Celebrating Valentine’s Day During COVID

It’s officially February, so you know what that means. It’s time to start planning your Valentine’s Day! Whether you are single, dating or married, there is a lot of pressure on making Valentine’s Day romantic, magical and unforgettable. Of course, COVID-19 has really put a wrench in potential celebrations on February 14. Nothing screams romance like face masks, hand sanitizer and these COVID-19 variants we’ve been hearing about the last few weeks. Because manual and electric wheelchair users need to take bigger precautions in staying safe during a pandemic, we’ve developed a list of things you can do to celebrate on February 14. Read on for ideas on how to make your pandemic Valentine’s Day one to remember.

Celebrating at Home

Staying home with your partner or spouse on Valentine’s Day is a good move. While a delicious meal at a romantic restaurant may seem appealing, having a quiet, romantic dinner at home with your partner or spouse is the safer option. You can cook for you and your significant other or order takeout. Light a few candles and put on some music. If you live in a warmer climate, consider a picnic outdoors under the stars.

Eating Out at a Wheelchair-Accessible Restaurant

Dine out at a wheelchair-accessible restaurant

If you and your significant other have your hearts set on a romantic evening out, we totally get it. We recommend booking a reservation as soon as possible at your favorite wheelchair-accessible restaurant. If you plan to try someplace new, call ahead and confirm that the space is accessible to your electric wheelchair. Many restaurants may reside in older buildings that have narrower doorways, tight hallways and steps, which are not wheelchair friendly. Remember to bring along your face masks and hand sanitizer and try to social distance from others. Do your best to remain safe while you enjoy your evening out.

Romantic Gift Ideas for Electric Wheelchair Users

white compact disc — Burn a CD of your favorite love songs

So, you have the dinner planned. What about the gift? If your finances are tight, there are alternatives to expensive items, like flowers or jewelry. Why not give your date, partner or spouse a gift that speaks from the heart? If you’ve been dating someone for a while, you could compile a photo album of all your favorite memories and adventures? A framed photograph of the two of you is also a great gift. If music is more your speed, you could make a playlist or burn a CD with your favorite (and romantic) songs. If you are a musician, you can play a song for your significant other or write a poem.

Galentine’s Day Ideas

Thanks to the popular television show, “Parks and Recreation,” Galentine’s Day has become a huge deal. Celebrated on February 13, this holiday allows us to celebrate the female friendships in our lives. While it may be tough to get the girls together because of COVID-19, here are some other Galentine’s Day ideas you can try. Schedule a Zoom or FaceTime date with your lady friends on February 13 or plan an outdoor activity that allows you to maintain social distancing.

Single and Disabled: Make Time for You

Zoom with your ladies on February 13

If you are currently single and don’t particularly care for the Valentine’s Day hype, you can dedicate a day for yourself and practice some major selfcare. Watch a movie, binge your favorite television show or plan a Zoom or FaceTime call with your other single friends. Plan an activity that brings you joy.

We hope everyone has a safe and happy Valentine’s Day!

Wheelchair Accessories Make Life Easier

Smart shopping requires thought before buying. It’s about making a purchase that is beneficial, whether for you or a loved one. Before investing in any added features to your power wheelchair, it’s important to know what they do and if they help you. Accessories are meant to aid or enhance the person using them. When it comes to Quantum wheelchair accessories, they aren’t just for show. You are sure to find something that makes your life easier in our line of power wheelchair accessories.

Let’s break our Quantum wheelchair accessories down into categories. We offer a wide variety of power wheelchair accessories and it’s helpful to know which ones can meet your needs best.

Power Wheelchair Accessories for Storage

Not only is having space important for driving and maneuvering, but it’s also important for comfort. Who wants to crowd their personal space? Carrying objects along can quickly become exhausting. Accessories like our glove box and Quantum backpack allow wheelchair users to store their personal items and keep them close. If you prefer to use your own bag, you can check out our personal item hook. For items such as oxygen, beverages, cell phones and tablets, we have accessories dedicated to holding them as well.

