Hobbies for Motorized Wheelchair Users

Do you know how to have fun? Whether you’re in quarantine or looking for a new hobby, there are plenty of options. Our brand ambassadors and Q Roll Models share some of their favorite hobbies and how you can start a new one!

Cooking as a Wheelchair User

Cooking and baking are popular pastimes of our brand ambassadors, Q Roll Models and friends of Quantum. Bryan Anderson blogs about how iLevel® technology helps make cooking more accessible and safer for wheelchair users. Before being able to elevate himself at iLevel, reaching countertops and cupboards were a struggle. In addition to that, there were some safety risks, such as accidentally splashing grease on his face and burning himself. With the added height, he says he can cook confidently and safely. He also blogs about the struggles of cooking for one.

Accessible Gardening

Do you have a green thumb? Health experts say that incorporating some green into your life can benefit your mental and physical health. Whether you spend most of your time indoors or out, you can learn the art of accessible gardening. Stephanie Woodward blogs about her experience tending to her own garden and what she’s learned throughout the process. This is a great activity for those who want to practice self-discipline, as gardens need maintenance. Unlike a sport, you can’t just garden whenever you want. Once you make the decision to care for plants, it’s an ongoing task.

Family Hobbies as a Wheelchair User

Q Roll Model Merlisha Henderson shares some of her favorite activities to do with her family. Different families have different goals. For some, it may mean remodeling the house together. For others, it may mean watching a movie or reading books as a family. For Merlisha and her family, their focus is getting and staying active. Learn more about Merlisha’s family hobbies at iLevel and how you can incorporate them into your family life.

Adaptive Sports

Do you love sports or want to learn more about them? Whether you consider yourself an athlete or not, we have resources for you. We have over twenty articles written on this blog and our main site. Each article gives an overview of a specific sport, as well as how you can get started if you’re interested in learning more. Some examples are power hockey, wheelchair fencing, adaptive snowboarding and adaptive archery. Fast-paced or less intensive, there’s a sport for every wheelchair user. Check out our articles on adaptive sports and start reading!

Accessible America as Told by Wheelchair Users

Have you been bitten by the travel bug? If you’re a wheelchair user and travel enthusiast but don’t know what cities or towns are accessible, you’re in the right place. Our Quantum brand ambassadors discuss accessibility in different parts of the United States, including in America’s big cities. They give recommendations about what to see, what to do and what to eat. Consider this part two of our series on accessibility, where they discuss more places you can add to your travel bucket list.

Accessible St. Louis

A great way to get to know a place and its accessibility is by living there. Jesse Cuellar lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and tells about his life in St. Louis as a wheelchair user. The city features public-funded open areas and outside activities that are wheelchair-friendly. Some examples he gives are the art museum, Delmar Loop and the St. Louis Zoo. He talks about some of his favorite events that are held in Forest Park every year.

Because of the pandemic, attractions aren’t open or running on their regular schedule. For that reason, we recommend calling ahead and making a reservation if you want to see something in the St. Louis area.

Accessible State Parks in New York

Zoe Hernandez talks about her experiences visiting two state parks in New York shortly after she graduated from high school. She visited Niagara Falls and the Statue of Liberty with her family. Zoe says that all state parks in New York are committed to be accessible for all types of visitors.

Some of the accessible attractions at Niagara Falls include the Maid of the Mist, the Observation Tower, Niagara Adventure Theater, Niagara Scenic Trolley and more! To get to the Statue of Liberty Monument, you must take a ferry. Zoe explains two types of tickets: the standard reserve ticket and the pedestal reserve ticket. Both provide great offers for wheelchair users, including a round-trip ferry ride. Check out her article to learn more about what you can see at these two state parks!

Accessible Historic Sights

Madonna Long blogs about her experience touring Fallingwater in Pennsylvania, as she helps the organization address accessibility solutions. Fallingwater was built in 1935 and designed by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It originally served as a weekend home for Edgar J. Kaufmann, his wife Liliane, and their son, Edgar Kaufmann Jr., owners of Kaufmann’s department store in Pittsburgh. Many famous people have stayed there. In 1963, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy took ownership and preserved Fallingwater properties.

Madonna talks about the accessibility of her accommodations, the conservatory and restrooms. She also gives recommendations for activities that she did when she toured the properties. Most of all, she was thrilled to tour the properties and provide suggestions for accessibility, so that people of all abilities can experience the house and the other facilities on the properties.

