Life with Quantum

Paul Amadeus Lane: Telling Stories At iLevel®

“I believe that we are the ones who must write the chapters in our own book, not allowing others to control our narrative. All of us have the ability to do extraordinary things.”
– Paul Amadeus Lane

Everyone has a story to tell. As a broadcast journalist, Paul Amadeus Lane must find creative ways to communicate the stories of the people he interviews. Of course, Paul has his own unique story.

An automobile accident at 22 years old left Paul a C-6 quadriplegic. Still, Paul’s life was just beginning!

“I believe that we are the ones who must write the chapters in our own book, not allowing others to control our narrative,” Paul said. “All of us have the ability to do extraordinary things.”

Paul Amadeus Lane in his iLevel Power Wheelchair

After attending college, Paul pursued a successful career in radio broadcasting. Today, he lives with his wife, Rae, in Adelanto, CA. He is a Friend of Quantum and serves as an ambassador for the Abilities Expo. Paul also works as an accessibility consultant for the gaming and tech industry. He also serves as a board member for a non-profit organization, DAGERSystem, which helps make gaming more accessible for everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Paul has never let fear of the unknown prevent him from overcoming challenges. With his iLevel® Power Wheelchair, Paul experiences greater independence. He can reach cabinets that are higher up and dust the top shelves. Paul’s previous power wheelchair could only elevate if he wasn’t driving it. So, Paul enjoys the fact that he can now elevate and drive at the same time. iLevel offers many professional benefits too.

“I’m looking forward to covering live events and interviewing people on the red carpet and being able to look at them in the eye,” Paul said. “If I need to move around and get into another position, I can do it easily.”

In addition to iLevel, Paul loves his Quantum backup camera. He uses it both in the home and out in the community.

“I’m able to back up safely and not run over anyone’s toes,” Paul said.

Paul is extremely proud of all that he has accomplished. He was the subject of a mini movie titled “Paul + Voice Access,” created by Android and Google, which highlighted his life as a disabled broadcast journalist. Paul was involved in a video gaming project that was recognized with the first ever Accessibility Award at the 2020 Game Awards. The game, “The Last of Us, Part II” has become the gold standard with accessibility settings.

Paul’s love for storytelling, gaming and making a difference in the lives of others has helped him excel in all aspects of his life.

Things I Can Do with My Edge 3 Wheelchair

I received my Edge® 3 Motorized Wheelchair with iLevel® technology on February 6, 2020. California, where I live, was put under a shelter-in-place order on March 19, 2020. I have several disabilities and chronic illnesses that put me at very high risk for becoming critically ill if I contract COVID-19. So, I was essentially homebound until I could access the vaccine. I don’t mean to complain. I am incredibly lucky that I have a job that can be done entirely from home. Plus, with two young kids in the house, I never got bored.

Because of the pandemic, I had to wait to fully utilize my new motorized wheelchair and its many capabilities. I am slowly getting out more, although I am still somewhat cautious to protect my kids who are too young to receive the vaccine. As I venture out into the community, I’m appreciating the functionality of my motorized wheelchair.

Reaching Credit Card Machines

It has always been a challenge for me to reach credit card readers at stores and coffee shops. With iLevel technology on my power wheelchair, this is no longer an issue.

Traveling

When I need to travel for work in the future, I anticipate iLevel will be quite useful. Many times, hotel light switches are out of reach. Now that I can elevate my power wheelchair up to 12 inches, reaching light switches won’t be a problem anymore.

I’ve had my share of canceled flights and long layovers. I slept in an airport more than once. I can tell you that sleeping in my Edge 3 Power Wheelchair will be a lot more tolerable than sleeping in my old chair that didn’t even recline, never mind perform the kinds of seating acrobatics that my Edge 3 can.

Sitting at High-Top Tables

It’s common for conference networking events to be held in establishments with bar-height or high-top tables. This was always quite alienating for me. I know I will be more comfortable speaking with my colleagues who are standing if my wheelchair seat is elevated. Also, I wonder if I will be more approachable when elevated? I sense that my wheelchair’s ability to elevate may even be an ice breaker.

At the end of the day, as the country slowly emerges from the isolation of the pandemic, we all have a lot to look forward to. For me, this includes really using my “brand new” wheelchair.

About Joe Stramondo: Joe is an assistant professor at San Diego University and is extremely active in the disability community. Joe uses an Edge 3 Power Wheelchair to maintain his mobility and independence. In his spare time, Joe strives to be the best father he can to his children. Click here to learn more about Joe.

