Life with Quantum

Can My Electric Wheelchair Get Wet?

Your electric wheelchair is not meant to get wet. Still, we know that life happens sometimes. It may rain or snow unexpectedly. Maybe the only path where you can drive your electric wheelchair requires going through a puddle.

Quantum® Power Chairs have surpassed testing standards for ingress of liquids, yet it is recommended to avoid prolonged exposure of your power wheelchair to moisture. Direct or prolonged exposure to water or dampness may cause the power wheelchair to malfunction, both electronically and mechanically. Water can cause electrical components on the wheelchair to corrode and the power chair’s frame may rust. You should examine your wheelchair regularly for signs of corrosion caused by water exposure, bodily fluid exposure, or incontinence. If you discover damaged components, please contact your authorized dealer to have them replaced immediately.

If your electric wheelchair comes into contact with water, follow these steps:

Dry your wheelchair as thoroughly as possible with a towel.
Allow your chair to sit in a warm, dry place, for at least 12 hours to allow moisture to evaporate.
Check the brakes and joystick operation before using you wheelchair again.
If any issues are found, take your wheelchair to your authorized dealer. Electric wheelchairs that are exposed to water, bodily fluids, or incontinence frequently should be inspected often for corrosion. In addition, electronic components may need to be replaced frequently.

When it comes to cleaning and disinfecting, use a damp cloth and a mild, non-abrasive cleanser to clean the metal and parts of your chair. Quantum Power Chairs have a painted, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic body shroud that can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

If necessary, clean your power wheelchair with an approved disinfectant. Make sure the disinfectant is safe to use before applying. Never use chemicals to clean a vinyl seat as they can cause the seat to dry out, crack or become slippery. Use soapy water and dry the wheelchair seat. Never hose off your power wheelchair or place it in direct contact with water.

Child Wheelchairs and Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as OI or brittle bone disease, is a group of genetic disorders that mainly affect the bones. The term “osteogenesis imperfecta” means imperfect bone formation and is caused by an abnormality in the gene that produces Type 1 collagen, a protein used to create bone. Individuals with OI have bones that break easily, often from mild trauma or with no apparent cause. Symptoms can vary depending on severity and type of OI. Some include bone deformities, multiple broken bones, loose joints and weak teeth. Type 1 osteogenesis imperfecta is the most common form.

If your child has been diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta, Quantum® child wheelchairs can help improve his or her mobility and independence. Depending on the severity of your child’s condition, it is possible that he or she can be fitted for a complex rehab motorized wheelchair that is customized to meet his or her specific needs. The Edge 3 Stretto™ child wheelchair is compatible with a wide array of power seating, positioning and drive controls.

The Edge 3 Stretto child wheelchair is available with iLevel® power adjustable seat height, allowing your child to drive at 3.5 mph while elevated 12 inches so he or she can complete Mobility Related Activities of Daily Living (MRADLs), such as reaching, transferring, toileting, grooming and cooking. The Edge 3 Stretto child wheelchair also comes standard with LED front and rear fender lights, allowing children to see and be safely seen while crossing streets or parking lots.

Depending on the severity of your child’s condition, he or she may require power positioning on his or her motorized child wheelchair to help maintain proper positioning, comfort, skin integrity and function. TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems on motorized wheelchairs offer a wide range of options, including power tilt, power recline, power tilt and recline, power articulating leg rests, power articulating foot platform and iLevel. TRU-Balance 3 not only provides style and comfort, but it also maximizes functional independence.

Depending on the osteogenesis imperfecta type, your child may require expandable electronics on his or her child wheelchair. Q-Logic 3 Advanced Drive Controls allow your child to operate a motorized child wheelchair using a joystick. Standard with Bluetooth®, Q-Logic 3 allows your child to operate his or her smart phone or tablet using the Q-Logic 3 screen. Q-Logic 3 can also be customized to include alternative drive controls such as a chin control, head array or switched driving.

Children with osteogenesis imperfecta may benefit from Stealth Products® wheelchair cushions. Each child wheelchair cushion offers a different function, such as general use and skin protection and positioning. Learn more about pediatric wheelchair cushions for your child.

