[Blind-rollers] Blind-rollers Digest, Vol 1, Issue 9
Jennifer Aberdeen
freespirit328 at gmail.com
Thu Aug 2 10:46:45 CDT 2007
Hi Marcel,
Just yesterday, a guy came to assess me for my power chair. He was a bit
surprised...this was the first time he had ever assessed a blind person for
an electric wheelchair. My physical therapist was the same way when she
first came a couple weeks ago. The difference though is that although both
of them had never heard of it before, they both are open to the possibility
that it can be done. Neither of them shut the door on the idea, so I will be
getting my new chair in a few months. In the meantime, the guy said he would
fix what is broken (there's a lot broken) on my manual chair, and he's going
to put regular tires on it so it will be a little lighter.
----- Original Message -----
From: "marcel" <mavio at personainternet.com>
To: <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, August 02, 2007 11:11 AM
Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] Blind-rollers Digest, Vol 1, Issue 9
> Hi all
> this is Marcel the blind rolling northerner. Reading your discussions
> about
> the professionals not thinking it possible for blind people to use wheel
> chairs, I am a little discouraged because I thought only here in Canada
> could be so behind in their thinking. I see now that it is wide spread so
> I
> guess every tine we convince a professional it can be done, is another
> notch in our belts. Keep proving them wrong people , I know I am doing
> just
> that and every opportunity I get to get in their faces I am right there.
> Keep on rolling..
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <blind-rollers-request at nfbnet.org>
> To: <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Friday, July 27, 2007 1:00 PM
> Subject: Blind-rollers Digest, Vol 1, Issue 9
>
>
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>>
>> Today's Topics:
>>
>> 1. Re: On driving lessons, was, RE: hello. (Dan)
>> 2. Re: Just wanted to say Hello (Rob Kaiser)
>> 3. Re: Just wanted to say Hello (Dan)
>> 4. Re: On driving lessons, was, RE: hello. (Petra van Driel)
>> 5. Re: On driving lessons, was, RE: hello. (Dan)
>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 1
>> Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007 06:39:42 -0700
>> From: Dan <JazzyDan at sbcglobal.net>
>> Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] On driving lessons, was, RE: hello.
>> To: Blind wheelchair users list <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org>
>> Message-ID: <B2C7FB6A-F83A-48B6-B8C5-A9E3372A7575 at sbcglobal.net>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
>>
>> Hello,
>> Thanks for sharing your experiences with everyone.
>> I like a center-wheel drive because of the stability. I have a Jassy
>> 610 and I love it.
>> Dan
>> On Jul 27, 2007, at 6:29 AM, Petra van Driel wrote:
>>
>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>> When I decided to function more independently, the only thing that
>>> could
>>> work for me in onfamiliar places was a guidedog. And because I love
>>> to have
>>> a dog, that just was something to look forward to. I tried to use a
>>> thing
>>> that in dutch is called a rollator. I don't know if their is an other
>>> english word for a kind of walker on wheels. But I didn't learn
>>> routes by
>>> than and got so tired of walking we decided on a scootmobile. But a
>>> powerchair seemed to work better, because it has nothing infront of
>>> you,
>>> where the other thing had a little steering thing infront and the
>>> third
>>> wheel. I learned how to drive hand in hand with my boyfriend. And
>>> after the
>>> dog came we chased each other in the big hall of our apartement. When
>>> searching for a good manual chair compair the weights of different
>>> types.
>>> And trie to read about it on the web. I'll fill in the gaps of my
>>> english
>>> some more and than translate my dutch webpages on wheelchairguiding
>>> and
>>> wheelchair use for vips. (vips, visual impaired persons)
>>>
>>> Not just the camber was an important detail when getting this
>>> wheelchair,
>>> for me the small reerweals are placed a little infront of my feet.
>>> So I can
>>> never axidently hurt my feet, can put the chair in the right way
>>> for taking
>>> curbes and the biggest advantage, I can't tip over that way. The
>>> day this
>>> chair came, again, whe started out using hand in hand, and when I
>>> could
>>> drive, Beau was happy to work with it.
>>>
>>> Best regards Petra
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Blind-rollers mailing list
>>> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 2
>> Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007 06:41:13 -0700
>> From: "Rob Kaiser" <rkaiser4 at socal.rr.com>
>> Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] Just wanted to say Hello
>> To: "Blind wheelchair users list" <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org>
>> Message-ID: <007001c7d053$ccf99480$6ea54a42 at robxp>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
>> reply-type=original
>>
>> Hello again. As you all know, I sent a message about my neuropathy, and
>> that
>> I may have to go to a wheelchair soon especially if they have to put in a
>> morafeen catheter in my leg. in anyone's experiences, how do most
>> employers
>> feel about having a blind worker in a wheelchair? Do a lot of safety
>> questions come up. I am suppose to start a new job with Verizon Wireless
>> call center in Irvine, CA on August 6th.
