Wellness Digest
Accessibility Equipment: Stair Lifts, Wheel Chairs, Scooters, and Lift Chairs

Accessibility Equipment

Since the enactment of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with disabilities have enjoyed a much easier time in successfully navigating and accessing the sidewalks, streets and buildings of America. Progressive legislation in favor of disabled persons since 1973 has created a multibillion dollar industry focused on accessibility equipment such as stair lifts, wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The technological advancements in today's accessibility equipment has provided many people with disabilities the opportunity to live a much more normal life.

Those without them often think of disabled people, as victims of a horrific accident, or a devastating birth defect. However, statistics show that the largest number of disabled persons is the rapidly growing elderly population. As the "baby boomer" generation ages, the need for accessibility equipment is exploding. Therefore, it is no wonder that companies that manufacture mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and stair lifts and other accessories, are enjoying record sales numbers.

Mobility scooters have become among the most popular items being manufactured today. Virtually every department or grocery store lends them to those who are not able to walk for lengthy periods of time. Many medical insurance plans cover the cost of a mobility scooter for those who are diagnosed with a disability rendering them at least partially immobile. These scooters operate on rechargeable batteries. Mobility scooters are not only convenient; they are economically friendly as well.

Stair lifts are another convenient adjunct for disabled elderly people who reside in multilevel residences. Many of these senior citizens have lived in their homes for decades, and have become partially immobile. Climbing the stairs is suddenly a monumental task for them. Therefore, stair lifts are a lifesaver that can allow an immobile person the ability to continue living in the home that they have owned for so long. Stair lifts are an electrically operated chair that rides on a rail. Generally, they are located on the side of the staircase so that there is room for people to walk up them as well. The immobile person merely sits down and operates a remote control with an up or a down button. The chair remains level on the comfortable ride up or down the stairs.

Wheelchairs have enjoyed the benefits of advanced technology over the years. Many disabled athletes utilize light weight composite wheel chairs for specialized sporting events. These expensive wheelchairs utilize space aged innovations that allow them to ride at breakneck speeds. Other wheelchairs are simply made for comfort and ease of operation. Electric wheelchairs help those disabled people who have virtually no use of their limbs at all. Some of them operate literally by blowing into a tube or by speaking into a console. More simplified version of electric wheelchairs have a joy stick that controls the direction and movement.

Some smaller office buildings, apartments, condominiums and hotels have specially designed vertical lifts. These lifts are wide enough for wheelchairs. They are similar to a typical elevator, but they can be controlled by voice commands or conveniently placed consoles. Vertical lifts are very expensive items and they are not yet common in smaller buildings. However, as more are manufactured, the prices are likely to fall, making them much more affordable and abundant.

There are some other forms of accessibility equipment such as wheelchair lifts for vans. Many disabled drivers have purchased automobiles with specialized equipment that can allow them to drive on the roads of America with ease. Lifts have been designed to allow these drivers to enter and exit their vehicles without much trouble. Similar vertical lifts are available on public transportation systems that include trains, planes and buses.

Accessibility equipment has come a long way since the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The same act that paved the way for disabled persons to lead a normal life without discrimination. The need for this specialized equipment has soared over the past few decades. Innovations will likely continue through technological advancements and discoveries. Equipment will become easier to use and more durable than ever. The spirit of capitalism will continue driving the manufacturers of accessibility equipment to exceed their competition and thrive as never before. However, the beneficiaries of this competitive spirit will be the disabled, and that will make many lives better in the end.