Interactive Assist and Pediatric Wheelchairs

Have you heard about the latest updates to Interactive Assist? It’s easier than ever to have your son or daughter’s child wheelchair serviced by an authorized Quantum® provider. Read on to discover the newest features available from Quantum’s remote service application!

What is Interactive Assist?

Interactive Assist is a diagnostic application from Quantum Rehab® is the must-have app for remote service. The application provides a direct, real-time connection from a child wheelchair’s electronics to the programming station of your authorized Quantum provider. This connection provides a technician with full diagnostic and system data.

Through Interactive Assist, a technician can view a real-time, mirror image of the pediatric wheelchair’s electronics display. Furthermore, your provider can communicate with you using the chat feature and share helpful information and tips so you can understand your child’s pediatric wheelchair. This aids maintaining social distancing and eliminating wasteful trips to your home. Using Interactive Assist, your provider may be able to quickly resolve:

Battery management issues
Charging problems
Motor problems
Complete basic programming

New Features on Interactive Assist

The latest updates to the must-have app for remote service now include the ability to send photos through the chat feature. Both you and your child’s mobility chair provider can exchange photos of what you are seeing on the mobility chair and the joystick screen.

Another new feature of Interactive Assist is the Bluetooth® auto connect. If the connection between your son or daughter’s child wheelchair and your provider’s programming station is lost, the Bluetooth auto connect automatically pairs to the mobility chair again.

Not comfortable with using Interactive Assist? No problem! A system tutorial is now available within the application, linking to a video on quantumrehab.com. The tutorial explains the basic features of the application and how to use it. You can view this and other great videos by visiting Quantum’s video page, which offers the latest digital content with Quantum power wheelchairs.

The Interactive Assist application can be used with the Q-Logic 3 Advanced Drive Control System and Q-Logic 3e controller. The Edge 3 Stretto® child wheelchair is compatible with both Q-Logic and Q-Logic 3e. The new features of Interactive Assist are only compatible with Android™ OS 8 and higher and Apple® iOS and higher, although the current version of the app will continue to work on any OS below those previously mentioned.

Resources for Able-Bodied Individuals

Wanting to educate yourself about people with disabilities is the first step to making the world an inclusive place. If you are able-bodied or know someone who is that wants to learn more about the disabled community and how to be respectful and inclusive of others, that’s great. Unfortunately, it can be overwhelming in the beginning, especially when disabilities are diverse. Maybe you or someone you know is wrestling with the following questions:

How do I respectfully refer to someone who has a disability? What is okay to ask? Am I making assumptions about someone who has a disability?

Fortunately, we have a starting point. The following are some resources written by our own brand ambassadors and Q Roll Models that can help in answering those questions.

Identity First vs Person First

What is the right way to refer to someone who has a disability? Isabella Bullock explores some common terms used in the past, as well as the difference between identity first and person first when referring to someone with a disability. She also gives examples of each type of language use. Isabella concludes that when it comes to someone with a disability, the best thing you can do is ask the individual if they prefer identity first or person first, as it’s a matter of preference. Preferences can vary from individual to individual and what’s right for one person might be wrong for another. Because people and disabilities alike are so diverse, what one person with a disability says cannot set a precedent for all people with disabilities.

Assumptions, Misconceptions and Stereotypes

Want to avoid awkward moments, or worse, potentially offending someone? Jesse Cuellar tackles some topics such as what happens when able-bodied individuals encounter and interact with wheelchair users, as well as what is okay and what isn’t okay to ask them. When it comes to , how to talk to someone or how to treat someone, it’s important to be courteous, regardless of their abilities.

Josh McDermott also reflects on how people see him and what he wishes able-bodied people would know. He touches upon some misconceptions people have about him physically and intellectually. He also talks about his life and activities he does frequently that surprise people who meet him. Want to gain insight into the daily life of someone living with a disability? Check out Josh’s article.

Discovering Child Electric Wheelchairs

If your child has been diagnosed with a severe medical condition that affects his or her mobility, you probably have a lot of questions. What kind of quality of life will he or she have? What kind of equipment will he or she need? We hope to answer some of your questions and guide you through the process of selecting the appropriate child electric wheelchair for your son or daughter.

