Wheelchair passengers are at an obvious increased risk of injury when coming to a standing position, transferring to another seat or navigating inclines. According to Texas Mutual, a leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Texas, employees and volunteers managing wheelchair passengers need to understand two basic rules of operation when assisting passengers:
- Treat the wheelchair as if it has no breaks. In other words, even when the breaks are locked, stabilize the wheelchair to prevent movement or tipping when the passenger attempts to stand, sit or transfer.
- Place yourself on the downhill side of the chair to better maintain control when navigating curbs, ramps or steps.
In addition to these two cardinal rules, “Management of the Wheelchair Passenger” offers many other practical do’s and don’ts when it comes to safely assisting wheelchair passengers. Be sure to share these recommendations from Texas Mutual with all employees and volunteers who assist wheelchair seated individuals.
Following here’s a summary of what you’ll find:
Do...
- Maintain a firm grip on the wheelchair’s handles
- Ask the passenger the passenger how you can help if you’re unsure
- Know the sequence of events before you start assisting the passenger
- Explain what you’re going to do and how if this is the first time you’re assisting the passenger
- Be gentle and avoid squeezing the individual’s arms or legs; they can be sore
- Be patient and remember that handicapped and elderly individuals take longer to complete some tasks and activities.
Don’t...
- Lift the chair by the arms; they may be removable
- Rush, but take your time, move deliberately and be careful
- Surprise a person by taking hold of him unexpectedly
- Encourage personal, social relationships.
Remember
- People who use crutches, braces, and other assist devices must work very hard to get around
- Disabled and elderly people take longer to do things
- Many disabled and elderly individuals are in constant pain.
- People who use crutches and braces may have a difficultly keeping their balance.
- Don’t equate handicap with intelligence
- Know in advance what criteria disqualify a driving applicant. Examples include x-number of moving violations, specific offenses, minimum number of years with a driver’s license, etc.
- Photocopy front and back sides of applicant’s valid driver’s license.
- Ask the driver to complete and sign a questionnaire about his or her driving history and habits—moving violations, accidents, driver training and qualifications, etc.
- Obtain basic medical information, such as a complete list of all over-the-counter and prescription medication, vision or hearing impairments, etc. Oftentimes this later information is found on the applicant’s driver’s license as well, so review that carefully.
- Verify applicant credentials with the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Usually for less than $10, you can obtain a copy of a DMV record, or you can require that volunteer applications bring the report to their interview.
- Outline and explain your driver safety policies and code of conduct.
Adapted from: FACT SHEET: Programs Featuring Transportation http://www.nonprofitrisk.org/tools/workplace-safety/nonprofit/c6/transport.htm
According to the Community Action Partnership, each CAA has an average of 813 volunteers at the agency every year. Here are some other volunteer facts from Volunteering in America:
- 62.8 million people volunteered in 2010
- The top 5 states for Volunteer Rate are UT; IA; MN; NE; and SD
- The top four activities for service are fundraising; collecting or distributing food; providing general labor or transportation; and tutoring or teaching
How can you help?
- Donate gently worn clothing. Or better yet, pick up items for a local agency
- Donate blood. Or better yet, organize a blood drive at work or in your neighborhood
- Support your local police department. Or better yet, join Volunteers in Police Service
- Become a volunteer reader. Or better yet, organize a Reach Out and Read book drive
- Visit All for Good (www.allforgood.org) to search volunteer opportunities by zip code
A sheltered workshop is an organization that provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The word 'sheltered' refers to a protective environment where the disabled can undertake paid, meaningful employment in a supportive atmosphere.
Sheltered workshops came into being approximately 30 years ago with the passage of Senate Bill 52 in 1965. Frank Ackerman, a parent with a child in the state school at Sedalia, became concerned with what the future held for his child after he finished school. Ackerman began a campaign to establish a vocational program in Missouri. His campaign resulted in the passage of Senate Bill 52. Sedalia established the first state authorized sheltered workshop that same year, and many other communities followed.
A sheltered workshop operates much like any other light assembly or service shop, except that the employees are adults whose physical or mental disabilities currently prevent them from competing for regular employment. Employees are paid on a piece-rate basis according to their ability to produce, compared with non-disabled workers who would be paid the prevailing wage for the job. Although most workshop employees earn less than the minimum wage, the workshop provides them a place to perform meaningful work and lead productive lives.
Read more on our website at http://www.nsminc.com/nsm/pdf/YourCareConnectionJulyAug2011.pdf
