The phrase signifies the seek for accessible upkeep and servicing choices for mobility units in a particular geographic location. It displays a direct want for skilled help to revive performance to a wheelchair, making certain continued person independence and security. For instance, a person experiencing a malfunctioning brake on their wheelchair may use this phrase to find a neighborhood technician able to resolving the difficulty.
Entry to native upkeep providers is essential for wheelchair customers, providing comfort and minimizing downtime. Well timed interventions forestall minor mechanical points from escalating into extra vital issues, decreasing the danger of damage and selling the longevity of the gear. Traditionally, discovering such providers relied on word-of-mouth or printed directories; the present search technique presents a extra environment friendly and available various.
The next sections will delve into the assorted points of discovering dependable restore providers, together with varieties of restore wants, {qualifications} to search for in a technician, and sources obtainable to help within the search course of. These parts present a complete understanding of find out how to successfully handle wheelchair upkeep necessities.
1. Proximity to person
The geographical closeness of a restore service to the wheelchair person is a vital issue when searching for help. Minimizing journey distance immediately impacts the timeliness and comfort of acquiring needed upkeep or repairs.
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Decreased Downtime
Nearer restore areas facilitate quicker turnaround instances. Much less journey time interprets to faster prognosis and backbone of points, permitting the person to renew mobility sooner. For instance, a close-by technician can handle a flat tire or battery malfunction with minimal disruption to the person’s every day routine.
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Decrease Transportation Prices
Distance immediately impacts transportation bills. Transporting a wheelchair, particularly an influence wheelchair, might require specialised autos or providers, incurring vital prices. Selecting a neighborhood restore supplier reduces or eliminates these prices, making the restore extra inexpensive.
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Emergency Help Availability
Proximity is especially very important in emergency conditions. A sudden mechanical failure that leaves the person stranded necessitates immediate help. An area restore service can present quicker on-site help in comparison with a distant supplier, making certain person security and well-being.
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Elevated Accessibility
Native providers usually tend to be aware of the neighborhood and accessible transportation choices for people with disabilities. This familiarity can result in smoother coordination of drop-off or pick-up providers, enhancing the general expertise and decreasing logistical challenges.
These concerns underscore the significance of prioritizing proximity when trying to find wheelchair upkeep choices. The comfort, value financial savings, and enhanced entry to emergency help immediately correlate with improved person satisfaction and independence, reinforcing the importance of native restore providers.
2. Licensed Technicians
The presence of licensed technicians considerably elevates the standard and reliability of “wheelchair restore close to me” providers. Certification signifies {that a} technician has undergone particular coaching and demonstrated competence in diagnosing and resolving a variety of mechanical and electrical points widespread to wheelchairs. A direct impact of using licensed technicians is the next probability of correct diagnoses and efficient repairs, decreasing the potential for recurring issues and enhancing the lifespan of the mobility gadget. For example, an authorized technician is best geared up to troubleshoot advanced electrical techniques in energy wheelchairs or appropriately alter the intricate mechanics of guide chairs, in comparison with an uncertified particular person.
The significance of licensed technicians is especially evident in conditions involving warranties. Usually, producers require that repairs be carried out by licensed personnel to take care of the validity of the guarantee. Utilizing uncertified people can void the guarantee, doubtlessly leading to vital out-of-pocket bills for the person if subsequent repairs are wanted. Moreover, licensed technicians are sometimes up-to-date with the newest {industry} requirements and restore methods, making certain that repairs are carried out safely and in accordance with producer specs. This may be essential for specialised gear or modifications.
In abstract, the supply of licensed technicians is an important element when evaluating “wheelchair restore close to me” choices. Whereas the presence of certification doesn’t assure perfection, it supplies a stage of assurance concerning the technician’s data, abilities, and adherence to {industry} greatest practices. Prioritizing licensed technicians mitigates the danger of improper repairs, safeguards guarantee protection, and contributes to the long-term reliability and security of the wheelchair. This understanding of the sensible significance of licensed technicians is vital for making knowledgeable choices about wheelchair upkeep and restore.
