Life with Quantum

Summer and My iLevel Power Wheelchair

The summer sun is slowly making its way to the United States, which means ice cream, BBQs, and most importantly, adventures in my Edge® 3 Power Chair with iLevel®! Last summer was not the best for anyone, but I fully intend to make up for it in 2021. My 31^st birthday is in July, so I thought I would write an early birthday to-do-list a la Stephanie (32 for good measure). So, here is a list of some of the activities I plan to do this summer with my motorized wheelchair.

Outdoor Activities with My Power Wheelchair

Grilling is easier with his motorized wheelchair and iLevel

More accessible gardening – I picked it up during quarantine and it’s even easier at iLevel.
BBQs – the grill is my home. My home is the grill. Being elevated above the cooking surface makes flipping burgers easier.
Picking fruits and vegetables off higher trees
Hiking – nature is calling once more and with SRS (Smooth Ride Suspension) on my Edge 3 motorized wheelchair, there is no ride more scenic or breathtaking.
Tanning – reclining my electric wheelchair with plenty of sunscreen is the recipe for a great summer tan
Flying a kite – I have never flown a kite, but being closer to the sky is a good thing, right?
Picnics – I am no longer too short for outdoor picnics with 12 inches of elevation.
Washing the car – With the help of iLevel technology and a super long hose, I can wash everything from the roof to the wheels!
Going to the park- there are many trees that have not been measured against iLevel and I intend to find them all

Traveling with My Motorized Wheelchair

Hotel bed transfer – no matter the height of a hotel bed on the road, iLevel technology will help me to accommodate most sleeping arrangements and assuage some of the fears associated with travelling while disabled.
Boardwalk strolls – while I am not much of a beach person, enjoying the weather in my power chair is a welcome change from staying indoors.
Visiting breweries – There is nothing quite like ordering a bottle at the raised counter and watching the sunset on a summer night.
Vacation selfies – who needs angling photos for perspective, when iLevel makes you taller than most things?
Trying my luck at casinos- game tables are high; my chances of winning are not.
Taking in a comedy show – because we all need a laugh right now and my head towers above a sea of people.
Being tall enough for the rides at Disney World, but not riding them due to exhaustion

Using iLevel in the Home

Changing lightbulbs – there is a joke in there, but my height must be used to help the vertically challenged.
Brushing my teeth- I can finally see my entire body in the mirror with iLevel, which leads to better oral hygiene.
Revitalize my summer wardrobe – Aloha shirts and sunglasses on the top shelf? No problem. iLevel technology lets me reach whatever I need.
Helping with house chores – whether it is cleaning floors or dusting bookshelves, dirt beware: I Have the power of iLevel on my power chair.

Interacting with Family and Friends at iLevel

Uncle duties – my nephew loves the “elevator ride” when I elevate my power wheelchair with iLevel.
Hugs that start at the head, not at the waist
Visiting local relatives – the ability to look people in the eye that I have not seen in a while is a privilege.
Frisbee with friends – staying at iLevel ensures that my throws are more aerodynamic and above the ground

Other Ways that My Power Wheelchair Helps Me

Reinvigorating my completely unnecessary Starbucks habit and enjoying some coffee. iLevel lets me enjoy sitting at the high-top tables.
Groceries – As evidenced by my many photos, stocking up for summer get-togethers with items on high shelves could not be easier.
Eating at food trucks – outdoor dining is a breeze thanks to its ability to adjust to countertops.
Being closer to the fireworks on the Fourth of July.
Helping out at my parents’ restaurant- Taking orders at iLevel is good for business
Shopping for alcoholic beverages – Top shelf alcohol is no match for iLevel.
Watching a movie – as theaters begin to open, I look forward to being the guy down in front. Reclining my electric wheelchair is great for long films

I plan to make my 31^st year the best one yet because iLevel means new opportunities.

About Tim Shin: Tim lives in River Vale, NJ and uses an Edge® 3 Power Wheelchair to maintain his independence and mobility. He enjoys food, fashion, music and television. Click here to learn more about Tim.

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

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Buffalo and iLevel® Technology

Traveling in wonderful Wyoming in my Quantum® power wheelchair with iLevel® is always an adventure. You never know what photo opportunities may present themselves. Just make sure your subject is not moving.

Last week, I traveled to Jackson, also known as Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The magnificent Teton Mountains can be seen from the distance. Jackson is known for many things, as it is the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Tourists and people travel from all over the country and across the globe to catch a glimpse of the Wyoming beauty that awaits them.

