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Many people purchase their wheelchair (or have it prescribed by the NHS) without any formal training on how to use it. There are some very simple techniques that most wheelchair users can learn in order to better negotiate obstacles and manoeuvre more effectively.
Our wheelchair training courses are provided by experienced chair users who have improved the skills of many hundreds of wheelchair users over the years. The format of the training varies depending on your existing skill level; however, we base our program on a standard set of skills, progressing from basic use to advanced wheelchair skills.
Your family and/or care staff play an important role in our training programme too. We’ll instruct them on how to keep you safe when you’re learning new skills. We’ll also provide them with special equipment to ensure they’re able to safely assist you while you develop your wheelchair skills and build up your confidence.
Our wheelchair training courses are delivered by Rhys Llewellyn and Drew Wilkinson, both of whom have years of experience. See our Meet the Team section for more information about our wheelchair skills trainers.
If you would like to discuss our wheelchair training further, please get in touch.
Our wheelchair training courses are provided by experienced chair users who have improved the skills of many hundreds of wheelchair users over the years. The format of the training varies depending on your existing skill level; however, we base our program on a standard set of skills, progressing from basic use to advanced wheelchair skills.
Your family and/or care staff play an important role in our training programme too. We’ll instruct them on how to keep you safe when you’re learning new skills. We’ll also provide them with special equipment to ensure they’re able to safely assist you while you develop your wheelchair skills and build up your confidence.
Our wheelchair training courses are delivered by Rhys Llewellyn and Drew Wilkinson, both of whom have years of experience. See our Meet the Team section for more information about our wheelchair skills trainers.
If you would like to discuss our wheelchair training further, please get in touch.
Basic Training Programme
Moving forwards, backwards and sideways
We look at your propelling technique and suggest any changes that might improve your efficiency. Your ability to manoeuvre in small spaces can be improved by being able to make small forward/back movements that result in the chair moving sideways.Stopping
Stopping is of course critical to your safety, and stopping efficiently reduces the likelihood of injury and reduces your energy expenditure. We’ll make sure you’re able to stop and slow down effectively on a variety of surfaces using different techniques.Turning
There are many methods that you can use to turn your wheelchair. You might want to turn on the spot, or veer one way as you cruise down a slope. Being able to use a variety of techniques enables you to turn the chair using the most efficient method for the situation.Moving one-handed
Having one hand free and still being able to propel your wheelchair can be really useful. It will enable you to carry a hot drink, for example, without the safety risk of placing it between your legs. It will also allow you to keep one hand clean whilst cooking.Slopes and Ramps
Many homes have ramped access to the front door and most wheelchair users will need to negotiate dropped kerbs or slopes. Being able to transfer your weight to make ascents and descents of slopes safer can really improve your confidence mobilising outdoors.Doors
Every type of door needs a different technique to open and move through. You’ll learn how to stabilise yourself when opening the door, how to keep the door open when you move through it, and how to close the door safely once you’re through.Lifting front wheels
Being able to safely lift the front wheels from the floor is probably the most useful skill a wheelchair user can have. Your front wheels won’t ride well over bumps, so being able to lift them over the bump instead (even for a moment) improves your efficiency and safety when propelling. This skill also lets you negotiate small door thresholds and smooth out the gradient change when negotiating the start or end of a ramp.Same level transfers
You probably don’t spend 24/7 in your wheelchair, so being able to transfer to and from your wheelchair is an important skill to have. Doing this independently isn’t always possible, but we can give you some advice on how other people can help you.Advanced Training Programme
Rear wheel balance
Being able to lift your front wheels off the floor is one thing; being able to keep them in the air is another! We’ll show you how to find your centre of gravity, allowing you to balance on your rear wheels.Deep / shallow balance
Once you’re able to balance on your rear wheels, we’ll show you how to use your body weight to adjust the balance point. This is a great skill to have for negotiating high kerbs.Moving with rear wheel balance
Being able to move whilst balancing on your rear wheels takes some practice, but will really improve your efficiency travelling over soft ground such as grass or loose gravel. It will also enable you to safely roll down kerbs.Raised thresholds
Many houses are fitted with uPVC door frames that are raised above floor level. We’ll show you how you can negotiate these, remaining balanced on your rear wheels the entire time.Kerbs
Some kerbs are just too high for any wheelchair user to negotiate independently. But we’ll show you how to assess whether you can manage a kerb by yourself, and how to instruct other people to assist you.Steep ramps
Using the deep/shallow balance skill described above, you’ll learn how to safely travel down ramps on your rear wheels only.Steps
Negotiating multiple steps isn’t ideal for any wheelchair user, but occasionally lifts can break down or a ramp may be blocked. Being able to safely ascend and descend steps can be a useful skill to have, especially when travelling abroad.Escalators
Using escalators is essential for some wheelchair users where lifts aren’t available. Or you may just want to avoid a queue for the lift. With practice and some reasonable core stability, we can show you how to manage ascending and descending escalators.Split level transfers
Not all of your transfers will be to a surface that’s on the same level as your wheelchair. We’ll give you some advice on transferring to higher surfaces (such as a van) and lower surfaces (such as the floor, canoe or hand-bike).About Our Wheelchair Skills Trainers
The Silver Fern team includes two experienced trainers who deliver wheelchair skills courses all over the country:
- Rhys Llewellyn has been working in wheelchair training since 2006 and has trained hundreds of wheelchair users. He received Back Up’s Golden Caster Award in recognition of his work at UK spinal injuries units. Rhys is a fluent Welsh speaker.
- Drew Wilkinson has been a wheelchair skills trainer with the Back Up Trust since 2007, teaching practical wheelchair skills at spinal injury centres and on multi-activity courses to help people build confidence, independence and everyday skills following injury.
Wheelchair Training Reviews
Prompt attention and excellent communication as well as care and consideration for the patient.
Excellent service. Quick and personal. Highly recommended.
I had a call from my client today saying how impressed he was with you. He found it really helpful so thanks for that. He wants to recommend you to a friend of his.
Wheelchair Training FAQs
What is wheelchair training?
What kinds of wheelchair training do you offer?
What will I learn in wheelchair training?
How do you learn to use a wheelchair?
Do carers need wheelchair training?
Do you provide powered wheelchair training?
To book your wheelchair training, or to get more information, please contact us through the button below.Contact Silver Fern Therapy
