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Pro Tips

The world of mobility can be complicated. And, if you’re new to a wheelchair, or even a seasoned pro, you’re faced with many unknowns. PRO TIPS covers a wide variety of topics from practical, daily events like how to tackle laundry and cooking to travel, health, advocacy and more.

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An older man stands beside a woman in a power wheelchair holding a black and white dog, both smiling in front of a white accessible van with adaptive driving features parked in a driveway on a sunny day.
Travel

Driving with Hand Controls

1. Be an advocate for your own independence. I transitioned over to high tech hand controls once I was unable to turn a steering wheel safely. As a person with a muscular dystrophy, over time I have lost strength in my shoulders and upper arms. I love being independent, and the high-tech driving system in…

A smiling young boy with glasses sits in a high chair at a busy restaurant, wearing a dark blue shirt and green pants. Other people are dining while a woman stands in the background holding plates.
Wheelchair Life

Going to a Restaurant

1.  Use Google Maps. Many restaurants list if there is a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible bathroom, and even an accessible parking lot. 2.  Use Yelp. You can also use street view or look at photos on Yelp to see if there are steps or a ramp at the entrance. Some restaurants will have “virtual…

A smiling receptionist in a navy blazer stands behind a front desk in a modern lobby, ready to assist with your hotel booking. Framed certificates and awards are displayed on the wall behind her.
Travel

Booking a Hotel Room

1. Plan ahead. I always call the actual hotel I’m going to stay at, and make sure the room is actually what I need. As a quad, improvising isn’t very easy, and I try to eliminate any unexpected challenges.  2. Check the bathroom. ADA bathrooms vary across properties. For example, an accessible shower could mean it…

A woman in a powered wheelchair sits on a wooden dock, enjoying accessible activities and looking out over a marina with boats and sailboats under a partly cloudy sky.
Travel

Enjoying the Outdoors in a Wheelchair

1. Get an Access Pass. The Access Pass is a lifetime pass to national parks and federal recreational lands.  It’s free to individuals with permanent disabilities. 2. Enjoy the beach. Sand is not a wheelchair user’s best friend, but there are areas that provide beach wheelchair rentals. Some beaches have access mats that make it…

A wooden window box with green trailing plants sits beneath a window in a light-colored brick wall, next to a closed wooden door with a silver knob—perfect for easy opening doors or closing doors.
Wheelchair Life

Opening & Closing Doors in Your Home in a Power Wheelchair

1. Opening doors. The footrest sticks out further on power chairs, so opening a door may require you to use the footrest. Adding a toe kick can save a lot of wear and tear on your doors.  2. Closing doors. Closing doors in a power chair can be difficult due to the footrest getting in…

A group of children in party hats celebrate a birthday around a table with a cake. One child in a pediatric tilt wheelchair smiles and receives gifts, surrounded by friends, balloons, and colorful presents.
Wheelchair Life

Selecting the Right Mobility Equipment for Your Child

1. Gather input from the people who know your child the best, including childcare providers, teachers, specialists, etc. These are the people who see your child using their equipment throughout their daily lives. If possible, connect these people with your Numotion team. 2. Talk to other parents about their experiences. Ask what they like or don’t like…