If you are looking to purchase a pediatric wheelchair, check out our resources on how to buy a child wheelchair and where to buy a child wheelchair.

Is the Edge 3 Stretto® Right for Your Client?

Therapists have been asking for a power base that offers exceptional maneuverability in small spaces. Quantum Rehab® has the solution! The Edge 3 Stretto® is the narrowest power base in America. It has an overall width of 20.47 inches with 12.5-inch drive wheels. If you have a client that lives in a small apartment, condo or other narrow living quarters, the Edge 3 Stretto is the perfect narrow wheelchair for maneuvering through tight doorways and small spaces.

Other great features of the Stretto:

Overall width of 20.47 inches with 12.5-inch drive wheels
Equipped with independent SRS (Smooth Ride Suspension)
iLevel® option available with 12 inches of seat height up to 3.5 mph
Toolless removal of rear shroud with battery access door
Fender lights and USB charger included
New sleek back design available in 17 colors with toolless access to electronics

A Milestone for Pediatric Power

Therapists have been asking for a true pediatric power base. While existing Quantum bases can accommodate pediatric seating, the narrow width of the Stretto is ideal for children and teenagers. The Edge 3 Stretto is compatible with TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems and offers a wide range of seating sizes, including pediatric sizes. Available options include power tilt, power recline, iLevel® power adjustable seat height, static seating, power articulating foot platform and Flex seating.

Not only is the Edge 3 Stretto fully customizable, it comes standard with fun, cool features that appeal to children and teenagers. The USB charger port enables electronic devices to be charged while on the go. From cell phones to tablets, your client can power his or her device when driving the Stretto. This pediatric power chair also comes with front and rear LED fender lights, allowing your client to see and be seen.

The Clinical Benefits of Independent SRS

The Edge 3 Stretto is equipped with independent SRS (Smooth Ride Suspension), which offers increased shock absorption due to the angle of the shocks. Engineered from the ground up, the Stretto is the first mid-wheel drive Quantum power base with true independent suspension without using an articulating beam. The suspension creates a 30-45 percent improvement in ride quality as found through vibration testing. Optimized spring rates allow for maximum obstacle climbing and greater overall comfort.

A smoother ride experience reduces environmental triggers for clients with spasticity. Transmission of surface inconsistencies through the suspension to the client is greatly decreased. This allows for better management of spasticity and tone. The Edge 3 Stretto is a mid-wheel drive power chair and this configuration ensures that any jolting forces are directly below the client, reducing any pain your client may feel.

Want to make sure that the Edge 3 Stretto is the right power chair for your client? Check out our order form today to see all available options on the Stretto!

Advocacy: Turn Up the Volume

As a rehab product specialist, I wear many hats in my role representing Quantum in my territory, which includes Maryland, Washington D.C., and northern Virginia. Being so close to Washington D.C., I assist our brand ambassadors at various events that take place in our nation’s Capitol throughout the year.

*Stephanie uses iLevel technology in the home*

Madonna Long and Stephanie Woodward are two very special members of the Quantum family that I work with to promote both community and political awareness for several causes. These conferences are critical to the disability community and our industry. They educate our political leaders on the importance of continuing to ensure funding is made available for access and services of complex rehab technology, which allows people with disabilities to remain independent. We are a relentless voice at each event to promote awareness. There is nothing more empowering than standing together to turn the volume up!

The popularity of Madonna and Stephanie during these events as they interact with attendees, law makers, clinicians, and families is incredible. They speak to the importance of equipment, access, and support services with a passion and intensity that is contagious. I meet many consumers from all parts of the country and from around the world, who share their experiences with using an Edge® 3 or 4Front® power chair and how these power chairs enable them to accomplish everyday tasks in their home and community. I must say, nothing makes me happier than a smile from a person with worn tires. Their power chair tells a story of hundreds of miles of use, making memories and sharing time with family, friends, and co-workers.

At times, some may ask, “Are we making a difference?” Without a doubt, without question, and without apology the answer is a resounding YES! I would encourage anyone that wants to make a positive impact in the lives of these special communities to join us at a event to add to that volume. It’s rewarding to work together to do what’s right in making sure everyone is included and given a chance to live the fulfilling life they see for themself. I guarantee you will make new friends and be enlightened after spending two or three days at an event in Washington D.C.

