2023 Volume 38 Issue 2 Pages 105-113
When wheelchair users in support facilities for the disabled experience difficulty maintaining a sitting position due to physical function decline or breakdown, they can purchase new wheelchairs or wheelchair parts for repair, through the prosthetic device payment system. However, the suitability of the purchased device is not guaranteed. A survey of all facilities belonging to the “National Council of Facilities for the Physically Handicapped” revealed that 66% of wheelchair users experience difficulty in maintaining a sitting position. In addition, it became clear that when facilities own wheelchairs and equipment for maintaining a sitting position are inadequate, the sense of difficulty in responding increases, and there is also a shortage of human resources and training for adjustment of wheelchairs to maintain a sitting position. From this, it was considered necessary to provide alternative wheelchairs at the facility, introduce leasing, and conduct training on how to maintain a sitting position. In addition, it was considered necessary to expand the scope of the rental system to include wheelchairs and items that support a sitting position, and to add the placement of alternative wheelchairs and items that support a sitting position to the facility standards.