3. Restore urgency
The urgency of a wheelchair restore immediately impacts the significance of discovering “wheelchair restore close to me.” A vital malfunction renders the person motionless, severely proscribing every day actions and independence. A damaged wheel, a non-functional braking system, or a useless battery in an influence wheelchair necessitates quick consideration. The ensuing immobility impacts the person’s capability to work, attend appointments, and even carry out primary self-care duties. Due to this fact, the crucial to find a close-by restore service is heightened when going through an pressing state of affairs.
The “close to me” facet turns into paramount as a result of response time is immediately correlated to proximity. A restore service positioned additional away inherently requires extra time to achieve the person, assess the issue, and full the mandatory repairs. For instance, a wheelchair person stranded resulting from a flat tire requires quick help; contacting a distant restore store would end in unacceptable delays. Localized providers can supply quicker response instances, generally offering cellular restore items that may handle the difficulty on-site, minimizing disruption to the person’s life. The power to shortly restore mobility is of utmost significance in such eventualities.
In conclusion, the urgency of a wheelchair restore amplifies the importance of accessibility. When confronted with immobility, the pace and comfort of a neighborhood restore service change into essential. Prioritizing “wheelchair restore close to me” in pressing conditions ensures a swifter return to independence and minimizes the destructive impression on the person’s every day life. The understanding of this relationship is significant for people counting on wheelchairs and for caregivers helping them.
4. Forms of wheelchairs
The kind of wheelchair considerably influences the character of the required upkeep, making the specification of “wheelchair restore close to me” a vital consideration. Totally different wheelchair fashions, akin to guide, energy, or specialised sports activities wheelchairs, possess distinct mechanical and electrical parts. A guide wheelchair restore might contain points with tires, brakes, or body alignment, whereas an influence wheelchair may current issues with batteries, motors, or digital management techniques. A restore service missing experience within the particular kind of wheelchair might present insufficient and even damaging repairs. Due to this fact, when searching for “wheelchair restore close to me”, it’s crucial to establish providers geared up to deal with the complexities of the actual wheelchair mannequin in query. An occasion of it is a energy wheelchair, which makes use of an electrical motor and electronics with particular programming, so any widespread bicycle mechanic will probably be unlikely to be certified to do repairs.
The provision of specialised instruments and diagnostic gear varies amongst restore providers. A supplier specializing in energy wheelchair repairs will seemingly possess the mandatory diagnostic software program and gear to troubleshoot digital management techniques, whereas a normal restore store may lack such sources. Moreover, the complexity of some wheelchairs, significantly these with custom-made options or diversifications, necessitates specialised data and expertise. For instance, a wheelchair modified for particular postural help might require repairs to distinctive parts not discovered on customary fashions. It reinforces the necessity to make sure that the chosen “wheelchair restore close to me” is competent in servicing the particular diversifications. Some light-weight sports activities wheelchair repairs might require particular data in supplies like carbon fiber or particular aluminum alloys.
In conclusion, the kind of wheelchair immediately dictates the scope and nature of required upkeep. Figuring out and choosing “wheelchair restore close to me” providers that possess the requisite experience, instruments, and expertise for the particular mannequin is essential for making certain efficient and dependable repairs. This understanding minimizes the danger of insufficient service, protects the integrity of the gear, and promotes the long-term performance of the mobility gadget.
5. Guarantee Protection
Guarantee protection considerably influences the alternatives and concerns concerned in securing wheelchair upkeep. Understanding the phrases and situations of the guarantee is important when searching for “wheelchair restore close to me” to make sure cost-effective and licensed service.
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Approved Restore Networks
Many wheelchair warranties stipulate that repairs have to be carried out by licensed service facilities to take care of protection. This limitation immediately impacts the choice of “wheelchair restore close to me”, as solely suppliers throughout the producer’s community will qualify for warranty-covered repairs. Failure to stick to this requirement might void the guarantee, leading to out-of-pocket bills for the person. For instance, if an influence wheelchair’s motor malfunctions, the guarantee may solely cowl repairs performed by an authorized technician from an permitted restore facility, precluding the usage of a extra handy however unauthorized native store.
