It is estimated that at least 25 million persons have mobility problems. Of these, approximately 500,000 use wheelchairs. People use wheelchairs as a result of a variety of disabilities, including spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, arthritis, cerebral palsy and polio.
Wheelchairs come in many sizes and shapes which are adapted to the lifestyle of the user.
They range from custom-designed models for sports activities to basic utility models for use in hospitals and airports. Despite their active participation in our society, most people who use wheelchairs encounter attitudinal barriers which affect their lives on a daily basis. Do not automatically hold on to a person's wheelchair. It is part of the person's body space. Hanging or leaning on the chair is similar to hanging or leaning on a person sitting in any chair.