Quantum® and Pediatric Wheelchair Manufacturers

There are many pediatric wheelchair manufacturers on the market. Quantum Rehab® is dedicated to delivering the most advanced, consumer-inspired complex rehab power wheelchairs and technologies to those who need them. From pediatric wheelchairs to electric wheelchairs for adults, Quantum products are designed to fully meet consumers’ medical and quality-of-life needs.

The Narrowest Child Electric Wheelchair

With so many pediatric wheelchair manufacturers and child power wheelchair models, you may feel overwhelmed by the options. Consider the Edge 3 Stretto®, the narrowest child power wheelchair, with an overall width 20.47 inches with 12.5-inch drive wheels. The Stretto’s narrower width provides exceptional maneuvering in the home, at school and on the playground. Fully customizable, the Edge 3 Stretto can be fitted with the components your child needs. Compatible with TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems, the Stretto can be customized with options such as power recline, power tilt, power articulating foot platform and more. The Stretto comes standard with rear and front LED lights, ensuring your son or daughter can see and be safely seen. A USB charger port is also standard.

iLevel® and Child Electric Wheelchairs

The Edge 3 Stretto child electric wheelchair is available with optional iLevel® technology, which raises the seat of the chair up to 12 inches. iLevel on the Edge 3 Stretto allows the user to drive at 3.5 mph while elevated. See your son or daughter’s confidence rise with iLevel, which enables your child to complete daily activities, such as transferring, grooming and reaching. “Officer” Morgan Steward is a Quantum brand ambassador and uses iLevel in his daily life. Discover how Morgan uses his pediatric wheelchair with iLevel at home and at school.

Ready to find out if the Edge 3 Stretto with iLevel is right for your child? Schedule a face-to-face exam with your child’s doctor or therapist. Your child can be evaluated to determine if he or she may benefit from a complex rehab power wheelchair, such as the Edge 3 Stretto.

Life in Quarantine as a Wheelchair User

At its core, life in quarantine sounds dull. Everyone stays home, sheltering in place. However, even though everyone is following the same guidelines, each person’s life before quarantine presents unique challenges in trying to continue that same lifestyle while staying at home. For Amy Bleile, that means problem-solving as she figures out how to deliver education services through a computer that are going to fit the needs of her students.

Not only is making the transition to online education an adjustment for educators, but it is also for a big change for students. Officer Morgan is learning to adapt to education outside the classroom and not having as much access to their teacher as they would in the classroom. He isn’t the only student that shares his experience schooling from home.

Sakina Shamsi: Home School in Quarantine

For Sakina, home school isn’t new. Before starting middle school, she did all her learning at home. While she enjoys the change of pace and familiarity of studying from home, she empathizes with other students who don’t have prior experience learning from a distance. Sakina is enjoying the flexibility that online learning has to offer while looking forward to returning to school to roam the halls and see her friends.

Stephanie Woodward: Spending My Birthday Social Distancing

Even though the hustle and bustle of going out and socializing in person has come to a halt, time itself hasn’t stopped. Each day that goes by, there are many people around the world who are celebrating their birthdays, but at a distance. Stephanie talks about her birthday experience during the pandemic, showing that distance doesn’t define how special a day is. There are ways to still make someone feel special, even if the celebration looks different.

Merlisha Henderson: Shelter in Place Made Fun

Shelter in place doesn’t have to mean sitting around, watching TV all day. Much like a staycation, sheltering in place is what you make of it. Merlisha shows that with a bit of creativity, there are a lot of fun activities open to you and anyone living with you. What does it look like to hang out with friends during the pandemic? What about fun activities to do at home with the family? Merlisha has you covered with several fun ideas that you’ll want to add to your quarantine bucket list!

Q-Logic 3e and Q-Logic 3 EX: Meeting Consumer Needs

As a clinician, I learned so much from my clients and their trials of a variety of equipment options. Trialing different options allow consumers to compare all features that can impact efficient and effective equipment use. This is essential to the client-centered approach and requires optimal time management skills with the length of stays becoming increasingly shorter, although the goals and outcomes of our clients remain the same. Every individual is unique and has their own idea of what is most intuitive to use.

When first being introduced to a new power wheelchair, it is important to assess one’s ability to access and utilize the joystick. If it is decided that the proportional joystick standard to the chair is appropriate, then you must examine the functionality of the layout and options of that interface. Always staying client centered allows flexibility to meet the needs of each unique consumer. In this case, the Q-Logic series of joysticks now offers the opportunity to provide a customized approach to our clients’ preferences.