Madonna elevates her power wheelchair when sitting at the bar

I grew up not far from Jackson, in a small town in Wyoming. So, Jackson is considered part of my home surroundings to me. I spent much of my time in Jackson with my college friends who grew up in the area. Last week, we went to see some of my friends who were vacationing in Yellowstone. I love the drive through the mountains and valleys heading to Jackson. It is always such a treasure to behold, especially in the springtime. You can smell the air. It’s so crisp! Plus, the wildflowers line the sides of the road as you drive.

Staying in Wheelchair Accessible Pinedale

When it comes to places to stay, Jackson is a bit pricey for hotels, so we stayed in Pinedale. Pinedale is around 70 miles away from Jackson and it’s a sleepy little town. Although it doesn’t look accessible, there are many accessible places where you can travel in a power wheelchair.

The hotel where we stayed had an interesting feature that is common to this part of Wyoming. Our hotel had a bison (or buffalo as most people know them) head on the wall. I had to take a picture to see how tall my iLevel Power Wheelchair was while sitting next to this beast. Never let their large appearance fool you. If you see buffalo in the wild, they’re not like cows out in the pasture. They are amazingly fast and protect their young. They should never be approached. I’m happy that the picture I took with this particular buffalo was on the wall and it was only his head and not the rest of him.

Madonna poses in front of a buffalo with her Edge 3 Power Wheelchair at iLevel

Understanding Bison Behavior

If you are traveling to Wyoming and encounter a buffalo or bison, there are few things you should know. First, they’re huge and very fast. Bison are actually the largest mammal in North America. A male bison is called a bull and weighs up to 2,000 pounds. They can stand 6 feet tall. Female bison are called cows and weigh up to 1,000 pounds and reach a height of 4-5 feet. Now, the babies are nicknamed “red dogs” because bison calves tend to be an orange-reddish color. Their mamas are very protective of them.

You never want to underestimate bison. I have actually seen people who have. So here is an interesting fact: their tail will tell you what they are thinking. If you see that tail straight up, they may charge you. They are very unpredictable, so just remember to love them from a distance.

Bison are beloved creatures to those of us who live in Wyoming. Our state flag’s crest has a bison on it. The Wyoming state flag was adopted by the fourteenth legislature on January 31, 1917, and on the Great Seal of Wyoming is the heart of the flag. Pictured there are the bison or who once the roamed the plains of many states.

Wyoming is such a beautiful state. It may seem inaccessible yet there are many wonderful and accessible places to visit. I am finding those treasure places where iLevel technologu and the wild west meet.

About Madonna Long: Madonna works as a disability advocate to educate policymakers and congressional leaders on disability issues. She uses an Edge 3 Power Wheelchair for mobility. She is a mother to four children and lives life on her terms, despite a spinal cord injury. Click here to learn more about Madonna.

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

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Understanding Wheelchair Cushions

A complex rehab power wheelchair is designed to meet the user’s medical and quality-of-life needs and provide greater independence. The power wheelchair needs to be fitted to the individual and it needs to be comfortable. There are many components that can be found on a complex rehab power wheelchair, including seating and electronics, wheelchair cushions play an important role in maintaining comfort and positioning.

There are many wheelchair seat cushions available on the market. Every cushion serves a different purpose. Quantum® and Stealth® wheelchair cushions are marked with a color-coded PVC patch. The color of the patch indicates the function and HCPC code of the cushion. Some cushions for wheelchairs are designed to meet a user’s pressure needs. Others are designed for skin protection. How do you know which one is right for you?

Choosing the Right Cushion for Wheelchair Users

During the evaluation process, your therapist and the ATP (Assistive Technology Professional) will work together to decide what components you need to have on your complex rehab power wheelchair. Based on your diagnosis, your therapist and ATP may recommend a specific cushion to help meet your comfort and positioning needs.

Spectrum Gel SPP Wheelchair Cushion

The Spectrum Gel SPP Wheelchair Cushion is designed to provide skin protection and positioning benefits. It features a SunMate FRG foam top. There is a twin cell ultra lightweight viscous gel insert in the ischial well to deliver sacral relief. This gel cushion for wheelchair users has a 550-pound weight capacity with a height of 3 inches. The Spectrum Gel cushion for wheelchairs also comes with a CoolCore® cover that is moisture wicking and breathable. This revolutionary technology is chemical free and extremely durable. The CoolCore® cover keeps the user cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Glacial SP Wheelchair Seat Cushion

The Glacial SP Wheelchair Seat Cushion offers skin protection. It features a new SIM G base with a fluid resistant overlay on the top and sides of the cushion. The gel topper is TPU heat sealed with a low profile, lightweight design. The Glacial SP Wheelchair Cushion comes standard with CoolCore® technology for breathable comfort. It offers a weight capacity of 400 pounds, with a height of 2.5 inches.

