Shepherd Center offers mobility class for wheelchair users
Think that brick sidewalk looks easy to navigate?
Imagine if you’re in a wheelchair.
Users of manual wheelchairs have an opportunity to learn and practice advanced wheelchair mobility skills during a free workshop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Shepherd Center, 2020 Peachtree Road N.W.
The Shepherd Center specializes in treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord or brain injuries.
Changes in medical insurance coverage, means patients spend less time in a hospital or other medical facility than they did a decade ago, so therapists have less time to help them hone their wheelchair mobility skills. Those skills include navigating on different terrain - sand, gravel, brick, curbs or doing up or downhill.
The clinic may also cover falling safely, wheelies and uprighting a wheelchair.
The event will be held at the Irene and George Woodruff Family Residence Center on the Shepherd campus. Caregivers, a friend or relative may also attend to work on spotting techniques, but it is not required for participation.
For more information and to register, contact physical therapist Jill Roecker at 404-603-4631 or jill_roecker@shepherd.org.
About the Author
Shelia has worked at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for more than 30 years. Previously, she worked at The Lexington Herald-Leader and The Louisville Defender. Her beat is a bit of a mixed bag that includes religion and spirituality, culture and trends, race and aging. She earned degrees from Spelman College and Northwestern University.
