Look Behind You! Quantum® Launches Backup Camera

It began as a discussion, evolving into a reliable and durable product that changes the way our consumers see the world. Introducing the all-new Quantum® backup camera. This camera has many uses and promotes safety with a rear viewing angle of 170 degrees.

The Quantum team is super passionate about our products. We strive to make products that are better and more affordable. This passion fueled many discussions about how we can help consumers be more aware of their surroundings. The answer? A backup camera! The Quantum backup camera helps consumers be more aware of what’s around them when backing up. Several consumers tested the backup camera on their chairs before launch, providing valuable feedback that was incorporated into the final product.

The backup camera offers two modes: the camera is on always or the camera turns on with a reverse command. The 3.5-inch LCD display comes with a protective case to prevent damage. Infrared capabilities allow for use at night and the camera can be retrofitted onto existing power chairs. This revolutionary accessory can be purchased through authorized Quantum providers.

John Storie, Vice President of Quantum Sales, Eastern U.S., expects the backup camera to become a very popular accessory based on the responses we have received from consumers, therapists and providers.

“When reversing, wheelchair users may not know where walls, furniture, pets and other obstacles are,” Storie said. “Cameras are now offered for many different uses in today’s world, and we want people who use Quantum Power Chairs to have the same technology available to them.”

It is our passion to enhance the user experience and to constantly bring new, innovative ideas to life. The Quantum backup camera is just one more tool in the arsenal of Quantum products to help consumers live full and active lives.

Planning a Safe and Accessible Thanksgiving

We’re all living a new normal due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With Thanksgiving coming up, you may be unsure if you’ll be able to celebrate with your loved ones this year. Whether you live alone or with other people, there are still ways to celebrate Thanksgiving with your friends and family, even if you can’t be together in one place. From Zoom, FaceTime and Google Hangout video calls to a socially distanced, outdoor gathering in your backyard, here are some ideas of how you can celebrate the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

Virtual Family Gatherings

The great thing about 2020 is that even though we must practice social distancing and be apart from our family and friends, technology allows us to see our loves ones virtually! From FaceTime calls to Google Hangout sessions, it’s easy to set up video calls between you and your relatives. Even your older relatives can figure out how to use Zoom, you just might need to help them! Email your family to pick a day and time where you can all get online to video conference. If you have a family member that is hard of hearing, there are options for text-based chatting as well. The great thing about today’s video conferencing software is that many of them offer fun and silly features, such as emojis, virtual masks and hats and more! In a Zoom call, you can even change your background. It may be cold and chilly outside but your family and friends will see you on a warm, relaxing beach.

Socially Distanced Holiday Celebrations

If you live in a warmer climate, you may consider planning a socially distanced, outdoor gathering for Thanksgiving. To help make the experience safer for you and your guests, be sure to space everyone at least six feet apart. Instead of giving hugs or handshakes in greeting, try an elbow bump. Consider a buffet style setup where guests can serve themselves one at a time. Remind your guests to wash their hands often. To make it more fun, consider having some holiday-themed soaps on hand. Get more handwashing tips. Have hand sanitizer available, as well as single-use plates and silverware. It may be a lot of extra work but it’s important to stay safe when spending time with people outside of your household.

Plan a wheelchair-accessible, socially distanced gathering

Electric Wheelchair Accessible Gatherings

If you have friends or family who use electric wheelchairs for mobility, it’s important to consider them when planning your outdoor gathering. Make sure the spot where you are hosting the gathering is electric wheelchair accessible. If you use tablecloths, don’t let the tablecloths drag on the ground or they might become tangled in the wheel of a power wheelchair. Avoid blocking aisleways with decorations and make sure there is ample space for a wheelchair to fit around the outside of your table. Get more tips on planning an electric wheelchair-accessible gathering.

iLevel® Technology Empowers Veterans

If you are a veteran that is living with a medical condition that affects your mobility and your ability to complete daily activities, you should consider whether a custom wheelchair may be right for you. You deserve to have more independence in the home and Quantum Rehab® designs custom wheelchair models to help those living with disabilities or medical conditions such as ALS, multiple sclerosis or multiple extremity amputations and provide a greater quality of life.

What is a Custom Wheelchair?

A custom wheelchair is sometimes referred to as complex rehab technology wheelchairs (CRT) that are medically necessary and customized to fulfill the needs of the user. CRT wheelchairs are made up of different components that support positioning, comfort, posture and much more. These CRT wheelchairs require an evaluation, configuration, fitting and sometimes programming. Learn more about the process of obtaining a CRT wheelchair.

