Life with Quantum

Road Trips and Power Wheelchairs

Road trips can be fun depending on the type of person you are. I’m the guy that just wants to get there and get it done! So, I generally don’t try to drag it out. I do this because I want to spend as much time as I can at the destination. Wherever I’m going, I’m usually driving there for a reason. So, I don’t make too many stops and I just try to power through, as some would say. So, if you’re planning for a road trip, here are some tips to follow.

Plan your route

Before you leave, take a look at Google Maps, your GPS or the typical road atlas and plan out the route you are going to take. Look into alternate routes as well, because accidents can happen and if there’s roadwork, the traffic gridlock can really slow you down.

Stick to Power Wheelchair-Accessible Rest Stops

Check your vehicle’s fluids before getting on the road

If you’re driving on a major road or interstate, generally, there will be rest areas and welcome centers along the way. The large commercial service plazas that service both truckers and cars are more likely to offer important amenities like fuel and food and beverage services. They are also more likely to be power wheelchair accessible, as opposed to a regular gas station that’s right off the highway. For example, when driving through Illinois, the rest areas and welcome centers have bathrooms, picnic areas, lighted walkways, maps, security cameras and plenty of parking for both recreational vehicles and commercial trucks. So, while planning your trip, check out the states you will be visiting to see what kind rest areas they have and make sure they are power wheelchair accessible.

Pack Your Own Food

road surrounded by green trees — Photo by suzukii xingfu on Pexels.com

If you’re like me and want to get to your destination as quickly as possible, packing your own food is a good idea. This will significantly reduce the amount of time you spend stopped. Plus, with COVID-19 always a consideration, packing your own food reduces your contact with other people who are also on the road.

When I moved back from California to Chicago, it took me three days of driving. There were a lot of places where I could’ve stopped and explored. Instead, each day I woke up and drove as far as I could. I’d find a hotel, sleep, then wake up and do it all over again until I reached home. I had my dog, Mya, and my cat, Ary, in the car with me, so any kind of exploring or extended stops would’ve been a lot more difficult.

While I’ve done a lot of road trips, I have never actually planned a road trip just to do a road trip and visit a bunch of places. I’d like to though! I picture myself doing that in an RV of some kind, making a big circle around the country. For now though, I’m a guy who turns up the tunes, drinks Powerade and munches on sunflower seeds the whole way.

What kind of road tripper are you?

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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Tips When Flying with a Power Chair

How do you travel using your power chair? It’s one of the most commonly asked questions I get from people. There was a time in my life where I was on the road 280 days out of the year, basically living out of hotel rooms. I had more than one flight every single month.

In traveling with my power wheelchair, it’s pretty simple. I travel the same way that everybody else does, except that the preparation for my trip is slightly different. In my life, there are three key parts to planning a trip or traveling when you have a disability. Preparation, execution and completion. The main focus is on preparation. You must adapt and have a plan B when plan A does not go accordingly.

Flying Direct with a Power Wheelchair

In 2012, I flew from JFK airport in New York to Los Angeles, California, for an industry show. I booked the flight two months before the show. I always recommend flying direct when you have a power wheelchair, no matter the destination. You do not want the airline to continuously touch your wheelchair, loading and unloading it off the airplane. The more the airline touches your power chair, the higher the chance that something will go wrong. I know it might cost more to fly direct but unfortunately, I would rather pay an extra $100 – $200 for a flight then be stuck in an airport waiting for service on my wheelchair because somebody didn’t know how to work it while they were loading and unloading it off an aircraft. Trust me, I have been in the situation of waiting hours at an airport and it is not fun.

Booking Your Flight

When you were booking your flight, make sure that you try and book a seat in the first ten rows of the airplane. This is because you will have to transfer to an aisle chair. An aisle chair is a very skinny manual wheelchair that the airport staff will transfer you on if you cannot walk on the plane yourself. The aisle chair is designed specifically to fit down the narrow rows of an aircraft. Almost every flight I have been on I usually get on with the pilots and stewardesses. So, most of the time, you will be the first one on and the last one off. By picking a seat within the first ten rows, it’s easier for you and the staff when they try to transfer you this way. They don’t have to wheel you all the way to the back of the airplane.

