Suggested Guidelines for Safe Use of a Wheelchair

Getting into a wheelchair

1. Make sure that both of the brakes are in place and the front casters face forward.

2. Fold up both footplates and swing them to the sides or up, depending on the chair model, out of your way.

3. If possible, have someone hold the handles of the wheelchair so that it will not move.

4. With both hands on the front of the armrests, lower yourself onto the seat.

5. Swing the footrests to the front and/or fold down the footplates. Place your feet on the footplates, with your heels resting towards the back of the foot plate.

Getting up from a wheelchair

1. Back the wheelchair so that the front casters face forward.

2. Make sure that both the brakes are in place.

3. Fold up both footplates and swing them to the sides or up, depending on the chair model, out of your way.

4. If possible, have someone to hold the handles of the wheelchair so that it will not move.

5. Move forwards on the seat.

6. Place both feet firmly on the ground, slightly apart and with one foot further back.

7. Place both hands on the front of the armrests, lean forwards with your head and shoulders over your knees to give balance, and then push yourself up.

Transferring sideways from your wheelchair

1. Place your wheelchair alongside the chair, bed, or toilet to which you wish to transfer.

2. Back the wheelchair so that the front casters face forward.

3. Make sure that both the brakes are in place.

4. Fold up both footplates and/or swing them up to the sides out of the way.

5. If possible, have someone to hold the handles of the wheelchair so that it will not move.

6.  Remove the armrest on the side from which you are transferring.

7. Place one hand on the armrest and the other, palm down, on the surface to which you are transferring.

8. Move forwards on the wheel chair seat, lean slightly forwards, push up and slide across to the other surface.

Negotiating Curbs

   Whenever possible, it is best to avoid curbs. Always try to use ramps or curb cuts on sidewalks. If you wish to negotiate curbs without help, do not do so until you have had proper instruction. Ask your therapist, wheelchair provider, or an experienced wheelchair user for help.

Pushing an Occupied Wheelchair Down a Curb

   It is safer to go down a curb backwards than forwards. It requires less strength and gives a gentler ride. Care needs to be taken though, because you will be stepping backwards into the road.

1. Practice with an empty wheelchair first.

2. Always tell the person in the wheelchair what you are about to do.

3. Make sure the road is clear, then back the wheelchair to the edge of the curb.

4. Pull the rear wheels carefully down onto the road surface, making sure that both wheels touch down at the same time.

5. When the front casters are at the edge of the curb, pull back on the handles and at the same time push down and forward on the tipping lever with your foot. This will balance the wheelchair and its occupant on the rear wheels. Do not tip the wheelchair back more than necessary.

6. Carefully pull the wheelchair further back into the road and, when the occupant’s feet are clear of the curb, gently lower the front to the road. Check that the road is clear before turning around and crossing.

Pushing an Occupied Wheelchair Up a Curb

  It is safer to go up a curb forwards rather than backwards. This requires less strength and gives a gentler ride.

1. Practice with an empty wheelchair first.

2. Always tell the person in the wheelchair what you are about to do.

3. When the occupant’s feet are nearly touching the curb, pull back on the handles and at the same time push down and forwards on the tipping lever with your foot. This will balance the wheelchair and its occupant on the rear wheels.

4. When the front casters are just clear of the curb, push the wheelchair forwards until the casters rest on the pavement. Do not tip the wheelchair back more than necessary.

5. Push the wheelchair forwards until the back wheels just touch the curb and then lift up on the handles as you continue pushing forwards to place the rear wheels on the pavement. The occupant can help with this stage by pushing forwards on the hand rims.

Carrying Book Bags, Purses or Other Bags on a Wheelchair

Never hang book bags, purses or other material on the back of the wheelchair because this can make it unbalanced and more liable to tip over backwards.

Last updated Wednesday, January 14, 2009 11:14 AM