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>>
>> Rob Kaiser
>> PRESIDENT, NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF CALIFORNIA ORANGE COUNTY
>> CHAPTER
>> HOME PHONE (714)289-9114
>> CELL PHONE (714)323-5203
>> EMAIL ADDRESS: rkaiser4 at socal.rr.com
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "dmgina" <dmgina at qwest.net>
>> To: <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2007 8:58 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] Just wanted to say Hello
>>
>>
>>> Dan,
>>> Didn't you get down on one knee to ask your wife for marriage?
>>> Ha, well now doing it again is romantic but don't work so hard at it
>>> smile.
>>> Hehehehehe.
>>> Dar ----- source message -----
>>> from: Dan <JazzyDan at sbcglobal.net>
>>> to: Blind wheelchair users list <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org>
>>> date: thursday Jul 26 2007, 18:52:56
>>> subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] Just wanted to say Hello
>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Hey Dar,
>>>> I really would suggest that you walk as long as you can. Even when
>>>> I'm in my house, where I can follow the walls, I walk some every day.
>>>> But one time while doing this, I fell down, right in front of some
>>>> friends we had over for dinner. And you know what? They laughed with
>>>> me, not at me, even my Wife and Son got in on the act. They also
>>>> suggested that I might take my situation a little more seriously. I
>>>> guess they are right. But still, when I can, I try to walk some.
>>>> Dan
>>>> On Jul 26, 2007, at 6:24 PM, dmgina wrote:
>>>>
>>>> > Hi there,
>>>> > I think it is grate.
>>>> > I don't need a chair yet,
>>>> > and hope that I can walk for as long as I can.
>>>> > Good for you.
>>>> > I don't understand terms of a chair, so if I ask, don't feel you
>>>> > are doing
>>>> > something wrong.
>>>> >
>>>> > --Dar
>>>> > www.mypowermall.com/biz/home/5779
>>>> > Every Saint has a past
>>>> > Every Sinner has a future
>>>> >
>>>> > ----- Original Message -----
>>>> > From: "Kim & Sophie" <kim_and_sophie at yahoo.ca>
>>>> > To: "Blind wheelchair users list" <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org>
>>>> > Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2007 5:04 PM
>>>> > Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] Just wanted to say Hello
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >> I knew through trial and error. The first one I had didn't work
>>>> >> for me at
>>>> >> all! It was too big, the seat was almost flat so I kept falling
>>>> >> forward
>>>> >> because I have no trunk control, and every part of it was just
>>>> >> wrong. I
>>>> >> had worked with 5 "seating speacialists" when I had this chair. I
>>>> >> got
>>>> >> measured by one and the other 4 tried to make things work for me
>>>> >> but they
>>>> >> never did.
>>>> >>
>>>> >> The next chair I got was measured by myself and my boyfriend and
>>>> >> it fits
>>>> >> me perfectly. I took 2 inches off of the seat width, had more
>>>> >> "dump" in
>>>> >> the seat so I could sit up without always having to lean on one
>>>> >> arm, and
>>>> >> changed every single measurement right down to the wheels. I also
>>>> >> got
>>>> >> more camber on my wheels because I knew I would be more stable on
>>>> >> slanted
>>>> >> sidewalks and wouldn't get my fingers caught like I use to.
>>>> >>
>>>> >> I guess it all comes down to finding out what works or don't work
>>>> >> for you
>>>> >> by trying things and making adjustments. My first chair was a
>>>> >> Quickie GT
>>>> >> so everything on it was adjustable. I kept tweaking it until I
>>>> >> knew what
>>>> >> I needed. It still didn't work for me, but I knew from the things
>>>> >> that
>>>> >> didn't work what would work.
>>>> >>
>>>> >> My new chair is a Invacare Top End Titanium and it has no
>>>> >> adjustments at
>>>> >> all besides the rear axle. I love it because nothing comes loose
>>>> >> and it
>>>> >> takes a lot of weight off of the chair. There are less things to
>>>> >> worry
>>>> >> about breaking and it only weighs 18fulbs including cushion, wheels,
>>>> >> backrest etc.