Communicating with Airline Staff

photo of airplane — Photo by Matt Hardy on Pexels.com

If you are unable to book seats in the front of the plane, ask the stewardess if you can move up or swap seats with somebody when you arrive at your departure gate. There have been plenty of times where I was in row 18 or row 20 because a plane was full. I asked the gate agent if I could be moved up and they had no problem swapping my seat out. In some cases, I’ve been moved to first class just by asking. If they have dealt with an individual in a wheelchair before, most gate agents completely understand why you are asking to be moved up if you need an aisle chair.

If you are flying with a power chair and book your flight directly with the airline, every major airline has a box that you check online for flying with a power wheelchair. This tells the airline gate agent you have a wheelchair. When the gate agent arrives at his or her computer, he or she will be notified that you have a power wheelchair. They will automatically contact the special service team at the airport and request an aisle chair for you. Once you arrive at your gate, I recommend going up to the gate agent and tell them that you have a power wheelchair just in case.

Know the Weight and Battery Type of Your Wheelchair

Some airlines require you to fill out a tag for your wheelchair. This tag lets the cargo team know the weight of your wheelchair and what type of batteries you have. The airline pilots and cargo team need to know how much your wheelchair weighs for balancing the aircraft when loading. Our batteries are FAA approved but the airline still would like to know the type of batteries in your wheelchair for safety reasons.

Ask to Speak to the Ramp Agent

When flying, I ask the gate agent if I can speak to the ramp lead or ramp agent. This is the person in charge of the cargo team that loads and unloads the aircraft. Over 90% of the time, the ramp lead comes up and has a conversation with me. I like to speak with the ramp agent so that they understand how important my motorized wheelchair is to me. I also explain how to operate my wheelchair, so they can instruct their team in loading the motorized wheelchair correctly and not damage anything.

Label Your Motorized Wheelchair

I attach a sign to the back of my wheelchair using zip ties. The sign has my telephone number, as well as instructions on the location of the free wheel levers. The sign also says in bold letters that if you have any questions, please come onto the flight and ask me. Do not force chair. I have noticed that the sign has been a huge help when flying, especially once I land and there’s a new cargo team that off loads my motorized wheelchair. That sign is one of the first things they see.

About Josh McDermott: Josh is a brand ambassador for Quantum Rehab®. He is a public speaker and has served as a goodwill ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Josh lives in New York and loves to travel. Click here to learn more about Josh.

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

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How iLevel Helps My Loved Ones

iLevel® technology changed the game for me around four years ago when I got my Q6 Edge® 2.0 Power Wheelchair. It also changed the lives of my family and friends.

Attending Hockey Games with My Dad

I’ve had seat elevation before. In reality, I didn’t use it as much as I have used iLevel, because the speed of my chair was dramatically reduced while elevated in previous wheelchairs. For example, whenever I attended hockey games with my dad, he would sort of walk ahead of me to keep crowds at bay. Hockey games are something we bond over. It’s pretty much the reason I found my love of the game. When iLevel became a reality, I could drive alongside him within the crowd while entering or exiting the stadium. I’m hoping that after the coronavirus is under control, the tradition can resume, at least for a game or two.

Hair Appointments at the Salon

When I have hair appointments, my mom is my chauffeur. In the past, my mom had to transfer me out of my power wheelchair and into the chair at the salon for hair appointments and pampering days. My hairdresser needed me at a certain height. Enter iLevel technology. The only thing I need to do is remove my headrest. I bring my own salon chair with me.

Working Out at the Gym

Working out has been a passion of mine for several years. Being “fun sized” (short) added its own set of challenges. My trainer and I tried everything, including using stools to get me on the higher up machines, such as the leg press, to exercise. Enter iLevel on my power wheelchair. I elevate my wheelchair seat, drive up to the foot hold, stand up, pivot and sit. Commence beat down by my trainer! My favorite is when she says, “I’m in no pain.” Of course, she’s not! Meanwhile, I’m dying.

