Wheelbench Information for Sitting Disabilities

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/01/29 - Updated: 2017/06/25
Topic: Wheelchair Types - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Outline of a wheelbench device designed for persons with reduced ability to sit or sitting disability.

Introduction

People with both sitting and mobility problems often have to use a wheelbench, a wheeled mobility device in which the user lies down. A wheelbench somewhat resembles a hospital gurney or wheelchair.

Main Item

A Sitting disability is a condition in which a person may not be able to sit, usually due to pain, but can also happen to persons sitting in wheel chairs. It is also known as "reduced ability to sit", "sitting problems" or "inability to sit".

Sitting disability has generally been an unrecognized disability.

The term "sitting disability" is not a well known expression although it is a term used to describe notable symptoms for people with severe back pain.

People with both sitting and mobility problems often have to use a wheelbench, a wheeled mobility device in which the user lies down, which is usually too large to fit into an elevator.

A wheelbench somewhat resembles a hospital gurney or wheelchair.

The main difference is that the gurney is primarily made to move patients around in a hospital and is less comfortable for long distances or outdoors.

A wheelbench has much bigger wheels than a wheelchair.

The user pushes the wheels with their hands in the same manner as propelling a wheelchair or the wheelbench can be moved by a second person pulling or pushing it by the handles.

A wheelbench is constructed in a similar way to a wheelchair, except that it has a stretcher on the top instead of a seat. Most wheelbenches are collapsible.

Accommodations for people who have a sitting disability are being enforced as Western nations integrate Universal design into their societies.

Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, check out his bio.