Wheelchair Guidelines

My wife is an invalid and uses a wheel chair. There are no restrictions where a private home has to have disabled access. You just don't go there. Businesses are covered under the disabled act which became law in 1975

2007-12-09 17:02:28 by xcyberal

How to select a portable ramp for wheelchair users

Do they have to provide wheelchair accessible restrooms, ramps, etc. on board the aircraft? I understand different airlines have different policies but I am wondering if they are mandated to comply, what the minimum requirements are.

I was unable to book a flight for my disabled mother recently due to accessibility issues. She has a power wheelchair and I was told by one carrier I would be charged an outrageous amount because the wheelchair is considered "cargo."

Also, she is on oxygen and I was told I would have to pay an extra $100 for that as well as purchase another seat because she is a large person.

Aircrafts are not equipped for the handicapped, unfortunately. Certain aircrafts can not handle the larger motorized wheelchairs and if it is a wet cell battery, its considered hazordous materials and has to be handled differently than a dry cell battery.

Lavatories are not equipped to handle someone who is handicapped. Most aircrafts do not have an on board aisle chair. The flight attendants will not assist with getting passengers to a lavatory, if a passenger requires assisntance in flight, they have to provide their own assistant.

Oxygen is not provided by the airline either because it has to be regulated and is not something they store on the aircraft. Medical oxygen supply companies are available through the airline. This helps make sure the order is organized with doctors orders and the oxygen flow is correct for their need. Unfortunately it does cost money and it can be expensive. Certain aircrafts, especially regional jets in particular do not allow supplemental oxygen on board, so you would have to book a flight that is mainline or not their regional carrier. However if she has a portable oxygen concentrator that is airline approved or been modified for air travel, then she can take it onboard most airlines. Most airlines will allow the Inogen One and AirSep Lifestyle portable oxygen concentrators on their aircrafts both mainline and regional, but again you would have to verify. She would have to have medical documentation with her just in case as well. The cargo doors to the baggage compartment is not very large and usually under the engine, so trying to get a large and bulky motorized chair loaded is difficult and near impossible.

And with more and more people being of size, airlines have no choice but to charge for a second seat in most cases. They can't sell one person a seat that obviously takes up two and expect someone to try and sit in the seat next to them, its uncomfortable and not fair. Its a touchy subject but more and more, airlines have to be adimant about charging for space used. If the flight is empty or there are enough empty seats, they usually wont charge or will refund the extra seat fare.

The only thing an airline HAS to provide is a seat. They can move a passenger out of an assigned seat to accomidate a handicapped passenger and assist the passenger on and off the aircraft. Most gate agents and Sky Caps are not properly trained for transferring handicapped passengers. They show you how to but, proper transferring as it would be done by someone medically trained is not taught, just proper body mechanics. You could get lucky and get someone who worked in the medical field as a gate agent, but that is rare.

Each airline has different policies regarding transporting motorzied wheelchairs. Most times they are not stablized well in the cargo hold and shift during flight and parts break off. Gear boxes, wheels and handles just to name a few. Most wont charge to transport the wheelchair, but if it has a wet cell battery, they can charge for that.

Basically, commercial air travel has not been made to accomidate the handicapped needs of many. There are people who are parapalegic and quadrapalegic that fly on their own and know the routines.

If a person is of size and can not walk down the aisle to board and is of size, it will be hard to get them down the aisle on the aisle chair. The best thing is to go ahead and spend the money on First Class. That way there is limited walking or they can put the person in the first row and avoid the bruising that would come from squeezing down the aisle. Since you would have to spend the money on an extra coach seat, you may as well save her the hassles and just put her in the First Class Cabin. As much as she will go through just to get on the plane, the service that comes with it will be much needed Im sure.

Unfortunately there's not much on the books that makes airlines have to provide anything. The extra cost of the oxygen, transporting a heavy or bulky wheelchair, the extra seat and if they need assistance in flight would not be covered in a discount ticket price. Its a difficult process and its upsetting to those trying to live a normal life with a disablility, but that is the world of airline travel. Hasnt been streamlined to help those in need. The airlines concern is getting as many people in the aircraft as safely as possible.

Contact several airlines to see what their policies are. They should not charge you for transporting the chair since it is an assitive device. But it would have to go below the aircraft in the cargo hold or Bulk Bin depending on the type of aircraft used. But you will find that answers will not be in her favor with out charging extra for extra needs. Its good that you are researching before just buying a ticket and assuming it will be taken care of at check in. But just make your calls with an open mind and dont put your emotions on your sleeve. They will deal with you compassionately, but again it will come with costs.