As it’s said, there is strength in numbers…so come out and help us turn the volume up!

About Mark Linden: Mark is a rehab product specialist for Quantum’s Mid-Atlantic region. He lives in Maryland and enjoys skiing, hiking and playing with his dogs, Maggie and Jackson.

Pediatric Wheelchairs for Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of more than 30 genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. MD is characterized by abnormal genes that interfere with the production of proteins that are needed to form healthy muscle. Symptoms of muscular dystrophy can vary depending on the type and severity. Some symptoms include poor balance, frequent falls, difficulty walking and limited range of motion. The most common type of muscular dystrophy is Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

If your child has been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, Quantum® pediatric wheelchairs can help improve his or her independence and mobility. Depending on the severity of your child’s condition, it is possible that he or she can be fitted for a complex rehab electric wheelchair that is customized to meet his or her needs as his or her condition progresses. The Edge 3 Stretto™ pediatric wheelchair is compatible with a wide range of power seating, positioning and drive controls.

The Edge 3 Stretto pediatric wheelchair is available with iLevel® power adjustable seat height, allowing your child to drive at 3.5 mph while elevated 12 inches so he or she can complete Mobility Related Activities of Daily Living (MRADLs), such as reaching, cooking, grooming, toileting and transferring. The Edge 3 Stretto pediatric wheelchair also comes standard with LED front and rear fender lights, allowing users to see and be safely seen while crossing streets or parking lots.

As muscular dystrophy symptoms progress, your child may require power positioning on his or her pediatric wheelchair to help maintain proper positioning, comfort, skin integrity and function. TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems on electric wheelchairs offer a wide range of options when it comes to adjusting his or her positioning, including power tilt, power recline, power tilt and recline, power articulating leg rests, power articulating foot platform and iLevel. Not only does TRU-Balance 3 provide an appealing look and feel, it also maximizes functional independence.

Depending on the muscular dystrophy type, your child may require expandable electronics on his or her pediatric wheelchair. Q-Logic 3 Advanced Drive Controls allow operation of a power wheelchair using a joystick. Standard with Bluetooth®, Q-Logic 3 allows your child to operate his or her smart phone or tablet using the Q-Logic 3 screen. Q-Logic 3 can also be customized to include alternative drive controls such as a chin control, head array or switched driving.

Individuals with muscular dystrophy may benefit from Stealth Products® wheelchair cushions. Each pediatric wheelchair cushion offers a different function, such as general use and skin protection and positioning.

If you are looking to purchase a pediatric wheelchair, check out our resources on how to buy a pediatric wheelchair and where to buy one.

Rocking Out with My 4Front® Power Wheelchair

As a lover of music, I am constantly drawn to the pure enjoyment of a live concert…no matter where it takes me. As an electric wheelchair user, sometimes getting to the actual concert can be more difficult than venturing through the crowds and finding my seat within the venue. I do not drive so I’m usually wrangling up friends to hit up some concerts throughout the year which ends up taking me to either Philadelphia or New York City (I live in Scranton Pa, about two hours from either city). Usually we will pile into my adaptive van and off we’ll go! Last night was one of those nights where I got to enjoy some live tunes. The bands Modest Mouse and The Black Keys were in Philadelphia to play at Wells Fargo Arena and we were not going to miss it. My friend Joe had purchased ADA tickets months ago so I really had nothing to worry about. Maybe nothing to worry about is an understatement of reality though, ensuring my motorized wheelchair is fully charged, parking, and other logistics are among some of the worries.

After dealing with the regular traffic of the Schuylkill expressway, we finally arrived to our destination. First we visited the Xfinity Live Center which is basically an enormous sports bar located near all of the arenas. While enjoying a few drinks and food, I took a moment to think about what it would be like to not have the ability to use safe seat elevation on my Quantum® 4Front®. Just about every table in the area I was in was a high-top table and all of my friends were gathered around one of these tables. Lucky for me, I raised my chair up to 10 inches and was at eye level with the guys and I could talk, eat and drink just like everyone else!

