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  • Home
  • Get Started
    • About ALS
    • Newly Diagnosed
    • People with ALS
    • Veterans with ALS
    • Caregivers
    • Paid Caregivers
    • ALS Professionals
  • Planning
    • Health Insurance
    • Employment
    • Self Care
    • Medical Decisions
    • Care
    • Advance Directives
    • Transportation
    • Home Modifications
    • Travel
  • Guides
    • Home & Daily Living
    • Newly Diagnosed
    • Respiratory
    • Power Wheelchairs
    • Braces
  • Equipment
    • ALS Equipment Guide
    • Mobility
    • Transfer Devices
    • Ramps and Lifts
    • Toileting Devices
    • Tub and Shower Devices
    • Grooming Devices
    • Dressing Aids
    • Eating Devices
    • Drinking Devices
    • Sleeping and Beds
    • Communication
    • ALS Smart Home Devices
    • Leisure Devices
    • ALS Equipment Loan Closets
    • Exclusive Discounts
  • Resources
    • ALS Clinics
    • Support Services
    • Support Groups
    • Research and Clinical Trials
    • Get Involved
    • Resource List
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  • About
    • Our Story
    • Myna's Story
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ALS POWER WHEELCHAIR GUIDE

Driving with Alternate Controls


Most custom power wheelchairs are operated by a standard joystick on the end of one armrest. If you begin to find it difficult to operate the joystick by hand, talk with your assistive technology professional (ATP) and physical therapist (PT) or occupational therapist (OT).

​They may recommend an alternate control system, such as using your head, feet, or a different type of joystick that can keep you driving and operating your wheelchair.



If the need for an alternate control is documented, Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance should pay for the modification to your chair. Once it is ordered and approved, your ATP will teach you how to operate the new system.

​If you become tired or unable to operate your wheelchair (whether you use a standard joystick or alternate control), your caregiver can operate your chair by using either the standard joystick or the attendant control, which is an additional joystick on the back of your chair.




ALS POWER WHEELCHAIR GUIDE


Power Mobility Devices
​Qualifying and Ordering
Insurance Coverage
Home Accessibility
Tilting and Reclining​
Electronic Controls

Driving Tips
Alternate Controls
Making Adjustments
Battery Charging

​Attachments/Accessories
Transporting Your Chair

Traveling By Plane


NEWLY DIAGNOSED | HOME & DAILY LIVING | RESPIRATORY | WHEELCHAIRS | BRACES

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Get Started

About ALS
​Newly Diagnosed
People with ALS
Veterans with ALS
Caregivers
​Paid Caregivers
ALS Professionals

Planning

Health Insurance
Employment
Self-Care

Medical Decisions
Care

Advance Directives
Transportation

​Home Modifications
​Travel

Guides

Newly Diagnosed
​Home & Daily Living
Respiratory
Power Wheelchairs
Braces
​Equipment​

Resources

ALS Clinics
Support Services

Support Groups
​Research & Trials

Get Involved
Resource list

About

Our Story
Myna's Story
​Our Team
Newsletter
​
Testimonials
​Contact Us
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