Wheelchair Maneuvering Techniques for Safety and Ease in Handling of a Wheelchair
Safety requires the constant attention of the wheelchair user and also the attendant. It is important that the procedures and techniques involved in the safe operation of the wheelchair he practiced. The wheelchair should be frequently inspected to detect and correct any maintenance problems.

While going down Always keep the wheelchair under control descend slowly and safely

The attendant can get the wheelchair user down in the above method of can come down the slope backwards, with his/her back to the direction of motion as again this would give the attendant better control and prevent the wheelchair user from slipping out.

Avoid changing direction when going down a ramp as change in incline may introduce instability factors which can result in the chair tipping over sideways.

Curbs and Steps
Among the many architectural barriers that confront the wheelchair user, the single step and curb is probably the most frequently encountered ..... and also the most frustrating. Attendants and wheelchair user should become. Attendants and wheelchair users should become familiar with the basic techniques of safety negotiating them.

Technique
The preferred method, based on the concept that the attendant is behind wheelchair at all times, providing the greatest safety or the occupant and generally requires less strength by the attendant.

Managing Stairs
There may be no alternative to using stairs. Special hazards exist and only experienced attendants should attempt to take a wheelchair up or down stairs.

SAFETY

• Do not attempt to go up or down stairs with only one attendant!
• Always make sure that the occupants feet are securely placed on the footplates and will not slip off. Also be certain that their arms, hands and lingers will not be injured, or become entangled with the wheel spokes.
• Inspect the handgrips to assure that they will not slip off or rotate as you go up and down the stairs.
• Once you start up or down stairs it will be difficult to stop and rest! If in doubt, do not attempt the procedures.

Going Up Stairs

• Roll the wheelchair backwards until the large wheels are resting against the face of the first step.
• Tilt the wheelchair until it is balanced.
• The attendant at the rear of the chair should be on the second step. When the attendant(s) in front rear are ready, they combine their efforts to Lift-Roll the wheelchair up one step at a time, repositioning themselves after each step.

When you reach the top, roll the wheelchair back (while keeping it tilt-balanced) until the attendant(s) in front are also off the steps. Then turn chair away from the stairs and slowly lower it to the upright position.

As you approach the curb, pause long enough to tilt the chair backwards to its balance point. After stabilizing it to in this tilting position, move forward until the front casters pass over the top of the curb, and the large rear wheels come in contact with the curb. Lower the front of the chair, resting the casters on top of the curb. Do not allow the chair to roll backwards.

The attendant repositions himself closer to the chair (for good body mechanics) and LIFTS the chair up by the push handles, ROLLING it up over the curb and PUSHING it forward. This should be a single, flowing movement, using a smooth continuous force. It should not require the attendant to step forward until the wheelchair is on the higher elevation

Going Down
Reverse the procedure for "Going Up" taking extra precautions to prevent the chair from "dropping" off the curb edge, jolting the occupant and damaging the chair.

Tilting a Wheelchair Backwards
This is one of the basic procedures to be learned. Tilting the chair backwards is generally required to overcome and negotiate obstacles such as curbs, doorsills, single steps and very rough terrain.

Technique of tilting wheelchair backwards
The object is to rotate the wheelchair around the axles of the large rear wheels until it reaches its "balance point." This will vary slightly depending upon the specific model, and weight of occupant. However, it will be close to a 30o reclining angle for a correctly engineered wheelchair. When you reach this balance point, it will be easy to maintain - simply by raising or lowering the push handles - and should not require much effort.

Safety Considerations for Attendants
When learning this technique, always have another person help you before attempting to do it alone with an occupant.

Before tilting the chair, be sure the occupants feet are secure on the footplates and will not slip off. Also assure that their arms, hands and fingers will not be injured or entangled with the wheel spokes.

Be sure that you have sufficient space to maneuver the wheelchair after it has been tilted backwards.

Release the wheel safety locks and inform the occupant that you are about to tilt the wheelchair backwards.

Ramps and Inclines
Many individual wheelchair users will be capable of negotiating short inclines without assistance - depending upon their strength, endurance and steepness of the ramp. While going up an incline always take the wheelchair straight, with the attendant walking behind. This would give the attendant a better control and safety to the wheelchair user as s/he can not slip out even if the slope is steep