With the Q-Logic 3e joystick, there are some key differences when interacting with this joystick interface while still maintaining the functionality of up to five power seating actuators. Most are familiar with the Q-Logic 3 EX joystick, with a toggle on/off lever and dial operation for speed. The new Q-Logic 3e is fully button based. In my clinical experience, I can distinctly remember some of my clients’ power wheelchair experiences that were directly impacted by being able to manage the additional buttons/switches on the joystick interface. In the case of those with limited hand function, they may utilize a universal cuff or a static wrist support and potentially a stylus or pencil that helps them to interact with and control buttons or switches on their joystick. Depending on the strength, coordination and force an individual has, this can greatly impact the efficiency and effectiveness in which they can manipulate these features.

This also leads to a discussion on what joystick is most intuitive to a client. Those with a history of using technology are usually able to understand and recall steps of a joystick operation and features very easily. As we work with a variety of clients, we have to remember this technology could be very new or learning could be impacted by other cognitive changes related to diagnoses. The Q-Logic 3e joystick offers a strictly icon-based color LCD screen that allows a different presentation of the information. Another difference with the Q-Logic 3e joystick is that instead of having a programmable I/II button with the option of an additional iAccess module, you now have a home row of programmable soft keys that function as a built-in iAccess. This allows multiple pages to be programmed for things such as your power seating functions.

Recognizing that our clients sometimes have difficulty with the transition from indoor to outdoor lighting and screen display visualization, new consideration was given to providing a quick option for improved visibility.

All these features are designed with the client in mind. If a client needs Bluetooth® access for environmental controls or is utilizing an alternative drive control, the Q-Logic 3 EX will best meet those needs. What may be intuitive to one client may not be to another. Our commitment is to meet the needs of our clients with every opportunity we can.

Check out Quantum’s PowerPoint presentation with a clinical comparison of Q-Logic 3e and Q-Logic 3 EX.

Click Here to Download File

About Alex Chesney: Alex is an occupational therapist and clinical sales manager for Quantum Outside Sales. She lives in Texas and enjoys fitness, working out, and taking her two rescue dogs, Brinkley and Riley, on walks!

Disability Mentorship and the Next Generation

Many of our brand ambassadors and Q Roll Models are advocates for the Disabled Community, breaking down barriers and advocating accessibility and inclusivity. However, their passion goes beyond educating able-bodied individuals and promoting positive changes. Several of our brand ambassadors also look to make an impact in the lives of other wheelchair users, specifically the next generation. Whether at an organized event, summer camp, or program, you can do your part in leaving a legacy for future generations.

Disability Mentoring Day

Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) is mentoring program designed to increase awareness of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). DMD was founded in 1999 through a White House initiative and began with less than three dozen students. At first, it was just a one-day event, but has now become an extensive national mentoring program for young professionals with disabilities around the United States. This program promotes career development for students and job seekers with disabilities by giving kids the opportunity to explore different careers. Both Bryan Anderson and Kiel Eigen have participated in DMD and share what it’s like to play a part.

Center for Courageous Kids

The Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville, Kentucky, is a not-for-profit medical camping facility for children living with life-threatening illnesses. Children and their families can visit free of charge and try fun activities such as fishing and horseback riding. This camp changes the lives of thousands of children every year from the United States and around the world. For years, Kiel Eigen has volunteered at the Center for Courageous Kids and talks about the importance of showing up and being a role model for the young campers.

In addition to the Center for Courageous kids, there are other opportunities to volunteer at summer camps for kids with disabilities.

Develop Your Own Mentorship Program

Stephanie Woodward, in partnership with other disabled women, is developing a new program to help the next generation of girls with disabilities become leaders. This was sparked by Stephanie’s desire for young women to confidently take the reins in promoting a more diverse, innovative and better world.

If you can’t find an opportunity to mentor younger individuals in your area or you have a specific idea in mind, create your own mentorship program, or meet one on one with younger individuals to make a difference.

Staying Fit as a Wheelchair User

How do you stay fit as a wheelchair user? While most programs and facilities are not created with accessibility in mind, it isn’t impossible to find a workout that’s enjoyable and effective. Four of our brand ambassadors and Q Roll Models talk about how they exercise with a disability and how you can get started.

