Below are some the components of the policy that seem, to me, to be
fiscally irresponsible, as well as limiting the ability of people with
disabilities to be fully integrated into their communities.. If you
feel so inclined, I encourage you to write (or preferably call) your
member of Congress about this as soon as possible.
I'll expand below each point on why I feel that it's bad fiscal policy
as well as bad policy to improve independence for people with
disabilities.
- Incapable of upgrade to expandable controller
Many people who use power wheelchairs have progressive disabilities, and
if a power chair is incapable of upgrade in this fashion, it will
necessitate purchase of an entire new chair
- Incapable of upgrade to alternative control devices
Same as above
- Width - less than or equal to 24 inches
I see the reasoning (standard doorway widths) - but where does that
leave bariatric population?
- Minimum Top End Speed - 3 MPH
Reinforces the "in the home" restriction, and therefore limits the
ability of people with disabilities to work or to otherwise be active or
present in the community.
- Minimum Range - 5 miles
Same as above
- Minimum Obstacle Climb - 20 mm
20 mm is about two thirds of an inch - since many power wheelchairs will
be built to this minimum, rather than a greater "ground clearance," many
thresholds _in homes_ will be insurmountable barriers
- Dynamic Stability Incline - 6 degrees
Many ramps do not have adequate "flat space" at the top or the bottom to
permit opening a door without turning on the ramp. Since ANSI and ADAAG
code for ramps is 1:12, or 8.33%, many power wheelchairs covered under
Group 1 Power Wheelchair codes (KO813-KO816) would be at risk of
instability, and possible injury to the occupant.
Kendall
An unreasonable man (but my wife says that's redundant!)
The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one
persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all
progress depends on the unreasonable man.
-George Bernard Shaw 1856-1950
-----Original Message-----
From: Tamar Raine [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Sunday, August 27, 2006 11:14 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [C-PALSY] Powerchair policy... Medicare.
oh gee i hate this. why oh why do they screw us every time?
Tamar Raine
[log in to unmask]
Now serving tee shirts! and soon to come, Maui posters and other items;
www.cafepress.com/tamarmag
> [Original Message]
> From: Mike Collis <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: 8/27/2006 8:56:45 PM
> Subject: Powerchair policy... Medicare.
>
> The Congress is making it more difficult for us who use powerchairs to
get
> the kind we really need. Under the new policy, most people would only
be
> able to get one that I would call a "granny chair." While I don't
like
to
> point fingers at any ideology, I really think we need s new spirit in
our
> policy making. I used to support conservatism, but if this is how
they're
> paying us back, I don't need it. Ken, are you sure you want to
support
it?
> They are taking away our freedoms, little by little.
>
> http://www.wheelchairjunkie.com/2006pwcpolicy.html
>
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