Wheelchair Ergonomics For Computer Users

A good power wheelchair means the freedom tokeyboard will keep the wrists in a more natural
work! It can also mean sore shoulders, knottedposition. Many people do well with a gel wrist pad.
back muscles and the risk of an expensive overIf workers can learn to swap off using the mouse
use injury. No worries, though, when you followwith both hands, there will be fewer complaints of
these tips for creating an optimum worksore necks and shoulders.
environment for wheelchair users, or anyone whoFinally, the center of the computer monitor should
spends long hours in front of a computer monitor.be even with the eyes or a bit lower. The neck
The soles of the feet should be flat or tippedcan handle looking down much better than it can
slightly toes up. Both feet should be movedhandle looking up! Of course, there is no question
forward enough to keep the hips back on thethat anyone who is on the telephone all day
seat cushion and the lower back pushed againstshould be using a headset and not a handset.
the seat back. This position will provide a solidRemember that people need frequent short
base and help reduce strain in the upper back.breaks and a chance to stretch their limbs.
For regular computer users, the arms should beEveryone needs plenty of sunlight and water,
supported. The height of the keyboard should beespecially in an office environment. Master these
set so the arms are bent at about a 90 degreeessential and have fun with the rest of your day.
angle and the wrist is flat. A split, or "ergonomic,"Roll on.