How I Use iLevel Technology in the Home

Having iLevel® on my power wheelchair allows me to be completely independent. I can live alone because of this technology. Granted, it’s nice to have help every now and again but at the end of the day, it feels good that I can do things on my own.

I have a lot of friends who use manual wheelchairs. Because I only have one hand, it makes things very difficult. I can’t hold something and push at the same time. For example, when I take out the garbage, there is no way I could hold onto the garbage bag and push a manual wheelchair. With my power chair, I can hold onto the bag of garbage with one hand and operate my joystick with the other. Plus, iLevel allows me to elevate 12 inches, so that I am not dragging the bag of garbage across the ground and risking the bag getting torn. That’s huge!

Using My Power Wheelchair in the Kitchen

stainless steel cookware on stove
Photo by Oleg Magni on Pexels.com

When I am in the kitchen, iLevel helps me with doing the dishes, cooking meals and reaching things I need in the cabinets. I can adjust the height of my power chair seat with the touch of a button and go up or down as needed. Doing all these tasks independently makes me feel confident and comfortable that I can handle anything that comes my way. I feel really blessed.

Cleaning up after meals is also easier with iLevel. I can raise up to wipe down counters or the stovetop. It’s a breeze! I do what I need to do and get it done, instead of wasting time, especially after cooking and doing dishes. When I travel, I’m in a manual wheelchair. It feels like I can only do so much. I never feel that way when I use my iLevel Power Chair. It’s been amazing!

About Bryan Anderson: Bryan grew up and resides in Illinois. Injured by an IED in October 2005, Bryan is one of the few triple amputees to survive his injuries in Iraq. He is an ambassador for the Gary Sinise Foundation and a spokesperson for USA Cares, which is focused on assisting post 9-11 veterans. Click here to learn more about Bryan.

For more great blogs from our brand ambassadors and Q Roll Models, visit lifeatilevel.com today!

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How My New Power Chair Gives Me Back My Freedom

Freedom. That word has so many meanings, depending on who you ask. As a black and physically disabled woman, freedom certainly means different things, depending on the day.

One aspect of freedom became more real to me toward the end of last year. My power wheelchair that I’d had for over seven years (I know, that’s a couple of years too long) began to malfunction. I’ve been a power wheelchair user for over 20 years (more than half my life). I’d grown accustomed to the independence that the push of a button could bring. With each new wheelchair I received, new enhancements made this independence even greater. Things like tilt and recline, elevating leg rests, and power elevated seating became things I grew to enjoy and rely on.

Losing My Freedom

So, when these features that I appreciated and that my body relied on stopped working, I felt like I’d lost my freedom. I couldn’t live the life I’d grown used to and was grateful for. I couldn’t go to the same places, do the same things and work the same hours because I didn’t have the wheelchair support I needed. I spent many days working from the side of my bed and foregoing activities that made my life so rich.

Receiving My New 4Front® 2 Power Chair

Thankfully, late last fall, I received an invitation that changed my life and brought back my freedom: the opportunity to become a brand ambassador for Quantum. This honor couldn’t have come at a better time. In fact, my beautiful 4Front 2 Power Chair in raspberry pink and white, arrived the day before Thanksgiving. It was just in time, allowing me to comfortably share the holidays with my family and friends. Finally, I had the features I missed, like tilt and recline. I also had new features I’d never even dreamed of having on a power chair, like a backup camera, higher seat elevation and even a cup holder. All of these are providing me with an even greater quality of life before.

Thank you so much to the Quantum team for giving me back my freedom!

About Andraéa LaVant: Andraéa is a disability consultant and worked as an impact producer for Crip Camp, a feature-length documentary on Netflix. Andraéa lives in Tempe, Arizona, and uses a 4Front 2 Power Chair.