Power Wheelchair Accessories for Safety

LED fender lights on a Quantum Power Chair

Your safety matters. Some of our accessories play a key role in the safety of our consumers. LED fender lights, for instance, increase visibility in lowlight areas. They allow wheelchair users to see and be seen when navigating at night.

Backup Camera

Another exciting feature is our new Quantum camera. This motorized backup camera promotes safety with a rear viewing angle of 170 degrees. It offers infrared capabilities that allow for use at night.

Convenient Power Wheelchair Accessories

The truth is, all our power wheelchair accessories make life easier. Whether taking a load off your shoulders or giving you extra visibility at night, our accessories are helpful. We offer other accessories that are helpful and convenient. One of these motorized wheelchair accessories is our USB mobile device charger, available on TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems, which allows you to keep your cell phone charged while you’re on the go.

Transfer Bars and Push Handles

Transfer bars make transferring from your wheelchair to your bed or any other seat easier and safer.

Our final motorized wheelchair accessory recommendation is push handles. This accessory is convenient for caretakers who need to push the Quantum Power Chair manually. These handles allow them to have a firm grip on the chair and push without worrying about doing damage to the power wheelchair.

Learn more about Quantum wheelchair accessories today!

Practical Gifts for Wheelchair Users

Gift giving is a skill. While some people never seem to have an issue picking out the perfect gift, others are at a complete loss. With inventions like the internet, you can find gift guides geared towards any kind of receiver. At Quantum Rehab®, we believe that some of the best gifts you can give are both practical and helpful. Check out our recommendations!

Quantum Wheelchair Accessories

Accessories aren’t always just for show. If you buy Quantum wheelchair accessories, you’re not buying tchotchkes that sit around the house collecting dust. We have a diverse line of wheelchair accessories to meet the needs of all kinds of wheelchair users. Whether your loved one needs more storage space, something that can do extra lifting for them, or even a portable phone charger, we’ve got them covered.

Quantum Camera

Many cars now come with backup cameras. Backup cameras help drivers safely maneuver their vehicle by providing them with extra visibility. Not only are these useful motorized backup cameras good for drivers of vehicles, but we see the benefit for wheelchair users. If your loved one uses a motorized wheelchair, they can safely and confidently drive around their home with the Quantum motorized backup camera.

Quantum Brand Ambassador Madonna Long blogs about her experience in installing and using her new Quantum camera. Click the link to get her take!

Power Wheelchair LED Lights

Another accessory that promotes safety are LED fender lights. LED fender lights come standard on the Edge® 3 power wheelchair and offer great benefits and features for increased pedestrian visibility from a wide range of angles. The lighting mounts to the fender above the drive tire on each side of the motorized wheelchair, ensuring that you can see and be seen at the touch of a switch.

Now that you’ve found the perfect practical gift for your loved one, it’s time to buy! You can purchase Quantum wheelchair accessories from an authorized Quantum dealer. Ideally, you should contact the dealer who services the motorized wheelchair for your loved one. If they don’t have an authorized Quantum dealer that they work with, you can find one in their area by using our dealer locator.

Find a Quantum Power Chair Serial Number

Do you know your Quantum® Power Chair serial number? If not, you aren’t alone. Many consumers are unfamiliar with the purpose of the serial number and why it’s important. Never fear! Get the lowdown on how to find your serial number quickly and easily. Plus, get tips on where to store the serial number in case you need it again. It may come in handy down the road.

Quantum Rehab Serial Number Lookup

Every serial number for Quantum power wheelchairs begins with a J and is 14 alphanumeric characters long. The location of the serial number of your power wheelchair depends on the electronics you have. If you use Q-Logic 3 Advanced Drive Controls, it’s super easy to to find your serial number. The Q-Logic 3 controller is compatible with the Edge 3 Stretto Narrow Motorized Wheelchair, the Edge 3, Q6 Edge Series, 4Front 2, the 4Front 2 HD and the Rival. If you have Q-Logic 3, follow the steps below to locate your serial number.