Discover more information about power wheelchair cushions and their benefits. Are you searching for wheelchair cushion for your Stretto narrow wheelchair? Perhaps you’re interested in what cushion options are available for a pediatric wheelchair.

Merlisha Henderson: A Survival Kit for Young Adults After Graduation

It’s almost that time of year once again. GRADUATION! As parents, we all know that you will hear (and pay for) the “G” word from pre-school to grad school. There is just something about that high school and college graduation that really marks a point in the relationship that you have with your children.

Merlisha in her Edge 3 Power Wheelchair with iLevel

Senior year of your baby or your babies’ high school career is just as eye opening and wonderous for a parent as it is for a young adult. You have become the teacher, sensei, life coach, advisor and counselor to the child you brought home. You have taught and nurtured them for at least 18 years, as well as your family and friends. You have repetitively imparted lessons onto them when they were listening and not listening.

Before you release your offspring on an unsuspecting world, there are a few intangible skills that you must make available to them so they can survive and thrive in the months and years to come. The good habits, resources and common sense that you can drop into their toolkit serves in building a golden reputation and establishing a work ethic that shows in all that they accomplish.

Time Management

Time is one commodity that you can lose and not get back. It’s extremely valuable and it’s also one of the things that almost all people waste the most. It’s more than just being on time for work. It’s also using what time you have in an efficient way. The closer you get to the end of your schooling, the less time is spent in class. Knowing what to do with the increased amount of free time that they need to fill with equal parts fun and equal parts foundation building can keep them positioned to take advantage of opportunities that may arise.

Organization

As parents, we parrot the concept of being neat and tidy. We teach our young ones about cleaning their room or keeping their belongings and clothes where they can find them. I have begged and pleaded with my brood about the ritual and advantage of organization. Once you can explain importance of knowing where to find the things, you can teach them to use organization as a tool to bring order to the inevitable chaos that life can bring.

Completion

Teaching anybody a skill or way of thinking that everybody (including your kids) think is a no brainer to understand makes this tool underused and often neglected. Completion is the ability to complete an assignment, a program, a course, a bucket list or a master’s program. As adults, how many things do we start and forget about completing? What about an exercise regimen or a financial promise like paying off a credit account or school loans? It’s important to instill the concept of finishing what you start. You must learn to live with the regret that comes with not knowing how your life or situation would have been different had you had the foresight and dependability to not let yourself down by following through.

Just like a real tool kit, these attainable skills are constantly being added to and used in different new ways. You must constantly use these tools to stay sharp. Finally, what is the most important thing you can place in your children’s toolkit? Your love and support.

About Merlisha Henderson: Merlisha uses an Edge 3 Power Wheelchair for mobility and lives in Arizona with her family. As a wife, mother and disability advocate in her community, she stays active and independent, working toward bringing equality and access to all. Click here to learn more about Merlisha.

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

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Building an Accessible Playground

Stephanie in her Edge 3 with iLevel Power Wheelchair

In January of 2020, I participated in a news interview about playground accessibility. A young girl in the Rochester area named Santii was selling hot cocoa for $1 per cup in order to raise money for an accessible swing. Santii wanted to do this because when she was playing on a playground, she noticed another child who used a wheelchair was not able to participate in a lot of the activities on the playground. Santii wanted to change that.

When I learned about Santii’s goal, I connected her with a local organization called Endless Highway. This not-for-profit organization is dedicated to ensuring children and young adults with physical disabilities have opportunities to participate in adaptive and inclusive sports, recreation and arts. Endless Highway loved Santii’s initiative and her goal to get an accessible swing installed in our area. So, they committed to helping Santii reach her goal!

Working Together

Stephanie helps build the new accessible playground

Over the past year, Santii and Endless Highway have worked tirelessly, even through the pandemic, to reach Santii’s goal of getting an accessible swing! They connected with Jill Moore White, an inclusive play specialist at Landscape Structures, Inc., who also uses a wheelchair. Jill introduced Santii and Endless Highway to different accessible playground options, specifically the We-Go-Round and the We-Go-Swing. The We-Go-Round is a merry-go-round with built in seating and open spaces for wheelchair users. It spins in circles when propelled by the kids (or adults!) playing on it. The We-Go-Swing is a swing that allows a power wheelchair or manual wheelchair user and ambulatory kids to play together.

After Santii, Endless Highway and Jill joined forces, they got one more player on board: the town of Greece, a suburb of Rochester. Together, they accomplished more than just Santii’s goal of installing one accessible swing. They got an entire accessible playground! The playground includes a We-Go-Round, a We-Go-Swing, music and tactile sensory areas and more!

