Navigating Different Environments

Providing a wheelchair

increases participation

but at the same time a wheelchair is mentioned to be the most limiting factor of participation.
Ripat et al. 2018, Chaves et al. 2004

Other factors which limit participation: physical impairment, and the built and natural environments in which activities take place.
Chaves et al. 2004

Power Assist Devices

Power Assist Devices enable the user to navigate a range of environments.

• Multiple studies report on an increased possibility to navigate a wider range of environments
  Algood et al. 2005; Ding et al. 2008; Giesbrecht et al. 2011; Guillon et al. 2015; Khalili et al. 2021

User Benefits

PAD can increase participation by enabling the user to navigate different terrain.

1. Easier access to outdoor environments

• Multiple studies have found a PAD has a positive impact on the user's access to outdoor environments such as hills/parks/off-road
• Of 125 PAD users surveyed, over 90 cited outdoor activities in their community as a typical situation to use PAD

2. Improved travelling

• Almost half of PAD users surveyed said they used their PAD when travelling (airport and hotels)