Benefits of the Quantum® Backup Camera

At Quantum Rehab®, we are dedicated to providing wheelchair users with the latest technology to increase their safety and independence. Most recently, we launched our Quantum® backup camera as an accessory option for some of our Quantum® Power Chairs.

What is the Quantum Backup Camera?

The Quantum® backup camera is one camera with many uses. You may be familiar with the concept of a backup camera for vehicles. A backup camera, also known as a rearview camera or reversing camera, gives the driver a clear view of what is behind them so that they can safely back up their vehicle. We created a backup camera for motorized wheelchair users so that they can confidently navigate wherever they go.

The Quantum backup camera promotes safety with a rear viewing angle of 170 degrees and has multiple mounting options available. Users can choose between having the camera on at all times or having the camera turn on when the wheelchair is in reverse.

The camera features a 3.5-inch display that can be mounted off the armrest or side rails. It also comes with a protective case to prevent damage. For the moment, it’s available exclusively on Q-Logic 3, but will also be available on NE/NE+ controllers in the future.

Quantum Backup Camera Benefits

There are many benefits to owning a Quantum backup camera for your power wheelchair. Rearview cameras are important because they allow you to maintain your control and visibility. As you maneuver your motorized wheelchair forward, you have a clear view of everything and everyone in front of you. It can be hard, however, to have that same level of visibility and confidence when trying to reverse your wheelchair. With a backup camera for wheelchairs, you can drive confidently, knowing there are no children or animals behind you. Additionally, the Quantum backup camera has infrared capabilities which allow for use at night.

On top of increasing visibility and safety for you and others, having a wheelchair backup camera is ideal for individuals who cannot turn their head or neck to see behind them. With the Quantum backup camera, you can mount the display anywhere so it’s visible as you drive.

Where to Buy the Quantum Backup Camera

Ready to purchase a backup camera for your power wheelchair? Reach out to your Quantum dealer today and let them know that you’re interested! If you can’t remember who your Quantum dealer is, we can help. You can reach us at our website’s Contact Us page. We’re happy to assist!

Go Where You Want to Go!

Consumers are hungry for information. They’d like to know more about the differences between power chairs, especially exciting, new innovations before meeting with a therapist and ATP.

Bryson uses his Stretto Power Wheelchair to go where he wants to go!

That was one of the main takeaways from Quantum® focus groups of power chair users. Led by Stephanie Woodward, Quantum’s Brand Ambassador Advisor, the focus groups identified what power chair users wanted to see and that they felt the industry needed to be educated on what consumers are looking for. This feedback was the inspiration behind Quantum’s new Stretto commercial, which begins airing nationwide on Dec. 7.

“We’ve held in-person consumer roundtable discussions before, but this year because of COVID, we held two virtually on Zoom,” Stephanie said. “This allowed for people from all over the country to participate, giving us crucial and valuable feedback.”

The star of the commercial is 20-year-old Bryson Foster, a Brand Ambassador for Quantum. Bryson, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, describes what the Stretto can do and how it has given him more freedom.

Bryson can elevate his Stretto Power Wheelchair with iLevel technology

“When it comes to power chairs, I know what I want because I have been driving one my entire life,” Bryson explains in the commercial. “Quantum has made huge advancements with the new Stretto.”

Consumer feedback allowed Quantum to create the Stretto while focusing on huge advancements with unprecedented narrowness and more maneuverability. A request for a smoother ride resulted in independent Smooth Ride Suspension, which offers increased shock absorption due to the angle of the shocks.

If viewers would like more information, the end of the commercial directs them to quantumrehab.com/gostretto to learn more about both Bryson and the Stretto. The page also has a link to find a provider for assistance.

“Now I can go where I want to go, all because of the Stretto!” Bryson says to wrap up the commercial.

Click here to view the commercial.

What is a Service Dog?

Dogs are incredible animals. Not only do they make great pets, but their intelligence allows them to learn a variety of tricks that can help their owners in daily life, whether on a task force, in the military or even in the home. Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks to help individuals who have disabilities. Most people are familiar with guide dogs or seeing eye dogs. Did you know that there are other types of service dogs that help people with a variety of disabilities?