>>>> >>
>>>> >> Try some differnt things out and don't let a "seating
>>>> >> speacialist" force
>>>> >> you into something without having a chance to test it out and see
>>>> >> if it
>>>> >> works for yourself. If I had listened to everyone I would have
>>>> >> been in a
>>>> >> power chair in a nursing home with my guide dog taken away, but
>>>> >> instead
>>>> >> I'm living on my own half of the time (my boyfriend travels a lot
>>>> >> for
>>>> >> work), I still have my guide dog and I use a manual chair, and own
>>>> >> my own
>>>> >> buisness. I've also started wheelchair racing. All because I
>>>> >> made it
>>>> >> perfectly clear from the beginning that it's my life and I wasn't
>>>> >> about to
>>>> >> give in to whatever I was told before trying things out.
>>>> >>
>>>> >> Kim & Sophie
>>>> >>
>>>> >> dmgina <dmgina at qwest.net> wrote:
>>>> >> How did you know what to add to your chair to work for you?
>>>> >> Or did you get professional help?
>>>> >>
>>>> >> --Dar
>>>> >> www.mypowermall.com/biz/home/5779
>>>> >> Every Saint has a past
>>>> >> Every Sinner has a future
>>>> >>
>>>> >> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> >> From: "Kim & Sophie"
>>>> >> To: "Blind wheelchair users list"
>>>> >> Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2007 11:55 AM
>>>> >> Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] Just wanted to say Hello
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >>> I had this problem with my old wheelchair because I only had 3
>>>> >>> degrees of
>>>> >>> camber on my wheels. I would get my hand caught between doorways
>>>> >>> a lot and
>>>> >>> because I have no feeling in my hands I wouldn't realize until I
>>>> >>> couldn't
>>>> >>> move forward, or I couldn't pull my arm away from my wheel. When
>>>> >>> I got my
>>>> >>> new wheelchair I got 9 degrees of camber on my wheels and this
>>>> >>> gives me
>>>> >>> enough room so my hands don't touch door frames etc. because the
>>>> >>> bottom of
>>>> >>> my wheels can only touch the door frame leaving room between the
>>>> >>> top of
>>>> >>> the
>>>> >>> wheel for my hand.
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>> If you decide to add more camber to your chair you really should
>>>> >>> consider
>>>> >>> the width yoru chair will be at the base though. You don't want
>>>> >>> to do it
>>>> >>> and be too wide to fit through some doorways! It also adds a lot of
>>>> >>> stability from side to side to your chair.
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>> Kim & Sophie
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>> Laura Eaves wrote:
>>>> >>> Hi Jen --
>>>> >>> I crash into things with the manual chair too, but I have control
>>>> >>> enough
>>>> >>> to
>>>> >>> stop. Perhaps with practice, the same would be true with a power
>>>> >>> chair.
>>>> >>> One annoying thing about using the manual chair is that I
>>>> >>> frequently --
>>>> >>> that
>>>> >>> is, ininv* frequently -- get my hand caught between the chair and
>>>> >>> the
>>>> >>> furniture and so my hands and fingers are constantly bruised and
>>>> >>> swollen
>>>> >>> from little injuries, not to mention painful as heck.
>>>> >>> Does anyone else have this problem?
>>>> >>> I am fortunate in that I have full use of my arms -- I suppose
>>>> >>> there are
>>>> >>> some on the list that are more limited. I am also able to stand and
>>>> >>> pivot,
>>>> >>> but not walk.
>>>> >>> As for how I stear, I just push with one arm and feel with my
>>>> >>> feet and
>>>> >>> the
>>>> >>> other arm. I only carry the cane strapped to my chair for
>>>> >>> identification
>>>> >>> so
>>>> >>> people know I'm blind. If I used a power chair I suppose I could
>>>> >>> use the
>>>> >>> cane for mobility more easily.
>>>> >>> Comments welcome.
>>>> >>> --le
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> >>> From: "Jennifer Aberdeen"
>>>> >>> To: "Blind wheelchair users list"
>>>> >>> Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:12 AM
>>>> >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] Just wanted to say Hello
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>> Hi Laura,
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>> I know your question was to Dan, and I don't want to high-jack
>>>> >>> the email
>>>> >>> in
>>>> >>> any way, but I just wanted to ask you how you got around in your
>>>> >>> manual
>>>> >>> chair? I have a manual chair right now, and I have a really hard
>>>> >>> time
>>>> >>> getting around unfamiliar places, which is just about everywhere
>>>> >>> except
>>>> >>> my
>>>> >>> house. I have a one-armed gear manual chair, but I don't use it
>>>> >>> the way
>>>> >>> I'm
>>>> >>> supposed to because I almost broke my wrist trying to steer the
>>>> >>> chair
>>>> >>> when
>>>> >>> I
>>>> >>> was learning how to use it. I'm hoping that my mobility will be
>>>> >>> easier
>>>> >>> with
>>>> >>> the power chair, but if for some reason I can't drive it without
>>>> >>> crashing
>>>> >>> into things, I don't know what I'll do. I really need to be able
>>>> >>> to get
>>>> >>> around without people helping me.