New Ways My Power Chair Helps Me

Last year, when I decided to apply to become a Quantum brand ambassador, I was nervous. Being a manual wheelchair user for most of my life, I questioned whether I really needed power mobility and if I’d be a good fit for the role. I hadn’t used a power chair for any significant amount of time. I had no idea how it could impact my day-to-day life and how it would increase my abilities. In retrospect, this was an absolutely ridiculous line of thinking, as well as a lesson I had learned years ago. I was downright angry when someone suggested to second-grade Jill that a manual wheelchair would really help me as a tool in addition to my crutches. Later, I discovered I could push faster and longer and that a manual wheelchair was a super useful device.

How My Power Chair Helps Me Get Coffee

Upon receiving my Stretto with iLevel® Technology, it was like reinventing my second-grade self. Turns out, there’s always room for new tools in our ability repertoire. I had my first “ah ha!” moment during morning coffee. Holding a mug full of a hot beverage in a manual wheelchair is a bit of a dance. You can’t hold it in your lap (nor should you) and you’re pushing one wheel at a time, using your arms to push off walls and furniture to maintain momentum. Then, once you put the coffee down on a surface, you can comfortably readjust and keep yourself on track. The activity could probably count for a day’s worth of cardio on its own.

photo of coffee mug on top of book
Photo by lilartsy on Pexels.com

I had my mug in hand, mentally preparing myself for all the usual propulsion points, when I looked down and realized that all I had to do was use the joystick. I could even move my power wheelchair and drink the coffee at the same time. I could take a pit stop to look out the window at the snow storm, have a nonsense conversation with my dogs, grab my notebook from the other room, and then cruise into my office. I could do all of this while holding the coffee (and sometimes the dog too) comfortably.

Obviously, this is an extremely small activity in the grand scheme of things, however, carrying coffee around my house at a comfortable pace was something I’ve never done. These small day-to-day moments started to add up.

Taking Out the Trash with iLevel

Taking out the trash was a similar perilous ride. If you weren’t holding the trash bag high enough, it’d rub on the ground, inevitably get stuck on something, and leak gross garbage juice across the house. Elevated at iLevel, I can carry three bags at a time and easily put them into the trash can. No more trying to hammer throw leaking garbage into the bin at an upward angle.

I’ve never felt like I’ve lacked independence. Now, I realize how much more efficiently I can move and discovering I can complete activities I hadn’t even considered (I’m looking at you, snow shovel I never used.) I’m ecstatic about my power wheelchair. We all benefit from different tools in our artillery to make our lives better. I can say with certainty that this is a tool that grants me a far more able life.

About Jill Moore White: Jill is an inclusive play specialist, bringing accessible playgrounds to local communities. She volunteers with disability organizations, including the Disability EmpowHER Network. Jill enjoys music, sketching and playing video games. Click here to learn more about Jill.

For more great blogs from our brand ambassadors and Q Roll Models, visit lifeatilevel.com today!

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Important Things to Do to Prepare for Severe Winter Storms

Recently, we had a pretty big snowstorm here in Rochester, but that really isn’t anything new for us. I grew up here and can tell you that snowstorms are one of my favorite parts of living in Upstate New York. Many people ask me how I can tolerate living in a snowy city as a wheelchair user, but I can’t imagine living any other way! I have lived in Washington, D.C., Miami, Florida, and Dublin, Ireland, but nothing compares to snowy Rochester. As a wheelchair user, I don’t think the snow makes much of a difference to me because I grew up with it. So, it is part of my way of life. I guess I just know how to adapt when I wake up to two feet of snow outside. Here is how I prepare when I know a storm is coming.

Walk the Dogs

A snowstorm usually means that the sidewalks and streets are going to be piled with snow for a few days. As a result, it will be difficult to impossible to walk the dogs. Before the snow takes over our streets, I make sure to take our dogs for a nice long walk. I want them to get as much fresh air in and as much energy out as possible I know that they’re not going to get a good walk for a while after the snow comes. 

