Tom, Author at Wheelchair & Mobility Scooters Guide

What Type of Wheelchair Vehicle is Best For Me?

Deciding which type of accessible vehicle to drive or use for transportation is difficult. Almost any type of vehicle can be modified to accommodate accessible transportation, but one stands out as the best wheelchair vehicle for families, businesses, or public transportation.

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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Information Page

Multiple sclerosis, commonly known as MS, is a disease that affects the nerves of the central nervous system. An insulation to the nerves known as myelin improves the impulses that maintain the health of the nerves. When an individual has multiple sclerosis, inflammation in the nervous system (spinal cord and brain) causes the myelin to degenerate. These nerves then become damaged, which can affect a person’s vision, walking, speech, memory and writing. The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown but researchers have narrowed the reasoning down to genetics and disorders of the immune system. Common symptoms of MS include tingling, loss of balance, blurred or double vision, numbness, weakness in limbs, slurred speech, cognitive problems, lack of coordination, and sudden paralysis. While there is no one test to diagnosis multiple sclerosis, a series of criteria is used to diagnosis the disease.

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The Pharmacology Resource Page

The study of science changes everyday with the growing prevalence of technology and continuous progress being made in a variety of different fields in science. Scientists have discovered new ways to approach, and information relating to, medicine and the human body. Pharmacology is studied by scientists who help to determine how drugs and different types of medication may heal and aid the body in resisting diseases and infections. Pharmacology is broken down into many divisions pertaining to a variety of subtopics, including a drug’s affect on living cells to the chemicals that may be dangerous to our bodies. The information and links provided will ensure a better understanding of pharmacology and the way it has developed and grown in it’s significance in recent years.

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Resources for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Legal Links

Special Ed Advocate: A wealth of information on special education advocacy.
COPAA: Council of Parents and Attorneys.
Disability Rights and Educational Defense Fund: Disability Legal Defense
The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law: Legal advocacy for the civil rights people with mental disability

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Cerebral Palsy Information

This article is brought to you by 1800wheelchair; we offer pediatric bath safety, adaptive strollers, & pediatric wheelchairs. Looking for stuff like this? Follow 1800wheelchair on Twitter.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of conditions caused by medical abnormalities in the development of a fetus or the early life of a child. These lead to damage or delayed development in the brain. The disorder is permanent and, though it does not worsen with age, the level of functionality of a person with cerebral palsy varies widely: in some cases, effects may be very minor, while in others, movement is impaired to the extent that a wheelchair is required. Common complications associated with CP vary by the type of CP disorder but can include vision problems, seizures, learning disabilities, and issues speaking, writing, and performing other tasks related to motor control.

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A Guide to College for Students with Disabilities

Over the past half century, the help available to students with special needs has made tremendous strides. Today, the government has taken steps to assure that all students, regardless of disabilities, will be able to receive the education that they deserve.

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A Guide To The Paralympics Games

With the world gearing up for the 2014 Olympics, we’d like to take a moment to remind you that Sochi will also play host to this year’s Paralympics. If you’re not familiar with the paralympics, or you just need a refresher, read through our rundown on the history of the games.

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The Physical Therapy Resource

This article is brought to you by 1800wheelchair; we offer lift chairs, hospital beds, & safe patient handling.

Physical therapy is a discipline that focuses on helping people develop strength and regain function of the limbs and muscles of their bodies. A patient’s need for physical therapy evolves from factors such as an injury, debilitating illness, or advancing age. Physical therapists work with patients in many settings as a form of rehabilitation. Also known as physiotherapy, physical therapy is employed in several environments, including hospitals, nursing homes, and private offices. The goal of physical therapy is to establish or maintain function for people who have lost some abilities, and thereby improve their quality of life.

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The Diabetic Resource

Diabetes is a serious medical condition that affects over 23 million people in the United States. Diabetes is a disorder where the body is unable to process and regulate blood sugar, which can lead to serious medical problems. There are many people who have already been diagnosed with this lifelong illness and many more with conditions that pre-dispose them to developing it. Research is being done on ways to fight this disease and find a cure.

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Disability Resources

This article is brought to you by 1800wheelchair; we offer patient lifts, mobility scooters & lift chairs.

Statistics from the United States Census Bureau indicate that over 50 million Americans have some kind of disability. As this is a large part of the nation’s population it is important that the rights of disabled individuals are protected. Discrimination against the disabled has been made illegal by acts of legislation and technologies have been developed to improve the lives of the disabled. There are several state, national, and international organizations that advocate on behalf of disabled individuals, whether physical or mental. Below is an informative resource guide to disabilities.

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Job Resources for Individuals With Disabilities

Job Seeking

Employees’ Practical Guide to Negotiating and Requesting Reasonable Accommodations This article outlines what how one can request accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The ADA: Your Responsibilities as an Employer: rules and regulations required of employers to accommodate those with disabilities.
A Guide for People with Disabilities Seeking Employment: primer for those with disabilities on their rights in the workplace.
Economic Independence Through Jobs & Self-Employment: official government guide to obtaining and maintaining a job.
USA Jobs: fact sheet on finding a job within the federal government.
Ability Jobs: job listing and resume assistance for people with disabilities.
Project Hired: organization committed to helping people with disabilities obtain and keep jobs.
Federal Jobs: listing of federal and government jobs especially for those with disabilities.
WorkWORLD: software designed to manage skills with Federal and Social Security compensation.
Career-Related Resources for Students With Disabilities: listing of helpful organizations and foundations.
Ability Links: job-related resources for employees and employers.
Vocational Rehabilitation: vocational rehab resources specifically for individuals with disabilities.
Project Work: provides assistance and information with those with intellectual disabilities.
Employment for Persons With Disabilities: resources on finding jobs and vocational rehabilitation.
Lift Inc.: organization that aims to recruit and train individuals with disabilities for information management and information technology positions.
National Business and Disability Council: group for business looking to hire individuals with disabilities.

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Help For Wheelchair Users: Domestic and International

This article is brought to you by 1800wheelchair – The Wheelchair Store.

Wheelchairs change lives. Wheelchairs free the disabled around the globe, allowing independence and a better quality of life. Wheelchairs no longer signal “can’t do” but “can do.” And that’s no handicap.

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