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>> Jen
>>>> >>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> >>> From: "Laura Eaves"
>>>> >>> To: "Blind wheelchair users list"
>>>> >>> Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 2:42 AM
>>>> >>> Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] Just wanted to say Hello
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>>> Hi Dan -- Welcome to the list!
>>>> >>>> I am blind and use a manual chair.
>>>> >>>> I tried a power chair at one point just to see how well it would
>>>> >>>> work,
>>>> >>>> but
>>>> >>>> I
>>>> >>>> pretty much demolished the furniture and took some paint off the
>>>> >>>> wall. I
>>>> >>>> suppose for a one-day trial with no experience that was to be
>>>> >>>> expected,
>>>> >>>> but
>>>> >>>> I decided that for various reasons I preferred the manual -- not
>>>> >>>> the
>>>> >>>> least
>>>> >>>> of which is that I don't need a van to travel, and if I need a
>>>> >>>> ride
>>>> >>>> somewhere, my friend can throw my light weight folding chair in
>>>> >>>> the
>>>> >>>> trunk
>>>> >>>> of
>>>> >>>> any car quite easily.
>>>> >>>> I have a question -- are you total or do you have some vision?
>>>> >>>> and if
>>>> >>>> so,
>>>> >>>> how much?
>>>> >>>> When I was working, when my vision was better, I could see
>>>> >>>> enough to
>>>> >>>> stear
>>>> >>>> in familiar territory. But now my vision is not good enough to
>>>> >>>> navigate
>>>> >>>> much at all. I do most all navigation by touch, or checking out
>>>> >>>> the
>>>> >>>> light
>>>> >>>> fixtures in the room (I have light vision) to know where I am.
>>>> >>>> Take care.
>>>> >>>> --le
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> >>>> From: "Dan"
>>>> >>>> To:
>>>> >>>> Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 12:26 AM
>>>> >>>> Subject: [Blind-rollers] Just wanted to say Hello
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>> Hello,
>>>> >>>> I am a totally blind person who has been successfully using an
>>>> >>>> electric wheelchair for over a year.
>>>> >>>> I have a Jazzy-610 with a PG VSI 50 Amp controller mounted on the
>>>> >>>> left arm rest. This is a Center-wheel drive with Active Track
>>>> >>>> Suspension and I absolutely love the Six-Wheels on the ground at
>>>> >>>> all
>>>> >>>> times. It really does give me tremendous stability.
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>> I didn't need Rehab Seating. However I do have a High-Backed seat
>>>> >>>> with a Headrest and it also Reclines.
>>>> >>>> While I can still walk some, I feel much safer in the wheelchair.
>>>> >>>> For guidance I use an extremely lightweight carbon fiber folding
>>>> >>>> cane with a roller tip and it works great.
>>>> >>>> Dan
>>>> >>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> >>>> Blind-rollers mailing list
>>>> >>>> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>>> >>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>>> >>>>
>>>> >>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> >>>> Blind-rollers mailing list
>>>> >>>> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>>> >>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>> _______________________________________________
>>>> >>> Blind-rollers mailing list
>>>> >>> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>>> >>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>> _______________________________________________
>>>> >>> Blind-rollers mailing list
>>>> >>> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>>> >>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>> ---------------------------------
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>>>> >>
>>>> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>> >> -----------
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >>> _______________________________________________
>>>> >>> Blind-rollers mailing list
>>>> >>> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>>> >>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>>> >>>
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>> >> -----------
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
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>>>> >> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
>>>> >> Version: 7.5.476 still Virus Database: 269.10.19/917 -- Release
>>>> >> Date:
>>>> >> 7/25/2007
>>>> >> 1:16 AM
>>>> >>
>>>> >> _______________________________________________
>>>> >> Blind-rollers mailing list
>>>> >> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>>> >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >> ---------------------------------
>>>> >>
>>>> >>
>>>> >> Yahoo! Canada Toolbar : Search from anywhere on
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>>>> >> and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now!
>>>> >>
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> > ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>> > ----------
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >> _______________________________________________
>>>> >> Blind-rollers mailing list
>>>> >> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>>> >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>>> >>
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> > ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>> > ----------
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> > No virus found in this incoming message.