So, as you can see, iLevel changes the lives of everyone that has the pleasure of seeing it in action. Keep rolling my friends. There is much more to come!

About Alison Chancellor: Alison is a friend of Quantum. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, where she cheers on her beloved St. Louis Blues at hockey games. Click here to learn more about Alison.

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

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Six Reasons Why I Love My Power Wheelchair

My name is Maddie Kasten. I’m a 15-year-old, high school sophomore and I’ve been using a manual wheelchair since kindergarten. I just got my first power wheelchair and I am so excited! Here are six reasons why I love my Stretto Power Wheelchair.

My Wheelchair Gives Me Independence

I use a wheelchair almost everywhere I go, but my arms and shoulders fatigue after a bit from wheeling myself. So, I’ve always had family or friends push me in case I get tired. While I appreciate their help, now that I am in high school, I want to be able to do more things on my own. Plus, having other people push me can be nerve wracking. Like when my family would take walks with our dog, Molly, and my parents ended up pushing my wheelchair, they would get a little too close to the edge of a sidewalk. I worried that I was going to tip over! I much prefer to be in control of my own wheelchair and finally, I am.

My Wheelchair Helps Me Stay Hydrated

I live in Arizona, and this summer it hit 117 degrees Fahrenheit! It’s usually dry and often hot here, so I always need water. When using my manual wheelchair, I would hang a backpack behind me. Anything that couldn’t go in it had to be stored between my knees or between my back and the seat back. Let me tell you: wet pants from a sweaty water bottle? It’s not the look I am going for when hanging out with my friends (not to mention how cold my legs get). So yes, a cup holder is key!

My Power Wheelchair Makes Me Taller

I’m 4’11” and a half. Okay, a quarter. When you’re already the shortest person in the group, being seated when everyone else is standing makes you feel even smaller. People bend way down to talk to me, like I am a little child. If they don’t, I get neck pain from having to look up so much, especially to see my dad and big brother who are 6’3”. With the iLevel feature on my Stretto, I can interact with people face to face. It’s amazing. Plus, people say there’s a lot of other stuff you can see when elevated at iLevel.

My Wheelchair is an Adventure

I’m not going to lie. When I first tried it out, the Stretto Power Wheelchair brought back a memory of when I got a battery-operated toy car for Christmas. I drove it all around the backyard and it felt awesome. You can’t tell me that the power wheelchair doesn’t remind you a bit of a car with its LED lights and power adjustable seat? Yet, instead of a wheel you get a joystick, like you’re playing a video game!

Using the USB Charger on My Wheelchair

I don’t know who thought to add a USB charger to this beautiful power chair, so thank you. Do you know how annoying it is to carry a small portable charger around? How easy it is to lose it or just forget to charge it? (It’s very easy.) In fact, the last time I used my portable charger, I accidentally dropped it out of our car window during a Christmas light display tour. It got run over by another car. Seriously, having my motorized wheelchair is like killing two birds with one stone. All I need to do is remember to charge my power chair overnight and I won’t ever have to worry about my phone dying, which is a total disaster when you’re in high school.

My Stretto Motorized Wheelchair Gives Me Freedom

A laptop, binder and other random school materials is a lot to stuff into a backpack. Not to mention it’s heavy to hang on the back of a wheelchair. I have had so much trouble with this at school. Sometimes I wind with all my school stuff and more (see water bottle, # 2, above) in my lap. Having backpack hooks on my Stretto Power Chair, along with a big Quantum backpack, is a huge weight off my shoulders. Literally!

If anyone reading this is considering switching from a manual wheelchair to a power wheelchair, I hope my excitement about my new chair helps with your decision!

About Maddie Kasten: Maddie is a Q Roll Model for Quantum Rehab. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and enjoys participating in adaptive sports, playing video games and watching anime. Click here to learn more about Maddie.

