Life on Wheels: For the Active Wheelchair User: For the Active Wheelchair User (Patient Centered Guides)

Over 1.5 million Americans use wheelchairs for a variety of causes: a congenital condition, traumatic injury, or disease. People who depend upon wheelchairs for mobility are in varied situations. They might live independently or need attendant care; live alone or with family; be employed full-time or no longer working. Despite differences, people dependent on wheelchairs face some similar medical issues and a need to cope with changed circumstances. Life on Wheels: For the Active Wheelchair User is for people who want to take charge of their own life experience while using a wheelchair. Author Gary Karp, ergonomics consultant and long-time chair user, describes: Medical issues (paralysis, circulation, rehab experience, choosing the optimal wheelchair, scientific progress toward a cure) Day-to-day living (keeping fit, skin care, bowel and bladder care, sexuality, home access, maintaining a wheelchair, wheeling technique, insurance) Psychological and social issues (grieving loss, self-image, adjustment to life change, friends, family, asking for and being helped, cultural attitudes, history of disability, and activism) Written for wheelchair users who want to take charge of their life experience, this text describes medical issues; day-to-day living; and social issues such as self-image, adjustment, friends, family, cultural attitudes and activism. Describes medical issues, day-to-day living issues, and psychological and social issues of individuals who use a wheelchair