Service Animals vs Emotional Support Animals

In recent years, there’s been a rise in registered emotional support animals. You may hear about them on the news or see them in public spaces, such as a college campus. While an emotional support animal provides comfort and companionship to others, they differ from service animals in that they are not trained to perform a specific task. You must know the difference between emotional support animals and service animals because each one has specific rights and rules they need to follow. To learn more, check out Stephanie Woodward’s article Service & Emotional Support Animals.

Service Dogs and Wheelchairs

Some service dogs help with sight-related disabilities. Others assist when their owner is having a seizure. There are also dogs that are trained to help wheelchair users. Some tasks include retrieving items dropped on the floor, carrying items purchased at the store and opening and closing doors. While investing in a good motorized wheelchair allows you to live more independently, you can take independence to the next level with a furry companion.

Life with a Service Dog

Some of our Q Roll Models and friends of Quantum live with service dogs and blog about their experiences. One such person is Amy Bleile, who became a service dog mom in April. She owns a golden retriever named Beans. Amy wishes to train Beans as a service dog, so he can help her with tasks at home and in the classroom.

Alison Chancellor also blogs about her life as an experienced dog handler. She recently started working with her new service dog, Lambo. Read more about Alison’s reflections of living with a service dog.

Cleaning Your Electric Wheelchair Tires

Every individual knows the struggle of keeping your floors clean when you use a narrow motorized wheelchair, such as the Edge 3 Stretto®. Your power chair tires are designed to handle a wide variety of terrain. Unfortunately, this also means that all kinds of debris may stick to your tires and you end up bringing the mess into your home. Plus, even if your tires are clean, your electric wheelchair may still leave marks on your floors. Read on for some helpful tips to avoid messy and marked up floors.

How to Clean Your Narrow Motorized Wheelchair Tires

After a day of running errands or spending time outside, the first thing you should do before you enter your home is to clean off your electric wheelchair tires. We recommend using a broom, dustpan brush or any kind of brush with stiff bristles. Using the brush, you can gently sweep off any dirt or debris on your wheelchair tires. If your tires are caked with mud, we suggest letting the mud dry for a few hours. This makes it easier to brush the mud off. Never use a rubber conditioner on the tread area of your tires. This can make the tires slippery and cause your power chair to skid. If you were caught in rain or snow, it’s important to dry your chair immediately. Find out what to do if your narrow power wheelchair gets wet.

While you are cleaning the tires, this is a good time to give your power chair an examination to make sure everything is in working order. If you have pneumatic tires, check for proper tire inflation and make sure you maintain (but not exceed) the psi/bar/kPa air pressure rating that is indicated on each tire. Get more tips on cleaning your narrow power wheelchair and other maintenance checks to perform, including daily, weekly and monthly checks, to keep your power chair in top condition.

How to Avoid Wheelchair Marks on Floors

We believe that the best way to avoid causing wheelchair scuff marks on your wooden or linoleum floors is to avoid any sudden starts and stops when operating your narrow power wheelchair. Stop and go driving may contribute to these rubber marks. It also can affect your battery life and cause your wheelchair batteries to deplete more quickly.

How to Clean Wheelchair Marks on Floors

Even if your tires are totally clean and you drive your chair appropriately, there’s still a possibility of getting rubber marks on your floors. If your narrow motorized wheelchair leaves black marks on your wooden, laminate or linoleum flooring, don’t panic. These rubber marks are easy to remove. First, consider the type of flooring you have and consult the manufacturer of the flooring to determine which types of cleaners are appropriate to use. Generally, when removing wheelchair marks on flooring, we recommend a magic eraser sponge or mop. You can also try a pencil eraser or a tennis ball. Any of these remedies may help to remove the majority of rubber marks on floors. Once you get the worse of the mark removed, spray a glass or surface cleaner on the area and wipe gently with a paper towel or cloth.

Disability Representation in the Media

Over at Life at iLevel, our Q Roll Models and brand ambassadors share their day-to-day experiences as wheelchair users. Topics range from accessibility to mindset to education and everything in between. While we want to amplify the voices of those we serve, we agree that disability representation needs to extend beyond wheelchair manufacturers. Our Q Roll Models and brand ambassadors share their thoughts about past and present disability representation in the media.

