Universal design is the design of environments and products to be used by people of all ages and abilities. The goal is to use design to reduce physical effort, regardless of some of the frailties that may be acquired due to an accident, health, or age. EasyLiving Homes[R] is a non-profit organization that advocates making all homes visitable and…

This article describes how Beverly and Martin Ryfa, working with an architect who specializes in accessible design, were able to build a house that is handicap accessible for their 9-year-old daughter, Danielle, who suffered an intraventricular hemorrhage when she was three days old. The article describes the features of their house that make…

When the author was a boy growing up in Van Nuys, California, during the 1950s and 60s, he remembers waiting patiently by the curb so he could help his mother, who suffered from polio and was on crutches, get up on the sidewalk. The world they lived in back then certainly was not designed to meet her special needs, but a lot has changed since…

As a school-based physical therapist, the author sees children with a wide variety of diagnoses affecting their mobility and motor function. Supported standing is an important part of the routines of those who are unable to stand independently due to issues affecting the neuromuscular system. Being eye-to-eye with their peers and interacting with…

This article presents a story about children with special needs whose exceptional parents had the courage and faith to look beyond their child's physical disability. Their vision granted them opportunities in a therapeutic riding program, which previously would not have included individuals with such severe disabilities. Through their…

Having read about the 2008 Medicare and Medicaid budgets, the author concluded that more families are going to be turned down for the equipment they are going to need. Here he shares a story of hope, determination, and perseverance. A call came into the ExoMotion office from an anxious mother asking about strollers for her daughter with special…

This article describes the experiences of an exceptional parent who always takes his daughter for rides in a CycleTote special needs bicycle trailer. Dennis Foster, an exceptional parent from Commerce, Oklahoma, found that taking his twenty-eight-year-old daughter Hasha for rides has made her happy. Hasha has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Changes in wheelchair design (such as larger tires and lighter overall weight) make it possible for disabled persons to exercise more mobility and control and participate in a greater variety of recreational activities. (CL)

Twenty-four manufacturers of wheelchairs in the United States, along with one in Canada, are listed with addresses and telephone numbers, including toll-free telephone numbers when available. (PB)

This article offers an overview of factors important in positioning the child with physical disabilities including proper techniques, multidisciplinary assessment, selection of equipment, trying equipment, and ongoing team evaluation. Specific terms concerned with clinical aspects, seating, standing, and seating components are defined. (DB)

Advanced Bio-Mechanical Linkage Enablement (ABLE) technology constitutes a leap forward in physical aids for people with disabilities, as they integrate high technologies in rehabilitation to create individualized self-contained care systems. Described are the need for universal standards, barriers to acceptance of ABLE technologies, and ways to…

The article describes the need for therapeutically designed and prescribed seating systems for cerebral palsied and severely physically handicapped children. Related issues discussed include muscle tone problems, beginning proper positioning early, needs evaluation by parents and clinical team members, and selecting a seating system. (JW)

The article describes the role of the adaptive equipment professional as a team member in the comprehensive clinical evaluation of a disabled child's need for adaptive equipment. These individuals represent companies that sell wheelchairs, seating systems, and other adaptive products. Issues such as maintenance and repair of equipment are also…

Adaptive aids which can help individuals with disabilities to get around more easily are described, including ramps, portable ramps, lifts, doors, and doorways. The use of professional assistance in selecting adaptive aids and use of the ABLEDATA database are noted. Appended is a list of companies which manufacture adaptive equipment. (JDD)

Tips on purchasing wheelchairs are offered to parents. Selection considerations such as weight, transporting, folding, lift and school bus accessibility, maintenance, and power supply needs are considered, as are features impacting comfort and therapeutic appropriateness. Roles of dealers, therapists, other parents, and wheelchair manufacturers in…