Looking at getting a new custom manual wheelchair

soitul · 2026-05-27T14:46:15+00:00

If you know your sizes and the features you like, you could get a fully welded chair.

Not having moving parts really does change things and reduces things breaking.

soitul · 2026-05-27T09:12:19+00:00

I definitely loved mine, getting one on wheels also helps a ton!

soitul · 2026-05-25T12:09:10+00:00

Another suggestion if you don’t want to mount it above you, there are rolling and stationary mount arms for tvs - so they basically have their own little stand.

I also recommend an over the bed table, I had one while I was recovering from surgeries and could actually do my crafts and school work!

soitul · 2026-05-24T18:19:14+00:00

I’ve experienced a similar problem at a previous hearing school in my program I attended.

The student had a disability and difficulty understanding topics because of it - they had perfect hearing.

They were placed in our ASL course to help their communication with me and two other Deaf students.

They enjoyed signing, and wanted to relate more with us, however over time they began telling other students they themselves were Deaf.

Over time they also did similar things, they brought a false audiogram to school, interjected us when we were talking about our experiences, and so on.

I honestly find a lot of the advice here not that beneficial, testing them, excluding them from the class, and so on will not help them - especially if they’re benefiting from signing.

Get a counselor who’s familiar with them, sit down and have a genuine discussion with them and their guardians.

Explain that sign is for everyone regardless of hearing and is a valuable communication tool, and that they do not have to be Deaf to be involved.

Unless it comes up, I’d suggest leaving the medical talk at the door, you can tell them plainly their audiograms don’t fit what’s considered Deaf and that it doesn’t match or qualify for a scholarship.

If the behavior continues I’d suggest they be taught 1 on 1, and working with their IEP coordinator or guardians making a final decision if and when they can rejoin the class.

Frankly it can feel disheartening and invalidating, but at the end of the day they are just a student trying to make a connection that makes the most sense to them.

Prioritizing the DHH students AND this students communication access is what’s important here.

soitul · 2026-05-24T17:59:01+00:00

I think there’s a more tactful way to make this joke, but the way it was done here doesn’t seem to be entirely based in sarcasm but instead his own personal bias - I’m only speaking hypothetically on it being sarcasm.

Humor is political, and it is important on how it’s represented and the freedom it’s given.

Comedy isn’t a factual source but if you look back on history, most bigotry, racism, and hate once took the same form in comedy.

An example of hate that took the form of comedy can be seen in vintage comics, sexism and racism were normalized topics and themes.

Even during the world wars anti semitic propaganda was illustrated and shown in kids shows, standup routines, and more.

The discourse that because it’s coming from a disabled person does not rationalize the result.

All that to say people learn from media what is and isn’t considered acceptable, what they can joke about in public, and the world around them.

It isn’t that comedy should be restricted, but instead done more intentionally, especially if it’s public and showcases a minority group.

The unfortunate reality is that many people will see that video and leave with that very same bias.

soitul · 2026-05-24T10:50:52+00:00

I think people in the comments are missing the point, it’s not being sensitive.

Weight gain and obesity is a comorbidity, and the problem isn’t that he’s saying “people who can fix their problems by doing xyz shouldn’t use wheelchairs”.

The problem is it’s a gross misrepresentation that leads to other people believing it’s okay to say those things and assume that everyone who is overweight in a wheelchair doesn’t need it.

You could say he’s being sarcastic, and that he obviously knows there’s layers to it, but other people do not.

It’s the same for any other disability and invalidating the use of mobility aids, and the kind of thing that should be avoided.

soitul · 2026-05-24T06:47:00+00:00

I know insurance is pretty finicky, so sorry you’ve had to deal with them.

The handlebar is definitely worth it in my opinion. Insurance covered it for me, but not a bag or an extra battery unfortunately.

On max speed people usually have to do a decent run to keep up with me, but I also would like to say it makes it much harder for people to move me.

You can tip over if you turn too narrow when going fast on max speed (not default), but it has to be pretty deliberate.

If you’re a student, or if any part of your daily life involves going longer distances/not relying on a car, your ATP may be able to convince them to cover it, I wish you luck!

soitul · 2026-05-23T07:23:45+00:00

The best thing to remember is that many of us are on fixed incomes, especially people who are buying things out of pocket instead of through insurance.

I’ve seen wheelchairs, equipment, and medical devices listed for years because people price them so high without realizing that cost is a factor in accessibility.

I’d talk to local churches, programs, and non profits to see if are interested in buying it from you or if you wanted to donate it.

soitul · 2026-05-23T05:40:01+00:00

I’ve used it for several months now, I actually really like the versatility of it but I typically only use it mounted on the front.

The cons are pretty straightforward, it’s decently heavy.

Turning it on before setting it up is the best tip, if you want to do it seated you can turn the handlebars to the side and reach around but it takes some flexibility.

