Abstract
Pushchairs for adults are used by two distinct groups: the high dependency users who cannot walk or use a self-propelling chair and the occasional users who may be able to walk indoors but are unable to walk significant distances outdoors. In the past, both disparate groups were provided with similiar wheelchairs described as Model 9 or Model 10 in the United Kingdom. For the high dependency user the wheelchair may be individually adapted to accept specialized supportive seating and pressure relief cushions. The standard wheelchair without adaptation is supplied to the occasional user.
For disabled children, the UK wheelchair service provides about 1200 pushchairs and buggies. About 400 of those are the more specialized type such as the Avon, while the rest are standard children's buggies, openly available at a High Street shop. The continued free supply of the standard buggy through the UK Wheelchair Service is questionable.
A recent survey carried out by the UK Wheelchair Service showed that prescribers were not aware of the importance of lightness. foldability and appearance to parents and carers and conversely that parents often did not understand the necessity for supportive seating.
The prevention of deformities in children by providing correctly supportive wheelchair seating is accepted. The Disablement Services Authority in the UK is investigating the possibilities of producing children's wheelchairs that will satisfy the requirements of user, parent and prescriber.