Quantum’s narrowest power chair is the Edge 3 Stretto®, an ideal choice for veterans who live in homes with tight doorways and small rooms. The Stretto offers a narrower width of 20.47 inches. It comes standard with front and rear LED fender lights and a USB charger. It also includes independent SRS (Smooth Ride Suspension) for a comfortable ride.

iLevel® Technology on a Custom Wheelchair

The Edge 3 Stretto is available with iLevel® Power Adjustable Seat Height, which raises the seat of the power chair up to 12 inches. This elevation allows veterans to complete daily living activities safely, such as cooking, grooming, reaching, toileting and transferring. The Edge 3 Stretto Power Chair can also drive at 3.5 mph while elevated. Other benefits of having iLevel include:

Improve self-esteem
Improve social function
Enhance employment potential
Enhance communication
Improve quality of life

The VA will consider funding a power wheelchair with iLevel for any veteran if the technology meets the benefits of the veteran as listed above. iLevel may result in improved functional independence, allowing the veteran to access surfaces that cannot normally be reached from the lowered position on power chairs.

How iLevel Helps Veteran Bryan Anderson

Bryan Anderson in his iLevel Power Chair

Bryan Anderson is a veteran and triple amputee from the Chicago area. Thanks to iLevel, Bryan maintains his independence in and outside of the home. He can do the dishes, make his bed, do his laundry and take out the trash. He is also able to cook for himself safely. Learn more about Bryan and his custom wheelchair.

Pride/Quantum Complete United Spinal Association’s ADA Corporate Challenge

Pride Mobility/Quantum Rehab recently completed the United Spinal Association’s ADA Corporate Challenge. The company took the challenge and submitted feedback, along with a video, demonstrating their commitment to an inclusive workplace and how it is helping employees with disabilities grow and succeed.

The United Spinal Association’s campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of making workplaces, products and services accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities.

United Spinal’s ADA Corporate Challenge is a part of Roll on 30!, a larger initiative to celebrate the 30^th anniversary (July 26, 2020) of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation and all public and private places that are open to the general public. Roll on 30! brings together United Spinal members, partners, and the larger disability community to strengthen the ADA through education, advocacy and action.

As part of the ADA Corporate Challenge, United Spinal developed a series of questions and answers that companies should consider in promoting an inclusive and accessible workplace for wheelchair users and all people with mobility disabilities, including:

Is my company actively recruiting people with disabilities?
Are my company’s technology, products and services accessible to employees and customers with disabilities?
Do my coworkers and I need disability etiquette training?

United Spinal will be spotlighting submissions from companies who took the challenge, including Pride/Quantum, on their website and social media, showcasing how the companies are driving progress toward a more inclusive society.

Edge 3 Stretto® Named HME Business New Product Award 2020 Winner

HME Business magazine has named the Edge 3 Stretto® Power Chair one of the winners of its New Product Award 2020 contest. The Edge 3 Stretto won in the “Mobility – Power & Manual Wheelchairs” category.

The HME Business New Product Award honors outstanding product development achievements by HME manufacturers and service providers. This was the seventh year for the contest. Winners will receive awards and will be featured on the HME Business website and in the November/December 2020 issue of HME Business magazine.

“We enjoyed a terrific competition this year, with lots of different products for lots of different categories,” said David Kopf, HME Business Publisher and Executive Editor. “Best of all, we started to see some new names added to the mix, which proves that HME continues to be a vibrant, growing marketplace with lots of different solutions for in-home healthcare. I want to thank all the companies who submitted entries. I also want to thank our panel of HME provider judges. Each year a group of providers from a variety of backgrounds and with diverse specialties shares its expertise in scoring the entries. This award depends on everyone involved and my hat’s off to the entrants and judges alike.”

The Power of Choice with Q-Logic 3

When discussing with your therapist about which narrow power wheelchair is right for you, remember that you have choices! While your new narrow motorized wheelchair must meet your medical needs, quality-of-life needs are just as important. At Quantum, we understand the importance of maintaining independence in and outside the home, which is why we design our products with you in mind. Your doctor or therapist may have suggestions for you, yet it’s important to do your own research to see what narrow motorized wheelchair products are available to you. By doing your own research, you are better equipped to advocate for your needs!

After the Seating/Mobility Evaluation

You are probably familiar with the mobility evaluation and fitting process. If not, you can learn more about how do you get fitted for a wheelchair. Once you have completed an evaluation, it’s important to speak with the Assistive Technology Professional, or ATP, who works for your authorized Quantum® dealer. The ATP and your therapist offer suggestions to you regarding which narrow power wheelchair best suits your needs. They’ll also prescribe appropriate electronics, power positioning components and even a cushion if it is necessary. Doing your own research, however, it just as important, especially when it comes to narrow motorized wheelchair electronics.