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

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Maddie Kasten: The Power of the Stretto Wheelchair

She’s got the power! Going from a manual wheelchair to a power wheelchair is a life-changing experience for 15-year-old Maddie Kasten. She has used a manual wheelchair since kindergarten. Now, in her sophomore year of high school, Maddie has an Edge 3 Stretto® Power Wheelchair with iLevel® and is so excited for all the opportunities that await her.

Maddie loves her Stretto Power Wheelchair with iLevel

The Stretto Power Chair has made a huge difference in Maddie’s daily life, giving her more freedom. In her manual chair, she could wheel herself, but her arms and shoulders fatigued after a while. So, she had to rely on friends or family to push her wheelchair. With the Stretto Power Chair, Maddie is in control of her own chair and can go where she wants to go!

“For a power chair, the Stretto is so narrow and compact, yet still has all the features I need,” Maddie said.

Using Her iLevel Power Wheelchair at Home

One of her favorite features is iLevel® technology, which has truly elevated her independence, especially at home.

“The biggest thing is cooking,” Maddie said. “I couldn’t reach the stove before.”

With 12 inches of elevation on her motorized wheelchair, she can access the things she needs in the kitchen. In addition to making meals, Maddie can reach the controls on the washing machine, hang clothes in her closet and look out the peephole before opening the front door.

Maddie uses iLevel to reach items in the fridge

iLevel also makes Maddie taller, which is a huge benefit because she is 4’11” tall.

“When you’re already the shortest person in the group, being seated when everyone else is standing makes you feel even smaller,” Maddie said. “People bend way down to talk to me, like I am a little child.”

If people don’t bend down to speak to her, Maddie experiences neck pain from having to look up so much, especially when talking to her dad and brother, who are both 6’3” tall. iLevel technology on her motorized wheelchair has changed all this.

“With iLevel on my Stretto, I can interact with people face to face. It’s amazing,” Maddie said.

Taking Her Stretto Power Wheelchair to School

When school starts, Maddie looks forward to using iLevel to sit at the high tables in the science classroom with her peers, instead of sitting by herself at a low table.

Maddie has dyslexia and attends a specialized school for kids who have learning and attention disabilities. The Wilson Reading System is a program for students who require literacy instruction that is more intensive and structured. Maddie has completed all 12 levels of the Wilson Reading System to become a fluent reader, despite her dyslexia.

Outside of school, Maddie is extremely active in the disability community. When she was younger, she participated in wheelchair basketball and archery with Arizona Disabled Sports. She also enjoyed horseback riding with Horses Help. Most recently, Maddie joined Ability 360 Sports and Fitness Center, where she learned to play wheelchair tennis.

“I am an Ability 360 wheelchair tennis athlete now and get to work with an awesome coach who’s a former wheelchair tennis Paralympian,” Maddie said.

In addition to adaptive sports, Maddie enjoys playing video games and watching anime. She really enjoys designing and building in 3D, whether it’s with physical materials or via a computer program called Tinkercad. Maddie wants to attend college and study 3D design or engineering.

Before her power chair, there was so much Maddie could not do. Now, the possibilities are endless because she has the power of the Stretto!

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Feeling Slim in My Stretto Motorized Wheelchair

I have been using Pride and Quantum wheelchairs since I was 11. My very first power wheelchair was a Jazzy 1122. I can tell you that that wheelchair was an actual beast. It had a LOT of life in it. I got it when I was 11, but I was still using it in college. In fact, when I studied abroad in Ireland in my sophomore year, I brought my Jazzy 1122 with me and I got to see so much with my trusty power wheelchair.

Receiving My First Wheelchair with iLevel®

Since my Jazzy1122, I have had three more power wheelchairs, all Quantum and each one topping the last. My first Quantum power chair was faster than my Jazzy1122 and helped me get across my college campus easily. After that, when I graduated law school, I got an Edge 2 motorized wheelchair and it came with iLevel. This was really a game changer. I could reach podiums in courtrooms, I could reach printers in the office and I could network at young lawyers’ events. After that, I moved on to the Edge 3 motorized wheelchair with iLevel and it was even better! The color, raspberry beret, received more compliments than I have ever received on a wheelchair, and it moved even faster at iLevel.

