|
þ New Children’s Book A new children’s book, Dancing with Katya, is a story of two sisters in the early 1900s. One contracts polio, and the story chronicles her rehab and love of dancing. Written by Dori Chaconas and illustrated by Constance Bergum, both of whom have family histories of polio, the story is insightful and inspiring. Published by Peachtree Publishers, it should be available through your local bookstore. The following website provides information on the book: www.dorichaconas.com. þ Wheelchair Getaways Are you thinking about traveling on vacation, but want more travel flexibility? Wheelchair Getaways offers wheelchair accessible van rental with 50 franchised locations throughout the US. The vans can be equipped with raised roofs or lowered floors, lifts or ramps, and tie-down systems. For more information call 1-800-642-2042 or see the website at www.wheelchairgetaways.com. þ Other mobility options At our annual conference, some of our attendees shared ways that enabled them to get around more effectively. At least two mentioned using golf carts to get around their property and tend gardens. One rides an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) to travel along old abandoned roads and reach fishing spots. One found that a small electric scooter with small seat is ideal for shopping and doing errands. These electric scooters can be found in many large department stores in the bicycle department. Several commented on the cost of buying a van to adapt to wheelchair use. While many car companies offer some assistance toward adaptive equipment (usually around $1,000) it does not compensate for the full costs of either the vans or the conversion. There are lifts that can be installed in the back of a van to raise a scooter or chair into the rear compartment, but this may necessitate removing the rear seats. “Silver Star” offers a line of scooter lifts and manual and power wheelchair lifts. A simple wheelchair carrier that installs on the rear of most cars starts around $500, while battery-powered interior lifts that install into minivan start around $2500. One unique feature of the Silver Star lifts is that they install onto minivan seat channels so the vehicle does not have to be drilled or altered in any manner, thus saving some installation costs. Majors Mobility has all the information (1-800-570-3393). Also, there are some attachments to the outside of a vehicle for some types of chairs, but assistance is needed to remove the chairs for use. Both Ride Away in Gray (1-888-693-3344) and Majors Mobility in Topsham indicated a variety of equipment options. Finally, Hanger Orthotics and Prosthetics (1-800-872-8779) continues to offer a number of lighter weight and more flexible options for bracing than previously used. |