Shortly before the concert started, we made our way to the seats and settled in. The venue where the concert was at was an enormous bowl (Home of the Philly 76’ers) and I did not need to worry about someone standing in front of me ruining my entire view. I cannot tell you how often my view is greatly obstructed by people in my way at concerts, even from the ADA section! Fortunately, this is not as common these days due to my power wheelchair having safe seat elevation. As the concert went on, I was able to enjoy a great night of fun and music and had no worries about not being able to see the band.

Although last night’s concert wasn’t an issue of accessibility or view, I often come across these problems at smaller venues or places that offer general admission only. Just a few weeks ago I went to a small concert with general admission and I came across the dreaded sectioned off ADA area. Basically, this is a segregated area for wheelchairs within the general admission area. For me, there is nothing more annoying at a concert! When I’m at a concert, I want to be with the rest of the crowd, not separated from them, even if this means a dancer or two hits my chair or an extra tall fellow gets in my way every now and then. Having safe seat elevation on my electric wheelchair certainly makes concert mingling much easier. Hopefully in the future, concert venues will work harder to ensure obstruction-free ADA areas without creating a feeling of segregation!

About Christian Budney: Born and raised in Scranton, PA, Christian is a social worker and works with individuals with autism. He loves cold weather sports, particularly adaptive skiing. Click here to learn more about Christian.

Child Wheelchairs and Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disorder that affects the control of muscle movement. SMA is characterized by the loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord and the part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord. The loss of these specialized nerve cells results in muscle weakness and wasting (also known as atrophy). There are many types of SMA and several of them appear during infancy and early childhood. In severe cases of spinal muscular atrophy, the muscles used for breathing and swallowing are affected.

Because of progressive muscle weakness and wasting, many individuals with spinal muscular atrophy experience the loss of the ability to walk and position themselves. This loss of mobility results in the need for a motorized wheelchair. The good news is that there are high-quality complex rehab power wheelchairs on the market that can be customized to meet your child’s needs. Some of these customizable features include specialized seating, positioning and electronics.

The Edge 3 Stretto™ child wheelchair is adaptable, expandable and is available with iLevel® power adjustable seat height, allowing children to elevate up to 12 inches while driving at 3.5 mph. iLevel’s Extra Stability Technology® enhances safety for completing daily activities such as transferring, toileting, grooming and cooking. The Edge 3 Stretto child wheelchair also comes standard with LED front and rear fender lights, allowing your child to see and be safely seen while crossing streets or parking lots.

Your child may benefit from expandable electronics like the Q-Logic 3 Advanced Drive Controls. These controls give your child the independence of driving their motorized wheelchair with a joystick. If they are unable to operate their electric wheelchair using a joystick, they may benefit from optional specialty drive controls, such as a head array, chin control or Stealth® iDrive.

As symptoms progress, a patient with SMA may need power positioning on his or her child wheelchair to assist with function, postural realignment and pressure relief. TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems on motorized child wheelchairs are highly adjustable and offer many medical benefits, including increased sitting tolerance, pressure relief, positioning for improved breathing and function and independent repositioning. Power tilt, power recline, iLevel, power articulating leg rests and power articulating foot platform are available options on TRU-Balance® 3.

If you are looking to purchase a pediatric wheelchair, check out our resources on how to buy a child wheelchair and where to buy a child wheelchair.

Quantum® Offers Complimentary Live Educational Webinars for CEU Credits

EXETER, PA – Quantum Rehab® is offering complimentary live educational webinars for CEU credits through the Pride Learning Institute.

Webinar topics include seating and positioning, pediatrics, bariatrics, drive controls, drive-wheel configuration, power seating, including power adjustable seat height, and much more.

“The Quantum education team has been hard at work developing our complimentary CEU webinar series,” said Julie Piriano, Vice President, Clinical Education/Rehab Industry Affairs & Compliance Officer at Quantum Rehab. “Classes are being held several times a day to make it easy to fit the schedules of ATPs and clinicians.”

Visit https://pridequantumedu.gosignmeup.com/public/course/browse to view available webinars and their dates and times, course descriptions, learning objectives, instructor information and to register. Check back frequently for additional offerings.

