Electric Wheelchairs Education and Training

Learn how to properly use and operate electric wheelchairs that help with mobility

Electric wheelchairs benefit individuals with restricted mobility due to age, illness or injury. An electric wheelchair can usually be used indoors or outside and most can be fully operated with a simple hand control. Nurses and physical therapists can provide power chairs to their clients as tools of independence.

Health care providers and wheelchair dealers should learn the basics about power electric wheelchairs in order to be able to instruct clients and customers properly. To safely use, operate and sell power wheelchairs, some electric wheelchairs education and training is necessary. Be sure to do the following:

1. Learn how to properly operate an electric wheelchair.

2. Discover safety guidelines for using an electric wheelchair.

3. Become knowledgeable about new power chairs technology.

 

Learn about basic operations of an electric wheelchair

Learn how to use and operate an electric wheelchair. Knowing the basics of power wheelchairs and how they work will help health care providers teach patients how to use them properly and effectively. It's important to learn how to operate an electric motorized wheelchair correctly to make sure clients and customers are safe.
Try: Attend Wheelchair University, a symposium providing training guides on the basics of using an electric wheelchair to teach rehab specialists and nurses how to use an electric wheelchair correctly. The Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center offers wheelchair mobility skills training and can help you learn how to use motorized wheelchairs.

Educate yourself about electric wheelchair safety guidelines

There are several safety guidelines regarding electric wheelchairs that are meant to protect the user and those around the power electric wheelchair. Learn about these safety guidelines as a health care provider so that you can then educate your clients and patients.
Try: Use this slide show video from Knowledge Translation to educate yourself about patient wheelchair safety. Mobility Advisor offers these basic safety guidelines for operating an electric wheelchair safely. You can learn them and share them with your patients.

Stay on top of new innovations and technologies in power chair development

Motorized wheelchair technology is constantly evolving and improving the speed and quality of use of electric wheelchairs for sale and for health care facility use. Learn about these new innovations so you can educate your clients and share with them.
Try: Attend the Abilities Expo, an annual medical equipment trade show that features the latest in power wheelchair models and technology. Learn what new steps are being taken to make wheelchairs fun and safe. Attend a telephone seminar provided by the National Registration of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers which will teach you about new technologies available to electric wheelchair providers and specialists.

 

• Always review the owner or user's manual for new power chair models or manufacturers so you can learn any differences and educate your patients on proper use.

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