Emily Ladau: Sharing Stories to Empower Others

As someone who has lived with a disability all her life, Emily Ladau knows the value of assistive technology. As a child, she used a walker to get around, but it wasn’t easy for her. When Emily finally started using a power chair in high school, it was like a door had opened.

Baking is easier with iLevel on her power wheelchair

“I wasn’t completely exhausted from forcing myself to walk everywhere,” Emily said. “I had more energy to focus on school and socializing.”

Born and raised on Long Island, Emily lives with her parents. Both Emily and her mother, Ellen, use the Edge® 3 Power Chair with iLevel® technology. Their chairs are almost identical, except for the color! Emily’s chair is Deep Purple, while Ellen’s chair is Raspberry Beret. Together, they use their wheelchairs and iLevel® to help each other.

“When I need assistance taking my socks off, I can raise my wheelchair up to iLevel so my mom can reach,” Emily said. “When my mom needs assistance putting shoes on, she can raise her wheelchair up to iLevel so I can reach.”

When elevated at iLevel, Emily has greater confidence and visibility. She can reach higher shelves at the grocery store and reach the microphone at a podium when giving a speech.

“I like that I’m able to raise myself up higher using iLevel, but I can still ride around at a speed that allows me to keep up with people walking alongside me,” Emily said.

As the editor in chief of the blog, Rooted in Rights, Emily knows the importance of providing authentic narratives on the disability experience. The experiences of Emily and her mother are very authentic! According to Emily, they may cause their own little “traffic jams” in the kitchen with their power chairs, yet they find ways to get things done.

“There’s also a certain art and beauty in the way we navigate together and around each other,” Emily said. “We like to call it wheelchair ballet.”

Emily also co-hosts the “Accessible Stall” podcast, which discusses a wide range of disability issues. She believes it’s important to share stories of individuals living with disabilities and advocate for a world where people have access to the tools and technology they need, so they can feel empowered.

“iLevel makes me feel empowered, not just because I’m high up, but because I have access to a piece of assistive technology that enables me to make that happen,” Emily said.

Adaptive Costumes and Halloween Safety

It’s officially October! It’s the month of falling leaves, pumpkins, candy, ghosts, goblins and vampires! In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, your Halloween celebration may be a little different this year. Always remember to be safe, wear a mask when you’re around others and maintain social distancing. In honor of this spook-tacular month, we’ve compiled some of our best Halloween-related blog posts from Quantum brand ambassadors. Read on!

Halloween Safety

Officer Morgan Steward knows the ins and outs of safety during Halloween. For kids that are trick-or-treating, Morgan recommends that they stay close to the adult they’re with. The grownups always do a head count before stopping at each house to make sure the kids in their groups are accounted for. Always be aware of cars when walking across the road and look both ways before crossing. And while it may be tempting for kids to start eating candy treats before they get home, Morgan recommends having a grownup examine the candy before it’s eaten. They can check to make sure that the candy doesn’t have something that the child may be allergic to.

Adaptive Halloween Costumes

If you use a Quantum® electric wheelchair for mobility, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of wheelchair-friendly costumes this year. Target is one store that sells adaptive costumes for electric wheelchair users. Typically, the costumes are designed to fit over a person’s power wheelchair. Adaptive Halloween costumes are usually roomier so they are more comfortable and slip on and off easily, or they’re designed for sensory-needs children. Not sure where to begin? Check out Quantum brand ambassador Stephanie Woodward and her review of some of the wheelchair-friendly Halloween costumes produced by retailers.

Trick-or-Treating at Night: Power Wheelchair Lights

While some communities may offer trick-or-treating times during daylight hours, you may prefer to do your trick-or-treating after the sun goes down for maximum spookiness. When out and about, remember to utilize your power wheelchair lights. Quantum’s front and rear LED fender lights let you see and be seen, especially when you’re crossing the street at night. If you don’t have lights on your power wheelchair, be sure to take a flashlight with you or wear reflective clothing. Maintain visibility is incredibly important on the spookiest night of the year!

Quantum Releases New Clinician App

DURYEA, PA – Quantum Rehab® has launched a new app called Quantum® Clinician.

The new app contains plenty of features including serial number and order number lookup, a quick-search option, 360-degree product views, fillable order forms, push notifications, consumer testimonials, news, events, specifications sheets, brochures, owner’s manuals, installation instructions, basic operating instructions, and more. After an initial tutorial option upon opening the app for the first time, the user is required to select either the U.S. or Canada to view country-specific content. Additionally, password-protected technical videos are available (passwords can be obtained by emailing marketing@pridemobility.com). Providers and clinicians can also directly access the Pride Learning Management System via the app for online CEU courses.