Quantum Rehab® is a premier global innovator of consumer-inspired complex rehab products, including the Edge 3 Stretto™, Edge® 3, 4Front®, and Quantum Series of power bases, 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.

Baking the Most of It!

“iLevel has helped me see the world from a different perspective. It gives me independence to do things I couldn’t do before.“
— Sakina Shamsi, Randolph, New Jersey

At 11 years old, Sakina Shamsi has an incredible zest for life. The New Jersey native has many hobbies and passions, spurred on by the support of her friends and family. Nothing can hold her back!

“My friends and family push me to do new things every day,” Sakina said.

Although living with spinal muscular atrophy type 2 has its challenges, her disability doesn’t stop Sakina from doing what she loves. Sakina enjoys baking, especially cupcakes because it’s fun to decorate them! She also loves crafting, nature and horseback riding. With so many interests, Sakina lives a full and active life, sharing her adventures with followers on her Instagram account. She hopes it encourages and motivates people who live with disabilities to do what they love.

To help maintain her independence, Sakina uses an Edge® 3 with iLevel® technology. Sakina loves the iLevel feature on her power chair. With 12 inches of elevation at 4.5 mph, Sakina can experience her world on a whole new level.

“iLevel has helped me see the world from a completely different perspective. It gives me the independence to do things I couldn’t do before,” Sakina said.

With iLevel, Sakina can now play board games with her brother and reach cabinets in the kitchen, which makes baking much more enjoyable. She is a Q Roll Model for Quantum and is extremely active in the disability community. She participates in fundraisers and special needs events to help raise money and promote awareness for SMA.

While receiving her iLevel Power Chair is a huge deal for Sakina, this year has brought another momentous occasion. Sakina appears in the Spring issue of Today’s Kids in Motion, a Canadian publication. She shares how iLevel has changed her life and all the things she can now do independently.

“Having a disability doesn’t stop kids from living their lives,” Sakina said. “We can still find ways to enjoy normal things, but in a modified way.”

Child Wheelchairs and Cerebral Palsy

If your child was born with cerebral palsy, he or she may struggle with mobility. Although there are many different child power wheelchairs, Quantum offers solutions that can be customized to meet the mobility and medical needs of your son or daughter. Learn more about finding the perfect wheelchair for child with cerebral palsy.

Understanding Cerebral Palsy

Children born with cerebral palsy may exhibit different symptoms depending on the type and severity. Symptoms may include lack of muscle coordination, weakness in one or more arm or leg, difficulty with precise movements and stiff or tight muscles with spasticity. Although there is no cure for CP, treatments are available, including physical and occupational therapy. In addition to treatments, a child may be considered for a complex rehab child power wheelchair to assist with daily living activities and provide increased mobility and independence.

The Best Wheelchair for Child with Cerebral Palsy

Although there are many different child wheelchair models, the Edge 3 Stretto™ by Quantum is the ultimate pediatric power chair. The word Stretto means narrow in Italian and this child wheelchair lives up to its name! With an overall width of 20.75 inches with 12.5-inch drive wheels, the Edge 3 Stretto is designed for children, teenagers and small adults. Its narrow width provides exceptional maneuvering in tight quarters and small living spaces. The Stretto is available in 17 color options and features a sleek back design that provides toolless access to electronics.

The Edge 3 Stretto is available with optional iLevel® technology, which raises the seat of the wheelchair up to 12 inches, enabling a child to drive safely while elevated, at up to 3.5 mph. iLevel features Extra Stability Technology®, which enhances safety when completing Mobility Related Activities of Daily Living (MRADLs), such as reaching, grooming and toileting. The Edge 3 Stretto is the perfect wheelchair for child with cerebral palsy.

Stretto Child Wheelchair for Spasticity

The Edge 3 Stretto is equipped with independent SRS (Smooth Ride Suspension). Due to the angle of the shocks on the power base, independent SRS offers increased shock absorption, creating a 30-45 percent improvement in ride, as found through vibration testing. The spring rates are also optimized for maximum climbing over obstacles and enhanced comfort. For a child living with cerebral palsy, the Edge 3 Stretto child wheelchair can deliver a smoother ride, helping to reduce spasticity when driving over uneven terrain.