Getting used to a wheelchair

[becca022]

I got a phone call yesterday from the hospital in Adelaide (we live in a country town) to say there's a wheelchair small enough for DS & to come in & get him fitted & all that. Now Im wondering roughly how long does it take to get a child used to a wheelcair & pushing themselves around? DS's upper body is very weak & he can barely hold his head up on the floor on his tummy. Do you think this'll make it too hard for him to do it himself? Oh yeah I think it's a manual chair... not electric.

[kiwibird27]

Is it a wheelchair of a more like a wheelchair stroller?? My DD is 2 and has a wheelchair stroller than we use just like a normal stroller, (she sits nice and straight in it) then for inside the seat comes out and sits on the floor or in a highchair base. She can't move around herself due to developmental delay but when on the floor she rolls everywhere.

I don't really know your situation though but our chair has been life changing. She can finally sit up at the table with us at Cafe's and see all the people at the registers at shops!!

[NibbleCurlynBub]

If he is only three it will probably take a little while for him to learn to do it himself.

You will know to follow the cues, so don't stress.

[becca022]

It's a proper wheelchair. Just waiting for another call for when we can go there to get him fitted.
Independance will be great for him.