>>>> > Checked by AVG Free Edition.
>>>> > Version: 7.5.476 still Virus Database: 269.10.19/917 -- Release Date:
>>>> > 7/25/2007
>>>> > 1:16 AM
>>>> >
>>>> > _______________________________________________
>>>> > Blind-rollers mailing list
>>>> > Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>>> > http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Blind-rollers mailing list
>>>> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>>
>>>
>>> Dar
>>> www.mypowermall.com/biz/home/5779
>>> every saint has a past
>>> every sinner has a future
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Blind-rollers mailing list
>>> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 3
>> Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007 07:45:10 -0700
>> From: Dan <JazzyDan at sbcglobal.net>
>> Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] Just wanted to say Hello
>> To: Blind wheelchair users list <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org>
>> Message-ID: <8252E442-0014-4A2D-925F-8AA2F083903C at sbcglobal.net>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
>>
>> Hello,
>> I recently retired. But before I retired, my employer was quite open
>> to my having a wheelchair on the campus. If anything negative was
>> ever said, I never heard of it.
>> Dan
>> On Jul 27, 2007, at 6:41 AM, Rob Kaiser wrote:
>>
>>> Hello again. As you all know, I sent a message about my neuropathy,
>>> and that
>>> I may have to go to a wheelchair soon especially if they have to
>>> put in a
>>> morafeen catheter in my leg. in anyone's experiences, how do most
>>> employers
>>> feel about having a blind worker in a wheelchair? Do a lot of safety
>>> questions come up. I am suppose to start a new job with Verizon
>>> Wireless
>>> call center in Irvine, CA on August 6th.
>>>
>>> Thanks.
>>>
>>>
>>> Rob Kaiser
>>> PRESIDENT, NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF CALIFORNIA ORANGE
>>> COUNTY
>>> CHAPTER
>>> HOME PHONE (714)289-9114
>>> CELL PHONE (714)323-5203
>>> EMAIL ADDRESS: rkaiser4 at socal.rr.com
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "dmgina" <dmgina at qwest.net>
>>> To: <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2007 8:58 PM
>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] Just wanted to say Hello
>>>
>>>
>>>> Dan,
>>>> Didn't you get down on one knee to ask your wife for marriage?
>>>> Ha, well now doing it again is romantic but don't work so hard at it
>>>> smile.
>>>> Hehehehehe.
>>>> Dar ----- source message -----
>>>> from: Dan <JazzyDan at sbcglobal.net>
>>>> to: Blind wheelchair users list <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org>
>>>> date: thursday Jul 26 2007, 18:52:56
>>>> subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] Just wanted to say Hello
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Hey Dar,
>>>>> I really would suggest that you walk as long as you can. Even when
>>>>> I'm in my house, where I can follow the walls, I walk some every
>>>>> day.
>>>>> But one time while doing this, I fell down, right in front of some
>>>>> friends we had over for dinner. And you know what? They laughed with
>>>>> me, not at me, even my Wife and Son got in on the act. They also
>>>>> suggested that I might take my situation a little more seriously. I
>>>>> guess they are right. But still, when I can, I try to walk some.
>>>>> Dan
>>>>> On Jul 26, 2007, at 6:24 PM, dmgina wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Hi there,
>>>>>> I think it is grate.
>>>>>> I don't need a chair yet,
>>>>>> and hope that I can walk for as long as I can.
>>>>>> Good for you.