Disability Representation and Caregiver Burnout

Like most people, Tim Shin enjoys watching a good television show. His most recent series of choice is Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, which is an hour-long ensemble dramedy airing on NBC. Although disability isn’t the focus of the series, the writers and actors explore disability representation through Zoey’s father who has progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a neighbor who has agoraphobia and a student who is deaf. One theme they touch upon is caregiver burnout, as experienced by Zoey’s mother. Tim says that Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist fills a unique space that addresses disability from an authentic perspective that he loves and appreciates.

Common Perceptions of People with Disabilities

Isabella Bullock elevated in her power wheelchair

For years, disabled characters on television and in movies were often played by people who were able-bodied, making the representation inauthentic. Isabella mentions that other disabled characters were shown as someone who needed to be cured of his or her disability to live a fulfilled life. Once again, this demonstrates the perception of how able-bodied individuals view disabilities and forgoes the true experiences of the disability community. One thing many viewers with disabilities can agree on is that although disability representation in the media has improved over the last few years, there’s still a long way to go. Isabella talks about the importance of disability representation for those who are watching television or playing with toys. She ends her article by asking questions about taking steps in the future to normalize people with disabilities in the media.

Heroes with Disabilities

Officer Morgan shares his experience growing up with characters with disabilities represented on television. Just like there are many types of disabilities, there are a variety of characters in the media that represent them. Morgan discusses characters with physical disabilities, mental disabilities and illnesses. His favorite character with disabilities is Professor X from X-Men. Read Morgan’s blog to learn more about Professor X, why Officer Morgan looks up to him and how he’s a relatable figure.

What are your thoughts on disability representation in the media?

Quantum Backup Camera Contest

Whoa, check out our contest! One lucky person will win a Quantum® backup camera. Here’s how to win!

If you own a Quantum Power Chair with a Q-Logic 3 controller, simply retweet (Twitter) or share (Facebook or Instagram) our social media post announcing the contest. Tag us and three of your friends in the tweet or post. Do this by November 30, 2020, to be included in a random drawing on December 2, 2020. The lucky winner gets a backup camera installed by Quantum. No purchase necessary. See the complete rules for each social media platform below.

NOTE: You only need to retweet or share the contest post on one social platform.

Twitter

Retweet the contest post
Tag us @QuantumRehab and tag three of your friends by Nov. 30
You are automatically included in a random drawing, held on Dec. 2
A winner will be randomly selected
A Quantum representative near the winner’s location will install the backup camera onto their power chair
All participants must own a Quantum Power Chair with the Q-Logic 3 controller

Facebook

Share the contest post
Tag us @QuantumRehab and tag three of your friends by Nov. 30
You are automatically included in a random drawing, held on Dec. 2
A winner will be randomly selected
A Quantum representative near the winner’s location will install the backup camera onto their power chair
All participants must own a Quantum Power Chair with the Q-Logic 3 controller

Instagram

Share the contest post
Tag us @quantum_rehab and tag three of your friends by Nov. 30
You are automatically included in a random drawing, held on Dec. 2
A winner will be randomly selected
A Quantum representative near the winner’s location will install the backup camera onto their power chair
All participants must own a Quantum Power Chair with the Q-Logic 3 controller

Bryson Foster: Taking on the World

Bryson Foster is many things: a lover of sports, full-time college student, brand ambassador for Quantum Rehab®, to name a few. What is he most famous for? Bryson is the voice of Vex Robotics. What started as an after-school gig has turned into a passion over the last five years and Bryson has earned quite a reputation as an announcer. What gives him his edge? His Edge 3 Stretto® Power Chair!

Diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at age five, Bryson uses his Edge 3 Stretto Power Chair for mobility. With an overall width of 20.47 inches with 12-inch drive wheels, the Stretto is the narrowest, most maneuverable power wheelchair in America. The Stretto is the perfect choice for a busy, active adult like Bryson. The Stretto Power Wheelchair keeps him moving independently throughout the day.

