​8 Steps To Get The Wheelchair Your Child Needs Quickly

If you have a child who needs a wheelchair, you know how important it is to get them the right one as soon as possible. The good news is that there are steps you can take to make sure that happens. In this blog post, we will outline 8 of those steps for you. By following these tips, you can ensure that your child gets the wheelchair they need in a timely manner!

#1 Consult Your Child's Doctor

The first step is to consult with your child’s doctor. They will be able to tell you what type of wheelchair would be best for your child and can provide a prescription for it.

#2 Check With Your Child’s PT or OT

In addition to your child’s MD, it's important to check in with your child’s physical therapist or occupational therapist (if they have one). They will be able to offer additional insight into any specific needs your child may need to be fulfilled by their wheelchair.

If you don’t have a PT or OT, no worries! Many children’s hospitals have clinics that offer free evaluations to help you choose the right wheelchair.

#3 Start Shopping

Once you have consulted with your doctor and any other healthcare professional, the next step is to start shopping around for a wheelchair. There are many different types of wheelchairs on the market, so it’s important to find one that is right for your child. You can ask other parents of children with disabilities for recommendations, or you can search online for reviews.

You can also set up a free virtual appointment with one of Build My Wheelchair's certified Assistive Technology Professionals for guidance through the selection process.

#4 Narrow Down Your Options

Once you have found a few potential wheelchairs, the next step is to narrow down your options. This is where you will need to start thinking about what features are most important to you and your child. For example, if your child is very active, you may want to consider a power wheelchair. If they are on the smaller side, you might want to look for a chair with a narrower seat.

Some aspects to keep in mind when shopping for your child's wheelchair include:

• Type of wheelchair (manual or power)
• Seat width and depth
• Height of both the chair and backrest
• Push handle options
• Wheel size
• Armrests
• Weight limit
• The warranty
• The return policy
• Shipping costs

Once you have considered all of these factors, you should be able to narrow down your options and choose the best wheelchair for your child.

#5 Customize Your Purchase

After you have found the perfect wheelchair for your child, the next step is to customize it. This may include adding a custom seat cushion or backrest or choosing special colors or fabrics. You can also add accessories, such as headrests, trays, and bags.

#6 Research Financing Options

If you are not able to pay for the wheelchair outright, there are financing options available. You can research these options and find one that best suits your needs. There are many organizations that offer loans or grants for wheelchairs, so be sure to check with them as well.

Build My Wheelchair offers a few different financing options for those who qualify, which you can learn more about here.

#7 Order Your New Wheelchair

Once you’ve found the perfect wheelchair for your child, the next step is to place an order. Most companies will require a deposit, so be prepared to pay this upfront. The deposit is typically around 50% of the total cost of the wheelchair.

At this point, you will likely need to provide the company with your child’s prescription, as well as your insurance information.

#8 Practice In Your New Chair

Finally, once your child’s new wheelchair has arrived, the last step is to make sure that they are properly trained on how to use it. Many companies offer training sessions or videos that you can watch with your child. You can also ask their doctor or a physical therapist for tips.

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By following these steps, you can be sure that your child will get the wheelchair they need in a timely manner!

If you have any questions about the process, or if you need help finding the right wheelchair for your child, please contact us at Build My Wheelchair. We would be happy to assist you!