>>>>>> I don't understand terms of a chair, so if I ask, don't feel you
>>>>>> are doing
>>>>>> something wrong.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> --Dar
>>>>>> www.mypowermall.com/biz/home/5779
>>>>>> Every Saint has a past
>>>>>> Every Sinner has a future
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>> From: "Kim & Sophie" <kim_and_sophie at yahoo.ca>
>>>>>> To: "Blind wheelchair users list" <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2007 5:04 PM
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] Just wanted to say Hello
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I knew through trial and error. The first one I had didn't work
>>>>>>> for me at
>>>>>>> all! It was too big, the seat was almost flat so I kept falling
>>>>>>> forward
>>>>>>> because I have no trunk control, and every part of it was just
>>>>>>> wrong. I
>>>>>>> had worked with 5 "seating speacialists" when I had this chair. I
>>>>>>> got
>>>>>>> measured by one and the other 4 tried to make things work for me
>>>>>>> but they
>>>>>>> never did.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> The next chair I got was measured by myself and my boyfriend and
>>>>>>> it fits
>>>>>>> me perfectly. I took 2 inches off of the seat width, had more
>>>>>>> "dump" in
>>>>>>> the seat so I could sit up without always having to lean on one
>>>>>>> arm, and
>>>>>>> changed every single measurement right down to the wheels. I also
>>>>>>> got
>>>>>>> more camber on my wheels because I knew I would be more stable on
>>>>>>> slanted
>>>>>>> sidewalks and wouldn't get my fingers caught like I use to.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> I guess it all comes down to finding out what works or don't work
>>>>>>> for you
>>>>>>> by trying things and making adjustments. My first chair was a
>>>>>>> Quickie GT
>>>>>>> so everything on it was adjustable. I kept tweaking it until I
>>>>>>> knew what
>>>>>>> I needed. It still didn't work for me, but I knew from the things
>>>>>>> that
>>>>>>> didn't work what would work.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> My new chair is a Invacare Top End Titanium and it has no
>>>>>>> adjustments at
>>>>>>> all besides the rear axle. I love it because nothing comes loose
>>>>>>> and it
>>>>>>> takes a lot of weight off of the chair. There are less things to
>>>>>>> worry
>>>>>>> about breaking and it only weighs 18fulbs including cushion,
>>>>>>> wheels,
>>>>>>> backrest etc.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Try some differnt things out and don't let a "seating
>>>>>>> speacialist" force
>>>>>>> you into something without having a chance to test it out and see
>>>>>>> if it
>>>>>>> works for yourself. If I had listened to everyone I would have
>>>>>>> been in a
>>>>>>> power chair in a nursing home with my guide dog taken away, but
>>>>>>> instead
>>>>>>> I'm living on my own half of the time (my boyfriend travels a
>>>>>>> lot for
>>>>>>> work), I still have my guide dog and I use a manual chair, and own
>>>>>>> my own
>>>>>>> buisness. I've also started wheelchair racing. All because I
>>>>>>> made it
>>>>>>> perfectly clear from the beginning that it's my life and I wasn't
>>>>>>> about to
>>>>>>> give in to whatever I was told before trying things out.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Kim & Sophie
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> dmgina <dmgina at qwest.net> wrote:
>>>>>>> How did you know what to add to your chair to work for you?
>>>>>>> Or did you get professional help?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> --Dar
>>>>>>> www.mypowermall.com/biz/home/5779
>>>>>>> Every Saint has a past
>>>>>>> Every Sinner has a future
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>>> From: "Kim & Sophie"
>>>>>>> To: "Blind wheelchair users list"
>>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2007 11:55 AM
>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] Just wanted to say Hello
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I had this problem with my old wheelchair because I only had 3
>>>>>>>> degrees of
>>>>>>>> camber on my wheels. I would get my hand caught between doorways
>>>>>>>> a lot and
>>>>>>>> because I have no feeling in my hands I wouldn't realize until I
>>>>>>>> couldn't
>>>>>>>> move forward, or I couldn't pull my arm away from my wheel. When
>>>>>>>> I got my
>>>>>>>> new wheelchair I got 9 degrees of camber on my wheels and this
>>>>>>>> gives me
>>>>>>>> enough room so my hands don't touch door frames etc. because the
>>>>>>>> bottom of
>>>>>>>> my wheels can only touch the door frame leaving room between the
>>>>>>>> top of
>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>> wheel for my hand.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> If you decide to add more camber to your chair you really should
>>>>>>>> consider
>>>>>>>> the width yoru chair will be at the base though. You don't want
>>>>>>>> to do it
>>>>>>>> and be too wide to fit through some doorways! It also adds a
>>>>>>>> lot of
>>>>>>>> stability from side to side to your chair.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Kim & Sophie
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Laura Eaves wrote:
>>>>>>>> Hi Jen --
>>>>>>>> I crash into things with the manual chair too, but I have control
>>>>>>>> enough
>>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>>> stop. Perhaps with practice, the same would be true with a power
>>>>>>>> chair.
>>>>>>>> One annoying thing about using the manual chair is that I
>>>>>>>> frequently --
>>>>>>>> that
>>>>>>>> is, ininv* frequently -- get my hand caught between the chair and
>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>> furniture and so my hands and fingers are constantly bruised and
>>>>>>>> swollen
>>>>>>>> from little injuries, not to mention painful as heck.
>>>>>>>> Does anyone else have this problem?
>>>>>>>> I am fortunate in that I have full use of my arms -- I suppose
>>>>>>>> there are
>>>>>>>> some on the list that are more limited. I am also able to
>>>>>>>> stand and
>>>>>>>> pivot,
>>>>>>>> but not walk.
