Approximately 1.4 million people in the United States are wheelchair users. This means that around 1 in every 220 Americans relies on a wheelchair for mobility.
Among the conditions that lead to wheelchair use are
- spinal cord injuries;
- amputated legs;
- cerebral palsy;
- multiple sclerosis; and
- muscular dystrophy.
Other disorders that may affect movement - arthritis and osteoporosis, for example - can also result in wheelchair dependency.
Chairdex is a website about wheelchairs. We describe the
types of chairs, the history
of wheelchairs, and common
accessories. There are many exciting developments in wheelchair
design going on now. Wheelchair athletes have formed a thriving
community and we also present resources
for people who use wheelchairs.