Wheelchair Gloves Alternative

The method of propelling the manual wheelchair has not changed for the last 100 years. This is achieved through pushing the handrims that are attached to the large wheels. Wheelchair users expends the most energy in this act of pushing to move around in the course of a day. Anodised aluminium handrims are common these days because it is light and cost-effective. This is what I have for my current wheelchair.

Alternative to wheelchair gloves
Nike Alpha Training Men’s Grip.
Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S III.

The surface of the handrims is smooth. I have weak grips. My hands tends to slip. This makes pushing tiring. I have previously used leather gloves with latex pads which worked very well. However, the latex pads wear out and tear within six months. I have used up two pairs of these which I bought from Japan for ¥7,000 (RM270) per pair. This is expensive for something that lasts six months only.

Alternative to wheelchair gloves
My hands are rather large but the “Small” size fits nicely.
Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S III.

While shopping at Mid Valley Megamall last year, I found these Nike Alpha Training Men’s Grip at the Nike Shop for RM79 per pair. They are not gloves but are gripping pads for weightlifting but worked as well on wheelchair handrims. Unfortunately, I dropped one side a few months later. The shop where I bought them and the other Nike Shops that I went to enquire were out of stock for my size. I placed an order for three pairs with the Nike Shop at The Gardens Mall which arrived nearly two months later.

Alternative to wheelchair gloves
This is how I push the wheelchair.
Photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S III.

My thumbs and fingers are too weak for a good grip of the handrims. I push the rims by pressing my palms against the handrims. The non-slip surface of the pads helps in maintaining a good traction. They are cheaper than the leather gloves with latex padding and are very durable. Needless to say, I am happy to have found these pads.

Toyful Christmas At Mid Valley Megamall 2010

Imagine, being a child, waking up to a Christmas full of toys and more toys. I would have been elated beyond words. That was how I felt when I walked amongst the teddy bears and toy soldiers and snowmen and clowns that was part of the Christmas deco at Mid Valley Megamall. There even was a carousel, Jack-in-the-box and a musical box ballerina. While we were taking photographs at the Centre Court, we managed to catch a dance performance by an elf, clown, toy soldier and ballerina that received warm applause from the shoppers.

Toys galore for Christmas at Mid Valley MegamallToys and even more toys at Mid Valley Megamall’s Funtoystic Christmas.

Toys galore for Christmas at Mid Valley MegamallTeddy bears and snowmen adding merriment at Centre Court of Mid Valley Megamall.

Toys galore for Christmas at Mid Valley MegamallDance performance consisting of an elf, clown, toy soldier and ballerina at Mid Valley Megamall.

Your Car Very Big Ah?

Abuse of accessible parking at The Gardens Mid Valley
Abuse of accessible parking at The Gardens Mid Valley – November 13, 2010, 10.04 pm.

I confess, I sometimes park my car in two standard bays. That is because I could not find accessible bays after circling around for the third or fourth time or the few allocated accessible bays were already occupied. I need the extra space to open the car door fully and place the wheelchair beside it.

But look at this little Kancil that was parked outside the P2 lift lobby of The Gardens Mid Valley. It occupied two bays with wheelchair logos painted on them. Even if the car was driven by a disabled person, there is no excuse to occupy two parking bays, more so when these are accessible ones. Some people are simply inconsiderate.