Messe Duesseldorf North America

A variety of new technology and innovations in the rehabilitation, prevention, integration, and care industries will be displayed at RehaCare; from a GPS system for the blind (http://tinyurl.com/7kdt5d7) to how to drive your wheelchair with your tongue (http://tiny.cc/q4dbgw).

Even though driving a wheelchair with your tongue sounds pretty cool (and gross at the same time), let’s focus on the simple, yet profound structure of a wheelchair.

Mostly consisting of a simple black frame with four wheels and a cushioned seat, wheelchairs may all seem the same to the untrained eye. However, every wheelchair is unique, from the way you use it, how fast you can move, and even to how much you weigh. People must adjust their wheelchair to their needs, and some have even taken it to the next level.

Wheelchairs across the country are being “pimped,” just like the cars on the MTV show Pimp My Ride™. They have become bedazzled with diamonds, illuminated with strobe lights, converted into horse drawn carriages, and some even need to shave. You can now buy sparkling rims, diamonds, and fur to adorn your ride. Watch out though because they can cost a pretty penny; one set of “pimped” rims for your wheelchair could cost around $2,000. However, there is no need to spend ridiculous amounts of money on decorations. All you need is some glue, fur, beads, cloth, a stuffed animal horse head, or an idea.

Decorating your wheelchair is a great way to better identify with your vehicle, especially if you are a new user. Wheelchairs become part of your personal appearance, so why not make it fit your personality; add sparkles, fur, or bumper stickers as you see fit. You could make your wheelchair a political statement with bumper stickers, a diamond-studded throne with some glue and jewels, a horse-drawn carriage with a stuffed horse head, or even the abominable snowman with some fur.

Rehacare is not only for people with “pimped” wheelchairs, but it is also for anyone looking for the most up-to-date information, technology, and equipment in the rehabilitation, prevention, integration, and care industry. Come for a visit October 10-13, 2012 in Düsseldorf, Germany. For more information on RehaCare please visit: http://www.rehacare.com/.