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

Finding the Right Nurse or Caregiver

Living with a disability comes with many challenges. One of those challenges is finding a capable caregiver. My condition doesn’t allow me to do anything for myself, which is why I need a nurse. My doctors recommend that a nurse helps me for 16 hours a day.

Why I Need a Nurse

I need a nurse to stay overnight to monitor my breathing, position changes, and check on my G-tube feedings. The nurse starts her shift at 6 P.M., to get me ready for bedtime. We start with physical therapy, a shower, and start my overnight feeding. I get positioned for a comfortable night of sleep and go on my BiPAP vent. I usually don’t sleep well at night and wake up many times.

Most of the times, finding a nurse is not as simple as it sounds. The idea of having a capable nurse means that my parents, who are on call 24/7, can get some rest without worrying about me because my nurse handles everything. Well, they’re supposed to…

The Challenges of Finding the Right Nurse or Caregiver

For the last 3 years, every single nurse we have been assigned has not been capable and has not stayed with me. In this case, the phrase “it’s not me, it’s you” applies. Trust me, taking care of me is actually quite simple if you are a trained nurse who knows their nursing ABCs. I have had 34 nurses in three years and you may be wondering why.

Almost all my previous nurses haven’t cared for me properly, even after hours of training from my parents. The training isn’t 100 percent about how to take care of me. that part is around 30%. The other 70% is on how to operate the vent, feeding machine, and other various equipment that I use.

The Trouble with Night Shift Nurses

During night shift, my nurses tend to fall asleep, so they obviously don’t turn me every two hours. They don’t check on my vent or my feeding. When I wake up in pain and call out, my parents come to my rescue because the nurses are snoring. Sometimes, they forget to turn on the humidifier in my breathing machine which makes the air I breath cold. This causes mucus which is the reason I am on the vent to begin with.

This doesn’t happen all the time, but when the nurse does come when I call, they are half asleep. They make so much noise at night that my little brother gets woken up in his room across the hall and doesn’t get enough rest either. Being woken up so abruptly also affects me. I am unable to concentrate in school the next day. Those are just some of the situations that I have been through during the night shift.

Day Shift Nurses in School

When it comes to the daytime, although I am awake and can communicate better, it is still difficult for the nurses to care for me. Let me tell you some of the situations that I experienced during the day shift. Before COVID-19, I attended school in person and I had a nurse accompany me. Here I was, independent in my Quantum® Edge® 3 Power Wheelchair and trying to fit in at a new school. One day, the nurse fell asleep in science class and she rested her hand on my wheelchair. This was a disaster! As she dozed off, her hand fell on my joystick, and I went flying forward. I drove straight into a row of tables, pushing several students forward while crushing my knees, shin, and feet. I guess I can forget about making friends! The tears falling from my eyes were not only because I was in excruciating pain, it was also because I was so embarrassed. I would have crawled into a hole if I physically could! The only thing stopping me was my disability. At the end of the day, I had huge bruises on my knees and legs.

Day Shift Nurses and Caregivers in the Home

Accidents weren’t limited to school. At home there were many reasons why my nurses left. One flooded the bathroom, causing the flooring to fall through the ceiling of the room below. They fought with my mom, complained about how I was rude and their commute was too far, just to name a few. Many don’t speak English. I’ve been burned in the shower, dropped during transfer, and hurt more times than I can count. There’s been so many other incidents where the nurses left. It’s been so hard to find someone who can properly care for me.

It may seem like I’m writing a letter to Mary Poppins. In reality, it seems impossible to find a good nurse. So, if the perfect nurse is out there somewhere reading this…Hi, I’m Sakina. Can we be friends?

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!

J4 HD: The Newest in Single Power HD

The newest base in Single Power HD has arrived! Quantum’s new J4 HD Power Chair is now available, offering a 400-pound weight capacity and optional Q4 HD Power Tilt. This chair is coded Group 2 Single Power HD, K0837.

Featuring Mid-Wheel 6® Drive Design and ATX Suspension, the J4 HD is engineered for tight-quarter maneuverability. The J4 HD has a narrow base width of 24.25 inches!

Other features include standard 5 miles per hour motors and seat widths and depths sizes from 20 inches to 24 inches (in 2-inch increments for both).

Optional Q4 HD Power Tilt provides 55 degrees of HD power tilt, standard single post height-adjustable, removeable arms and up to 25-inch back canes (flip-down or angle-adjustable). It is also compatible with Quantum’s power articulating foot platform.

“We’ve had much success with our J4 Power Chair, and we saw a need for an HD version of it,” said John Storie, Vice President of Quantum Sales, Eastern U.S. “We’re pleased to expand our product offerings to add a K0837 code option.”