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Protection Scope and Limitations
Wheelchair warranties typically have particular limitations on the varieties of repairs coated. Commonplace warranties might cowl manufacturing defects or element failures underneath regular utilization situations however exclude injury ensuing from accidents, misuse, or unauthorized modifications. Due to this fact, earlier than pursuing “wheelchair restore close to me”, it’s essential to establish whether or not the particular restore falls throughout the scope of the guarantee. For example, a guaranty might cowl the price of changing a faulty battery however exclude repairs associated to wreck attributable to water publicity. This limitation directs the person to establish a restore service able to assessing the injury’s trigger and figuring out guarantee eligibility.
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Declare Procedures and Documentation
Guarantee claims sometimes require particular documentation, akin to proof of buy, guarantee registration particulars, and an in depth description of the issue. In search of “wheelchair restore close to me” necessitates selecting a service aware of the guarantee declare course of and able to offering the mandatory documentation to help the declare. A restore service with expertise in dealing with guarantee claims can streamline the method, decreasing administrative burdens and making certain immediate reimbursement for coated repairs. For instance, the service could also be required to doc the wheelchair’s serial quantity and mannequin, together with a complete prognosis of the malfunction, earlier than submitting the declare to the producer.
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Guarantee Length and Transferability
The length of the guarantee and its transferability impression the worth of “wheelchair restore close to me” providers. A wheelchair underneath guarantee for an extended interval presents larger safety in opposition to sudden restore prices. Moreover, some warranties are transferable to subsequent homeowners, enhancing the resale worth of the wheelchair. When contemplating “wheelchair restore close to me”, assessing the remaining guarantee length and transferability is important for making knowledgeable choices. For example, if a used wheelchair remains to be underneath guarantee, the brand new proprietor can profit from coated repairs, offered the service supplier is permitted and the declare adheres to the guarantee phrases.
These sides spotlight the intricate relationship between guarantee protection and the choice of “wheelchair restore close to me”. A radical understanding of guarantee phrases, protection scope, and declare procedures is important for making certain that repairs are each cost-effective and aligned with the producer’s necessities. By contemplating these elements, wheelchair customers could make knowledgeable choices and safe dependable restore providers whereas maximizing the advantages of their guarantee protection.
6. Cellular Companies
The provision of cellular providers immediately enhances the utility and effectiveness of “wheelchair restore close to me”. For people with mobility limitations, transporting a wheelchair to a restore store can current vital logistical challenges. Cellular restore providers mitigate these difficulties by bringing the experience and gear on to the person’s location. A damaged wheelchair at dwelling might render the person housebound; a cellular restore unit can handle the difficulty on-site, restoring mobility with out requiring advanced transportation preparations. This service supply mannequin turns into significantly essential for people dwelling in rural areas or these with restricted entry to transportation choices.
The capability for on-site prognosis and restore provided by cellular providers can considerably scale back downtime. Conventional restore processes typically contain scheduling an appointment, transporting the wheelchair to the store, ready for a prognosis, after which returning to choose up the repaired gadget. Cellular providers streamline this course of by offering quick evaluation and restore, eliminating pointless transportation and ready intervals. For example, a cellular technician can exchange a flat tire, alter brakes, or troubleshoot electrical issues immediately on the person’s residence, considerably expediting the restore course of and minimizing disruption to every day actions. Moreover, some cellular restore providers supply preventative upkeep checks, figuring out and addressing potential points earlier than they escalate into main issues.
The combination of cellular providers into the panorama of “wheelchair restore close to me” represents a big development in accessibility and comfort. By eradicating transportation boundaries and offering on-site experience, cellular restore items make sure that wheelchair customers can obtain well timed and efficient upkeep with out incurring undue hardship. This service mannequin improves person satisfaction and independence, underscoring the vital function of cellular providers in supporting the mobility wants of people reliant on wheelchairs.