Building the Accessible Playground

After watching all of this unfold in such little time, I was excited to join the Community Build days where members of the community came out to help build this incredible accessible playground! We installed equipment, tested the playground and had so much fun!

I cannot wait until this playground officially opens so that I can bring all of my nieces and nephews to the park where we can all play together!

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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Bryan Anderson: Why Father’s Day is Special to Me

Father’s Day is special to me because I have a stepfather that’s been more of a father to me than my real one. Father’s Day is a time to show him my appreciation for what he’s done for me.

When I was 6 or 7 years old, my mom started dating him. He stepped in and just kind of took the reins. My twin brother, Bobby, and I hated him at first. All the sudden, this man was in our lives and things were changing. As kids, we didn’t like change. We liked things the way they were. My stepfather was strict and tough, but he was also fair.

Still, you could tell my mom was happy. As time went on, my stepfather taught us how to become men. He instilled in us a good work ethic. He taught us to be kind and compassionate. He showed me how to take responsibility for my actions and my life. He helped turn me and my brother into the men we are today. I wouldn’t change that for anything.

Dad, thank you for turning us into great men. I love 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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Are You Our Next Q Roll Model?

Quantum Rehab’s commitment to the Disability Community goes beyond creating innovative power wheelchairs that allow us to live our best lives. We know that there is no one type of wheelchair user and we are committed to creating wheelchairs that are as unique as the people who sit in them every day because we truly value the authentic and diverse population that we serve. That’s why we are hosting the Q Roll Model contest again this year! The Q Roll Model contest offers a custom power wheelchair with iLevel technology and a four-month paid contract to two awesome, relatable wheelchair users.

We first held the Q Roll Model Contest in the summer of 2019 and we selected six winners! Each winner received a custom Quantum Rehab Power Wheelchair and a four-month paid contract to work with us! Our winners were:

Tim Shin, a disability rights advocate from New Jersey
Emily Ladau, a writer from New York
Merlisha Henderson, a corporate professional from Arizona
Amy Bliele, a teacher from Wisconsin
Sakina Shamsi, a middle school student from New Jersey
Isabella Bullock, an employment specialist from Michigan

Each of our winners were unique, fun, authentic, and relatable – and they all showed us how iLevel helps them to live their best lives!

This year, Quantum Rehab is searching for two wheelchair users from across the country to be Q Roll Models. Winners of the Q Roll Model Contest will each win a four-month paid contract, as well as a Quantum Power Chair with iLevel technology with complimentary future service and parts. The contest runs until July 31, 2021.

The contest is open to legal residents of the United States who are 18 years and older, and children 10 years and older with parent/guardian consent. To enter, participants can go here. Judging will consist of public voting (10%), picture content (30%) and an explanation of how iLevel would help the participant live their best life (60%).

I cannot wait to see who wins our Q Roll Model Contest this year! Who knows – it could be you!

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The Next Generation of the 4Front® Power Chair is Here!

The 4Front® 2 is the next generation of the 4Front® Power Chair! New Smart Traction Control (STC), along with Smooth Ride Suspension (SRS), provide stability for smooth obstacle transitions and unmatched driving performance. Additional new features include 4-pole motors and redesigned caster arms for improved durability and aesthetics and reduced weight.

Features:

4-pole motors
NEW Smart Traction Control (STC)
Superior, automotive-grade SRS (Smooth Ride Suspension)
Unmatched driving performance and ride quality
Advanced stability for smooth obstacle transitions
Redesigned caster arms for improved durability and aesthetics and reduced weight
Q-Logic 3e controller
Increased speeds up to 6.25 mph
LED front and rear fender lights
Quiet ride technology
Optional 10″ of power adjustable safe seat elevation at speeds of up to 3.5 mph
Optional NEW backup camera

Benefits of Front-Wheel Drive Electric Wheelchairs

When working with your therapist and the ATP during the power wheelchair selection process, there’s a lot to discuss. Which components meet your needs, do you qualify for funding and more. When choosing an electric wheelchair base, the drive wheel configuration is very important. Front-wheel, mid-wheel and rear-wheel drive each have their own advantages and you need to consider your needs and how the wheelchair will be used when determining a drive wheel configuration that is right for you. Read on to discover the many great benefits of a front-wheel drive electric wheelchair, such as the 4Front® 2.