Locating Your Serial Number Using Q-Logic 3

From the Home screen on any display on the Q-Logic 3 joystick, go into Auxiliary
Select System Information
Choose Provider Information
Look for Unit Serial Number

The unit serial number is shown at the top of the display screen. Your authorized Quantum dealer may place additional information on this display screen, such as the serial number for your seating system or their contact information.

Locating Your Serial Number on Other Quantum Power Wheelchairs

If your power wheelchair is an older Quantum model or if you use the NE or NE+ controller to operate your chair, the serial number for your power chair is in a different place. Remove the rear shroud on the back of the base of your power chair. Look for a white barcode sticker on the back of the base of your power chair. The serial number begins with a J and is 14 alphanumeric characters long.

You may need to ask a friend, family member or caregiver to assist you in locating the serial number on the back of the power base.

If you cannot find your power chair serial number, you can try locating the serial number for your seating system. This serial number begins with a “Y” and is 14 alphanumeric characters long. It is located on the front underside of your seat, about 3-4 inches back. Once you have the seating serial number, message us at marketing@pridemobility.com or contact us via private message on our Facebook page. We can use the seating serial number to look up and provide you with the chair serial number. That way, you have the chair serial number for the future.

Storing Your Quantum Power Chair Serial Number

Now that you have located your serial number, here are some important tips for keeping the number in a safe place. Write the serial number on the inside cover of your owner’s manual or write the number down elsewhere and keep it where you store all your important paperwork. Snap a picture of the serial number with your smart phone camera and store it in your digital photo albums.

For more helpful information on Quantum Power Chairs, visit our frequently asked questions page.

Accessible Homes and Narrow Wheelchairs

Ramps are one feature of an accessible home

Are you looking for a new place to live? Perhaps you’re thinking of downsizing to a smaller house or you want to upgrade to a nicer apartment. Whatever the reason, relocating to a new place to live can be challenging for motorized wheelchair users. We can help! Read on for some helpful information, as well as specific tips from our Quantum® brand ambassadors on relocating or finding a home that is the perfect for people with disabilities.

Searching for an Accessible Home

Before you can begin your search, ask yourself some important questions. How accessible does your new place need to be? Do you require an open floor plan? How wide is your motorized chair? Do you need a roll-in shower and handlebars? The most important thing to remember: just because a listing says the home or apartment is ADA accessible, doesn’t mean that it’s the right fit for your power chair. The term “accessible” is sometimes vague. Always make an appointment to visit your prospective new digs before signing any paperwork.

Searching for a place to live can be exhausting, so we recommend hiring a realtor. In fact, you can hire several realtors, which is what Josh McDermott recommends, since they work for commission. Josh shares that it’s important to find a realtor that listens to you and understands your needs and what you are looking for in an accessible house, condo or apartment. Meet with them, show them your motorized wheelchair. This helps them when they search listings for you.

Accessibility with a Narrow Wheelchair

If you own a narrow wheelchair such as the Edge 3 Stretto®, you may have more leeway when it comes to the definition of accessible. Older homes have beautiful character. They also tend to have smaller rooms and tighter spaces, which can make maneuvering a power chair more challenging. When it comes to wheelchairs for narrow doorways, nothing beats the Stretto! With an overall width of just 20.47 inches, the Stretto allows you to smoothly drive through narrow doorways or around tight corners. So, if you have a Stretto and love the idea of living in an older house, let your realtor know.

Features to Look for in an Accessible Home

Find an accessible home close to public transit

If you live in the city like Jesse Cuellar, you understand the struggle of finding parking for your accessible vehicle. If having your own parking spot is extremely important to you, it’s a good idea to look for homes or apartments that are close to accessible parking or have private parking. It saves time and money in the long run. Be sure that the parking space is wide enough for you to raise and lower your wheelchair ramp. If you don’t have a vehicle, Jesse also suggests finding an accessible home that is close to public transit, such as a bus or subway stop.

