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Adaptive Cycling: Handcycles, Amputee Adaptation, Visual Impairment, and Other Needs Have a need for adaptive equipment to ride to compensate for a disability or loss of limb or function? This area is for discussion among those of us in the cycling world that are coming back from traumatic circumstances and tell the world, "No, you are not going to beat me down!"

How Many Of You Have A Disability?

Old 05-24-11, 03:53 AM
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This is a really great thread.
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Old 09-18-11, 11:30 PM
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Little update...

The body is still messed up but have finally seen a little light as after winning an appeal against the WCB, they have finally accepted fiduciary responsibility for their failure to act accordingly and should be receiving retroactive benefits for the past 4 years as well as a benefit guarantee and coverage for pretty much anything I may need in the way of physio, medications, and supports for things I cannot do.

And a month ago I married the love of my life.
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Old 09-19-11, 05:47 AM
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Originally Posted by Sixty Fiver
Little update...

The body is still messed up but have finally seen a little light as after winning an appeal against the WCB, they have finally accepted fiduciary responsibility for their failure to act accordingly and should be receiving retroactive benefits for the past 4 years as well as a benefit guarantee and coverage for pretty much anything I may need in the way of physio, medications, and supports for things I cannot do.

And a month ago I married the love of my life.
Bravo! and Congratulations!
 
Old 09-19-11, 09:34 AM
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The only disability I have that affects cycling is my kids'. She has Down syndrome. That affects her balance, strength, and most importantly, her motivation. So as of now, the only bike riding she does is when I'm dragging her on a trail-a-bike. So that's how it affects my cycling. Damn she's getting heavy too.
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Old 09-19-11, 10:57 AM
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Originally Posted by boneshake
The only disability I have that affects cycling is my kids'. She has Down syndrome. That affects her balance, strength, and most importantly, her motivation. So as of now, the only bike riding she does is when I'm dragging her on a trail-a-bike. So that's how it affects my cycling. Damn she's getting heavy too.

You might want to consider "Buddy Bike", bone. You might even be able to get the purchase covered by your insurance as a therapeutic device if your daughter qualifies. I am not kidding, here.
https://buddybike.com/FundingOptions.html
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Old 09-19-11, 12:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Tom Stormcrowe
You might want to consider "Buddy Bike", bone. You might even be able to get the purchase covered by your insurance as a therapeutic device if your daughter qualifies. I am not kidding, here.
https://buddybike.com/FundingOptions.html
I thought I had seen everything, but nope. This is very cool! Thanks for cluing me in. That's what this forum is for.

Maybe I could build something a bit like this on my own too.
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Old 09-19-11, 12:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Neil_B
Bravo! and Congratulations!
Thanks... there is still a ways to go on things and some immigration paperwork that needs to get filed so I can ride with my best friend every day.
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Old 09-19-11, 12:27 PM
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I am blind in my left eye and I have pretty good vision in my right eye, but not enough to see traffic lights. The yellow filter glasses does not seem to be of help to me as there are still glare between me and the traffic lights when the sky is clear.

I can hear pretty good, but I'm not used to the sound quality of cell phones unless I use a headset. Well, if only I can compensate that with HD Voice (G722), but if only if we have good support for mobile VoIP but not practical due to high latency when used with LG Optimus V and SipDroid compared to wired broadband at home. Well, I don't think it matters to me when riding my tricycle, as I'd rather just reject a call and call them back as soon as I get off the road. Plus, it's against the law to use my headset.
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Old 09-19-11, 02:46 PM
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Originally Posted by boneshake
The only disability I have that affects cycling is my kids'. She has Down syndrome. That affects her balance, strength, and most importantly, her motivation. So as of now, the only bike riding she does is when I'm dragging her on a trail-a-bike. So that's how it affects my cycling. Damn she's getting heavy too.
Might be time to look at a nice tandem... our shop has built quite a number of these for children with disabilities and have incorporated features so that they can really enjoy the ride.

Our convertible tandem has an adjustable rear stoker position that allows for the smallest of children to ride without pedal extensions and also allows normal sized adults to ride as stokers.

