“…We went to Christ the Redeemer, which is the icon of Rio, and found you can’t actually get up the top unless you can get out of your wheelchair and use an escalator.”

Where Does the Problem Lie?

This incident highlights a list of questions that are being examined by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Most notably, is the number of passengers with disabilities who are being denied transportation service increasing? As part of the policy and requirements stipulated by the FTA’s own Office of Civil Rights (TCR), which monitors the implementation of and compliance with ADA transportation regulations, complaints were investigated and reviews were conducted. It was found that most issues of trip denial or refusal were caused by wheelchair securement loops that are non-standard and the use of other mobility aids that do not meet the ADA definition of “common wheelchair.”

The organization has an excellent set of safety regulations in place known as WC18 standards for wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint systems (WTORS). Stipulated by the Rehabilitation Engineering Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), high quality and standardized wheelchair securement loops, restraints and other products are available, such as the WC18 compliant belts and restraints. It is surprising that the need for standard fixtures and fittings had not risen earlier. In addition to the necessity for common design features in both wheelchairs and wheelchair securement loops, surveys have expressed a need for common markings indicating places on the wheelchair where securing straps and hooks can be affixed.

Advocates are hopeful that initiatives to educate the community about common wheelchair usage, as well as the implementation and enforcement of an inclusive boarding policy that does not discriminate between standard and non-standard devices will leave role models such as Hannah Cockroft feeling encouraged about the opportunities available for people with disabilities.

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Points to Keep in Mind While Transporting Children Using Wheelchairs

School systems are responsible for making sure that children with special needs are safely transported on all forms of federally approved transportation provided by the school system. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Regulations (FMVSS) 222 (School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection) have established safety requirements for the interior of school buses, including the specifications for school bus restraint systems used to secure child wheelchair users.

Every school bus manufactured since January 1994 has forward facing systems, meaning that the wheelchair faces forward when secured. This greatly increases the likelihood of survival in the event of a frontal crash. Tests show that side facing wheelchairs are unstable and often collapse. According to the FMVSS 222 regulations, a seven-point system must be used: four points to secure the wheelchair and three points to secure the child. The shoulder belt for securing the child must be attached to the school bus and the lap belt can be attached to either the four-point system or to the school bus.

The following checklist should be referenced when using school bus restraints for wheelchairs.

1. The wheelchair is forward-facing and centered on the anchorage.
2. Brakes are set and the power is switched off.
3. The wheelchair is anchored at four points using the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. The straps are attached properly
5. The straps should be as close to a 45-degree angle as possible, and no more than 60 degrees.
6. The straps should not be attached to the wheels or to any detachable part of the wheelchair.
7. The straps should not bend around any object, or be close to any sharp objects or edges.

The wheelchair school bus restraints should be a well-tested product that meets the FMVSS 222 and other national standards and regulations.

The post School Bus Restraints Ensure Safety of Children Using Wheelchairs appeared first on Sure-Lok.

Here are the few career opportunities ideal for people with mobility impairment.

Accounting

Accounting plays a major role in the success of any business. This particular area of expertise requires a flair for financial matters. Working predominantly from a desk, minimal movement is required. Many companies have an in-house accounting department, but there are also accounting firms that offer their services to a variety of clients within different industries. Ongoing improvements to wheelchair safety securement have made it easier for wheelchair users to commute to work using public or private transportation.

Teaching

According to statistics published on the Job Accommodation Network, some 4 million teachers were employed in the preschool to secondary school setup in the US in 2014. An additional 1.3 million professionals taught in post-secondary settings. Teaching is a vast and ever-growing field. More importantly, it is a fulfilling career path for those who are passionate about nurturing and inspiring young minds. Allowing young, impressionable individuals to see their teacher overcome daily adversities will help them to be more empathetic and understanding towards others.

Writing

In its most basic form, a writer’s role is to communicate to readers through written word. With the rising demand for online content, a whole new arena for people withe a talent for written expression has become available. The best part about this profession? It affords the luxury of being self-employed by freelancing or serving as a consultant, resulting in more flexibility with time and scheduling. The focus areas and subject matters limitless, from blogs to advertising content to social media posting, and everything in between.

More people in various fields are being trained with the latest and most effective wheelchair safety training programs. This is making life safer for people with physical disabilities. Mobility riders can now consider more options for their professional and personal lives that may not have been previously available.

The post Top Jobs for Wheelchair Users appeared first on Sure-Lok.

Read the full article here.

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For 30 years, Q’Straint has remained focused on one vision: to develop the world’s most effective wheelchair passenger safety solutions for public and private transportation. Today, Q’Straint is a global company serving customers in over 50 countries around the world.

Continue reading the full METRO MAGAZINE article: here.

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