Peering into a Crystal Ball: What's the Future for Wheelchair-Seated Travel?

Autor/inn/en	van Roosmalen, Linda; Hobson, Douglas
Titel	Peering into a Crystal Ball: What's the Future for Wheelchair-Seated Travel?
Quelle	In: Exceptional Parent, 38 (2008) 2, S.54-57 (4 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0046-9157
Schlagwörter	School Buses; Research and Development; Travel; Safety; Transportation; Restraints (Vehicle Safety); Assistive Technology; Disabilities; Accessibility (for Disabled) + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Schulbus; Forschung und Entwicklung; Travelling; Reisen; Reise; Sicherheit; Verkehrswesen; Handicap; Behinderung; Accessibility; Zugänglichkeit
Abstract	Over the past year, a team of transportation engineers, product designers, and therapists has been writing a series of articles about wheelchair transportation safety in partnership with "EP." These experts understand the importance of transportation for social inclusion, maintaining health, and being able to get to school and work. Previous articles focused on using a wheelchair as a vehicle seat and the importance of using a WC19-compliant wheelchair. Past articles highlighted the key concerns of safe travel when riding on school buses and private or public vans for those who cannot transfer and must stay seated in their wheelchairs. Preparing for the transition to community transportation and the role of parents and caregivers were topics during the series and focus was given to the importance of effective wheelchair securement and proper occupant restraints so that passengers seated in wheelchairs have equivalent occupant protection to other vehicle occupants. Although great strides have been made over the last 10 years, much remains to be done to further enhance the usability and availability of transport safety technologies for individuals seated in a wheelchair. Because of the complexity of the available technologies used for driving or riding safely, many wheelchair-seated travelers remain challenged. Current securement systems and occupant restraints are not always easy to use and WC19-compliant wheelchairs and seating systems are not easy to find. Information about safe transportation practices for individuals seated in wheelchairs is currently not common knowledge among drivers and caregivers. This final article in the series highlights emerging improvements to wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint systems, new products that are in the research and development phases, and some educational resources that will keep readers abreast of changes. (Contains 4 figures.) [For Part 6, see EJ781214.] (ERIC).
Anmerkungen	EP Global Communications Inc. 551 Main Street, Johnstown, PA 15901. Tel: 877-372-7368; Fax: 814-361-3861; e-mail: EPAR@kable.com; Web site: http://www.eparent.com/
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10