Have replaced the traditional stoker stems with safety cages or arm braces for individuals who have limited upper body strength and coordination... just built a tandem like this.
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Old 09-20-11, 12:00 AM
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Compresive neuropathies right femoral nerve, left femural neuropathy, bilateralpars defects at L5-S1with grade 1 anterolististhes, thoracolumbar spine associated with satus post grade III open femur fracture, degenerative discs C3-C6, cervical spine associated with status post grade III open femur fracture, fracture (crushed) right ankle with internal fixation screws, internal derangement right shoulder associated with post grade III open femur fracture, post open reduction and internal fixation (7screws & a plate) of distal ulna, patella chodromalacia right knee, tinitus, PTSD, & to top it all off, they lied to me prior to surgery, they said they would do a bone graft which would leave my right leg 1/4" shorter. I woke up, no bone graft & my r leg bone marrow was drilled out for the second time, because they screwwed up the 1st time and had a non union of the broken femur ends. I knew there was a non union within days of the sugery, they replied you have so many severed nerves that you just have no control over your muscles & you should have listened to us the first time and had the leg amputated, you would be out of the hospital by now (6 months in hospital, 2 weeks comatose) 3 monthe later they discovered there was a non union of the shatered ends of my femur. So they rerodded me & locked in place with distal screws through the side of my leg and now it's nearly 2" short & about 30+ degrees outwardly pronated. This is my left leg (I) & this is my right (/) except a little more that that or this I/. I was always the most physically fit marine in every unit I was in I was a fitness fanatic I studied kinesiology & nutrition. I received a medical/Honorable discharge from the USMC and I was messed up psychologically as much as physically, there was nothing I could do or so I thought. cycling has saved my health & my life, I used to be on the HS swim team & had the highest swim qualification in the USMC WSQ but I was "lapped" out I had no desire to to do laps ever again. I used to surf too, everything I did there was a level of excitement to it swimming laps is BOOOOORING torture. Then I saw these guys in spandex hogging the roads in my hood for a few yrs. The I got an epiphany, hey I could do that, just forget about the spandex. Well 2 moths of ridding & I feel so much better & I'm wearing spandex.
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Old 09-20-11, 06:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Sgt Mac
The I got an epiphany, hey I could do that, just forget about the spandex. Well 2 moths of ridding & I feel so much better & I'm wearing spandex.
Photo or it didn't happen. :-)
 
Old 09-20-11, 10:11 AM
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You are amazing.
Originally Posted by powerhouse
Disabilities can seriously affect who people are and what they do in life. Even in this day and age, society is long on what s/he is 'unable' to do and short on means and alternatives of compensating for it.

I am a cyclist with three disabilities: I'm legally bind (20/400 acuity), epileptic, and have glaucoma. None of these are badges of honor. However, I've been able to compensate for them fairly well. To address my legal blindness, I wear a special pair of eyeglasses with a small telescope so that I'm able to see traffic, road signs, etc. while riding. This feature earned me the nickname of "Telescope". Medical science has been fortunate enough so that I can keep epileptic seizures at bay (most of the time). As for the glaucoma, I'm able to cope by taking special eyedrops. Due to my eyesight disabilities, Doctors had once recommended that I not take up bicycling. After doing so anyway and successfully completing many long distance bicycling adventures, they now support me in it. I earned my current nickname of Powerhouse from having the ability to ride very fast when I want to and, on long rides, from having the energy to go the distance while leaving other cyclists behind. This is quite something despite having to deal with the disabilities I live with.

I could go on about how my disabilities have affected me in other areas of life (jobs that I am unable to do, activities that aren't possible, etc.) but will keep it to bicycling since that is what this chatroom site is for. You may choose the extent of how much you wish to discuss.

So: How many of you have a disability? What alternatives do you use or how do you compensate?
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Old 09-20-11, 11:02 AM
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Originally Posted by T38wheeler
You are amazing.
Yes he is !!! I'm impressed.
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Old 09-20-11, 01:00 PM
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Hi. I've been diagnosed with a blanket anxiety disorder and depression. I've been dealing with it since I was 5 and it motivated me to bike instead of drive since I figured I'd be less of a threat to everyone on the road. All of my limbs function correctly 75% of the time. If I get too stressed or whatever my legs straight up give out and everything else follows including the muscles in my face, I have passed out from it a couple times. An episode can last anywhere from 2 mins to 8hrs. It's manageable in a controlled lifestyle of good eating, exercise and good family/friend relationships. I can honestly say I feel blessed since it comes and goes.
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Old 09-20-11, 01:12 PM
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I think that something that is very important about any physical activity is that it is helpful in treating the depression that is often associate with chronic injury / pain / disability.
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Old 09-21-11, 05:26 PM
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I have CP ,and it affect both legs and right hand , good thing I'm a lefty . I ride a bike ( a two wheeler ) . I ride 10 miles a day and I also run my own bicycle repair shop . I know how people feel and act around me .

