Among the continuous users of wheelchairs, there are two major groups -- those who are able to use the wheelchairs in their "standard" configuration as produced by the manufacturer and those whose circumstances require customization of their wheelchair to suit their needs.

Understanding The Role Of "Upper Body Support"

One major factor in determing whether a wheelchair user can use a "standard" wheelchair or must use a "customized" one is what is known as "upper body support". This term refers to how well the individual can maintain their upper body in an upright sitting posture while seated -- whether their muscles have sufficient strength or there is sufficient muscular control to allow the individual to "sit up" on their own without the need for support for their upper body to hold the individual upright. Those who have good upper body support can often use wheelchairs in their "standard" configurations. Those who do not have good upper body support must rely on special cushioning and / or padding systems or must use other means to maintain an upright sitting position and thus require sometimes extensive "customization" of their wheelchairs to suit their needs.

Standard Versus Customized Seating Systems

While the wheelchairs designed strictly for use in their standardized as-manufactured configurations tend to have seats designed for wheelchairs but are relatively standardized otherwise, the customizable wheelchairs can be equipped with either stardardized or custom seating. In some cases, customized inserts are placed on wheelchairs with standized seating to accomodate the needs of their users without going through the effort and expense of customizing the wheelchair itself.

Many of the foldable and collapsible manual wheelchairs are equipped with flat flexible material that adjusts itself when the wheelchair is folded or stowed. Other folding and collapsing models are equipped with inserts that are removed when the wheelchair is folded or collapsed.

Some scooter wheelchairs are fitted with seats that resemble office chairs while others are fitted with seats whose appearance resembles that of car seats. These "car seat look-a-likes" are also found on many of the non-scooter powered wheelchairs that are designed for use in a standardized configuration.

These stardardized seats are used by individuals who do not need specialized seating systems. Other individuals for various reasons need specialized seating systems as the stardardized seats do not meet their needs.

Some people with disabilities who need customized seating systems need these in order to prevent the formation of sores that arise from sitting in one position too long. These sores -- often undetected by individuals who have little or no sensation in the areas in which the sores occur -- can be extremely serious or even life-threatening concerns. The seating systems assist the individuals by allowing and / or assisting them to shift themselves from time to time to help avoid the sores. For different reasons, other individuals may need these adjustable seating systems as well.

Many of these specialized seating systems function by offering the user the option to choose from a range of sitting positions in which to sit at any given time -- ranging from a fully upright sitting position through various degrees of a reclining position to a nearly horizontal position. Some of these systems not only have an adjustable back and head rest but also have adjustable leg and foot rests. Even the "seat" portion of some of these systems is adjustable.

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