Here are a few other features you should look for when searching for an accessible home. Always check the placements of sinks, stoves and cabinets. Can you reach them? Some individuals with disabilities may just choose not to use cabinets that are higher up. If you have iLevel® technology, you may have more flexibility because you can raise the seat of your power chair up to 12 inches to reach cabinets, light switches and items inside the refrigerator.

Good luck with your search. Keep all of these things in mind and don’t stress. You’ll be relaxing in your new place before you know it!

Remembering Mark E. Smith

Nothing could keep Mark E. Smith down.

For 18 years, Mark worked at Pride Mobility as a general manager for public relations and consumer research. He was a well known member of the disability community as an author, public speaker and advocate.

Born with cerebral palsy, Mark led a rewarding, rich life and was a loving husband and father.

Mark made a positive difference in the world through his writing, speaking and thousands of personal interactions.

“I always said I would be happy if I could help just one person,” Mark said. “Being able to help thousands of people, through my writing and speaking efforts, is beyond anything I’ve ever dreamed.”

Mark was perhaps best known for his popular and occasionally irreverent website, wheelchairjunkie.com.

Mark once said that through all his experiences, he learned that people who have disabilities are truly just people after all.

“We all have points in our lives when we face challenges,” Mark said. “Having the support of others who have been in similar situations is important. Those relationships can prove to be among the most valuable ones we will ever form.”

Mark passed away on Nov. 25, 2018, at the age of 47, surrounded by his family at home in Shavertown, PA.

The fortitude Mark showed in facing the challenges of his life and the passion he had for making a difference in the lives of others was a great inspiration to all of us at Pride. He is deeply missed.

Why You Need a Wheelchair Backup Camera

The new wheelchair backup camera from Quantum® is the must-have power wheelchair accessory for the year 2021. Although there are tons of power wheelchair accessories on the market, the new Quantum camera has so many uses in a ton of different ways. It’s easily mounted onto Quantum motorized wheelchairs, with multiple mounting options available. Do you need more convincing? Here are five reasons why you need to get the backup camera from Quantum.

The New Quantum Camera Promotes Safety

It’s one camera with many uses! The backup camera promotes safety with a rear viewing angle of 170 degrees. The backup camera is available exclusively on Q-Logic 3, although it will be available on NE and NE+ controllers in the future. For example, if you have the Edge 3 Stretto narrow motorized wheelchair and operate it using Q-Logic 3 electronics, your chair is compatible with the camera.

Provides Greater Visibility

When driving your narrow motorized wheelchair forward, you can see everything in front of you, including cars, cyclists and pedestrians. Driving in reverse is not as simple because we don’t have eyes in the back of our head! The power wheelchair backup camera allows a consumer to choose between two modes: the camera is on at all times or the camera turns on with a reverse command. No matter which mode you choose, you’ll enjoy better visibility when backing up.

Takes the Guesswork Out of Reversing

In addition to increased visibility, a wheelchair backup camera is perfect for individuals who have difficulty with or are unable to turn their head or neck to see what’s behind them. With the Quantum backup camera, you can mount the display anywhere so it’s visible as you drive. The 3.5-inch LCD display allows you to mount it off your power chair’s armrest or side rails.

Infrared Capabilities Help You See in Low-Light Areas

In the winter months, the sun sets much earlier, yet we all still have appointments to go to or errands to run. If you have a service dog like Alison Chancellor, you understand that dogs still need to be walked even after the sun goes down. As a native of St. Louis, Alison knows the importance of staying safe in a big city. She shares how the new Quantum camera and the infrared capabilities allow her to see behind her at night, giving her peace of mind.

See Pets and Children with the Wheelchair Backup Camera

When driving your power wheelchair within your home, it helps to see what is behind you when backing up, especially in smaller areas. The LCD display, which is equipped with a protective case to prevent damage, can help you see furniture, walls, door frames, pets and children when reversing.

