If you or someone you love are in the process of buying a wheelchair, you might have heard discussions among your doctors and therapists about which types of wheelchairs you need. Depending on your mobility and support needs you may need different types of wheelchairs to address your situation. Wheelchairs in Canada range between Type 1 to Type 5 styles– these wheelchair types can each progressively adapt to the user’s needs and degree of mobility. Different seating surfaces, different back support options, diverse foot support accessories and hardware might be needed to find the perfect wheelchair types for you.
Who Determines Wheelchair Types in Toronto, Canada?
In Ontario, different kinds of wheelchairs are categorized under the ADP (Assistive Devices Program). This program covers 75 percent of the value of an approved ADP Wheelchair while the individual is responsible for 25 percent of the device. To better understand which wheelchair type could be right for you, we compiled a quick and handy list.
Types of Wheelchairs on the ADP Program:
Type 1 Wheelchair
These types of wheelchairs are for users who will use their wheelchair occasionally. The Standard chairs in this category weigh more than 38 lbs and are often made of steel. Type 1 wheelchair models include accessories such as removable arms (to facilitate transfer and help near your chair to a counter-like surface) and swing away or elevating footrests. Vital Mobility retails top-quality Standard Wheelchairs- we also carry these devices in our extensive wheelchair rental program.
Type 2 Wheelchair
Like Type 1 wheelchair options, the one big difference with them is their weight. Type 2 wheelchair options are lightweight. Lightweight wheelchairs are in the 25-38 lbs range and are often made of combinations of aluminum and carbon fiber. Suitable for more active wheelchair users, Type 2 wheelchairs include swing-away or elevating footrests and convenient removable arms for easier access and side transfers.
Type 3 Wheelchair
The level of customization for your wheelchair increases significantly when you require a type 3 wheelchair. Just like Type 2s, these wheelchair types are lightweight at 25-38 lbs and come equipped with removable armrests and footrests. But because these wheelchairs are built for very active users, they also feature anti-tippers to prevent falls, an adjustable centre of gravity which is crucial in maximizing your chair’s performance and quick-release axles allowing for quick and tool-free removal of the wheels. When filling out your ADP wheelchair application, you might notice that your therapist will include more information on customization for your type 3 wheelchair.
Type 4 Wheelchair
These wheelchairs are equipped with the same features as Category 3 wheelchairs. However, they are made from ultra-light materials like aluminum and titanium – making these type 4 wheelchair products perfect for everyday use and travel. The most popular type 4 wheelchair models are the rigid type. They are not foldable to minimize the use of nuts, bolts and other components that often needed to fold a chair and that weigh down the device.
Type 5 Wheelchair
These types of wheelchairs are also known as Manual Dynamic Tilt wheelchairs and are most suitable for individuals who require the tilting feature on the seat frame because they are unable to shift their body weight. Type 5 wheelchair models do not fold and feature swing-away footrests, quick release axles for easy servicing and transport, anti-tippers and adjustable-height arms that can be removed. These wheelchair types are highly customizable for individuals with very limited mobility.
How Quickly can I get ADP Wheelchair Types?
Experienced wheelchair retailers process hundreds of ADP applications every year. They have great working relationships with Canada’s best wheelchair suppliers and should be able to source the frame and accessories for different types of wheelchairs within 1-2 weeks. Once your new wheelchair is ready, the mobility supplier and your Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist will visit you to ensure that the chair you’ve been prescribed is the perfect fit for you.
The processing of an ADP application can take between 2-3 months for approval. If you need these wheelchair types in the meantime, you can purchase the wheelchair and be refunded 75% of the device upon approval. If you can wait, you will only have to pay 25% of the value of the device.
How can a Mobility Supplier Help with Different Kinds of Wheelchairs?
Many of these types of wheelchairs, for first-time users, are partially covered by the government’s ADP program. Vital Mobility works with you, your family and physical or occupational therapists to complete that application and get you on the road to finding the right wheelchair for you in a timely and responsive manner.
If you are not looking to purchase your wheelchair through the ADP program, please find some information on how much a wheelchair costs.