Front-Wheel Drive Offers More Force

Front-wheel drive wheelchairs are extremely beneficial to power wheelchair users. One advantage is there is more force distributed to each of the four tires. Unlike with other drive wheel configurations, such as mid-wheel, there are two fewer tires in contact with the ground. The greater force increases traction. This allows front-wheel drive electric wheelchairs to perform well when driven over grass, soft terrain or uneven gravel. The drive wheels are the first to encounter an obstacle. These large tires can grab an obstacle like step or curb and drive over it, pulling the rest of the wheelchair along.

Front-Wheel Drive Allows for Different Foot Riggings

With front-wheel drive wheelchairs, the user’s feet can be positioned easily because there are no front caster wheels on the power wheelchair. The user’s feet are placed closer to his or her body for comfort. In addition, 90-degree footrests can be added.

Lower Seat-to-Floor Height on Front-Wheel Drive Wheelchairs

Front-wheel drive power wheelchairs have a lower seat-to-floor height. This allows individuals who drive wheelchairs to fit more easily under standard tables and desks, which enhances their inclusion and social interaction. Along with lower seat-to-floor height, a front-wheel-drive power chair can easily navigate tight corners in the home, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

With so many advantages, front-wheel drive wheelchairs can truly benefit many individuals who require complex rehab. If your therapist and ATP believe that front-wheel drive suits you, consider the 4Front® 2 Power Chair, which features a front-wheel drive configuration. With STC (Smart Traction Control) and SRS (Smooth Ride Suspension), you can enjoy stability during obstacle transitions and unmatched driving performance. The 4Front 2 Power Chair is available with optional power adjustable safe seat elevation, elevating users up to 10 inches while driving up to 3.5 mph. Learn more about the 4Front 2 Power Wheelchair.

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Wheelchair Accessible Atlanta

I live on the outskirts of a very wheelchair accessible city, Atlanta, Georgia. It has a lot of accessible places. Here are some of my favorites.

The World of Coca Cola Museum

One of my favorite places in Atlanta is the World of Coca Cola Museum. It has very wide motorized wheelchair ramps and wide aisles. This allows me and other wheelchair users to move around freely. We have no fear of bumping into anyone or being in the way. You can learn about the history of Coca Cola and they always have cool new exhibits to check out.

Wheelchair Accessible Georgia Aquarium

Another place that is very accessible is the Georgia Aquarium. They even have wheelchair ramps in the parking deck, which is a huge help. Navigating a power wheelchair in parking decks and garages can be a bit risky, especially with people’s crazy driving. The aquarium also has wide walkways and the floors aren’t rugged or raggedy, which makes for a smooth ride in my Stretto Power Wheelchair. There are also elevators inside so that if I can’t access a ramp, I’m able to still move through the building seamlessly. The exhibits also have spaces that allow me to go down and be closer to the exhibits like other kids. I really appreciate this because who wants to be in the back, instead of up close looking at the cool sea creatures?

Accessible Centennial Olympic Park

Right up the street from the aquarium is Centennial Olympic Park. I can see it from the front of the aquarium and it is very easy to get to. The city keeps it pretty clean and it’s flat. I don’t have to worry about too many bumps in or around that area. There are several ramp entrances around the park that make it safe for me and other wheelchair users to move around. I really love this place too because it is a popular attraction and it allows me to have fun with my friends. The water area of the park is also flat so when I want to, I can roll my power wheelchair in and enjoy the cool water from the splash pad.

College Football Hall of Fame

Right around the corner from Centennial Park is the College Football Hall of Fame. The sports history in that place is so cool. It has automatic opening doors so you don’t have to pull the door open. That is a big plus because I don’t have to wait for anyone to open it. The museum has a three-story helmet wall, historic artifacts and the Hall of Fame rotunda.

Accessible Skyview Atlanta

On the opposite side of Centennial Park and across the street is the Ferris wheel called Skyview Atlanta. I have ridden it and it’s perfect because my motorized wheelchair can roll straight in without any issues. Places like this allow me to have a lot of freedom and independence. It keeps my mind off the fact that I am confined to a motorized wheelchair, even though it’s a cool one. It makes me feel like other kids without a physical disability.

Accessible Mercedes Benz Stadium

The new Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta is where the Atlanta Falcons play. It has plenty of wheelchair access and wheelchair ramps as well for me and my Stretto motorized wheelchair. The people who built this stadium didn’t skimp on the space in there either! Of course, it’s big stadium because it hosts a lot of sporting events.

Whether I am going to a football, soccer game or a concert, I am confident that me and my Stretto wheelchair can get anywhere I need to (even the bathrooms) in all these attractions in Atlanta.

About Morgan Steward: Morgan is an honorary police officer for the Covington Georgia Police Department. He uses the Stretto Power Wheelchair for mobility. Morgan is an active member in his community and enjoys helping others. Click here to learn more about Morgan.

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

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