Jesse Cuellar: Working Out as a Quadriplegic

There are many facets to working out, therefore making everyone think something different when you ask them what working out means to them. For some people, it may mean primarily doing cardio, such as running or dancing. For others, they may think that working out involves going to the gym and using machines. For wheelchair users, finding adaptive equipment at the gym that accommodates their range of mobility can be a challenge. Jesse discusses how he works out at home during the quarantine. He uses adaptive equipment and his motorized wheelchair with iLevel® also aids him in his exercises. Learn more about working out as a quadriplegic.

Emily Ladau: Working it Out

Sometimes when people give us pushback, it propels us forward into something even better than we could imagine. One common misconception about wheelchair users is that they can’t exercise or that exercising is futile. These kinds of assumptions fuel Emily Ladau to prove naysayers wrong.

Many of us put “exercise more” or “lose weight” on our list of New Year’s resolutions but fall off the wagon after a month or two. Emily is a rare example of someone who is still committed to their resolution after several months. She dishes on how to find different kinds of seated exercises for free and ways to stay motivated when aiming to be consistent in making exercising a part of your routine.

Isabella Bullock: Wheelchair Weight Loss

Working out is only one part of staying fit. When it comes to weight loss that lasts, it’s all about leading a healthy lifestyle. But how does one change their lifestyle when they don’t know where to start? With so many fad diets, workout crazes and products that make promises, it’s difficult to know what really helps. Isabella Bullock aims to empower other wheelchair users to embark on their own weight loss journeys as she models for them what is possible. As she tells her story, she shares tips that help her in her own weight loss journey, as well as how she found the right plan for her based on her interests and personality.

Bryan Anderson: Staying Fit with a Disability

What happens when you have to change up your workout routine? Before becoming a triple amputee, working out for Bryan Anderson meant competing as a gymnast and playing sports. When his injury forced him to make changes, he realized that working out was simpler than we make it. If we can move our bodies, we can work out. Bryan talks about some of the exercises he does that target different parts of the body. Most of all, he says that we shouldn’t care about what other people might say or do if and when you make this decision for yourself. Getting healthy isn’t about others. It’s about you.

If you are interested in developing your own exercise routine, it’s important to consult with your physician or physical therapist before beginning.

iLevel® Empowers Others to Live Confidently

Why do motorized wheelchair users love iLevel® so much? For one thing, it helps electric wheelchair users live independently, but it also empowers them to live confidently. Our Q Roll Models and brand ambassadors share how iLevel empowers them to be confident no matter where they are.

Jesse Cuellar

Confidence means something different to everyone. For Jesse, that means being able to do what he loves independently daily. He cites some examples, such as being able to create art, communicate with others at eye level, change the thermostat, and get to where he wants to go with increased visibility. Jesse doesn’t skip a beat in living his life to the fullest. He believes that if you keep creating new experiences, you’ll always have love for life and the passion for the things that you do. Most importantly, he says that being able to do what you love is essentially loving yourself, which is one of the best things you can do.

Merlisha Henderson

Merlisha explains that confidence is gained in many forms through life experiences and how we are viewed by others. Sometimes wheelchair users aren’t taken seriously by able-bodied people for a number of reasons, from their height to the able-bodied individual’s perception of the wheelchair user’s ability to be independent. Not only are there personal barriers and social barriers that come with using a wheelchair, but another major issue is inaccessibility. Countertops, desks, microwaves and cabinets are just some everyday items that are used routinely but present a challenge for wheelchair users. Learn how Merlisha is regaining confidence with her iLevel motorized wheelchair.

Bryson Foster

Empowerment is for wheelchair users of all ages, whether in high school, college or in the working world. For the past five years, Bryson has been announcing Vex Robotics for his high school and continues to do so in college. With iLevel® Power Adjustable Seat Height, Bryson feels confident when announcing, as he can keep a better eye on the action and competition that is taking place.

Not only does it increase his visibility when it comes to being able to see on the field, but it also helps him maintain a presence within the crowd and interact with the parents and teams that participate every week, building relationships with those he meets. Read Bryson’s story.

Emily Ladau

Emily Ladau makes a distinction between having power and being empowered. To Emily, having iLevel is less about being higher up and more about having access to a piece of assistive technology that enables her to make that happen. Empowerment means being able to reach a high shelf in a grocery store or reach the microphone at a podium while giving a presentation. Ultimately, she has the choice to be at whatever height works for her. She now advocates for a world in which a person’s height is not something that influences society’s perception of them, as well as a world in which people have access to the technology they need to be empowered in a way that works best for them.