>>>>>>>> As for how I stear, I just push with one arm and feel with my
>>>>>>>> feet and
>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>> other arm. I only carry the cane strapped to my chair for
>>>>>>>> identification
>>>>>>>> so
>>>>>>>> people know I'm blind. If I used a power chair I suppose I could
>>>>>>>> use the
>>>>>>>> cane for mobility more easily.
>>>>>>>> Comments welcome.
>>>>>>>> --le
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>>>> From: "Jennifer Aberdeen"
>>>>>>>> To: "Blind wheelchair users list"
>>>>>>>> Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:12 AM
>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] Just wanted to say Hello
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Hi Laura,
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I know your question was to Dan, and I don't want to high-jack
>>>>>>>> the email
>>>>>>>> in
>>>>>>>> any way, but I just wanted to ask you how you got around in your
>>>>>>>> manual
>>>>>>>> chair? I have a manual chair right now, and I have a really hard
>>>>>>>> time
>>>>>>>> getting around unfamiliar places, which is just about everywhere
>>>>>>>> except
>>>>>>>> my
>>>>>>>> house. I have a one-armed gear manual chair, but I don't use it
>>>>>>>> the way
>>>>>>>> I'm
>>>>>>>> supposed to because I almost broke my wrist trying to steer the
>>>>>>>> chair
>>>>>>>> when
>>>>>>>> I
>>>>>>>> was learning how to use it. I'm hoping that my mobility will be
>>>>>>>> easier
>>>>>>>> with
>>>>>>>> the power chair, but if for some reason I can't drive it without
>>>>>>>> crashing
>>>>>>>> into things, I don't know what I'll do. I really need to be able
>>>>>>>> to get
>>>>>>>> around without people helping me.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Jen
>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>>>> From: "Laura Eaves"
>>>>>>>> To: "Blind wheelchair users list"
>>>>>>>> Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 2:42 AM
>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] Just wanted to say Hello
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Hi Dan -- Welcome to the list!
>>>>>>>>> I am blind and use a manual chair.
>>>>>>>>> I tried a power chair at one point just to see how well it would
>>>>>>>>> work,
>>>>>>>>> but
>>>>>>>>> I
>>>>>>>>> pretty much demolished the furniture and took some paint off the
>>>>>>>>> wall. I
>>>>>>>>> suppose for a one-day trial with no experience that was to be
>>>>>>>>> expected,
>>>>>>>>> but
>>>>>>>>> I decided that for various reasons I preferred the manual -- not
>>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>>> least
>>>>>>>>> of which is that I don't need a van to travel, and if I need
>>>>>>>>> a ride
>>>>>>>>> somewhere, my friend can throw my light weight folding chair
>>>>>>>>> in the
>>>>>>>>> trunk
>>>>>>>>> of
>>>>>>>>> any car quite easily.
>>>>>>>>> I have a question -- are you total or do you have some vision?
>>>>>>>>> and if
>>>>>>>>> so,
>>>>>>>>> how much?
>>>>>>>>> When I was working, when my vision was better, I could see
>>>>>>>>> enough to
>>>>>>>>> stear
>>>>>>>>> in familiar territory. But now my vision is not good enough to
>>>>>>>>> navigate
>>>>>>>>> much at all. I do most all navigation by touch, or checking
>>>>>>>>> out the
>>>>>>>>> light
>>>>>>>>> fixtures in the room (I have light vision) to know where I am.
>>>>>>>>> Take care.
>>>>>>>>> --le
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>>>>> From: "Dan"
>>>>>>>>> To:
>>>>>>>>> Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 12:26 AM
>>>>>>>>> Subject: [Blind-rollers] Just wanted to say Hello
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Hello,
>>>>>>>>> I am a totally blind person who has been successfully using an
>>>>>>>>> electric wheelchair for over a year.
>>>>>>>>> I have a Jazzy-610 with a PG VSI 50 Amp controller mounted on
>>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>>> left arm rest. This is a Center-wheel drive with Active Track
>>>>>>>>> Suspension and I absolutely love the Six-Wheels on the ground at
>>>>>>>>> all
>>>>>>>>> times. It really does give me tremendous stability.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> I didn't need Rehab Seating. However I do have a High-Backed
>>>>>>>>> seat
>>>>>>>>> with a Headrest and it also Reclines.
>>>>>>>>> While I can still walk some, I feel much safer in the
>>>>>>>>> wheelchair.
>>>>>>>>> For guidance I use an extremely lightweight carbon fiber folding
>>>>>>>>> cane with a roller tip and it works great.