Call the Snowplow

leafless trees on a snow covered field
Photo by Eva Elijas on Pexels.com

Our snowplow contractors in Rochester deserve gold medals. They are out at all hours and do great work. When I know a storm is coming, I call our snowplow contractor to let him know what time I’ll need to leave the house in the morning (my husband usually leaves the house by 7 a.m. for work). The contractor will make sure my driveway is clear before then. We always build a great rapport with our contractors and let them know that we’re wheelchair users who rely on a clear driveway. We simply don’t have the option of climbing through the snow to clear our driveway. Every snowplow contractor we’ve ever had has been amazing and always makes sure that we have a clear path to leave the house!

Plan to Stay In

Even though we call the snowplow to ensure our driveway will be clear, I always plan to stay in just in case. I never know how bad the roads will be! It does not matter how clear our driveway is; if the roads are not safe, then we’re not going anywhere! For example, this past week during the snowstorm, our county executive released a travel advisory instructing residents to stay off the roads. For this reason, I checked our milk and other necessities whenever we have a storm warning and stock up the night before. That way we’ll be all set just in case we can’t leave the house for a day or two. 

About Stephanie Woodward: Stephanie is a brand ambassador advisor for Quantum Rehab® and works as a disability rights activist. She has received many awards for helping communities become more accessible, as well as for her actions in fighting for the rights of disabled individuals as it relates to Medicaid and other support services. Click here to learn more about Stephanie.

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Zoe Hernandez is Rising to the Occasion with iLevel

Ever since she was nine years old, Zoe Hernandez has been interested in meteorology. Seeing how weather patterns can change from one minute to the next is fascinating to her. Zoe is inspired by professional meteorologists on television and loves to watch Jim Cantore from The Weather Channel and Gil Simmons from WTNH News 8.

“These men are my inspiration,” Zoe said. “I love how they forecast the weather. They make it seem so interesting and fun.”

Her Life is Made Easier with iLevel

Originally from Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, Zoe currently resides in New Haven, Connecticut with her family. Although she was born without limbs, Zoe enjoys greater mobility and independence with her Edge® 3 Power Wheelchair, which is equipped with iLevel® technology.

“I like that I can move around without needing anyone to help me,” Zoe said.

Since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, Zoe likes to cook breakfast for her family in the mornings using iLevel on her power wheelchair. Her specialty is scrambled eggs with ham and cheese. Once her dad has all the ingredients together, he dumps everything in the frying pan. iLevel allows Zoe to reach the stovetop so she can watch the eggs cook and mix everything using a spatula that she holds in her mouth.

Zoe also loves the upgraded SRS (Smooth Ride Suspension) on her motorized wheelchair, which provides a smooth, comfortable ride over rugged terrain. Plus, the Quantum backup camera allows her to see what’s going on behind her when reversing.

“My power chair gives me so much independence and I can use advanced Bluetooth technology,” Zoe said.

Thanks to Bluetooth capabilities on her Edge 3 Motorized Wheelchair, Zoe uses a tablet for her schoolwork and makes phone calls to her friends and family.

Sharing Her Story with the World

Zoe loves to share with people how her power chair has changed her life.

“Not many people know what it is like to have a power chair like mine,” Zoe said. “I meet people who are disabled just like me and I share with them how they can be independent.”

As Zoe works to earn her college degree, she is one step closer to achieving her career goal. Zoe knows it will take a lot of hard work and determination to achieve her dream of becoming a meteorologist. Still, no matter what the forecast calls for, she is ready to tackle anything that comes her way.

“I can show people that even though I am disabled, I can do things if I set my mind and heart to it,” Zoe said.

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Jill Moore White is Playing it Forward

As an inclusive play specialist for a playground manufacturer, Jill Moore White understands the value of bringing accessible playgrounds to local communities. Jill believes that children of all abilities should be given an equal opportunity to play. She looks for ways to expand beyond meeting ADA standards, inviting more diagnoses to the experience of play in an equitable way.