Needless to say, I have loved all of my motorized wheelchairs. My wheelchairs have helped me traverse the world, start a career, and have a lot of fun. However, I never knew what I was missing until I first sat in a Stretto. The Edge 3 Stretto is the narrowest power chair in the U.S. and it fits in so many tight spaces!

What I Love About the Stretto

I have always been petite. I am 4’10″ with a pretty small frame. When I was a child, you could never find me during games of Hide and Seek because I could fit in the tiniest spaces. That changed when I began using power wheelchairs, because the base of my wheelchairs have always been much bigger than my body. I no longer fit in the tight spots but I finally had the freedom to move around in the world. It was a trade that I happily made.

That all changed when I sat in a Stretto! For the first time ever, I felt like my chair truly fit me! With its narrow base, the Stretto can make turns without me having to fear that I’ll leave a gouge in the doorframe. I can fit in tiny elevators AND turn around without hitting anything. I can do so much and go to so many narrow places now because my chair is more compact.

For the first time, I don’t have to choose between being small or having the freedom of movement with a wheelchair. Now I have both! I feel like my chair truly fits me! While I have loved all of my motorized wheelchairs, I have also loved experiencing the improvements in technology with each new wheelchair. I can say that the Edge 3 Stretto is definitely my favorite power wheelchair yet!

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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Power Wheelchair Travel Hacks

When traveling with a power wheelchair, we can use all the help we can get. Traveling can be stressful and time consuming if you consider the delays in airport security or customs if you travel abroad. There are a few things I do that help me and my power chair travel safely to and from my destination.

Know the Weight of Your Power Wheelchair

Knowing the weight of your power wheelchair is extremely important. If airport personnel ask you this question, you can be ready with the answer to help move things along quickly. Don’t know the weight of your power chair? No problem! You can contact Quantum Rehab. Give them your serial number and they can provide you with an approximate weight of your chair, including the base, all your seating and positioning components, electronics, wheelchair cushion, you name it.

Label Your Motorized Wheelchair

When traveling, it’s good to attach a sign or labels to the chair. This can include instructions on how to operate it, so they know how to move it carefully and safely. You can include instructions on how to disengage and reengage the brakes. Other things to include are the weight of your chair, the exact dimensions (width and height), your contact information, and anything else you think is relevant.

Elevate at iLevel During the Security Check

When you are in line for the security check before your flight, it’s helpful to elevate your motorized wheelchair at iLevel®. I feel like the security people appreciate the chair more when it is elevated. It gives you an advantage. People are usually fascinated by wheelchairs that elevate, so security will pay more attention to you, making the security process much smoother.

silhouette of airplane in golden hour — Photo by Marina Hinic on Pexels.com

Typically, power wheelchair users can’t go through the full body scanner, which means the security personnel are going to pat you down. They’ll ask if you want a private room for it but I feel it’s better to have the pat down in public. Most likely, anyone who is watching will be focused on the security person and not you. It’s important for others to see how people with disabilities and individuals with wheelchairs are treated and to make sure the security person is doing everything properly and respectfully. Plus, because everyone will be watching, it’ll probably cut down the amount of time security spends frisking you.

The Best Airline to Travel

If you don’t have a preference for an airline, I recommend flying Southwest Airlines. You are the first one to board and they get your motorized wheelchair taken care of right away. When your wheelchair is up front and your being transferred from your wheelchair to your seat, make sure you remove some of the most fragile pieces of your chair, such as the joystick. I would also keep your wheelchair cushion with you too. This ensures less risk of something bad happening to your wheelchair. Another tip? If you put the chair in tilt or recline at a certain angle, it will make it fit easier without the crew members having to do much work.

I hope you find some of these hacks helpful for the next time you board a plane!

