Wheelchairs and Standards Overview Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers Workshop July 19, 2019 Don Clayback, NCART Executive Director
About NCART National organization of providers and manufacturers of Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) products used by individuals with significant disabilities Educates and advocates legislators and policy makers at federal and state levels to ensure adequate access through proper coding, coverage, payment, and standards Visit www.ncart.us for CRT info and tools
Types of Mobility Devices Standard Mobility- usually short term or intermittent use (typical user can transfer into a vehicle seat) Manual Wheelchairs; Power Scooters; Power Wheelchairs Complex Rehab Mobility- typically long-term, permanent and full-time use (Occupant transport) Manual Wheelchairs; Power Wheelchairs Variety of design, dimensions, and configurations.. (pediatric, adult, bariatric)
Wheelchair Manufacturers Invacare Permobil Pride Mobility/Quantum Rehab (power only) Sunrise Medical Ki Mobility (manual only) Shop Rider (power only) Hoveround (power only) Others
Wheelchair “Standards” Limited safety standards; primarily focused on mobility, not transportation Performance standards (Durability, obstacle climb, incline stability) Durability standards (drop test) Wheelchair transportation standards (Nichole to discuss)
Wheelchair Transportation Issues Relating to wheelchair design and provision Wheelchair selection is based on myriad considerations… only one is transportation Not all wheelchairs are crash tested Not all are available with transit options Occupant transit systems (attached to wheelchair) are not covered by many health insurance plans Securing third-party funding to cover occupant transit systems must be pursued Nichole will cover other transportation issues
Wheelchairs Manufacturers and AV Formal Committee/Processes extremely important Wheelchair manufacturers must be included in discussions re docking design and integration Any wheelchair design change requires significant lead time Added cost associated with wheelchair redesign is a significant constraint as third party funding for wheelchairs is fixed Standardization of docking interface is critical for adoption – ideally utilizing an existing standard
Contact Information Don Clayback Executive Director, NCART 716-839-9728 dclayback@ncart.us www.ncart.us