The Disability Information and Resource Centre

‘What we’re Wheelie like…’ is a book aimed at junior primary level, with the aim that both the children and the adults who read the book to them, will start to realise that people in wheelchairs like to wear nice clothes, go to parties and have fun, just like you and me. They’re regular people and they use a wheelchair.

The book is a result of interviews conducted between Gail Miller and people who use wheelchairs over the past year.

You are invited to the launch of the book on Sunday 20th November at 42 Scotland Road, Mile End. For more details have a look at the flyer.

For Sale: Jewel Manual Wheelchair designed to be tilted to different positions for relief from the pressure of sitting in the one position; includes elevated leg rests with soft calf supports, padded seat and backrest that include a manual reclining system. One year old – great condition. 22 x 18 MPS seat. 12 1/2 x 2 1/4 solid castors.

$1,500.00 ONO (original purchase price $4,000.00).

Tel: 0417 859 243, after 6PM M-F, anytime S-S.

Participants with a physical disability will play doubles with an able bodied person. Team up with a family member or a friend and take on a new concept of wheelchair tennis.

Sunday 10 April 2011, Broadview Tennis Club (Myponga Tce, Broadview).

RSVP before Friday 8th April 2011 to Louise Woods at Wheelchair Sports SA, email: membership@wheelchairsports-sa.org.au or telephone: 8234 1533.

Cost: $10.00 per doubles team incl BBQ.

From Kimberly and Erin, Occupational Therapy Students with the Adult Specialist Services Intervention and Support Team (ASSIST) at Disability SA:

Our bodies aren’t designed to sit all day. For people that do, whether it is in a wheelchair or on the couch, they are at risk of getting sores due to pressure build up. They can be pretty gross and you can end up in hospital.

It’s important that people know how to prevent this from happening. This is why we are developing an information sheet. We need your help to make sure that it is easy to understand and looks good.

If you have a lot to say and want to be involved please contact Kimberly on kimberly.bates@postgrads.unisa.edu.au or Erin on erin.bollmeyer@postgrads.unisa.edu.au.

From Kimberly and Erin, Occupational Therapy Students with the Adult Specialist Services Intervention and Support Team (ASSIST) at Disability SA:

Our bodies aren’t designed to sit all day. For people that do, whether it is in a wheelchair or on the couch, they are at risk of getting sores due to pressure build up. They can be pretty gross and you can end up in hospital.

It’s important that people know how to prevent this from happening. This is why we are developing an information sheet. We need your help to make sure that it is easy to understand and looks good.

If you have a lot to say and want to be involved please contact Kimberly on kimberly.bates@postgrads.unisa.edu.au or Erin on erin.bollmeyer@postgrads.unisa.edu.au.

Give away – Kool stride 3 wheel – wheelchair for semi adult.

Contact Don Nicholls, tel. 8296 6987.

Wheelchair Sports SA (WCSSA) will be holding a ‘have-a-go’ afternoon for all those interested in trying the sport of ‘handcycling’.

As the name suggests, a handcycle is a cycle that is peddled with the use of the hands, not the feet. These bikes are therefore great for anyone with spinal injuries, back pain, leg or ankle injuries, amputations or anyone who just wants to try out something new and fun.

The  ‘have-a-go’ afternoon will be held in the safe and flat environment of Victoria Park.

When: Sunday 4th July (this weekend)

Where: Victoria Park Clipsal Track (enter of Wakefield St)

Time: 2pm

Cost: FREE

WCSSA have 10 handcycles for people to have-a-go with, including junior cycles, kneelers and recumbence styles.

For more information on this event, please contact Louise on (08) 8234 1533.

If you are interested in attending this event, please contact the WCSSA office before 9am Friday.

The Independent Living Centre’s Mobile Unit Outreach Service is a free government service for people living in rural and remote South Australia.

Visitors to the wheelchair-accessible caravan are able to discuss their individual needs with an experienced health professional (Occupational Therapist) and view and trial a wide range of equipment.

Further details and full schedule can be found here.

To obtain other Disability SA information sheets please complete this form and send to Disability SA Information Resource Unit (details as listed on order form).

Self propelled or motorised wheelchairs (sometimes referred to as mobility scooters) are increasingly used in the community.

Self propelled wheelchairs provide a great benefit to individuals with physical disabilities or health conditions that inhibit their ability to walk, by assisting them to maintain an independent lifestyle through improved mobility.

Under the Road Rules, a self propelled wheelchair is classified as a pedestrian (and is not subject to registration and licensing requirements) provided it cannot travel at a speed greater than 10 km/h (on level ground), has an unladen weight not exceeding 110 kg, and because of the drivers physical condition the driver has a reasonable need to use a wheelchair.

In this case, the following conditions apply to the use of self propelled wheelchairs on public thoroughfares in South Australia.

* The wheelchair operator must observe all the same road rules as apply to pedestrians.

* The wheelchair must not travel on the road except where a footpath is not available or is being repaired, or the footpath is unsafe due to damage.

* Third Party Bodily Injury Insurance is automatically provided to the wheelchair operator by the Motor Accident Commission, free of charge. However, if the operator is seen to be more than 25% responsible in an accident they will be required to pay an excess of $300.

* It is recommended that the wheelchair operator contact an insurance company to arrange personal insurance cover for fire, theft, and any damage that they may cause to property.

To increase safety and assist other road users, it is recommended that the following precautions also be adopted by wheelchair operators.

* Be alert when crossing the road, use an open area to make you more visible to motorists, and look to see that there is a safe exit on the other side.

* If the wheelchair operator is forced to use the road, the wheelchair should keep as close to the left hand side of the road as possible.

* Watch out for cars turning into or reversing out of driveways.

* Do not assume that other road users have seen you and will give way.

* Increase your visibility by displaying a small yellow or orange flag on your wheelchair, and wearing light coloured clothing.

* If the wheelchair is used at night, the device should display a white light at the front and a red light at the rear. It is recommended that reflectors are also fitted to the rear of the wheelchair.

* Always travel up and down ramps and inclines as straight as possible to avoid tipping the wheelchair over.

* When travelling in congested areas, use the slowest speed possible to ensure you do not have an accident with someone or something.

* Do not assume that other pedestrians have heard your approach and are aware of your presence on the footpath.

Source:  Transport SA