Click here to learn more about the J4 HD.

Celebrating Memorial Day

This year, Memorial Day falls on May 26. Originally known as Decoration Day, this holiday originated in the years after the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Memorial Day honors our fallen heroes, men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

Understanding the Difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day

Memorial Day is special for most veterans. Some people may not realize that Memorial Day isn’t about thanking veterans who are still with us. While Veterans Day is meant to thank and honor everyone who has served, Memorial Day memorializes men and women who died in battle or as of a result of wounds sustained in battle. These individuals made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Bryan Anderson in his Edge 3 Power Wheelchair, elevated with iLevel.

For Quantum brand ambassador Bryan Anderson, Memorial Day holds a special meaning for him. He thinks of the friends he lost in combat.

“We honor those who are no longer with us, who gave their lives so the rest of us could live freely.”
– Bryan Anderson

Click here to read Bryan’s blog on what Memorial Day means to him.

The True Meaning of Memorial Day

Brand ambassador Josh McDermott comes from a family of former servicemen. His grandfather was a marine who flew over the Pacific during World War II. Josh’s father was in the Air Force. Josh also has many friends and family who have served or are actively serving in the military. Josh recognizes the significance of Memorial Day and why we remember. Yet, he is frustrated that some Americans do not recognize the importance. Some individuals see Memorial Day as a celebration and they have picnics and grill up burgers and hot dogs. Retail stores have huge Memorial Day sales. For Josh, Memorial Day is a time of remembrance and honoring those who gave their lives for our country.

Josh McDermott in his Edge 3 Power Wheelchair, elevated at iLevel.

“It’s a time to remember those veterans who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice, allowing us to live freely in the greatest country in the world.”
– Josh McDermott

Josh’s father and other veterans that belong to a local American Legion organize their town’s Memorial Day parade and honor services. They meet at the cemetery and locate each veteran. They say his or her name and then take a small American flag and place it on the grave to honor each life that has served.

Click here to learn more about the honor services performed for veterans on Memorial Day.

What You Can Do

Veteran organizations like the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars typically organize Memorial Day parades. They also meet at local cemeteries to place flags on the graves of servicemen and women and give a gun salute. Consider volunteering your time to these organizations. You can attend a gun salute ceremony at your local cemetery or attend a Memorial Day parade. Or, you can simply reflect on the friends and family you know who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Common Questions About iLevel®

When I’m rolling around in my Quantum power wheelchair at iLevel®, people take notice. Whether I’m running errands, roaming around a park, or hightailing through the city, doing so at iLevel definitely stops some people in their tracks. I like to think it’s because they simply haven’t seen such awesome technology in action. I imagine they’re also caught off guard by someone who’s sitting in a wheelchair and elevated. I’m as tall, if not taller, than people who are standing up. Typically, people think of wheelchair users as being low to the ground and physically below them. iLevel changes the game.

I often get questions from people about what it’s like to use iLevel. I’ve always believed it’s important to be respectful of disabled people and not demand that they always answer questions when we’re just out and about in public and living our lives. I also want to educate people about how the technology helps me. I love living life at iLevel and sharing how I use it. I’d like to share some of the most common questions and how I respond to them.

How high up does it go?

A whole foot! And it’s pretty cool because I’m quite short. I’m under 5 feet, so having an extra 12 inches of height can be really handy in several situations.

Is it safe to be riding around in a wheelchair when you’re so high off the ground?

Yes! iLevel uses patented Extra Stability Technology® that enhances safety for transfers, reach, and numerous other activities of daily living. I remember being nervous the first time I ever tried riding around at iLevel. It was a totally new sensation and visual perspective. Now, it feels totally safe and natural.

What do you use iLevel for?

Anything! Everything! I once used it to raise myself up high enough that I could reach to spackle holes in a wall. And I once used it so I could re-decorate the bulletin board hanging in my room. I like to use it at events when tall people stand up and block my line of sight. And I frequently use it to grab boxes from high shelves in the grocery store. And sometimes I just use it because feel like it!

How long have you had a power wheelchair with iLevel?

I got my first one in 2015 and never looked back. I’ve had my current one since 2019 and every day, I love it more.

Do you have a license for that thing?

No, silly! Do you have a license to get around on two legs?

About Emily Ladau: Emily is a blogger and serves as the editor in chief of Rooted in Rights. She co-hosts a podcast and has been recognized as an emerging leader in the disability community. Emily lives on Long Island and enjoys traveling and trying new restaurants. Click here to learn more about Emily.