“We are excited to release this app as part of our efforts to reach our providers and clinicians in a way that meets today’s technological demands and provides a great user experience,” said Kate Pencek, Senior Director of IT & Enterprise Architecture at Pride Mobility/Quantum Rehab. “The app is simple and user-friendly yet contains a wealth of knowledge. We want it to be a true, convenient, one-stop digital hub for all the Quantum information clinicians and providers need.”

Megan Kutch, Director of Quantum Marketing, says feedback from clinicians and providers was used to develop the app.

“We have been asked by providers and clinicians for serial number and order number search functionalities, and we thought the app is the best place to put them for easy access. We also made sure to include fillable order forms on the app since we know most quotes are completed during or immediately after an evaluation. In addition, push notifications will ensure product launches and important news are never missed.”

The app is available for download via the Apple Store and Google Play. It replaces the Quantum Professional app. Click here to check out a video of the new app.

Quantum Rehab® is a premier global innovator of consumer-inspired complex rehab products, including the Edge 3 Stretto®, Edge® 3, 4Front®, iLevel® seat elevation technology, TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems, Q-Logic 3 Advanced Drive Controls, and Stealth Products® cushions and positioning components. Visit quantumrehab.com.

Resources for Finding an Accessible Home

Finding a home that’s accessible for wheelchair users can be difficult. When it comes to what questions to ask, modifications to look for or make, or even who to work with, our brand ambassadors have experience, which they share in some of their articles. We have compiled a list of resources for finding an accessible home.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Doing your research is one of the most important steps in the process of finding your new home. It’s important to know where you’re going, who you’re working with, what the place looks like and even visiting it, if possible. The worst part is, just because something is listed as ADA accessible doesn’t mean that it fits all the criteria.

It can be overwhelming to keep track of all the questions you want to ask or specifics you want to look into. Bryan Anderson shares some helpful questions that he asks when he’s looking for a new place to live. Check out his article on relocating tips for some questions you can ask when you look for an accessible home.

Qualities to Look for in a Home

From the doorways to the amenities, it’s important to know if a home can accommodate your wheelchair. Jesse Cuellar suggests looking into the parking options if you plan on living in a city. Jesse also suggests living close to an accessible parking spot because it saves time and is extremely convenient. However, he advises to make sure that the space is big enough for you to get in and out of the space and that there’s enough room if you have a wheelchair ramp in your car. Your other option is public transportation, in which case it’s imperative to make sure the city has buses and taxes that are wheelchair accessible.

Other features to look out for are lower sinks, countertops and appliances. Much like parking spaces, it’s good to know ahead of time whether your power wheelchair can easily fit through the doorways and in the rooms. To learn more, read Jesse’s article on finding an accessible apartment.

Working with a Realtor

Realtors can be very helpful in buying an accessible condo. Josh McDermott shares his experiences working with realtors when he was trying to purchase his first accessible condo. He also gives his best advice when working with them, including doing research on your disability rights under the 1988 FHAA and not limiting yourself to one realtor.

He says that realtors are commission based, so you can hire as many as you want. The reason he did this was because of how difficult it was to find a place that truly accommodated his needs. They sent him information for multiple options through email, including pictures. It’s good to request a meeting with each of the agents as well so that they can see your chair and get a better sense of your needs. It’s also beneficial to see the place in person, because unfortunately pictures can be deceiving. In visiting the locations, you can see if your chair can navigate the hallways.

Traditional Dating Tips for Wheelchair Users

Bryan Anderson acknowledges the challenges of dating, but says that if you have the right mindset, you’ll have a better chance of meeting someone great. For him, it means not focusing on his disability, yet being as open as possible when someone he’s interested in asks about it. He stresses the importance of balance between being yourself and not letting your disability overshadow any progress within the relationship.

When it comes to meeting people, you can meet them anywhere! Bryan has met dates at restaurants, bars, the library, museums and more. Remember that when it comes to planning a date, the place you or your date picks needs to be accessible so you can both focus on getting to know each other and having a good time.

Online Dating Tips for Wheelchair Users

Online dating is a little bit different than dating in person. When it comes to meeting people, there are hundreds of dating apps that you can choose. Tim Shin says it’s about choosing the right app for you. Unless you have a specific interest in mind, Tim recommends starting with the most popular app and go from there. Keep in mind that websites and apps need money to continue operating.

Unlike traditional dating where someone will see your wheelchair when they see you, you can curate your profile to not show your wheelchair. While some wheelchair users prefer to do this and disclose their disability later, Tim suggests being honest and up front with potential matches. They may ask some uncomfortable questions, just like in traditional dating, but not being honest about your disability could hurt your potential relationship in the long run.