7. Price estimates
Price transparency is a vital issue when searching for wheelchair restore providers in a particular locality. Correct value estimations allow knowledgeable decision-making, permitting people to price range successfully and keep away from sudden monetary burdens.
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Diagnostic Charges and Transparency
Many restore providers cost a diagnostic price to evaluate the issue with the wheelchair. Transparency concerning this price is important. A transparent clarification of the diagnostic course of and the situations underneath which the price is utilized permits prospects to grasp the preliminary funding. For instance, if a diagnostic price is waived upon completion of the restore, this must be clearly communicated upfront, fostering belief and confidence within the service supplier.
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Components and Labor Breakdown
An in depth value estimate ought to embody a breakdown of the bills for elements and labor. This enables prospects to judge the reasonableness of the fees and establish any potential discrepancies. For instance, a breakdown of prices for changing a wheelchair motor ought to specify the worth of the motor itself and the labor hours required for set up. This transparency allows comparability with various restore providers or elements suppliers.
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Contingency Planning for Surprising Points
Unexpected issues might come up in the course of the restore course of, doubtlessly rising the general value. A accountable restore service will talk this chance upfront and supply a contingency plan for addressing such points. For example, if disassembly reveals hidden injury that requires further repairs, the service supplier ought to acquire buyer approval earlier than continuing with the work, making certain that the client stays in charge of the bills.
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Cost Choices and Financing
The provision of numerous cost choices and potential financing preparations can considerably impression the affordability of wheelchair repairs. Understanding the accepted types of cost, akin to bank cards, insurance coverage protection, or installment plans, permits prospects to decide on probably the most handy possibility. For instance, a restore service that accepts insurance coverage reimbursement or presents financing choices could make needed repairs extra accessible for people with restricted monetary sources.
The aforementioned sides of value estimates present readability and management to wheelchair customers searching for “wheelchair restore close to me.” By emphasizing transparency, detailed breakdowns, contingency planning, and versatile cost choices, restore providers can construct belief and facilitate knowledgeable choices, finally enhancing the general buyer expertise.
8. Service availability
The diploma to which a restore service is accessible and operational considerably impacts its utility in fulfilling the necessity for localized wheelchair upkeep. The temporal and logistical points of “service availability” immediately affect the practicality of “wheelchair restore close to me.”
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Working Hours and Scheduling
The working hours of a restore service decide its accessibility throughout particular instances of the day and week. Restricted or rigid scheduling might render a close-by service unusable for people with particular time constraints. For example, a restore store open solely throughout weekday enterprise hours could also be unsuitable for these with full-time employment or different daytime commitments, successfully negating the good thing about its proximity.
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Emergency Restore Companies
The availability of emergency restore providers addresses pressing upkeep wants that come up outdoors of standard working hours. Availability of after-hours help or fast response groups will be vital for conditions the place mobility is straight away compromised. For instance, an influence wheelchair malfunction occurring on a weekend might necessitate emergency help, highlighting the significance of 24/7 or on-call service availability from a close-by supplier.
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Geographic Protection Space
Whereas the key phrase emphasizes proximity, the precise service space of a restore supplier could also be restricted to sure geographic zones. A “wheelchair restore close to me” search outcome may establish a service outdoors the outlined protection space, rendering it successfully unavailable. For example, a restore store positioned simply past town limits might not service areas throughout the metropolis resulting from logistical or contractual limitations, impacting its accessibility regardless of its bodily proximity.
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Distant Help and Diagnostics
The provision of distant help choices, akin to phone consultations or distant diagnostic capabilities, can prolong the attain of a restore service. These choices permit for preliminary troubleshooting and steerage, doubtlessly resolving minor points with out requiring on-site visits. For instance, a technician might be able to diagnose a battery problem remotely and supply directions for a easy repair, precluding the necessity for quick bodily intervention and enhancing the general service availability.