“My Stretto has given me more freedom,” Bryson said. “The narrower width fits easily through tight doorways at home and at school.”

Bryson Foster in his Stretto Narrow Wheelchair

Bryson is currently pursuing a degree in communications at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. Small classrooms, narrow doorways and tight threshold ramps are no match for the Stretto’s narrower width. Plus, when it comes to uneven terrain on campus, the Edge 3 Stretto Narrow Wheelchair is equipped with independent SRS (Smooth Ride Suspension), which ensures a smooth and comfortable ride for Bryson.

“The Stretto’s suspension system makes the driving experience across campus safe and enjoyable,” Bryson said.

The Edge 3 Stretto is available with optional iLevel® technology, a power elevated seating system that raises the seat of Bryson’s narrow wheelchair up to 12 inches in height.

iLevel gives Bryson a better view of the action when announcing. It also helps him maintain a presence within the crowd and interact with parents and the teams that participate in Vex Robotics competitions.

“With iLevel on my Stretto Power Wheelchair, I can be eye-to-eye with others and I am not craning my neck to see what’s going on out in the field,” Bryson said.

With such a busy schedule, Bryson sometimes goes all day in his power wheelchair. It’s easy for him to stay connected with his friends and family thanks to the standard USB charger on the Stretto. It keeps his smart phone charged and ready. When traveling across campus, parking lots or busy streets, Bryson uses the front and rear LED fender lights to see and be safely seen at night.

With his Edge 3 Stretto and a can-do attitude, Bryson feels like he can take on anything!

Safety as a Wheelchair User During COVID-19

While there are many things out of our control during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are things you can do to increase your safety and wellbeing. These times can be even more stressful for wheelchair users as you may not be able to avoid contact with others or follow all CDC guidelines and recommendations perfectly. To reduce the stress of figuring out what you can do to stay safe, we have some resources for you.

Keeping Your Power Wheelchair Clean

Disinfecting frequently used surfaces regularly and washing your hands and your clothes often are common recommendations. What does that mean for your power wheelchair? Your wheelchair is an extension of you, and much like washing your hands or your clothes, your power chair should receive the same attention and care. We have the perfect article for you all about cleaning your motorized wheelchair that you can read for more information.

No-Contact Appointments

Interactive Assist offers convenient real-time chat

The CDC recommends staying at home whenever possible. To reduce contact with others, many people get their food and groceries delivered to their house. When it comes to doctor’s appointments, many offer online alternatives for meeting that are just as helpful and efficient as meeting in person. At Quantum Rehab®, we partner with our authorized dealers to provide you with safe options if you need technical service or have a question about your motorized wheelchair. The Interactive Assist app allows a technician from your Quantum dealer to obtain a direct, real-time connection to your power chair’s electronics to diagnose error codes and common issues with your power wheelchair.

Outdoor Safety

While indoor activities are complicated and limited because of COVID-19, there is no limit to going outside and enjoying nature. If you get creative, you can find several activities to do while social distancing or even on your own. We have an article all about spending time outside during COVID-19 that gives you some fun ideas.

Protecting Your Mind

Although you are protecting your body from COVID-19 by staying home, prolonged isolation and increased screen time can be detrimental to your mental health. With negative news stories, arguments on social media, and uncertainty becoming everyone’s default emotion, it can be hard to feel any hope or positivity. Part of self-care during the pandemic means protecting your mind. We have an article about disability and mindset during COVID-19 where our Q Roll Models and brand ambassadors give tips and insights from their lives throughout the pandemic.

Must-Read Disability Memoirs in 2020

You may be familiar with the phrase, “Nothing about us without us.” This refers to disability oppression and misrepresentation in media. Often, the disability community is misinterpreted by the able-bodied people who try to portray people with disabilities. This leads to further stereotypes about individuals with disabilities by able-bodied people. For an accurate, real, raw representation of disabilities, you must check out these four memoirs written by wheelchair users.

Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body

Rebekah Taussig is an engaging writer, teacher and advocate. Rebekah has been paralyzed since receiving cancer treatments when she was three years old. Now an adult woman, she’s had 30 years of life experience, discovering her own strength and being a recipient of other’s perceptions of people with disabilities. She regularly shares personal essays on her website and social media. Her memoir, Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body, is a collection of essays that reflects on topics such as the complications of kindness and charity, living both independently and dependently, experiencing intimacy, and more. You can find an excerpt from her memoir on Time.com.

Disability Visibility: First Person Stories from the 21st Century

Edited by activist Alice Wong, Disability Visibility: First Person Stories from the 21^st Century brings together a collection of personal essays written by contemporary disabled writers. These essays range from blog posts and manifestos to eulogies and testimonies to Congress. This diverse compilation of original works shows the complexity of the disabled experience while also highlighting the passions, talents, and day-to-day life of the disabled community. Like Sitting Pretty, this memoir challenges those to question their own assumptions and understandings of individuals with disabilities.

Golem Girl

In Golem Girl, author and artist Riva Lehrer talks about her life growing up with spina bifida in the 1960s. Living during a time where different bodies were less accepted than they are today, Riva explores different subjects, such as dealing with those close to her viewing her as something to be fixed and limiting her in her beliefs of where she could go in life. In her adult years, Riva joins a group of artists, writers, and performers who are building disability culture. As she paints the portraits of others, she transforms the myths others have engrained into her about people with disabilities while also discovering herself. If you love creativity, then this is the book for you!

If You Really Love Me, Throw Me Off the Mountain

Aerial dancer Erin Clark’s If You Really Love Me, Throw Me Off the Mountain, tells the adventure of her move to Spain to join a paragliding school after a series of dramatic events, including her wheelchair breaking, almost losing to a battle with sepsis, and the end of a marriage. Erin shares her experience mastering flying in a wheelchair and falling in love in the Andalusian mountains. Travel with Erin through her story as she goes from being grounded by others to soaring into a life of love and adventure.

Whether you are a wheelchair user and want to educate others on what it’s like to live with a disability or you want to enjoy an empowering read, these are some options to add to your reading list! For more first-person experiences of life as a wheelchair user, you can also check out our blog Life at iLevel.

Let’s Celebrate World Kindness Day

On Friday, November 13, we celebrate World Kindness Day. Can you remember the last time you did something kind for someone else? Maybe you offered to pay for a stranger’s coffee or you let someone merge ahead of you on the interstate. Whatever it may be, a single act of kindness can truly impact a person’s life. Read on for some ideas of what you can do to pass kindness on to others.

What is World Kindness Day?

Started by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, the mission of World Kindness Day is to make kindness the norm. People can connect through kindness and kindness can be taught. Through a school curriculum, Random Acts of Kindness gives students the social and emotional skills needed to live more successful lives. The foundation also offers a workplace kindness calendar to show companies how to integrate kind gestures into workplace culture. The year 2020 has been tough for many. Together, we can make the world a kinder place, one act at a time.

Kindness Through Volunteer Work

Ever since he was a kid, Quantum® brand ambassador and electric wheelchair user Josh McDermott has been taught by his parents about the importance of volunteering. Josh strives to donate his time and do good through volunteer work. He worked with at-risk youth as a teenager and has been an ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Josh also tries to spread kindness to others, whether it’s paying for someone’s meal or smiling at a complete stranger. Recently, Josh helped raise funds for veterans and his local VFW. Josh believes that if you give out good, good comes back to you.

Kindness Through Mentoring

Stephanie in her Edge 3 Power Wheelchair

Stephanie Woodward is a Quantum® brand ambassador who is actively involved in advocating for disability rights and the disability community. Like many individuals with disabilities, Stephanie uses an electric wheelchair. While attending school, she did not know that she had the right to ask for accessible accommodations. Disabled young women of today can truly benefit from the knowledge and wisdom of disability leaders in their community. Stephanie hopes that through mentoring others, she can bring a new generation of disabled women into the community to serve as role models and leaders.

What is Your Act of Kindness?

Thinking of volunteering for your local veterans’ organization? Do you want to mentor teens or help out at your local homeless shelter? Whatever you decide, choose an act of kindness to complete for #WorldKindnessDay.