United Spinal Association and the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology at the University of Pittsburgh have co-developed a new app that informs and encourages consumers and their families to play an active role in acquiring, using, and maintaining their manual wheelchairs and handling health issues related to wheelchair use.
“As a national nonprofit serving people with spinal cord injuries and disorders, we know how important having a properly fitted manual wheelchair is in pursuing a healthy, active and independent lifestyle,” said James Weisman, president & CEO of United Spinal Association.
The ‘My Wheelchair Guide’ manual wheelchair mobile app (MWG Manual) includes tools and resources to guide consumers through the wheelchair selection, delivery and maintenance process. The app also provides practical information to evaluate each individual’s unique medical and functional needs, whether they are a beginner or advanced wheelchair user.
The MWG Manual wheelchair mobile app features:
• Self-assessment & maintenance checklists
• Customizable to-do lists
• Wheelchair skills videos
• Illustrations on wheelchair types, parts, & accessories
• Critical health considerations
• Organized hub that integrates the contacts essential to getting a wheelchair
• Ability to take notes within the app using text, pictures, or voice recordings
• Q&A section
The MWG Manual wheelchair mobile app is supported through a grant (#90DP0056) from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research. It is available for download from Google Play and Apple app store by searching “MWG Manual”.
The app is being distributed with support from the Clinician Task Force; the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology; the National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers; and the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America.
For more information, visit www.unitedspinal.org/my-wheelchair-guide.