Examining perceptions of existing and newly created accessibility symbols.

Background: Symbols are used to convey messages in a clear, understandable manner, without the use of written language. The most widely recognized symbol used to denote access for persons with disabilities is the International Symbol of Access. This symbol has been criticized for its inadequate representation of disability diversity poorly representing universal design of space and products.

Use of two test methods to ensure accurate surface firmness and stability measurements for accessibility.

Purpose: The firmness and stability of indoor and outdoor surfacing are critical to the accessibility and safety of all environments for people with mobility impairments and/or who use mobility devices. ASTM F1951 laboratory test procedures include pass/fail criteria for determining playground surface accessibility by comparing the work to propel up a 1:14 (7.1%) grade ramp to that of the test surface in a wheelchair.

Stroke pattern and handrim biomechanics for level and uphill wheelchair propulsion at self-selected speeds.

Objectives: To investigate the natural stroke patterns of wheelchair users pushing on a level surface, to determine if users adapt their stroke patterns for pushing uphill, and to assess whether there are biomechanic advantages to one or more of the stroke patterns.

Design: Case series.

Setting: Biomechanics laboratory.

Consequences of a cross slope on wheelchair handrim biomechanics.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that pushing on a cross slope leads to increased handrim loading compared with that found on a level surface.

Design: Case series.

Setting: Biomechanics laboratory.

Reduced finger and wrist flexor activity during propulsion with a new flexible handrim.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that finger and wrist flexor activity is lower when pushing with a high-friction flexible handrim than with a standard uncoated handrim.

Design: Case series.

Setting: Biomechanics laboratory.

Low-impact wheelchair propulsion: achievable and acceptable.

Incidence of upper-limb overuse injuries among the manual wheelchair population has been found to be associated with hand-rim loading characteristics such as impact and peak loading on the hand rim during propulsion. One proposed method to reduce impact and peak loading is the use of a compliant hand rim, one that can displace relative to the wheel when impacted by the hand. A Variable Compliance Hand-Rim Prototype (VCHP) was designed and used to experimentally optimize the level of compliance through subjective and qualitative propulsion outcome measures.