Power wheelchair

It has been a number of weeks now since we acquired Kevin's power wheelchair.  After a bumpy start (or failure to start, as it happened, one day after we brought it home), the chair was repaired and has been working flawlessly.  Kevin even convinced the tech who came to the house to add the "outdoor profile," which allows him to go up to 7MPH.  It has been since been suggested that the "Slow down for children" signs posted along the driveway might be directed his way.

Because of the chair's amazing positioning capabilities, Kevin is able to be comfortably mobile for greater lengths of time.  It offers significant head and back support, the ability to adjust legs and back and seat tilt (he can almost lie flat in it), and a four-inch air cushion to sit on.  Kevin still has very good control of his head and neck, so the chair is equipped with a joystick and a head array, so that as he loses function in his hands, he can switch to controlling the chair with head movements.  Eventually an eye-gaze system could be added as well.

Kevin still prefers to spend large parts of the day in his lift chair (like a regular recliner, but with the ability to help lift the occupant to standing position), but it is nice to be able to switch to the power wheelchair from time to time and know that he will be comfortable there as well.  The chair also fits easily in the new van; we've removed the front passenger seat, so that Kevin wheels into that space.  We anchor the chair, and off we go!

We are borrowing a ramp from the ALS Association's "loan closet" to use out the back door.  Although the weight of the chair exceeds the max limit of the ramp by itself, a very generous friend (thanks, Steve S.!!), designed and built a set of supports so that on nice-weather days we can enjoy the patio.  The skill and precision with which these were constructed really deserve the spotlight for a moment, so here they are:

Painted, labeled, straps for carrying

Six total, custom-fit for each step

Supports in place, all ready to go!

Thanks again to Steve for making it happen and to Kate for lending us Steve!!  I want to take the opportunity to once again thank all of you who have been shuttling our kids from place to place, for all the meals and gift cards, the random errands (how many times can I send Tim to Ikea?), and for giving Lia and Kaleb special attention from time to time, whether it be through pumpkin carving, bike-riding, or ice-cream providing.  Thanks, too, for all the prayers and kind words--we definitely feel loved!