These elements illustrate that the temporal and logistical points of service availability play a vital function in figuring out the precise accessibility and utility of “wheelchair restore close to me”. A bodily proximate restore service is just useful if its working hours, protection space, and help choices align with the person’s wants and constraints. Consequently, a complete analysis of “wheelchair restore close to me” necessitates an intensive evaluation of service availability parameters.
9. Accessibility
The idea of accessibility is intrinsically linked to the seek for native wheelchair upkeep providers. A restore service can solely be thought of helpful whether it is readily accessible to the people who require its providers. This entails addressing numerous boundaries which may impede entry, making certain that customers can effectively acquire the mandatory repairs and upkeep for his or her mobility units.
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Bodily Entry to Restore Services
The bodily structure of a restore facility considerably impacts its accessibility. Ramps, vast doorways, and accessible restrooms are important for wheelchair customers to navigate the premises comfortably and independently. A facility missing these options might successfully exclude potential prospects. For instance, a restore store with a slim entrance and a step on the doorway presents a big impediment for wheelchair customers, requiring help from others or stopping entry altogether.
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Transportation Choices
The provision of accessible transportation choices to and from the restore facility is essential. Public transportation, akin to buses or trains geared up with wheelchair lifts, can facilitate entry for people who should not have private autos. Alternatively, specialised transportation providers that cater to people with disabilities could also be needed. A restore service positioned in an space with restricted accessible transportation choices could also be tough to achieve, limiting its usability for a phase of the inhabitants.
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Communication Accessibility
Efficient communication is important for making certain accessibility. Restore providers ought to supply a number of communication channels, together with phone, e-mail, and on-line platforms, to accommodate numerous person preferences. Moreover, employees must be skilled to speak clearly and respectfully with people who’ve disabilities, together with these with listening to or visible impairments. A restore service that depends solely on phone communication might exclude people who’re deaf or onerous of listening to, necessitating various communication strategies akin to e-mail or textual content messaging.
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Monetary Accessibility
The price of wheelchair repairs could be a barrier for some people, significantly these with restricted monetary sources. Restore providers that provide versatile cost choices, akin to installment plans or acceptance of insurance coverage protection, can enhance monetary accessibility. Moreover, offering clear and clear value estimates upfront permits prospects to make knowledgeable choices and price range accordingly. A restore service with exorbitant charges or an absence of cost choices could also be financially inaccessible to sure people, stopping them from acquiring needed repairs.
These numerous parts of accessibility collectively decide the practicality and usefulness of “wheelchair restore close to me” providers. A restore service can solely be thought of really accessible if it addresses the bodily, transportation, communication, and monetary boundaries which may impede entry for people with disabilities. Addressing these multifaceted points ensures that each one people, no matter their skills or circumstances, can successfully acquire the restore and upkeep providers they require for his or her mobility units.
Incessantly Requested Questions on Wheelchair Restore
The next part addresses widespread inquiries concerning wheelchair upkeep and restore providers. These questions and solutions goal to supply readability and steerage for people searching for help with their mobility units.
Query 1: How typically ought to a wheelchair be serviced?
The frequency of servicing will depend on the kind of wheelchair and the depth of its use. Guide wheelchairs sometimes require annual inspections and upkeep, whereas energy wheelchairs might profit from extra frequent servicing, akin to each six months. Excessive-use wheelchairs, no matter kind, must be inspected extra typically.
Query 2: What are the indicators {that a} wheelchair wants restore?
A number of indicators counsel the necessity for restore. These embody issue maneuvering, uncommon noises, free or wobbly parts, malfunctioning brakes, and electrical points in energy wheelchairs. Any deviation from regular operation warrants an expert inspection.
Query 3: Can a wheelchair be repaired at dwelling?
Minor repairs, akin to tire inflation or tightening free screws, could also be carried out at dwelling. Nevertheless, advanced repairs involving electrical techniques, body welding, or element replacements must be entrusted to certified technicians with the suitable instruments and experience.
Query 4: Does insurance coverage cowl wheelchair repairs?
