Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs and the concept of finding a comfortable means of getting around if you have a disability or injury have been around for hundreds of years. Originally designed as a means for carers to get the disabled person from A-B easily and quickly, society has progressed and disabled individuals have become more integrated, the role of the wheelchair’s and their usage and requirements changed as well.

Wheelchairs are now considered not only a means of mobility and independence, but also as a way to allow users to express their individuality, become mobile and independent. Users can now choose from, custom high quality ultra-light high-performance wheelchairs as well as accessories that enable them to individualize their look and style. The move from functionality to individuality as well as an emphasis on the use for different purposes has begun.

'Murderball' (Quad/Wheelchair Rugby Film) Region 2 DVD US $3.89 (2 Bids) Auction Ends: Saturday Sep-06-2008 15:33:19 PDT Bid on this Item | Watch this Item

Escape mid-wheel drive electric wheelchair US $705.71 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Saturday Sep-06-2008 16:00:00 PDT Bid on this Item | Watch this Item

NEW LITE TRAVEL WHEELCHAIR IN A BAG FOLDING WHEEL CHAIR US $192.79 Auction Ends: Saturday Sep-06-2008 17:07:59 PDT Bid on this Item | Buy this Item | Watch this Item

SUPER STRONG WHEELCHAIR BUGGY SHOPPING BAG - EASY FIT US $17.67 Auction Ends: Saturday Sep-06-2008 17:26:14 PDT Bid on this Item | Buy this Item | Watch this Item

2005 TOYOTA PREVIA T2 VVTI DISABLED WHEELCHAIR ACCESS US $26,088.33 Auction Ends: Saturday Sep-06-2008 17:29:34 PDT Bid on this Item | Buy this Item | Watch this Item

There were many attempts to connect furniture to wheels dating way back. It is thought however that the first ‘real’ wheelchair was invented for King Phillip II of Spain. It needed assistance to propel it and the chair resembled more a modern child’s highchair than a wheelchair that we would recognise today. In 1665 one of the first self-propelled vehicles was invented by S. Farfler. It reassembled a present day hand-bike more than a wheelchair as it was propelled by hand cranks attached to the front wheels. The modern wheelchair began to take shape in the late 19th century with the advent of push rims for self-propulsion, seat and backrests. The 20th century saw a rapid development in wheelchair format and design, from the first motorized wheelchair, to the first folding wheelchair, to lightweight and sports wheelchairs with the capability of speed and agility.

• Tampa Bay Rays Activate Slugger Evan Longoria Off Disabled List Canadian Press

  TORONTO Evan Longoria was activated off the 15day disabled list Saturday after the Tampa Bay slugger said he felt “almost 100 per cent” following 30 swings with a regular bat.

• Disabled Athletes Find China Lacking Newsweek

  There are some 83 million disabled people in China, but the country has never been particularly hospitable to them. Why bother building subway ramps and bus lifts, the attitude has long been, for people who arent expected to leave home? But when Beijing was awarded the 2008 Summer Olympics, the Paralympic Games, an event featuring 4,000 disabled athletes, came along with it. So in the spirit of …