Have we convinced you? Don’t wait! Contact your authorized Quantum dealer today and let them know you wish to purchase the Quantum backup camera.

Apply for an Accessible Parking Permit

If you have a disability or use a narrow motorized wheelchair, you know the challenges of getting from one place to the next. Whether you need to get groceries, go to appointments or visit friends and family, finding a parking spot that is close to your destination can be challenging, especially living in a big city. What can you do? You should consider applying for an accessible parking permit.

Sometimes called a handicap parking placard, this tag hangs from the rearview mirror of your vehicle, showing that you have obtained permission from your state to park your car in spaces designated for individuals with disabilities. Whether you use a narrow motorized wheelchair such as the Stretto, a manual wheelchair, cane, crunches or walker, parking closer to your destination can help make your life much easier when living with a disability.

How to Obtain a Handicap Parking Placard

Every state has different rules on how to obtain an accessible parking permit. To apply for a permit, visit the website of your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or visit in person.

Temporary Permits

Most states allow you to apply for a temporary permit for a specific number of years. A temporary parking permit is a good choice if you are recovering from an injury or surgery that is temporary. You can also obtain a permanent pass for a lifetime medical condition.

A parking permit can be temporary or permanent.

It’s important to know that you do not have to use a power wheelchair, manual wheelchair, cane, walker or other mobility device to qualify for a handicap parking permit. You don’t have to have permanent limited mobility either. Every application, however, asks you to list your disability and have a physician confirm with their signature.

It’s important to pay attention to the expiration date on your accessible parking permit. Once the permit expires, you cannot use it. You can apply for another permit.

Accessible Parking Etiquette

Once you receive your accessible parking permit, do not share it with an able-bodied person. This is unfair to people who legitimately need accessible parking spaces. You can be subjected to fines and possibly lose your permit. After you park, always display your permit. Do not drive with the permit hanging from your rearview mirror, as this can interfere with your visibility while driving. Typical accessible parking spaces are approximately five feet wide.

Larger Parking Spaces

Never park over the diagonal lines marked on the pavement

There are accessible parking spaces that are slightly larger and designed for people with disabilities who use a power wheelchair ramp. The extra space allows individuals so they can get out of their vehicle by lowering the power wheelchair ramp. These spaces, called access space, are eight feet wide. If you do not use a narrow motorized wheelchair, please leave those reserved parking spots unoccupied for people who do.

Finally, if you park next to one of these spaces, do not park over the diagonal lines marked on the pavement. These lines are necessary access space and the individual with a power wheelchair may be unable to raise or lower their ramp if you park over the lines.

Making the Best of 2021

Most people aren’t sad to see the end of 2020. It’s been a challenging, if not difficult year for everyone. As we look forward to a new year and new possibilities, here are a few things you might want to keep in mind. Read on for some great tips as you embrace a new year.

New Year’s Resolutions for 2021

Bliss Welch in her Stretto Power Wheelchair

Do you like to make resolutions for yourself? If you do make resolutions, do you struggle with keeping them? It’s okay if you do! Maybe for 2021, you might consider taking a different approach. Bliss Welch is Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2013, a Quantum® brand ambassador and Stretto power wheelchair user. She also struggles with keeping new year’s resolutions. So, for 2021, Bliss is doing monthly resolutions instead! Instead of trying to keep three or four big resolutions all year long, she is challenging herself to stick to smaller resolutions for 30 days.

Resolution Ideas

If monthly resolutions aren’t your thing, consider these great resolution ideas from Stephanie Woodward! As a Quantum brand ambassador advisor and power wheelchair user, Stephanie has a lot of great advice to give on many topics, such as accessibility, disability rights or just basic motorized wheelchair know-how. So, when it comes to new year’s resolutions, we feel confident that you’ll like some of her suggestions. From giving one compliment a day to reading more books, Stephanie has developed a list of resolutions that she was able to stick with for an entire year.

