that has happened in my life is when I got my Quantum® Power Wheelchair with iLevel® technology. It wasn’t easy, because my insurance company denied coverage for iLevel power adjustable seat height, stating that it wasn’t medically necessary. After fighting with insurance for so long and being denied several times, I finally got it! iLevel has completely changed my life when it comes to independence. The most important thing that iLevel does for me is that it helps me in different ways that are vital to my health and wellbeing.
Although many insurance companies deem iLevel not “medically necessary,” here are several reasons why it IS medical necessary. iLevel helps save my knees from being crushed into tables when I am at school or out at a restaurant. When I am in the car, having the ability to adjust myself saves my legs from hitting the seat in front of me, as well as bumping my head on the way in.
Using iLevel at School
While at school, I use iLevel on my power wheelchair when trying to see what is on the whiteboard. Instead of straining my eyes and neck trying to look up, I elevate at iLevel and read what’s right in front of me. When the bell rings in a middle school hallway, it becomes a jungle. Thankfully, iLevel on my motorized wheelchair allows me to elevate above the crowd. I can safely navigate through the herd of students without getting tripped on or hit in the legs with backpacks.
Using iLevel in the Home
At home, iLevel is so helpful when transferring in and out of my power wheelchair. It’s less stressful on my parents backs and less painful for me because there’s less pressure being put on my knees and my neck. With iLevel, I don’t have to strain my shoulders and my arms trying to reach above my head for something that is too tall or far away. I can raise the seat on my power wheelchair and bring myself to the exact height that I need to be and easily reach what’s right in front of me, all without causing pain. Thanks to iLevel on my motorized wheelchair, I breathe better and feel less pain in my back.
In the end, I feel that all power wheelchair users should have the iLevel® option available to them, without having to fight insurance companies. iLevel helps me in so many ways and without it, I don’t know where I would be!
About Sakina Shamsi: Sakina lives in New Jersey with her parents and brother. Although she has spinal muscular atrophy type II, Sakina lives a full and independent lifestyle. She is active in the disability community and enjoys horseback riding, baking and crafting. Click here to learn more about Sakina.
For more great blogs from our brand ambassadors and Q Roll Models, visit lifeatilevel.com today!
Return to the Life At iLevel page
