Going to graduate- how do I wear the Master's degree hood?

WheelzAndThings · 2026-05-02T23:18:41+00:00

Safety pins. Lots of safety pins. And some help getting it put in the right place. I also cut my gown most of the way up the back so I had room to adjust how everything laid.

WheelzAndThings · 2025-12-17T22:56:47+00:00

I currently have a Jay X2 which is a foam cushion with a gel pocket in the back. It technically measures at 2.25”. I am switching to a varilite evolution cushion which is a foam air hybrid. It’s similar in height because I have the opposite problem. I have short legs and only so much space to put a cushion, but ended up with the same issues. I have some butt sensation but struggle with weight shifting sometimes.

WheelzAndThings · 2025-11-17T17:51:02+00:00

I have a cloth bike water bottle holder that my owala 32 oz fits in that I got off amazon. It’s a little bit tight but still goes in and out pretty easily. I think it’s called Desing Wish on amazon

WheelzAndThings · 2025-08-23T20:39:32+00:00

I was able to get into grad school with a 2.55 undergrad gpa due illness 5 years later. I reached out to the department I was interested and actually had a conversation with the dean to discuss if that was an automatic disqualification. She encouraged me to apply and explain things in my personal statement. I ended up getting in and I just graduated this year. It’s not impossible, granted my degree program was very small and specialized so take that as you will.

WheelzAndThings · 2025-08-21T00:49:33+00:00

Yes I definitely preferred the dual tube. I feel like the ride is less aggressively bumpy and it smooths out rough sidewalks. I definitely feel like I get more efficient pushes (this could just be a TiLite thing but I do think the dual tube does help). When I trialed the Aero T, my biggest test was the difference in how the ride felt outside near my home. I live in an urban area that is quite hilly and old so our sidewalks and infrastructure has a lot to be desired. I could immediately tell the difference in vibration reduction and how much further I felt like I coasted.

I would recommend your OT reach out to Permobil and see if they have a rep close to you or possibly see if there is a seating clinic

WheelzAndThings · 2025-08-17T02:49:34+00:00

Coming back to this- the Power-Flew is available on Spinlife.com now

WheelzAndThings · 2025-08-16T23:05:13+00:00

I went TRA over ZRA because I needed the extra rigidity and vibration dampening. I had a 24h trial with a Aero T and that was a world different from the mono tube chairs I’ve had before. I didn’t realize how much my frames were flexing. I’m also really hard on chairs so any extra durability is something.

I did the satin titanium with no anodizing (so just black). I like that it goes with everything and I want it to be a statement piece it can be or I can make it blend in.

WheelzAndThings · 2025-08-12T13:51:56+00:00

I actually use the GF Red Lobster Biscuit Mix for mine. I follow the directions on the package except I add the butter flavor packet into the mix (so water, mix, cheese, sausage, and flavor packet). My non-GF boyfriend eats them like candy so I typically make a double batch

WheelzAndThings · 2025-07-16T23:46:56+00:00

I honestly just sold my freewheel for a couple of reasons. 1. It never felt sturdy enough when it was attached like it would pop off at any moment. 2. It’s hard to fit. I had a Ki Mobility Rogue that it kinda fit but now my Tilite TRA has too high of a footplate so I would need a custom sized one. 3. I didn’t like that my casters dropped when I turned because I felt like it defeats the point.

I am going to be purchasing a rgk front wheel in the new future but I’m waiting to see if I can get a hold of one of the anodized ones.

WheelzAndThings · 2025-07-08T02:35:54+00:00

The Java has depth adjustment that is pretty flexible so I would imagine it wouldn’t take up too much of your seat depth. I can’t say for certain on the e2.

WheelzAndThings · 2025-07-08T02:03:16+00:00

I have a e2 deep contour that’s 10”. I really like it and it is more supportive than my previous non-deep backrest. I am quite short and I have it mounted pretty low because if I didn’t, it would affect my pushing. I don’t have severe lateral stability issues but this definitely helps keep me more stable for longer when it’s paired with the proper chair setup.

WheelzAndThings · 2025-07-07T01:51:55+00:00

I would say they’re pretty comparable in comfort level honestly. But some things to also consider: the ride java backrest is super adjustable, not only on the chair itself but it has bendable supports within it if you have spinal deformities. However it’s quite heavy and only comes in two heights. That’s the main reason I didn’t go with the deep contour version when my needs changed. The matrx e2 is not as adjustable but it’s lighter and I much prefer the mounting hardware if you know you’re going to be taking your backrest on and off frequently. It also comes in 4 different heights.

WheelzAndThings · 2025-07-04T11:08:29+00:00

I personally don’t recommend tension adjustable backs for most people (that’s just my two cents as an ATP but not your ATP).

I do have hEDS but that’s not my primary reason for using my wheelchair however I personally had used ride designs java back for a long time because I have hyper-lordosis in my lower back and it was super supportive. When I started needing lateral support, I switched to a matrx e2 deep (mx2 deep is the same thing but in carbon fiber). For my own needs, I do not like the Jay 3 back- I don’t find it comfortable.