About Jesse Cuellar: Jesse is an artist and a brand ambassador for Quantum Rehab®. An accident left him paralyzed from the neck down, so he uses his mouth to paint and expresses himself through his art. Jesse lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and enjoys painting and hanging out with his friends. Click here to learn more about Jesse.

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

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The Gamble of Hotel Beds and Wheelchair Users

If you ask any power wheelchair user what they worry most about when staying at a hotel, I am willing to bet that “bed height” at least makes the top five. I think we all worry about whether the hotel does have an accessible bathroom or pathways that are actually as wide as they should be. These things are governed in the United States by the regulations for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The ADA regulations, however, do not provide any requirements for bed height in hotels. Why is this an issue? Because far too often, the height of the bed in a hotel room is much higher than a standard power wheelchair user. In fact, the average wheelchair sits at about 19 inches above the ground while the height of an average bed is 25 inches. We also know that hotels often do not have the average bed and have much taller beds instead.

Using iLevel on My Motorized Wheelchair

Now, if you’re like me and you have iLevel®, then you can simply raise your power wheelchair to the height you need in order to transfer safely to the bed. Unfortunately, not every motorized wheelchair user has iLevel, which means there are many individuals who take a gamble every time they book a hotel room. They have no idea if they’ll be able to get into the bed or not.

What’s the solution to this issue? Well, the Department of Justice could certainly publish regulations that list a specified height for hotel beds. Yet, the issue with that is that people with different disabilities have different needs. While power chair users may need a lower bed, a person who uses a walker may need a higher bed, so they can stand up and get out of bed. In cases like this, the regulations could require that bed heights in a certain percent of hotel rooms be 20 inches and another percentage be 25 inches or higher.

white bed sheet set — Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels.com

Alternatively, hotels could address this issue without having new regulations. Hotels could simply choose to have beds with adjustable risers. This would allow beds in accessible hotel rooms to be set at 20 inches and can be raised to a different height on request.

While it’s great to talk about potential solutions for the future, that doesn’t help anyone who is traveling right now. We can advocate for new regulations or for hotels to use risers in the future, but for those of us travelling right now, we need a solution today.

Tips for Ensuring You Can Reach the Hotel Bed

If you do not have a motorized wheelchair with power adjustable seat height, such as iLevel, there are still things you can do to make staying in a hotel less of a gamble. You can call hotels to ask them what the height of their beds are before you book the room. This is a pain, yes, but at least you’ll know if you can get into bed at night. You could also ask the hotel to make reasonable accommodations for you. When I travel with my friends who are also power chair users, we regularly request that the box spring is removed to make the bed substantially lower. When that’s not an option, we’ve requested that the entire bed frame is removed and two mattresses are piled on top of each other to have an accessible height. As a last resort, we’ve asked to change rooms to a suite with a pullout couch because they tend to be a good height for transfers.

So, as we collectively advocate for long term change, don’t be afraid to request some reasonable accommodations in the meantime. This ensures you can get into your hotel bed. Wishing you sweet dreams!

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How iLevel® on My Motorized Wheelchair Changed My Life

Every time I leave the house in my power wheelchair and people see me on the streets, they ask how my wheelchair elevates to iLevel. They always comment on how cool it is! What they don’t realize is how much iLevel on my Quantum® Edge® 3 Power Wheelchair has changed my life. Let me tell you how iLevel helps me be the best version of myself. I’ve had many wheelchairs in the past. I’ve been driving one since I was 18 months old. (Most people usually say 18 years!) iLevel technology, however, is one thing that has changed my life the most.

Using iLevel in School

When I was still attending school (pre-pandemic), I usually ended up stuck in the hallways behind eighth grade butts and having people trip over me because they couldn’t see me. Now, I can elevate to iLevel and push right through them.

During the first few days of school, when I didn’t know where to sit for lunch, I raise my power wheelchair seat up 12 inches, giving me a bird’s eye view of who was sitting at each lunch table. Then, I could figure out where I wanted to sit.

Another game changer for me during school was having the ability to do labs in science. I could finally reach the lab tables and be a part of the assignment, instead of getting the printed version and not experiencing the full lab.