What Comes Next?

All of the potential challenges that come with dating are one thing, but what does it mean in marriage? If you want to get married one day, Merlisha has some advice based on her experience as a wheelchair user. Merlisha discusses enormous pressures of life testing the strength of relationships, especially the part of marriage vows where the couple promises that they’ll stay together in sickness and in health. She talks about the struggles of asking for help and leaning on someone else, but how it’s much easier with love. She states that true love is almost never 50/50 and that sometimes you give some and sometimes you take more. Her most important nugget of information is that when it comes to love that lasts, it’s important to remember that you and your partner are both equal and worthy of each other’s love and effort.

Resources for Working with a Disability

Searching for a job can be hard, but it can be even more difficult for individuals with disabilities. We’ve compiled a list of resources for people with disabilities who are looking for employment opportunities. These resources were written by other wheelchair users who have successfully found employment.

Benefits of Hiring People with Disabilities

When it comes to looking for a job, it’s important to know what you have to offer. Knowing what you can bring to the table as a hardworking and dedicated individual is key in making yourself attractive as a potential employee in interviews. Not everyone knows the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, but you can help spread the knowledge. Zoe Hernandez shares statistics about people with disabilities in the workforce and how hiring employees with disabilities positively contributes to the company’s workplace.

Job Searching with a Disability

Isabella Bullock is an expert when it comes to job searching. As an employment specialist for the Center of Independent Living, she helps people with disabilities succeed and break down stereotypes by teaching them the skills they need for their careers. In her article, Disabilities & Job Searching, she poses four questions to ask yourself when considering if and when to disclose your disability to your employer or a prospective employer. While the information is not meant to be utilized as legal advice, it does come from personal and professional experience and can be utilized as a valuable resource.

Disability Mentoring Day

If you aren’t sure what you’d like to do yet, but would like to see what careers are available, you may want to check out Disability Mentoring Day (DMD). DMD is a national mentoring program designed to increase awareness of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The goal of this program is to promote career development for students and job seekers with disabilities. It’s a hands-on opportunity where individuals get to experience different types of jobs within the workplace and talk to employees who have developed successful careers. It’s a wonderful opportunity for young individuals to gain knowledge about the workplace so that they can make informed career decisions in the future.

More Reading about Employment for People with Disabilities

For further reading and resources for people with disabilities, check out the Lifestyle Articles and Helpful Links for Power Chair Users page on our main website. We have articles about employment, power chair usage, care and maintenance, health and wellness and more!

Matt Olson: Regaining His Edge

As an athlete, Matt Olson knows the everyday challenges that players and sports teams face on and off the field. Seeing this drive and determination gives Matt the resolve to overcome adversity in his own life.

At just 20 years old, Matt sustained a spinal cord injury while playing ice hockey.

“I lost my edge and fell headfirst into the boards,” Matt said.

Matt didn’t know anything about complex rehab technology before his injury. His physical therapist recommended Quantum®. Now using a power wheelchair for mobility, Matt has regained his edge. An Edge® 3 with iLevel®, that is!

With 12 inches of elevation, Matt has greater access to the world around him. He can raise his chair to be at eye level with others.

“When I’m talking to people, it gives me confidence that I can make direct eye contact with them,” Matt said. “It makes it easier to engage in the conversations and hear the other person.”

The SRS (Smooth Ride Suspension) is another great feature that Matt loves.

“When I go over doorway thresholds, it is much smoother. I’m also able to navigate over rougher terrain with less bouncing,” Matt said.

With his Edge 3, Matt has all the independence he needs to live his life. He still loves hockey and other sports. Nothing is better than being outdoors. Currently, Matt is pursuing a degree in Environmental Science at Anoka Ramsey Community College.

As a college student, having Bluetooth® technology on his Edge 3 is extremely beneficial for Matt. It allows him to connect to multiple devices at the same time while doing his schoolwork. Bluetooth also helps him keep in touch with his loved ones. He can access his phone to stay connected with friends and family and use social media apps.

Matt’s experiences have opened his eyes to the importance of raising awareness about the challenges that spinal cord injury patients face, as well as the need for complex rehab technology.

“I get compliments on my power chair. People are impressed with the technology and how durable it is. Plus, I get asked all the time to demonstrate the iLevel feature,” Matt said.

Edge 3 Stretto® Named Mobility Product Award 2020 Winner

Mobility Management magazine has named the Edge 3 Stretto® Power Chair one of the winners of its Mobility Product Award 2020 contest. The Edge 3 Stretto won in the “Wheelchairs, Power: Group 3, Multiple Power” category.

