Standing Wheelchair Puts People On Their Feet

Standing Wheelchair Puts People On Their Feet MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT Handicapped Equipment Ed Bell looks forward to the day when it’s common to see people in wheelchairs that allow them to stand up whenever they want Since he suffered a spinal cord injury in 1982 from a gunshot during a violent attack he has led by example He farms consults and does motivational speaking while getting around in his own Standing Company wheelchair “Most still aren’t aware of this wheelchair ” Bell says though the Michigan company has been selling the chairs for more than two decades “I sat in a wheelchair for 20 years When I stood up in this chair for the first time it was a ‘wow’ experience ” Fifteen years later he continues to consult and speak for The Standing Company in addition to operating his Indiana Bell’s Strawberry Farm where he and his family raise strawberries asparagus and Doberman puppies Thanks to modified equipment he drives tractor and has always done his own maintenance work But before the standing chair he couldn’t do one small but important thing – reach the button to secure the hood on his tractor He uses the half-power chair offered by The Standing Company which is an electric chair with a manual control for standing “It uses a set of braces that fasten below the knee caps to hold your legs in place and armrests that slip up when you stand ” Bell says “You just need to have at least one leg or prosthetic to stand on ” The Standing Company also offers a completely manual chair and a full power chair that is all electric Besides the extra mobility being able to stand offers many health benefits –from reducing spasticity urinary tract infection and pressure sores to improving the cardiovascular and circulatory system Bell notes that he was able to get off two medications after switching to the Standing Company chair It’s also beneficial for people in wheelchairs looking for employment he adds Bell says he appreciates that the company is in the U S and that it works with clients to fit the right chair and find available funding with insurance and government programs Company owner David Maczik is a veteran who initially developed the standing chair for a friend with MS “It’s part of my body I have to have it ” Bell admits “This chair literally puts people on their feet ” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup The Standing Company 5848 Dixie Hwy Saginaw Mich 48601 ph 800 782-6346; www thestandingcompany com; strawberries1983@frontier com

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