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

See and Be Seen with Wheelchair Safety Lights

Quantum’s LED fender lights enhance the independence and safety of power wheelchair users, both in the home and out in the community. These ultra-bright and long-life LEDs give you the visibility you need at night or in environments with low lighting. Our wheelchair safety lights are switch operated and feature a slim-line fender integration. Mounted to the fender above the drive tire of your power wheelchair, the position of the lights increases pedestrian visibility from a wide range of angles. the LED fender lights are super compact and durable for an ultra-sleek look.

These front and rear LED lights feature white front lighting and red rear tail lighting. You’ll always be visible from both the front and the back. Whether you are crossing the street at dusk or reversing your power wheelchair in a dim parking garage, these safety lights are perfect to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

The Benefits of Quantum Wheelchair Safety Lights

There are so many uses for Quantum’s front and rear LED fender lights. We can’t possibly list them all! Here are a few of our favorites.

Be visible when crossing the street
Use these LED lights as an extra set of lights when you lose power in your home
Light up your route when visiting friends and family at night
Maintain visibility while taking your pet outside in the evenings
Use these wheelchair safety lights when getting out of bed in the middle of the night
Be seen while driving through parking lots and parking garages
See and be seen in dark movie theaters or at concerts
Be visible to cars, cyclists and other wheelchair users when out in your community

Front and Rear Power Wheelchair Lights

The front and rear LED fender lights come standard on the Edge 3 Stretto®, Edge® 3, 4Front® 2, 4Front® 2 HD, and Q6 Edge® Z power wheelchairs. These LED lights also come standard with iLevel® technology.

We offer other great power wheelchair accessories as well! Quantum wheelchair accessories enhance your safety and independence and add a touch of style to your power wheelchair.

Are you ready to purchase the front and rear fender lights from Quantum? It’s simple! Contact your authorized Quantum® provider today and let them know. They’ll be happy to assist you.

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How iLevel Helped Me on My Wedding Day

Stephanie in her motorized wheelchair with iLevel

On October 23, 2020, I married my favorite person in the world. Our wedding was nothing like we had planned since the pandemic forced us to cut our guest list from 200 to 20, change the location of our ceremony and reception, and add video technology so hundreds of people could attend virtually. Despite all of this, we’re so happy to be married today. Looking back, I am so happy that I had my Edge 3 Power Wheelchair with iLevel to help get me through my wedding day. Here’s just a few ways that my iLevel made my day easier.

Hair and Makeup

We had a hair stylist and makeup artist come to the bridal suite before the wedding to do our hair and makeup. Thanks to iLevel on my power wheelchair, I raised up to the perfect height. My makeup artist could reach my face without any issues and apply perfect makeup. I also raised up so that the hair stylist could easily reach my head. As a result, my hair and makeup were finished quickly and they made me look and feel beautiful.

Zipping My Dress

My sister and my best friend helped me to put my final touches on before I went to see my husband. After slipping into my dress and putting on my shoes, I raised my motorized wheelchair so that my sister and my best friend, who are both tall women, could help me zip up the back of my dress with ease.

First Look Pictures

My husband and I decided to do a “first look” before our ceremony and it was my favorite part of our day. I started at iLevel, completely raised, when he turned around to see me. Then, because my husband uses a manual wheelchair, I touched one button and slowly lower to his height as I rolled towards him. It was a magical moment that I will cherish forever.

Hugging Our Parents

COVID-19 has deprived us all of hugs. By the time our wedding day came, we were seven months into the pandemic. With our limited guest list and negative COVID tests, we couldn’t hold back from hugging our parents. Being at iLevel helped me to make the most out of these quick hugs!

Bridesmaids’ Pictures

All of my bridesmaids walk. They’re much taller than me unless I use my iLevel to raise up. I did not want my bridesmaids sitting down in pictures. So, thanks to iLevel, I raised up my wheelchair seat and took pictures with them as they all stood by my side. The pictures look stunning thanks to my great photographer and my gorgeous bridesmaids.

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.

Friends as Caregivers

While disability comes in all shapes, sizes and diagnoses, caregiving options are more limited. Most people with disabilities will fall into one or more care categories at any given time: independent, receiving care from a family member, friend, significant other or agency. The most complex of these relationships is that of a significant other and friend due to their dynamic nature. Is this other person automatically a caregiver because they spend time with you? Can someone provide too much help? When it comes to friends and caregiving, is there a line that should not be crossed? What about burnout? There is a plethora of YouTube channels that explore interabled romantic relationships deeper than I ever could, but friendships are plentiful and rich.

