At the 2023 FOP Family Gathering attendees had the opportunity to hear from Occupational Therapist Roselle Adler. While the presentation could not be recorded due to policies with Roselle's institution she was kind enough to work with the IFOPA Family Service team to create a three-page handout highlighting the key take-aways from her talk on wheelchair safety.

Access the printable PDF!

Seating and mobility equipment can offer you independence in your daily life and open your world to many possibilities. However, using this equipment incorrectly or unsafely can place you at risk for falls or injury. Working with an expert is an essential first step to help you establish safety habits and maintain your equipment in good working order.

Wheelchair Safety and Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP)

Please note these are general safety guidelines only and do not replace specific recommendations from your own health care provider.

• How can an Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist help with safety for FOP?

  • Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Physical Therapists (PTs) are safety experts! An OT and PT can:
    • Evaluate your safety in your daily environments, such as home, school, work, and your local community.
    • Help you choose adaptive devices and mobility equipment that meet your individual needs.
    • Navigate funding systems for prescribed equipment.
    • Offer you safety strategies and training support for the prescribed equipment.

• How can seating and mobility equipment help my safety?

  • Seating and mobility equipment is beneficial for:
    • Managing your pain
    • Conserving your energy
    • Supporting your posture and changing needs
    • Achieving independent mobility
    • Participating in your daily activities

• How can I stay safe when I’m using my wheelchair?

  • Wheelchair training sessions with your OT or PT can build your independence and confidence. Learn how to safely use the wheelchair’s features and electronics, and how to safely propel or drive indoors and outdoors.
    • Use your prescribed cushions and belts to support your posture and reduce sliding.
    • Keep personal identification with you and add emergency contacts to your cellphone.
    • Wear medical alert technology.
    • Add a sticker with the dealer’s information to your equipment.
    • Be visible in dark environments. Attach LED lights to your wheelchair, wear a headlamp or fluorescent vest.
    • Use a cup holder to avoid spilling liquids on yourself or your equipment.
    • Keep your personal belongings safe in a money-belt or a small wheelchair bag that attaches to the inside of the armrest or underside of your wheelchair.

• How can I keep my seating and mobility equipment safe?

  • Broken wheelchair parts can injure you and affect the safety of your wheelchair. Brakes, cables, and tires wear down over time and require replacement. Arrange regular maintenance with your dealer and always replace broken parts.
  • Cushions, belts and other supports wear down over time and can affect your comfort, posture and skin. Arrange an evaluation with your OT or PT to verify if new seating is required.
  • Charge your devices daily.
  • Use flat-free tires (no air required). For tires that need air, use a gauge to check your tire pressure regularly.
  • Store your wheelchair indoors. Batteries will freeze below 0 degrees Celsius. Foam cushions will become moldy if wet, and electronics will fail if exposed to prolonged moisture.
  • Cover your joystick or other small switches/electronics with a plastic bag during poor weather conditions.
  • Air-dry your cushion covers to avoid fabric shrinking.
  • Keep pets away from air and gel cushions as their claws may puncture the material.

• How can I advocate for my safety?

  • Be pro-active, plan ahead, and prepare for unexpected circumstances.
  • Ask for what you need to ensure your comfort, personal safety and accessibility.
  • Using equipment that doesn't fit can be a safety risk for you. Advocate for an assessment from your OT or PT if you have any of the following:
    • Recent flare-up or medical changes
    • Skin redness or pressure sores
    • Weight loss or gain, recent growth
    • Discomfort or limited tolerance when using your wheelchair
    • Sliding or leaning in your wheelchair
    • Difficulty pushing, driving or transferring in and out of your wheelchair
    • Any changes to your home, work or school environment, or transportation

Developed by Roselle Adler, O.T. Reg.(Ont.), CHEO Seating and Mobility Service, Ottawa, Canada.

Disclaimer: Images are for illustration purposes only. Roselle Adler OT and CHEO have no affiliation or association with any website, product, manufacturer, or dealer included on this pamphlet.

The IFOPA is thankful to now have our very own occupational therapist on staff! If you have any questions about how to integrate the practice outlined in the handout please reach out to Family Services Coordinator Melissa Davis at [email protected] or my text/WhatsApp at +1 605-877-5289.