Understand how to safely open and close doors independently in a wheelchair with our advanced wheelchair skills guides.
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Being able to open and close doors is an essential skill for independence. Doors can sometimes be tricky to manage in a wheelchair. But, with the right technique, you’ll soon be able to handle them confidently on your own.
In this skills guide, you’ll learn how to approach different types of doors, open and close them safely, and safely manage heavy or spring-loaded doors.
Being able to open and close doors will give you more confidence and independence. It’s important to learn the correct technique to avoid injuring yourself.
The aim is to develop smooth and controlled movements that make navigating doors simple, quick and easy.
It starts by positioning your wheelchair and using your body weight for balance. This will reduce the risk of tipping or straining your arms.
There are differences in how you approach the task if you’re in a manual wheelchair or powerchair.
There are two types of doors: those that open towards you and those that open away from you. Here’s the correct technique for managing both in a manual wheelchair.
If the door is heavy or spring-loaded, you might need to ask someone to hold it open while you pass through.
Be careful not to catch your fingers or hands between the door and frame when moving through, as it can be very painful.
Powerchairs are larger and heavier than manual wheelchairs, so the technique is slightly different.
Use the steps here as a guide and adapt them to the circumstances you find yourself in.
Some powerchairs have automatic door systems or accessible buttons. We recommend using them if you can as they make moving through doors much easier and safer.
Moving through doorways can be tricky, particularly if you don’t know what’s going to be on the other side.
Here are some expert tips to help you stay safe while opening, closing doors and moving through doorways:
Opening and closing doors is simple, if you use the correct techniques. When you do, you’ll find it easier to move independently and in total control.
In this guide on how to open and close doors we’ve covered:
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