The Mobility Product Award program was launched in 2019 to honor outstanding product and technology development by complex rehab and mobility manufacturers and service providers.

“Complex rehab technology and mobility industry manufacturers continue to innovate, design and bring impressive new products to market despite a number of challenges,” Mobility Management Executive Editor Laurie Watanabe said. “We’re honored to congratulate this 2020 class of Mobility Product Award winners that will surely facilitate mobility, function and independence for many people with disabilities.”

Winners will be recognized and receive their awards at the 2021 International Seating Symposium (ISS).

Resources and Support for Veterans

Quantum Rehab is proud to support those who have risked their lives for our country’s freedom. Whether you’re in need of a power mobility device or resources for veterans, we’ve got you covered!

Quantum Veterans Base

The Quantum Veterans Base, offers resources for finding complex power rehab products, such as motorized wheelchairs and hydrographic shrouds for motorized wheelchairs. We also have a list of resources that link to different websites for veterans, such as the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Paralyzed Veterans of America, USA Cares and more.

If you have been diagnosed with a medical condition that affects your mobility, Quantum offers various mobility options, including the Edge 3 Stretto® with iLevel, the Edge® 3 with iLevel® and the 4Front®. Head over to our Quantum Veterans Base for more information.

The Department of Veterans Affairs

If you are a disabled veteran, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers services that give greater independence in daily living. If you are eligible, this may mean receiving a power mobility device, such as an electric wheelchair.

You can visit the federal VA website for information on veteran’s benefits, VA facilities worldwide and VA programs. If you are interested in seeing if you are eligible for a power mobility device, contact your local VA benefits counselor to determine the veterans benefits you are eligible for.

How to Help and Support Veterans

Quantum brand ambassador, Sergeant Bryan Anderson, blogs about ways you can help and support the veterans in your life. One way to help is by giving money to an organization. He shares some of his favorite organizations that support soldiers and veterans. If you can’t donate money, you can give your time by volunteering in a VA hospital or helping set up an event for a veteran organization. Another way you can make an impact is simply by showing up. If you know someone who is hurt, in the hospital or could use some company, just being with them can go a long way.

Bryan also talks about ways that you can help veterans during the pandemic, whether personally or through an organization. Some ways include registering for the “Keep Your Distance” 5K Run/Walk, reaching out to the vets in your life or even surprising them with a meal or groceries. There’s a way for everyone to give back to our country’s veterans. Pick your favorite and get out there!

Planning an Accessible Summer Vacation

Going on a trip requires a lot of planning, especially when looking for accessible destinations and activities. Although planning can be difficult and overwhelming at times, our Q Roll Models and brand ambassadors have written some helpful resources for other wheelchair users who want to travel.

Accessible Beach Vacation

Sakina Shamsi may be young but she’s no rookie, having visited countries like England, Mexico, Tanzania and India. When it comes to accessible travel, she has experience. Most recently, she traveled to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. She explores accessibility from the plane to transportation in the Dominican Republic to the hotel itself.

Spoiler alert: This ended up being her favorite trip yet!

If you want to go on an accessible trip to the beach, look no further than Sakina’s article Wheelchair-Friendly Beach Vacation.

Disability Summer Camps

Zoe Hernandez shares about summer camps for kids and adults with disabilities. Zoe has found that there are summer camps that offer specialized medical care for each disability, one-on-one buddies and outdoor activities. There are least 25 summer camps for kids with disabilities across the country and discusses three that you can consider: The Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp, Camp Greentop and the Children’s Association for Maximum Potential.

Zoe talks in-depth about the three disability summer camps, their history and what they offer. If joining a disability summer camp is something you would like to do, check out Zoe’s article on disability summer camps.

Accessible Outdoor Trips

If you’re not much of a beach person, there are other ways you can enjoy a vacation outdoors this summer. We’ve written a guide to wheelchair-accessible outdoors trips. In the guide, outdoor enthusiasts can find four different options for accessible outdoor vacations and steps you can take in planning your next trip. Whether it’s relaxing in nature or hiking, there’s something for everyone.

Tips for Planning an Accessible Vacation

Josh McDermott imparts on readers his accessible travel wisdom learned from past experiences with his article, Accessible Vacations. He says that the challenge isn’t in the destination itself, but rather whether the activities you want to do are ADA accessible. He discusses how Las Vegas is the most accessible location he’s been to and why he loves traveling there.

His biggest tip for travel enthusiasts in wheelchairs is to do your research before traveling, whether in or out of the country. He recommends going on the internet, calling places and asking friends and family if they have ever traveled to where you are planning to go.