As we conclude this "Wheelchairs" section of our "Slide Show", it is important that we mention the challenges faced by wheelchair users in the operation of their wheelchairs -- challenges that will in some cases be elaborated upon later in this "Slide Show".

-- Blind Spots

The areas immediately in front of, to the sides of, and to the rear of a wheelchair are often hidden from the wheelchair user's view.

-- Terrain Issues

As we mentioned in our earlier discussion regarding terrain, there are many terrain-related challenges faced by wheelchair users. Many of these will be commented on later in this "Slide Show".

-- Issues of Muscular Control or Coordination

In controlling their wheelchairs, wheelchair users can sometimes face issues such as poor muscular control and/or coordination -- issues that can result in unsteady or jerky movements in their efforts to control the wheelchair.

-- Control System Issues

Each type of control system can present its own issues and challenges as well. In fact, any electronic system can in and of itself malfunction, resulting in unreliable signals being sent to the wheelchair's control systems.

-- Excessive Moisture Or Dirt

Excessive moisture -- from rain, snow, or other causes -- can cause electrronic to behave unpredictably and possibly fail altogether. Excess accumulation of dirt can also cause electronic, electrical, and/or mechanical malfunctions and/or failures.

-- Transit Boarding And Alighting Issues

Issues can arise in the process of boarding or alighting from a transit vehicle. This can include situations in which a transit vehicle operator errs in the positioning of a transit vehicle or its bridge, lift, or ramp. This can pose significant challenges to a wheelchair user who is attempting to manuever from a transit boarding location onto a vehicle bridge, lift or ramp or who is exiting from a vehicle bridge, lift, or ramp to the alighting location.

-- Other Issues

Sometimes, other issues can arise unexpectedly. If a wheelchair user's coat sleeve, for example, gets caught on a joystick or tiller, an unexpected control input -- and thus an unexpected movement of the wheelchair -- can result, posing a potentially dangerous or potentially fatal situation for the wheelchair user and/or others.

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