Vacuuming on Wheels

I tried out something today just to try to prove to myself that there can be some sense of normalcy in a wheelchair.

I vacuumed.

Yes I know it's more than 3 pounds. But even vacuuming I was able to breathe better than usual and had less pain. Here's my picture demo on vacuuming on wheels.

Backing up from the linen closet out to the living room (for lack of room to turn around, remember we have a 1200 sq ft house):


Putting on the brakes (so I don't get rolled myself) and doing a section:


Finishing up to finish in front of me--the gloves are a lifesaver! They are actually gloves for serious bicycling. We got them for free with DH's points at the local Performance Bike store. They are Pearl Izumi brand, very well-known. If a newer chair user is looking for gloves, don't rule out bike stores. These are awesome gloves. I couldn't feel a thing in my hands from being in the chair today, unlike the blister I was getting after an hour earlier this week.

Resources for adapted sports, alternative physical activity

I know a few of us are either part-time or full-time chair users, and others use other assistive devices. Here are some resources that were shared in Spring 2008 Momentum magazine (the National MS Society magazine).

The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability

New Horizons Learning Center

AbleData

Disaboom