Top 10 Interesting Wheelchair and Disability Facts

A wheelchair is a terrific way for physically challenged people to regain mobility. It enables a disabled person to participate in events and activities with their relatives, friends, and co-workers that might otherwise be impossible. It might be as simple as going for a lengthy stroll with a friend or even a hike on accessible trails.

The wheelchair user can also enjoy going to parks and doing regular activities like grocery shopping. Since power chairs don’t require much physical exertion, it is very convenient for the user and provides them with greater freedom.

Some interesting facts about wheelchairs and disabilities that you might not know-

1. About 10% of the global population, i.e. about 650 million people, have disabilities.
2. Studies indicate that, of these, some 10% require a wheelchair. In 2003, it was estimated that 20 million of those requiring a wheelchair for mobility did not have one. There are indications that only a minority of those in need of wheelchairs have access to them, and of these very few have access to an appropriate wheelchair.
3. Power Wheelchairs were invented during World War II by George Klein. He understood the concept after seeing countless veterans who were critically wounded during WWII.
4. The first-ever Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960. While the Paralympics offer over 20 sports now, there were only eight back then, and wheelchair basketball was one of them.
5. In the United States, 98 percent of public transit buses have ramps that are accessible to wheelchairs.
6. The first wheelchair marathon competitor raced in a Boston Marathon in 1975
7. Talking about the wheelchair facts we should not forget about the longest distance covered by a motorized wheelchair in just 24 hours was achieved by Jackie Weeden. He tracked for 13 hours and 50 minutes to cover 154 miles.
8. According to a recent study, which ranked the global countries based on their wheelchair accessibility. The top 5 wheelchair accessible countries are- Canada, UK, US, Australia, and New Zealand, and many more
9. Furthermore, in the United States, the top 5 wheelchair accessible cities are- Seattle, Portland, Reno, Albuquerque, and Denver.
10. According to WHO, a wheelchair is perfect wheelchair if-

• It meets the user’s custom requirements.
• It provides adequate fit and postural support
• It is safe and durable
• It is available in the country
• It can be obtained, maintained and sustain services in the country itself at an affordable price.

These were some of the interesting facts related to wheelchair and disability that you might not know.
If you are considering buying a wheelchair, Cura360 can help you find the best suited for you.
Durable Medical Equipment and Cura360

Cura360 is a one-stop shop for DME solutions. The experts at Cura360.com can save you weeks of debating the pros and cons of different options, as well as recommend the best Manual Wheelchairs, Power wheelchairs, Mobility Scooters, Canes, Crutches, Walkers, Rollators, and many more mobility devices to suit your requirements.

Cura360 has a wide selection of wheelchairs ranging from, Transport wheelchairs, Folding Ultra-Lightweight Wheelchair, Rigid Ultra Lightweight Wheelchair, Heavy-Duty Wheelchair, Reclining Power Wheelchair, Full Sized power wheelchairs, all-terrain power wheelchairs and the list goes on.
Contact Cura360 at 1-833-207-3433 know if you’re considering getting a good quality and customised Wheelchair.