“There’s a limited number of people who work in play that actually have a disability or grew up with one,” Jill explained. “Having really missed the boat on playgrounds, I can speak to the role with actual experience and why it matters so much.”

Using Her Power Wheelchair in the Home

Born with spina bifida, Jill used crutches and a walker for mobility, then transitioned to a manual wheelchair when she was seven years old. Today, Jill uses a Stretto with iLevel technology and is impressed with how compact it is. 

“My husband and I were certainly a bit wary on how the chair would fit in our space and I was so pleasantly surprised with its maneuverability,” Jill said.

She can easily adjust her power wheelchair to be more comfortable when her muscles get stiff. While Jill loves many features on her Stretto Power Chair, she is thrilled with how much iLevel helps her around the home. She can change her height at the touch of a button to pick things up or put them down. Plus, Jill can take the garbage out, three bags at a time.

“Elevating at iLevel means I’m not dragging them on the ground as I go; no more risking a tear and garbage leaking everywhere,” Jill said.

iLevel has also changed the game when it comes to mopping and vacuuming.

“It’s been really nice to hold something and move at the same time,” Jill said. “I’ve never been able to do that before!”

Her Role in the Disability Community

Jill currently resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is a certified SCUBA rescue diver and has made two U.S.A. teams for wheelchair racing as a sprinter. While growing up, Jill’s role in the disability community was limited to athletics. Today, her career in inclusive play has led her to become more involved in other ways.

“As cheesy as it is, I really love my job and it’s been huge in developing my voice as a disabled person and as a confident woman,” Jill said.

She volunteers with Stay Focused, an organization that is dedicated to certifying teens with disabilities in SCUBA diving. She also participates with the Disability EmpowHER Network, a non-profit that creates a network of disabled women who forge mentorships with disabled girls.

While disability advocacy is a huge passion, Jill also enjoys music, sketching and playing video games. She and her husband game together. They also enjoy attending concerts, traveling and trying new foods.

“Sometimes, I pretend I can play the ukulele,” Jill joked.

Testimonials

Using Smart Devices with Assistive Technology

When it comes to technology, almost every 13-year-old kid is obsessed. What most 13-year-olds don’t have to worry about, however, is trying to access certain features on a phone, iPad, or any piece of technology while having limited mobility.

Throughout my childhood, I used an iPad. With the help of an iPad mount and voice recognition, I can easily navigate my iPad. Another thing that helped me use my iPad is Bluetooth. Once I connect a device, such as my iPad, to my power chair, I can use switch control to access any feature. It was great because I could use my device without needing anyone to help me push buttons.

Using Phones with Assistive Technology

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Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

When I turned 12, my parents and I started searching for the perfect phone that I could use with ease. The most important factor we had to look for was the weight of the phone itself. If it was too heavy, there was no way I could hold it. If it was too light, it would slip right out of my hands. We finally came across an iPod Touch. Although it’s commonly used for music, it has all the same features a phone would except that it runs on Wi-Fi and doesn’t have the iPhone call feature. Since I would never be in a situation alone where I had to call someone, the iPod Touch was a done deal.

Fast forward to this past year when I got my first real phone and Nintendo Switch. I love all the accessibility features on my new phone and use voice control to swipe and open apps. I also use assistive touch on my power wheelchair to control my phone while it sits in the power chair phone mount.

Setting Up the Nintendo Switch

While the phone settings are similar to my iPod Touch, my Nintendo Switch was a bit of a struggle. Even though the controllers are small enough and lightweight for me to hold, setting it up to play using only one controller was a challenge. After watching several YouTube videos, my mom and I successfully discovered a way for me to play Animal Crossing New Horizons by myself instead of having to play with two controllers. We change the button mapping and everything was good to go.

When it comes to school, I use a Microsoft Surface Pro that is set up with switch control. It also has several accessibility features that make it easy for me to navigate. I use the onscreen keyboard instead of the actual keyboard and Voice to Text to do my assignments.