>>>>>>>>> Dan
>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>> Blind-rollers mailing list
>>>>>>>>> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>>> Blind-rollers mailing list
>>>>>>>>> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>> Blind-rollers mailing list
>>>>>>>> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>> Blind-rollers mailing list
>>>>>>>> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> ---------------------------------
>>>>>>>> Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is at giving junk
>>>>>>>> email the
>>>>>>>> boot with the All-new Yahoo! Mail
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>>>> ---
>>>>>>> -----------
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>>> Blind-rollers mailing list
>>>>>>>> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>>>> ---
>>>>>>> -----------
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>>>>>>> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
>>>>>>> Version: 7.5.476 still Virus Database: 269.10.19/917 -- Release
>>>>>>> Date:
>>>>>>> 7/25/2007
>>>>>>> 1:16 AM
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> Blind-rollers mailing list
>>>>>>> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> ---------------------------------
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Yahoo! Canada Toolbar : Search from anywhere on
>>>>>>> the web
>>>>>>> and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now!
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>>> ---
>>>>>> ----------
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>>> Blind-rollers mailing list
>>>>>>> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>>>> ---
>>>>>> ----------
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>>>>>> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
>>>>>> Version: 7.5.476 still Virus Database: 269.10.19/917 -- Release
>>>>>> Date:
>>>>>> 7/25/2007
>>>>>> 1:16 AM
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> Blind-rollers mailing list
>>>>>> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Blind-rollers mailing list
>>>>> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Dar
>>>> www.mypowermall.com/biz/home/5779
>>>> every saint has a past
>>>> every sinner has a future
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Blind-rollers mailing list
>>>> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Blind-rollers mailing list
>>> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 4
>> Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007 17:37:29 +0200
>> From: "Petra van Driel" <nieuws at challenge-media.com>
>> Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] On driving lessons, was, RE: hello.
>> To: "'Blind wheelchair users list'" <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org>
>> Message-ID: <HPSMTP-EML054VsA6Xk00021829 at hpsmtp-eml05.kpnxchange.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>>
>> Hi Dan,
>>
>> What's a center-wheel drive? Is that the newer 6 wheel kind of chair?
>> And
>> what's the difference between such a chair and a standard one?
>>
>> Best regards Petra
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 5
>> Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007 09:14:10 -0700
>> From: Dan <JazzyDan at sbcglobal.net>
>> Subject: Re: [Blind-rollers] On driving lessons, was, RE: hello.
>> To: Blind wheelchair users list <blind-rollers at nfbnet.org>
>> Message-ID: <DD2DC508-02AB-4F3F-8051-4FEA980D177D at sbcglobal.net>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
>>
>> Hello Petra,
>> You are correct. A center-wheel chair means that the middle wheels
>> are the drive wheels. It also has rear casters and front anti-tip
>> casters. All the casters are able to swivel. The front casters are
>> part of a suspension system. On my chair, as the surface in front of
>> me changes the two front casters and both motors adjust for the
>> ground differentials. This means that all six wheels are firmly on
>> the ground at all times. The rear casters are on a heavy bar that
>> also swivels some to adjust for balance at the center line of the
>> chair. My drive wheels are 10 inch foam-filled tires not pneumatic
>> tires. The rear casters are 6 inch spherical in shape. The front
>> casters are 5 inch spherical casters. This makes it much easier for
>> traversing low curbs. My chair has a 2 inch ground clearance some
>> have 3 or more inches of clearance. There are many different
>> configurations of wheels and casters from different manufacturers.
>> While my chair is equipped with 10 inch drive wheels, some power
>> chairs have 12, 14, or 16 inch drive wheels. and the casters are
>> matched accordingly.
>> Also, you can have front-wheel drive which is usually a 4 wheel
>> setup. And of course there is rear-wheel drive as well. The power
>> chairs that I evaluated were front-wheel and center-wheel units. I
>> didn't evaluate rear-wheel drive.
>> I hope this explains what you are asking.
>>
>> On Jul 27, 2007, at 8:37 AM, Petra van Driel wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Dan,
>>>
>>> What's a center-wheel drive? Is that the newer 6 wheel kind of
>>> chair? And
>>> what's the difference between such a chair and a standard one?
>>>
>>> Best regards Petra
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Blind-rollers mailing list
>>> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Blind-rollers mailing list
>> Blind-rollers at nfbnet.org
>> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
>>
>>
>> End of Blind-rollers Digest, Vol 1, Issue 9
>> *******************************************
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
>> Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.11.2/931 - Release Date: 8/1/2007
>> 4:53 PM
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
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> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-rollers
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