It is therefore important to consult with your occupational therapist, or a knowledgeable and well-informed person, prior to purchasing from commercial outlets to ensure that all of the above considerations are taken into account and that you are getting professional, rather than commercial advice.

DISABLED PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION wishes you a pleasant and safe shopping experience. Safety and cost effective equipment must be the basic guidelines with due consideration also being given to after-purchase-service, availability of spare parts and appropriateness to consumer use and environment.

The following suggestions have been compiled to offer considerations, prior to purchasing equipment. It does not, however, preclude the importance of seeking individual consultation.

1. Powered or manual - powered wheelchairs require battery charging consideration.
2. Tyre type - solid or inflatable depend on environment used; there are indoor, outdoor, and dual considerations.
3. Collapsibility - how compact and lightweight is the wheelchair for transportation.
4. Always check the brakes and detachable locking mechanisms.
5. Wheel size - large for independent operation, small for attendant operation.
6. Detachable features - usually footrests and armrests the more features that are detachable, the greater the expense.
7. Measurements - size and weight need consideration as some wheelchairs have a weight limit.
8. Dimensions - wheelchairs need prescription to individual needs to prevent postural problems.

1. Mobile or static - if wheeled type check brake effectiveness.
2. Commode functions - can it be wheeled over a toilet or used as a commode
3. Detachable features - can the armrests be removed for side transfer?
4. Shower function - can the chair be used in the shower, i.e., is it constructed of non-corrosive material?
5. Adjustable - can the height be altered to meet the transfer needs of the user.

1. Mobile, usually hydraulic, space consideration is a major factor
2. Static - usually fixed over a bath.
3. Electric - can be tacked on the ceiling, static or mobile - a major consideration is the cost and ceiling structure
4. Slings - the slings are equally important, if not more important than the hoist; they come in many different shapes, sizes, and for safety reasons correct prescription is important.

1. The long term needs, need to be taken into consideration as the cost will be high.
2. Platform or wheelchair carrying lifts - for those people who are not able to transfer.
3. Stairs or chairlifts - for those people who are able to transfer.
4. Check the safety standards of the company.
5. Are your stairs suitable? Stairs with a flat landing or spiral require a curved track which can be very costly .
6. Stairlifts can be down-facing or side-facing with swivel seat depending on the transfer abilities of the individual.
7. Check the contraindications for certain type of stairlifts, le, epilepsy, special harnesses are also an important consideration when looking at special seating for children.

INFORMATION
Services for empowering disabled people through information and skills development at neighbourhood level. Provide information on existing updated assistive devices and other equipment, their manufacturers and suppliers and financial considerations. Make available publications, audio-visual and related materials as a library reference service and data base.

CENTRE
Assess training needs and develop coordinated training programmes in the field of study and information sharing. Establish liaison with hospitals, nongovernmental organisations of and for the disabled people, universities, polytechnics and trade unions, private industries, commercial establishments, Consumers' Association of Singapore and others. To facilitate support networks of and for disabled people.

HANDICAPPED
People who have recently become disabled due to accidents, disease or trauma, as well as those who are congenitally and adventitiously disabled.

The above consumer guidelines have been compiled and presented by MISS JULIA FITZGERALD, S.R.O.T. U.K., SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST, for Disabled People's Association.