Assistive Technology in the Home

Finally, the best assistive device that I love is my Google Home device. I can use it to turn on the lights, turn on the TV, and pretty much anything that needs to be controlled with a remote or switch. Assistive technology devices have come a long way and help me to live my best independent life.

About Sakina Shamsi: Sakina lives in New Jersey with her parents and brother. Although she has spinal muscular atrophy type II, Sakina lives a full and independent lifestyle. She is active in the disability community and enjoys horseback riding, baking and crafting. Click here to learn more about Sakina.

For more great blogs from our brand ambassadors and Q Roll Models, visit lifeatilevel.com today!

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Our Exciting Plans for Building a Wheelchair Accessible Home

My husband and I are working with our architect to get into the nitty gritty of our house plans! This is very exciting for us because it feels like the pandemic has put our house building on the back burner for far too long. We are really looking forward to building our dream home that will have all the accessibility features that we’ve ever wanted or needed! The planning process has been so much fun and we’ve learned a lot. Here are three things that we realized people don’t immediately think of when building an accessible home:

The Garage

We knew we wanted an attached garage because we live in snowy Rochester, New York. However, when it came to size, we hadn’t put much thought into it. We decided we wanted a three-car garage with an extra eight feet of space on top of that! This allows both my husband and I to park in the garage while having space to extend a van ramp. We plan to get a wheelchair accessible van when we have kids. This leaves extra space in the garage for storage! Storage is important for us because most people store things in the basement, but it’s not easy for us to bring stuff up from a basement. So, we’d rather have more space in the garage to keep things on the same level for easy access. 

The Pantry

We never thought about pantry access until our architect asked us about this! I always knew I wanted a big pantry. Our current pantry is overflowing so much that I cannot shut the doors but I had not thought about it any further than that. Once we started thinking about it, we realized we did not want a walk-in (or roll-in) pantry because we did not want to feel trapped in there when we tried to roll in or out. Instead, we opted for a wide but shallow pantry with barn doors! This allows us easy access without worrying about having enough turn space to get in and out. 

The Doors

I think any wheelchair user will tell you, the wider the better! It’s not just about the width of the door frame though. It’s also about the style of the door. My husband and I much prefer sliding doors over swinging doors because they’re easier to open, close, and navigate through as wheelchair users. Throughout our house plans, we’ve worked with our architect to determine where doors are truly needed. Plus, we’ve looked at whether we can eliminate swinging doors and instead opt for pocket doors, barn doors or other types of sliding doors. 

We are still in the schematic phase and are beginning our meetings with engineers and builders this month. I will be sure to give you all more updates on our progress in future blogs!

About Stephanie Woodward: Stephanie is a brand ambassador advisor for Quantum Rehab® and works as a disability rights activist. She has received many awards for helping communities become more accessible, as well as for her actions in fighting for the rights of disabled individuals as it relates to Medicaid and other support services. Click here to learn more about Stephanie.

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Riley Hurt: A Moment of Science

Physics. Chemistry. Biology. We all remember these classes from school. For Riley Hurt, science is a passion. She is fascinated by seismic activity, military science and mobility device development. Now in college, Riley is pursuing electrical and computer engineering.

“I love learning about science and teaching others, as well as exploring new things!” Riley said.

How the Stretto Power Wheelchair Helps Her

A resident of Salem, Oregon, Riley lives with a condition called Charcot-Marie Tooth, which is a degenerative nerve disease. Riley knew that when she began college, she would be doing a lot of walking and other activities that require physical strength. After receiving her Stretto Power Wheelchair with iLevel®, Riley went from full-time ambulatory to part time, which helps her to conserve her energy.

“I can stroll around campus without worrying about walking distance, fatigue, or balance issues, while conserving my energy for typing, writing, and engineering,” Riley said.

Riley loves the maneuverability and narrow width of her Stretto Power Chair.

