Below are bitmap drawings of an early-model rehab wheelchair:

Earlier Rehab Wheelchair Side View

Earlier Rehab Wheelchair Top View

As these drawings clearly show, the earlier model rehab wheelchair basicly is an earlier model powered wheelchair in terms of its construction and its internal parts and its basic operation. Therefore, the term "rehab wheelchair" as used here does not refer to the basic wheelchair type but rather to the fact that these powered wheelchairs can be extensively modified to the needs of their individual users. The powered wheelchair shown on the previous page is one configured for use in a standard configuration without extensive modifications. The wheelchair shown above has been fitted with a specialized headreast.

Other possible modifications of these powered wheelchairs in the "rehab" configuration can include:

-- specialized padding and cushioning systems and components.

-- specialized control systems and components in a wide variety of types and modifications ranging from joystick modifications to "sip and puff" control units installed near the wheelchair user's mouth to allow him or her to control the wheelchair using "sips" (inhalations) and "puufs" (exhalations) in such a way that the "sip and puff" unit recognizes these as signals.

-- specialized leg and/or foot supports and extensions as needed.

-- other specialized medical equipment and/or components depending upon the user's individual needs.

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