My friend “Joe” has been my photographer and travel buddy long before my days at Quantum and is seen in my photos. I asked Joe a few questions about our relationship as it pertains to caregiving and this is what he had to say, as well as my responses. Note: some answers have been edited for privacy and clarity. Every relationship is different. Ours may be different from yours and that is okay.

How long have we known each other? Where/when did me meet?

Joe: We met during the summer of 2016 at your house. You and “Andy” were waving me down while I was trying to find your house

Tim: I don’t remember this specific situation at all and we are both a little fuzzy on the year (I still say 2013). Andy and I met in college, and Joe was Andy’s childhood friend to whom I was introduced at some point after graduation.

Does caregiving come naturally to you or was there an adjustment period?

Joe: Somewhat, I used to take care of my grandmother.

Joe and Tim. Tim uses an Edge 3 Power Wheelchair

Tim: One of the things I am mindful of when first meeting someone is their ability to identify caregiving opportunities and anticipate certain needs. Most of all, their willingness to help. In my experience, it helps when the friend has previous experience. My highly-communicative nature makes it so that the individual need only be directed. Even then, however, things may change when the person realizes that I need continuous care. Thankfully, all my friends are extremely giving when it comes to their time and resources. Joe is one of the most caring and selfless people I have ever met.

What caregiving-related tasks do you help with when we spend time together?

Joe: I assist with running errands, helping with opening packages, putting on outerwear before going somewhere.

Tim: Additionally, cutting food, grabbing the few things from high shelves that iLevel technology on my power wheelchair cannot reach, driving, losing at poker, general ADLs.

Do these responsibilities change on overnight trips?

Joe: Yes, during overnight I help out with transporting you from your chair to the bed and occasionally with bathroom things. In addition, helping with deciding fashion choices

Tim: Overnight adventures have taken a backseat thanks to the pandemic. There is usually a third person there to assist with transfers and bathroom needs. Joe’s fashion advice is of paramount importance. Also, there is something uniquely humanizing about watching someone try to put a toe sock on a spasming foot.

How has our relationship changed from the beginning to now in terms of caregiving?

Joe: I believe over time, our friendship has become stronger through caregiving.

Tim: What began with “can you hold the door” is now “can you help me in the bathroom?” Similarly, this has evolved into “let’s plan a trip outside the country.” Friendship takes time and trust is built. To Joe’s point, caregiving requires a great deal of vulnerability and intimacy, especially among friends. Something that almost always develops a stronger bond. I am grateful for friends like Joe and the countless others that are part of my life.

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!

A Wheelchair Backup Sensor for Power Chair Users

When it comes to enjoying full independence, power chair users need peace of mind when operating their power wheelchairs in the home and around their communities. Safety and visibility are absolutely paramount. Individuals living with certain conditions such as muscle weakness or a spinal cord injury, may struggle to see what’s going on behind them. They may be unable to turn their neck. Having visibility in all directions is extremely important. While there are many options available on the market today, Quantum offers the perfect solution. The Quantum backup camera for wheelchair users provides a rear viewing angle of 170 degrees, taking the guesswork out of reversing!

Benefits of the Quantum Wheelchair Backup Sensor

The Quantum backup camera is one camera with so many different uses! This wheelchair backup sensor provides greater visibility in the home and out in public. When you are out in your community, the camera helps wheelchair users see cars, pedestrians, cyclists or other wheelchair users coming up behind them. The Quantum camera is also ideal for navigating around your house. Now, you’ll always see furniture, pets and small children while backing up.

Available on Quantum power wheelchairs equipped with Q-Logic 3 controllers, the Quantum camera mounts to the back of your power wheelchair. The 3.5-inch LCD display mounts to your armrest or the siderails, so it’s visible as you drive. Plus, switch between two available modes: the camera remains on or the camera switches on when you give a reverse command.

Ready to Learn More about the Quantum Camera?

Want to learn more about the Quantum backup camera for wheelchair users? Why not read some testimonials written by Quantum® brand ambassadors? They use the Quantum camera in their everyday lives and love the peace of mind it gives them. Plus, once you’re totally convinced that this wheelchair backup camera is right for you, discover where you can buy it!

Other Quantum Wheelchair Accessories

Have you heard about other great wheelchair accessories from Quantum? Like the wheelchair backup sensor, these Quantum wheelchair accessories can ensure greater safety and convenience as you navigate through life. Front and rear LED fender lights on power wheelchairs provide increased visibility and help you see and be seen by others.

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