“It is easier to navigate elevators, hallways and small spaces, like science labs!” Riley said.

Riley also likes iLevel technology, as well as the tilt and recline options on her power chair. Reclining helps her to manage back pain. Her Stretto is also equipped with the Quantum backup camera, which prevents her from bumping into her dogs. According to Riley, they lack in “spatial awareness.”

In addition, the backup camera gives her extra safety while completing lab work.

“Nobody wants to break expensive equipment,” Riley said.

What She Learns from Others

Although living with her disability can be challenging, Riley has learned a lot from her mother, Jill, who also lives with Charcot-Marie Tooth and has been active in the disability community for decades. From this, Riley has developed a support system.

“Because the disability community is intersectional, I have gained a lot of information and experiences from many types of people,” Riley said.

In the future, Riley hopes to implement everything she learns to make her field more inclusive for people with disabilities.

“My plan is to make the engineering industry more accommodating through future projects I work on,” Riley said.

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How I Experience the World in My Stretto

At the end of December, my first-ever power chair was delivered! I’m ecstatic to be a new ambassador for Quantum and to share my journey with you.

I am a mom of three and a professor who studies, writes and talks about disability…a lot! I have osteogenesis imperfecta. My bones break easily and I’m a little person at just over four feet tall. I’ve used a manual wheelchair for as long as I can remember. I see my wheelchairs as tools for freedom. They are a part of me.

New Paths to Freedom

Some people are embarrassed to age. I am so very grateful for every year of life that I see aging as both a reality and a privilege. For people with OI, we usually fracture our bones the most as kids. Then we once again become more susceptible to fractures as we get older. Life between childhood and aging is sometimes called the honeymoon because we break less frequently due to being at the height of our bone density. My last major fracture occurred four years ago. It left me mostly immobilized because I couldn’t elevate my leg in my manual chair. An arm fracture could also leave me stranded. Having a power chair offers the chance to keep living life no matter what my bones throw my way.

My Favorite Feature on My Stretto

My favorite feature so far of my Stretto Power Wheelchair is the ability to totally customize my seating height and angle. If I want to reach something in a high cabinet, I can elevate 12 inches. If I want to take some pressure off my hip, I can tilt back. When I need to pull a 20-pound box of cat litter across the floor, I can go low, grab the handle and drive it where I need it to go. I’m literally seeing my house in a way I never have before. And while I typically avoid sappy reflections on disability (because the world provides us plenty of those), it has been special to hug my 11-year old at her full height. She’s even requested hugs to take in the feeling.

Adjusting, Learning, Adapting

There’s a learning curve to adapting to any new piece of mobility equipment. While the footprint of my Stretto Power Wheelchair is smaller than any comparable wheelchair, it’s spaced differently than my manual chair. I’m learning to account for more room in the back as I make turns. (RIP dog bowl!) Taking it a little slower helps me figure out new dimensions around the house.

It’s also fascinating how our brains shift to make sense of moving in a manual wheelchair compared to a power wheelchair and then to back to manual. There have been times I’ve thought to move when back in my manual chair and lifted my arm subconsciously as if there’s a joystick! Further proof I suppose that our chairs become a part of us. Ideally, we learn to move so smoothly and effortlessly that we no longer think about it.

What’s Next?

I cannot wait to get to know this new piece of me. I’m looking forward to adventures outside, practicing working with my service dog, Rocky, and getting more confident in the kitchen. Many thanks to those who have welcomed me to the Quantum community. Find me on Instagram @KaraAyers to follow my adventures.

About Kara Ayers: Kara is a mother of three and lives in Ohio. She is an associate professor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center. In 2021, Kara spoke to the Biden-Harris COVID-19 Equity Taskforce about the need for people with disabilities to access the COVID-19 vaccine. Click here to learn more about Kara.

For more great blogs from our brand ambassadors and Q Roll Models, visit lifeatilevel.com today!

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