COVID-19 isn’t Going Away

As much as we wish it had, COVID-19 didn’t disappear when the clock hit midnight on December 31, 2020. So, even though it’s a new year, we need to continue to stay safe to protect ourselves and our loved ones. People with disabilities and individuals who use power wheelchairs are susceptible to the coronavirus. As much as we want to spend time with our friends, eat out at restaurants and attend concerts and festivals, it’s just too soon. And even though the vaccine distribution has begun and many Americans have received it, we still need to practice these good habits:

Wash your hands often
Wear a mask when leaving your home
Work remotely if you can
Avoid large gatherings
Stay home as much as possible

Each of us has a responsibility to ourselves and our loves ones to make good choices in the coming months. As awful as 2020 has been, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s continue to stay safe.

Be Kind to Yourself and Others

Izzie Bullock in her Edge 3 Motorized Wheelchair

Something else to consider as we enter 2021 is to strive to be kind. The year 2020 was hard on all of us and there probably remains a lot of frustration, anger and negativity. Instead of taking this out on others, let’s be kind! Consider starting your own kindness campaign and spread kindness to others. Pay for a stranger’s coffee. Hold a door open for someone. And remember, we also need to be kind to ourselves. Q Roll Model Izzie Bullock said it best in a recent blog.

“I truly believe that nobody is harder on the disability community than those with disabilities.”

No matter who you are or where you come from, whether you have a disability or use an electric wheelchair, you do not need to prove yourself to anyone! In the new year, make time for yourself and give yourself some grace as you continue to navigate the challenges that life throws your way.

Many Ways My Wheelchair Backup Camera Helps Me

Last week, I received the Quantum® wheelchair backup camera. I honestly didn’t know what to expect, but in the first few days of having it, I’m pleasantly surprised. I don’t enjoy backing up my Quantum Rehab Wheelchair, but I’m finding now that I do it a lot because I officially have eyes in the back of my head! What’s your superpower?

Safety and security are always on my mind, and even more so when I use my Stretto Power Wheelchair with iLevel®. Having the power wheelchair backup camera has given me peace of mind, saved my walls and other people’s toes!

I have a service dog that I use both at home and in public. With the backup camera, I can safely find his paws and not accidentally hurt him. I’m sure he appreciates that! Dog toys are one good thing I can find with the power wheelchair backup camera, because Lambo hasn’t learned that his toys go in a box when he’s finished playing with them.

Using the Wheelchair Backup Camera in an Elevator

Elevators are a great use for the wheelchair backup camera — Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

I took Lambo with me when I went to the store this afternoon to practice some skills. It was such a nice day. Using the Quantum camera, I was able to see the runner coming up behind me on the sidewalk and avoid a collision. I use the elevator in my building to reach my apartment, so I backed into the elevator using the camera and smoothly avoided walls and my fellow residents! Being in a pandemic doesn’t allow for getting out much, but the backup camera sure made a difference today.

Having a service dog allows me to get out of the house on numerous occasions. I enjoy the using the infrared capabilities because it allows me to see behind me at night. Living in a big city like St. Louis, it’s definitely an asset to see who is approaching me from behind.

Using My Backup Camera in the Kitchen

In my home, I use the wheelchair reverse camera a lot in my very tiny kitchen. I have to back up to get to the refrigerator, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve almost hit tables because I couldn’t see behind me. I’ve also used it in my restroom near the toilet because there’s not much room in between the toilet and the shelf where I keep my bath towels. Prior to the camera, I would usually hit the shelf after using the bathroom. Not only embarrassing, but a little frustrating because I know better. Speaking of the restroom, I use the infrared capability during those midnight bathroom trips.

In the short time I’ve had it, I am finding that with the wheelchair backup camera on my Stretto Power Wheelchair, I’m much more aware of my surroundings. I am looking forward to post COVID-19 living so I can safely navigate stores and parking lots because I will always know what’s behind me!

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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