Edge 3 Stretto® Narrow Motorized Wheelchair

The Edge 3 Stretto® narrow power wheelchair is a great choice for individuals who live in tight quarters or have to navigate narrow doorways and thresholds in the home. If you feel that the Stretto is a good fit for you, the next step is to decide which drive control system is best for you. While there are several options compatible with the Edge 3 Stretto, the Q-Logic 3 Advanced Drive Control System is highly customizable and expandable. Q-Logic 3 comes standard with Bluetooth® technology, so you can operate your tablet or smart phone using your Q-Logic 3 joystick screen. With optional Q-Logic 3 EX Enhanced Display, you can also operate a wide range of appliances that use infrared (IR) remote controls using your electric wheelchair controller. From adjusting the thermostat to operate the television, utilizing environmental controls through Q-Logic 3 gives you greater independence in the home. Learn more about what you can do with Q-Logic 3, an expandable controller for power wheelchairs.

Be an Advocate for Yourself

While it’s important to work with your therapist and ATP on which components are medically necessary on your electric wheelchair, it’s also important to advocate for your quality-of-life needs. If you feel that you would benefit from Q-Logic 3, speak up. Remember, you have the power of choice.

Emily Ladau: Sharing Stories to Empower Others

As someone who has lived with a disability all her life, Emily Ladau knows the value of assistive technology. As a child, she used a walker to get around, but it wasn’t easy for her. When Emily finally started using a power chair in high school, it was like a door had opened.

Baking is easier with iLevel on her power wheelchair

“I wasn’t completely exhausted from forcing myself to walk everywhere,” Emily said. “I had more energy to focus on school and socializing.”

Born and raised on Long Island, Emily lives with her parents. Both Emily and her mother, Ellen, use the Edge® 3 Power Chair with iLevel® technology. Their chairs are almost identical, except for the color! Emily’s chair is Deep Purple, while Ellen’s chair is Raspberry Beret. Together, they use their wheelchairs and iLevel® to help each other.

“When I need assistance taking my socks off, I can raise my wheelchair up to iLevel so my mom can reach,” Emily said. “When my mom needs assistance putting shoes on, she can raise her wheelchair up to iLevel so I can reach.”

When elevated at iLevel, Emily has greater confidence and visibility. She can reach higher shelves at the grocery store and reach the microphone at a podium when giving a speech.

“I like that I’m able to raise myself up higher using iLevel, but I can still ride around at a speed that allows me to keep up with people walking alongside me,” Emily said.

As the editor in chief of the blog, Rooted in Rights, Emily knows the importance of providing authentic narratives on the disability experience. The experiences of Emily and her mother are very authentic! According to Emily, they may cause their own little “traffic jams” in the kitchen with their power chairs, yet they find ways to get things done.

“There’s also a certain art and beauty in the way we navigate together and around each other,” Emily said. “We like to call it wheelchair ballet.”

Emily also co-hosts the “Accessible Stall” podcast, which discusses a wide range of disability issues. She believes it’s important to share stories of individuals living with disabilities and advocate for a world where people have access to the tools and technology they need, so they can feel empowered.

“iLevel makes me feel empowered, not just because I’m high up, but because I have access to a piece of assistive technology that enables me to make that happen,” Emily said.

Adaptive Costumes and Halloween Safety

It’s officially October! It’s the month of falling leaves, pumpkins, candy, ghosts, goblins and vampires! In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, your Halloween celebration may be a little different this year. Always remember to be safe, wear a mask when you’re around others and maintain social distancing. In honor of this spook-tacular month, we’ve compiled some of our best Halloween-related blog posts from Quantum brand ambassadors. Read on!

Halloween Safety

Officer Morgan Steward knows the ins and outs of safety during Halloween. For kids that are trick-or-treating, Morgan recommends that they stay close to the adult they’re with. The grownups always do a head count before stopping at each house to make sure the kids in their groups are accounted for. Always be aware of cars when walking across the road and look both ways before crossing. And while it may be tempting for kids to start eating candy treats before they get home, Morgan recommends having a grownup examine the candy before it’s eaten. They can check to make sure that the candy doesn’t have something that the child may be allergic to.

Adaptive Halloween Costumes

If you use a Quantum® electric wheelchair for mobility, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of wheelchair-friendly costumes this year. Target is one store that sells adaptive costumes for electric wheelchair users. Typically, the costumes are designed to fit over a person’s power wheelchair. Adaptive Halloween costumes are usually roomier so they are more comfortable and slip on and off easily, or they’re designed for sensory-needs children. Not sure where to begin? Check out Quantum brand ambassador Stephanie Woodward and her review of some of the wheelchair-friendly Halloween costumes produced by retailers.

