Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Power wheelchairs (PWC) are essential devices, especially for people with severe disability. PWC can increase mobility, participation and well-being, but they may also be problematic in terms of usability, safety, and cost. Currently, little is known about power mobility use over time. This study explores how the experiences of older users of PWC change during their life. Participants from Vancouver, Montreal and Québec City (Canada) were interviewed over a period of 2 years about their daily experience of power mobility and the environmental barriers and facilitators. The participants use of power mobility changed over time because of their changing physical capabilities and because they develop skills to drive their PWC. The PWC gave them a feeling of freedom and allowed them to be part of their community. For some participants, the PWC became part of who they are. Unfortunately, the participants encountered many physical barriers and had to deal with the attitude of the public. This study provides new insights on the experience of older PWC users, and thus will help stakeholders to understand the complexity of power mobility provision and users' engagement in meaningful activities.