5. Negotiating Obstacles
1.1. Forwards
The wheelchair should be tilted by the helper until the front castors have
passed over the kerbs. Move the wheelchair forward until the rear wheels
touch the kerb and gently lower the front castors over the pavement.
Push the lift until the rear wheels have mounted the kerb. The wheelchair
should not be lifted by the handles alone.
1.2. Backwards
The wheelchair should be positioned so that the rear wheels are against
the kerb. The helper should then tilt the wheelchair backwards and then
pull the chair until the rear wheels mount the kerb. The front castors
should only be lowered to the ground when the wheelchair has been
pulled sufficiently away from the kerb.
1.3. Upward and Downward slopes
Always go straight up and down slopes to avoid the possibility of the
wheelchair overturning. Avoid steep slopes, which may cause instability.