If you need further assistance or any suggestions or information, feel free to e-mail me. I worked for an airline for many years and can help you figure out which way is best for you to go as far as getting her to where she needs to go.

2007-01-25 09:15:01 by SCARLETT2163

Price: $187.00 $187.00

My kids and I need help with dealing with our downstairs neighbor - I am at home during the day with my two-year-old, and some days my 6 and 10 year olds are home from school too. The downstairs neighbor is pretty much home-bound because she's in a wheelchair - which I originally felt very sorry for her. But since we've moved in she's done nothing but complain about us to the manager. I've talk to the manager and all she ever complains about is 'thumping' noises - not voices, television or even my little one crying when he gets hurt or tired. We are going through an unpleasant divorce and living in a three-bedroom apartment after being in a home all their lives, sharing bedrooms, etc plus issues with their dad is stress enough without having to worry that she's complaining all the time. We are silent as humanly possible after 8pm - I won't even let my kids play in their bedrooms after that!! And I don't run appliances (washer, dishwasher, etc) between 8am and 9pm, or even watch television without headphones during those times! We are completely stressed after just two months of this is complains all freaking day if we're home. I can't tied my two-year-old to a chair all day - he runs and on occasion jumps or falls but he's asleep for two hours, with my ex every weekend and in bed by 8pm every night! I truly don't know what else to do - my kids are falling apart because I spend all day freaking out about every little noise. I am honestly starting to think the woman is just completely insane because while he calls the manager knew I had kids when he rented to us, I've told him I am willing to move into a ground-floor as soon as one is available (they are more expensive and I haven't even put completely unpack because we're hoping to move! I have explained time and time again that I don't know what else to do, but he calls every time she calls which can be three or four times a day!

Any advice? Are there laws that she can have me kicked out? Or that she can pressure the manager or the management group enough to have us kicked out? Any help or advice is desperately needed. Thank you!

I believe that most leases have a clause about the right to quiet enjoyment of your home. I have been in places where even a cat walking across sounded like a bowling ball bouncing above. My guess is that is what's happened here. The landlord should put in some thicker carpet. The landlord I rent my business from put in sound barriers in the walls when a new tenant complained about my tv. I'd tell that Landlord that you are not making excessive noise, and that there is nothing else you can do, and ask what HE can do to help the situation.

It seems like you guys are making normal noises but it sounds like a construction crew to your neighbor below. Then combined with the fact that she may have a noise sensitivity, which is something I suffer. People with noise sensitivities need to live away from others, or learn to employ earplugs or headphones. Maybe try mailing her some earplugs or have Boise send her a pamphlet on their wonderful sound blocking headphones. Normally I don't recommend talking with neighbors over this stuff because most people are unreasonable. But, maybe if you explain to her the efforts you are making, and maybe suggest the earplugs, etc, or the two of you coming together to get management to take action. She is probably just upset about her lack of control over her own P&Q and being stuck in a wheelchair makes her feel totally stuck. She probably has no idea the efforts you are making. All in all it will probably be best when you finally move. Good luck.

2009-11-13 09:08:36 by crowgirl

Price: $69.00 $69.00

to meet federal guidelines a wheelchair ramp that is constucted to rise 1 foot off the ground must extend 12 feel along the ground how long will the ramp be?

1^2+12^2=c^2

1+144=145

take the square root of 145 and you get about 12.04

2008-02-24 19:32:46 by Linn.

I'm so friggin' paranoid about my 6yr old bouncin around out there on that new trampoline. All I see is my girl in a wheelchair after one wrong bounce. I know...a bit overkill. I know parents who only allow ONE on at a time etc... Are there any safety guidelines for their use? Or is Daddy just OVERreacting??? What have your experiences been?

They aren't REALLY safe, but they're a lot of fun, and very, very good exercise. Make sure to buy a net that is made to go around the outside, it's somewhat tedious to put together but is well worth it. Most kids that get hurt on trampolines break arms or legs because they fell off, usually doing something stupid. 2 or 3 is my limit, as long as they're playing safely. Just make sure that you talk to your daughter about the trampoline and set rules before you buy it or put it together and that she knows the rules are very important so she doesn't get hurt. I've known a couple of kids who broke bones falling off their trampoline, one broke her arm, the other broke his ankle, neither had a net around their trampoline. My brother is 9 and is, as a typical 9 year old boy, pretty clumsy and does stupid things, but the net has kept him from falling off and hurting himself many times.

2006-05-21 16:11:24 by Gray Rock