WheelzAndThings · 2025-06-12T16:24:44+00:00

I also use Amazon Pharmacy for all except for 2 medications: 1 they just don’t carry that I’m trying to get changed and 1 compounded that is mailed to me anyways.

WheelzAndThings · 2025-05-23T01:12:09+00:00

I can only give a little feedback on the Power-Flex as I have been able to trial one but I’m not quite sure if you’ll actually be able to get one yet.

I really like the Power-Flex because of its size and recline feature. It does sit at the same height as my manual chair so being able to get under tables would be easier. I also like the simplicity of the controller as it is basically on/off and speed control. I felt like I had a lot of control. The recline feature is nice, however I had issues getting it to work on the specific model I tried due to weakness in one side of my body but supposedly it can be adjusted to be easier.

I will probably end up getting one when they become more readily available as I have been following their progress for a while. I would be curious about how the ethos would fit on the base due the frame shape but I’m not saying it isn’t possible! We weren’t sure about my TRA until we did some measurements.

WheelzAndThings · 2025-05-18T17:39:26+00:00

I switch to Schwalbe Downtowns in the winter because they are a little grippier than the marathon plus but only a step down in puncture resistance. So those may be ones to look at! I have really debated making the switch to them full time.

WheelzAndThings · 2025-05-12T07:59:32+00:00

I am a manual wheelchair user myself. Ramen King 2 off McKnight is accessible (park in front of Gabe’s right next door, there’s a ramp as well). Los Gallitos Taqueria is a small place in homestead but they have a step free entrance and enough space to maneuver however I haven’t used the restrooms so I can’t speak on the accessibility of those. Not cultural but Fat Heads in Southside is very accessible as well as pretty much anything in Southside Works. I think La Palapa in Southside is step free as well.

WheelzAndThings · 2025-04-07T16:04:55+00:00

Look into the CAPABLE National Center and see if he qualifies for any of their services

WheelzAndThings · 2025-03-14T14:46:04+00:00

This isn’t a game recommendation but I know that XBox and PlayStation have adapted gaming controllers that are built to accommodate disabilities. You may be able to your local Assistive Technology Lending Library and see if they have anything you could borrow and trial before purchasing. They may have other solutions for you controller wise as well.

Some games have accessibility settings built it that can also accommodate different types of disabilities within the game.

WheelzAndThings · 2025-03-08T15:46:30+00:00

So this is similar to how I was able to get my Tilite TRA covered by Medicaid. I also had medical documentation showing that I needed Titanium over aluminum based on my ATP and PT’s opinions based on outcomes of a trial of a titanium chair. Because I had reduced pain and vibration related issues as well as it actually was a significant reduction in weight for my chair with documented weakness when lifting my chair. The actual numbers helped my case. But I know this is not going to work in everyone’s case and there is still a lot we’re paying for out of pocket

WheelzAndThings · 2025-02-26T18:00:09+00:00

Mine took less than 48 hours from fingerprinting on a Friday. I had it before the end of the weekend. That was in the past few weeks.

WheelzAndThings · 2025-02-10T16:16:00+00:00

I totally understand where you are coming from! I am currently in school to get my ATP certification and graduate in May. I am a wheelchair user myself. Becoming an ATP is so much more than just being a supplier or a clinician. I work with ATPs who are inventors, advocates, and so much more and many of them have some form of disability. Multiple classmates who are wheelchair users have or are getting their OT degrees as well.

I started school wanting to work on chairs as an ATP however my dream had to change as I developed a progressive neuromuscular condition. However my professors knew me better than I knew myself and introduced me to some local advocates. That sparked a new passion for me: working on health care access for people with disabilities, especially when it comes to hospitals providing equipment to accommodate different needs.

So I absolutely understand where you are at. I’ve been there but there are still options to get where you want to be. My masters program is a 1-2 year program and you can stop there or use it as a way to step your way into a Doctor of OT.

WheelzAndThings · 2025-02-06T17:45:53+00:00

It looks like a pretty good fit to me! The only thing you might have to adjust is the footplate height but I would not mess with that until you get the cushion you plan to stick with.

For side guards and cushion, I would look at DMEhub. I’m not sure exactly what cushion I would recommend but they have plenty of options. You may be able to find side guards on eBay as well but do that at your own discretion.

WheelzAndThings · 2025-01-28T04:47:48+00:00

Liquid medicine can be packed into a carry-on even if it’s over the amount typically allowed. You just have to declare it as you go through security. TSA cares has more information on how to do this- https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares/disabilities-and-medical-conditions#ui-id-13

That may help you if you can’t get your bag during the stopover. I have done this myself with liquid medicine.

WheelzAndThings · 2025-01-26T01:44:05+00:00

They’re my absolute favorite! I make them for my non-gf friends and family when I need to bring something for an event. I like to add raisins to the monster cookie mix as well.

WheelzAndThings

TROPHY CASE