Eating Out with iLevel

Sakina uses iLevel on her power wheelchair to order ice cream

Before COVID-19, we enjoyed eating out at restaurants. Before iLevel on my motorized wheelchair, I had to sit apart from everyone else because I couldn’t reach the tables. Tables are restaurants are at different heights and I usually ended up putting the plate of food on my lap. Now with iLevel, I can be a part of the conversation and not feel left out. Plus, I get to eat with my family and friends!

iLevel has also given me a sense of confidence, independence, and responsibility. I was recently ordered my own ice cream. I elevated my power wheelchair seat, rolled up to the counter and ordered for myself. I actually felt like a real 13 year old!

Communicating with Others

Before having iLevel on my motorized wheelchair, people used to bend down to speak to me. Now I can roll right up in them and look them in the eye and say, “Hi, here I am!” and have a full conversation. I’ve been able to make more friends and participate in events at the same level as my peers.

Using iLevel at Home

Having iLevel allows me to help with more chores around the house now. I can do laundry, dust high areas, help put things away in cabinets that before were barely visible to me. When my mom is going to the grocery store, I can help her by reaching things on the shelves and putting them in the cart. Of course, that is not possible now due to quarantine, however, hopefully soon I will be back in the stores to shop until I drop.

My brother has also been greatly affected by iLevel. He’s not used to me being taller than him. It might not seem like it, but it comes in handy sometimes when I have to play the older sister card! I can play with him in so many new ways that I never thought possible.

Taking Selfies with iLevel

One of the greatest things about having iLevel on my motorized wheelchair is that I’m able to take unlimited selfies with my friends while at the same height as them. I use my phone mount as a selfie stick sometimes.

In the end, I’m incredibly grateful to have iLevel because it has completely changed my life. It makes me a better person and helps me live my life to the fullest!

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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Summer Camps with My Stretto

For the past month, I have served as a counselor for robotics summer camps at local schools in my area. I helped kids with their robots and announced the robotics matches as well. I returned to my old stomping grounds with these camps as they were held at the high school and middle school I attended. Each camp lasts a week and the campers learn how to build a robot from scratch. Then, they compete in a tournament to crown a winner. It is always amazing to see the creativity that the campers have while building.

Assisting Campers with iLevel® Technology

My job was to check on the campers and the other counselors to see if they needed anything, as well as to see their progress. The campers always want to learn more about the robot building process to better themselves. My Edge 3 Stretto® Power Wheelchair with iLevel® allowed me to help the campers by getting them the parts they needed that were higher up.

On the first day, the campers follow a manual that tells them everything that they need to do during the building process. They can add on or take away whatever they want from their robot. Once they complete building, they must practice in the fields for the game. On the second day, the teams continue to practice and find areas where they can score more points or fix their robots. This allows the campers to think critically and problem solve by making modifications to their strategy, as well as their robots.

The View from My Stretto Motorized Wheelchair

On the third day, the campers participate in practice matches to get ready for the main matches the next day. The teams continued to get better and score more points as the matches went on. Elevated at iLevel, I announced the matches and all the participants could see me while I was elevated. I also helped count the points scored because I could see the whole field from my Stretto motorized wheelchair.

On the last day of camp, we had our qualification matches, as well as final matches to decide the winners. The campers did a fantastic job and two teams were crowned the winners of the whole tournament.

My Stretto Power Wheelchair with iLevel truly benefited me throughout the weeks of summer camp. It allowed me to help campers with their robots. Plus, iLevel gave me a great view of the field while announcing during matches. I am truly thankful to have had my Stretto Power Wheelchair as it has made something I love doing so much easier.

I am excited for the future summer camps that we will have and all the new ways I will use my Stretto motorized wheelchair. The campers make it all worth it. I am excited to get back and see what new creations will be made.

About Bryson Foster: Bryson is a Friend of Quantum and lives in North Carolina. He advocates and raises funds for the development of treatments for muscular dystrophy. He loves sports and cheers for his favorite basketball team, the North Carolina Tar Heels.

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