Inquiring into the needs of women in wheelchairs can enable researchers and industry professionals to create wheelchair designs that enhance a woman's comfort and mobility.
A consumer assessment was taken of women who use wheelchairs. The majority of participants were veterans and around 50 years old.
With regard to design, development, and future
innovations, many women believed the female anatomy makes it more difficult to fit in a wheelchair. One woman said there are customizable chairs for men but not for women “except [when asking] if I want hot pink or purple [colors]." Additionally, more than half of the women in this study said they were not satisfied with their current wheelchairs and more than two-thirds of the women reported an impact on their ability to complete daily household activities.
Wheelchair designs have the potential to improve user experience and enhance overall quality of life, while also reducing the need for additional support services. Such advancements can also contribute to progress in the disability field and help address discrimination faced by women with disabilities.
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This information was taken from the Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health (JMVFH).
For more information about necessary wheelchair improvements related to usability, services, quality of life, and innovation that could address gender disparities, visit https://jmvfh.utpjournals.press/
Article: "A consumer assessment from women who use wheelchairs."
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