Trick-or-Treating at Night: Power Wheelchair Lights

While some communities may offer trick-or-treating times during daylight hours, you may prefer to do your trick-or-treating after the sun goes down for maximum spookiness. When out and about, remember to utilize your power wheelchair lights. Quantum’s front and rear LED fender lights let you see and be seen, especially when you’re crossing the street at night. If you don’t have lights on your power wheelchair, be sure to take a flashlight with you or wear reflective clothing. Maintain visibility is incredibly important on the spookiest night of the year!

Quantum Releases New Clinician App

DURYEA, PA – Quantum Rehab® has launched a new app called Quantum® Clinician.

The new app contains plenty of features including serial number and order number lookup, a quick-search option, 360-degree product views, fillable order forms, push notifications, consumer testimonials, news, events, specifications sheets, brochures, owner’s manuals, installation instructions, basic operating instructions, and more. After an initial tutorial option upon opening the app for the first time, the user is required to select either the U.S. or Canada to view country-specific content. Additionally, password-protected technical videos are available (passwords can be obtained by emailing marketing@pridemobility.com). Providers and clinicians can also directly access the Pride Learning Management System via the app for online CEU courses.

“We are excited to release this app as part of our efforts to reach our providers and clinicians in a way that meets today’s technological demands and provides a great user experience,” said Kate Pencek, Senior Director of IT & Enterprise Architecture at Pride Mobility/Quantum Rehab. “The app is simple and user-friendly yet contains a wealth of knowledge. We want it to be a true, convenient, one-stop digital hub for all the Quantum information clinicians and providers need.”

Megan Kutch, Director of Quantum Marketing, says feedback from clinicians and providers was used to develop the app.

“We have been asked by providers and clinicians for serial number and order number search functionalities, and we thought the app is the best place to put them for easy access. We also made sure to include fillable order forms on the app since we know most quotes are completed during or immediately after an evaluation. In addition, push notifications will ensure product launches and important news are never missed.”

The app is available for download via the Apple Store and Google Play. It replaces the Quantum Professional app. Click here to check out a video of the new app.

Quantum Rehab® is a premier global innovator of consumer-inspired complex rehab products, including the Edge 3 Stretto®, Edge® 3, 4Front®, iLevel® seat elevation technology, TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems, Q-Logic 3 Advanced Drive Controls, and Stealth Products® cushions and positioning components. Visit quantumrehab.com.

Resources for Finding an Accessible Home

Finding a home that’s accessible for wheelchair users can be difficult. When it comes to what questions to ask, modifications to look for or make, or even who to work with, our brand ambassadors have experience, which they share in some of their articles. We have compiled a list of resources for finding an accessible home.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Doing your research is one of the most important steps in the process of finding your new home. It’s important to know where you’re going, who you’re working with, what the place looks like and even visiting it, if possible. The worst part is, just because something is listed as ADA accessible doesn’t mean that it fits all the criteria.

It can be overwhelming to keep track of all the questions you want to ask or specifics you want to look into. Bryan Anderson shares some helpful questions that he asks when he’s looking for a new place to live. Check out his article on relocating tips for some questions you can ask when you look for an accessible home.

Qualities to Look for in a Home

From the doorways to the amenities, it’s important to know if a home can accommodate your wheelchair. Jesse Cuellar suggests looking into the parking options if you plan on living in a city. Jesse also suggests living close to an accessible parking spot because it saves time and is extremely convenient. However, he advises to make sure that the space is big enough for you to get in and out of the space and that there’s enough room if you have a wheelchair ramp in your car. Your other option is public transportation, in which case it’s imperative to make sure the city has buses and taxes that are wheelchair accessible.

Other features to look out for are lower sinks, countertops and appliances. Much like parking spaces, it’s good to know ahead of time whether your power wheelchair can easily fit through the doorways and in the rooms. To learn more, read Jesse’s article on finding an accessible apartment.

Working with a Realtor

Realtors can be very helpful in buying an accessible condo. Josh McDermott shares his experiences working with realtors when he was trying to purchase his first accessible condo. He also gives his best advice when working with them, including doing research on your disability rights under the 1988 FHAA and not limiting yourself to one realtor.

He says that realtors are commission based, so you can hire as many as you want. The reason he did this was because of how difficult it was to find a place that truly accommodated his needs. They sent him information for multiple options through email, including pictures. It’s good to request a meeting with each of the agents as well so that they can see your chair and get a better sense of your needs. It’s also beneficial to see the place in person, because unfortunately pictures can be deceiving. In visiting the locations, you can see if your chair can navigate the hallways.