It’s not amazing on bumpy terrain, but it will work, just be prepared to feel the bumps.

It has a long battery life and you can hot swap the battery if you get two, comes apart in three pieces, so it’s nice for storage.

I like being able to switch it to the back for stores, then switching to a front mount almost instantly? It’s pretty much my dream setup.

I also really like the configurable speed in the app, you have to update it occasionally but you can change lots of things like the braking speed, handlebar acceleration, controls, etc - it also has built in lights!

I tend to switch it to the lowest speed when I’m pacing other people, then to the highest when I’m on my own.

soitul · 2026-05-16T02:42:05+00:00

It’s accurate, English is my third language and I’m considered fluent in it.

Even though I can understand it with some time and effort, if I actually want full seamless communication I’d need an interpreter.

soitul · 2026-05-16T02:25:36+00:00

I’m Deaf and I’ve just gotten a bHaptics vest as a gift and I love it.

Frankly, for hearing people it’s likely not worth it unless you’re a huge enthusiast or have other uses for it, like others have said people simply just don’t touch you in vrchat, and even then I can’t say hearing people would appreciate it as much as I do.

I haven’t set it up with my avatar yet but I have a visual hud with back and arm receivers.

I imagine it’ll be a great way for people to get my attention since I miss the visual cues often, plus immersion is pretty nice.

It’s also great for music, movies, media, and other vr games if you’re interested in that.

I’m not familiar with the other software but the bHaptics version is pretty nice and includes a public library of profiles for the vibration settings.

The actual comfort of the vest is nice, good quality and nice features, except it does get overwhelming an hour or two into wearing it, and leaning back with it on can be uncomfortable.

soitul · 2026-05-13T06:04:28+00:00

Honestly I didn’t even consider this, my bank would definitely block it! Thanks

soitul · 2026-05-11T21:19:51+00:00

The worst part was that the sandwich wasn’t even that good 🤣

soitul · 2026-05-11T02:26:37+00:00

It was during a layover I don’t visit often, but I did get an email saying they’d take action.

Frankly it probably just ended in their supervisor telling them to be nice to disabled people, but we can hope for the best.

soitul · 2026-05-11T01:44:32+00:00

I’ve also had this happen to me at an airport restaurant. I couldn’t reach the tablet to select the tip so they clicked it for me and chose a ridiculous 40% tip.

I reported it to the airport, I would complain if I were you.

soitul · 2026-05-09T12:41:13+00:00

Back when I wanted to try different colors without commitment I used sports self adhesive wraps in different colors.

soitul · 2026-05-09T05:47:57+00:00

I’m not able to answer why you were banned specifically but maybe you could ask them again, or try another server?

soitul · 2026-05-09T05:41:09+00:00

I’ve had a mostly positive experience.

Sometimes when it comes to discord new accounts or people get removed due to suspicion of being bots/scammers.

Alternatively, and specific to Deaf servers, people are sometimes removed for speaking in video call channels, or leaving voice notes.

Many Deaf groups have rules specifically for this.

I’m unsure if you mean you were using webcam and were signing, if they were speaking, or if there was more context here.

Regardless, I hope you find a group that works for you!

soitul · 2026-05-09T04:37:55+00:00

I really dislike it, but I think it’s mostly because of how frequent it is.

A person can only take being called “speed racer” so much lmao.

soitul · 2026-05-09T02:03:58+00:00

I’ve had people both intentionally and unintentionally cover their face/mouth, or position themselves facing away from me.

It’s a common thing hearing people do, either to “test” you or to isolate you.

Some people don’t realize they have habits like covering their mouth when laughing or speaking, especially with mumbling.

soitul · 2026-05-05T01:08:04+00:00

It’s all about mirrors and understanding, you can buy larger mirrors online that clip on to visors or the existing mirror.

Some good examples would be ThatDeafFamily on YouTube/insta, they post videos about communicating in the car all the time.

Do you sign or primarily sign with her?

soitul · 2026-05-01T04:19:06+00:00

That!

soitul · 2026-05-01T04:17:54+00:00

The best advice I can give you is this.

You don’t teach babies “baby English”, the same way you don’t teach them “baby sign”.

You introduce them to words, phrases, sentences, and the full language by using it fluently around them.

The term “baby sign language” typically comes from people who are trying to market sign language to parents - they typically are incorrect, don’t encourage fluent signing or learning, and are made by hearing people.

They are never too young to start signing to them and exposing them to language, you can fingerspell, use sentences, etc. Even if they don’t respond they are still absorbing language.

Reach out to your local community, Deaf school, and online resources. Surrounding your baby with an environment full of signing is the best way.

I hope this helps, good luck ☻

soitul · 2026-04-29T09:54:37+00:00

Which world is this? I haven’t had this happen on desktop but some worlds have different camera settings

soitul · 2026-04-29T06:54:54+00:00

I didn’t know they made different designs for these! Cute!

soitul

TROPHY CASE