Insurance coverage protection for wheelchair repairs varies relying on the coverage and the character of the restore. Many insurance coverage cowl medically needed repairs however might require pre-authorization or documentation from a doctor. Contacting the insurance coverage supplier immediately is advisable to find out the particular protection particulars.
Query 5: How lengthy does a typical wheelchair restore take?
The length of a restore will depend on the complexity of the difficulty and the supply of alternative elements. Easy repairs, akin to tire replacements, might take lower than an hour, whereas extra advanced repairs, akin to motor replacements, might require a number of days. Acquiring an estimated timeframe from the restore service previous to commencing work is really helpful.
Query 6: What {qualifications} ought to a wheelchair restore technician possess?
A certified wheelchair restore technician ought to possess related certifications, akin to these from wheelchair producers or industry-recognized organizations. They need to even have expertise with numerous varieties of wheelchairs and an intensive understanding of mechanical and electrical techniques. Checking for certifications and references previous to entrusting a technician with repairs is advisable.
This FAQ part supplies a concise overview of widespread questions and concerns associated to wheelchair restore providers. These solutions are supposed to supply normal steerage and shouldn’t be thought of an alternative choice to skilled recommendation.
The next part will focus on sources and methods for locating respected and dependable wheelchair restore providers in a particular geographic space.
Suggestions for Discovering Dependable Wheelchair Restore
The next supplies important steerage for finding competent wheelchair upkeep providers. The following pointers goal to make sure that people acquire efficient and reliable repairs for his or her mobility units.
Tip 1: Analysis Native Restore Outlets. Conduct thorough analysis to establish restore providers within the quick neighborhood. Using on-line engines like google and directories with particular key phrases is really helpful. Examine buyer evaluations and rankings to gauge the status and reliability of the service suppliers.
Tip 2: Confirm Certifications and Credentials. Verify that the restore technicians possess the mandatory certifications and credentials. Inquire about their coaching, expertise, and affiliations with related {industry} organizations. Prioritize providers that make use of licensed technicians, as this means a dedication to skilled requirements.
Tip 3: Get hold of Detailed Price Estimates. Request complete value estimates from a number of restore providers. The estimates ought to embody a breakdown of elements and labor costs, in addition to any relevant diagnostic charges. Examine the estimates rigorously to establish probably the most cost-effective possibility.
Tip 4: Assess Response Time and Availability. Consider the restore service’s response time and availability. Inquire about their working hours, emergency restore providers, and geographic protection space. Prioritize providers that provide immediate response instances and handy scheduling choices.
Tip 5: Inquire About Guarantee Insurance policies. Decide the guarantee insurance policies provided by the restore service. A good service supplier ought to stand behind their work and supply a guaranty on elements and labor. Make clear the phrases and situations of the guarantee previous to commencing repairs.
Tip 6: Examine the Restore Facility. If possible, go to the restore facility to evaluate its cleanliness, group, and gear. A well-maintained facility suggests a dedication to high quality and professionalism. Observe the technician’s workspace and inquire about their restore procedures.
Adhering to those ideas will enhance the probability of securing dependable and efficient wheelchair restore providers. These measures contribute to minimizing downtime, avoiding pointless bills, and making certain the long-term performance of the mobility gadget.
The next part will present a concise conclusion, summarizing the core concerns mentioned all through this exposition.
Conclusion
The previous dialogue underscored the multifaceted concerns inherent within the seek for native mobility gadget servicing. From proximity and technician certification to guarantee protection and repair availability, quite a few elements contribute to making sure well timed and efficient wheelchair upkeep. Understanding these parts allows knowledgeable decision-making when searching for competent help for mobility gear. The urgency of restore wants, the kind of wheelchair requiring service, and the accessibility of restore amenities all play vital roles within the choice course of.
Given the very important function mobility units play in sustaining independence and high quality of life, proactive consideration to upkeep and entry to dependable native restore choices are important. Continued emphasis on service high quality and accessibility will additional improve the help obtainable to wheelchair customers, selling their continued mobility and participation in every day life.