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Old 09-21-11, 09:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Dolomiti
Pardon this thread is so old, but there are no others like it... I found it on a search...

Does anyone here cycle, that is disabled? I mean being unable to support yourself with employment.
People see me cycling often and sometimes think I must not be disabled, because how could a disabled person ride a bicycle
I have two neurological conditions, and cycling is a BIG help on my quality of life - thanks to conditioning (being inactive is a very bad idea in my case), transportation, and mental satisfaction. I don't have very good endurance or power but good enough to get around and enjoy it sometimes.

Old post,but I just found this thead...THANK YOU! This is eXACTLY the issue tha I deal with the most when I'm feeling up to riding. People don't undertand that "disability" doesn't always mean "disfigurement"...even (especially?) "family". =/
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Old 09-21-11, 09:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Sixty Fiver
I think that something that is very important about any physical activity is that it is helpful in treating the depression that is often associate with chronic injury / pain / disability.

And a BIG THANK YOU to you too
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Old 09-22-11, 08:03 AM
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Sons with autism

My six year old twins have autism and cognitive delays. They can't pedal yet, but like to be pushed along on a bike with training wheels. A great workout for me, but not too practical! Especially since there are two of them and one of me.

I hope someday they will understand pedaling, steering and safety issues enough to ride an adapted bike. My plan right now is to get them a Wike special needs trailer and tow them around.

I have looked into the Buddy Bike, but we aren't quite ready for that.
This is a great forum!
Alice
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Old 09-22-11, 08:06 AM
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I just posted about my twins with autism.

I also meant to say that I've looked at tandems, but until the twins stop wanting to lie down or try to get off after about five minutes on the bike, I don't think a tandem is for us. Maybe a bicycle rickshaw!
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Old 09-22-11, 08:17 AM
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Originally Posted by Sixty Fiver
Little update...

The body is still messed up but have finally seen a little light as after winning an appeal against the WCB, they have finally accepted fiduciary responsibility for their failure to act accordingly and should be receiving retroactive benefits for the past 4 years as well as a benefit guarantee and coverage for pretty much anything I may need in the way of physio, medications, and supports for things I cannot do.

And a month ago I married the love of my life.
Awesome. Congrats.
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Old 09-22-11, 08:21 AM
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Originally Posted by jbgmom
I just posted about my twins with autism.

I also meant to say that I've looked at tandems, but until the twins stop wanting to lie down or try to get off after about five minutes on the bike, I don't think a tandem is for us. Maybe a bicycle rickshaw!
This may help. It's for a trail-a-bike for kids with balance issues, but it may make a kid with autism stay seated and feel more comfortable. This could make a trailabike an option for you (well, maybe two trailabikes).

https://www.amazon.com/Trail-A-Bike-1.../dp/B000SMS7IC
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Old 09-22-11, 08:31 AM
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I'm late to introducing myself here, but I'm on the Clyde/Athena forum a bit.

In a nut shell.... I have multiple gunshot wounds. My right butt cheek is pretty much gone and I have lower limb paralysis. I wear an AFO to walk. Like many others, I bike better than I can walk. If wear pants, most people just see a little bit of limping and I pass as "normal" (what ever that is).

When it first happened, I was an athletic active duty member. Now I'm overweight and trying to get back to a better level of fitness. I've recently gone car free about a year ago when I moved in with my new hubby. The worst part is over: learning to bike again, biking my first mile, biking my first 5 miles. Now for me it's biking over 30 miles and watching my eating. I love to eat.

Like some others here, because I pass as "normal" people don't understand that I'm disabled. I can bike but I can't carry or lift well, I struggle with stairs. I don't feel the bottom of my right foot well and often trip. Walking is improving, but not near normal level. Sitting can be uncomfortable with only half a butt. Standing causes swelling in my paralyzed limb. Cold can damage my leg and if my leg gets really cold, once that cold blood hits the rest of my body I can drop temperature very quickly and get chilled.

Biking for me has been a life saver. It gives me a sport I can do and its just plain old awesome.
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Old 09-22-11, 08:53 AM
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My god that hurt. I hope you'll get well overtime. My prayers, thoughts, and condolences go out to you. Take it easy when riding your bicycle.
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Old 09-22-11, 09:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Rona
... I'm just plain old awesome.
Fixed the post for you.
 

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