For a Trip to Lumbini Restaurant
Wheelchair skills required for a trip to Lumbini Restaurant in my village, shift from high endurance to precision, safety, and local obstacle management (LOM).
What is Local Obstacle Management?
LOM refers to the identification, assessment, and avoidance of objects within a defined nearby area. The action of propelling along on a journey, weather it might be on the road, on a path – or sidewalk – in a busy shopping centre, concert or sporting venue, LOM is constantly in use. Subsequently, wheelchair user – me – needs to constantly adjust the actions of my wheelchair to prevent coming into contact with any LOM’s.
Skills Required on Route
| Challenge | Required Skill |
| Pushing Distance | Good Pushing Technique |
| Uneven Pavements/Slabs | In motion Caster Flicks |
| Dropped Kerbs (Curb Cuts) | Straight-Line Tracking |
| Full Kerb Ascent/Descent | Wheelie/Balance Point |
| Small Up/Down Hills | Consistent Pushing and Control |
1. Navigating Local Pavements and Terrain
This route involves suburban residential streets and a main road (The Straight Bit). Crossing sideroads with adverse camber.
2. Traffic and Safety Skills (Straight Bit)
The final approach involves being near traffic, near the village centre requiring heightened awareness.
- Road Crossing Technique:
- 90-Degree Approach: Always approach the road perpendicular to the curb.
- Camber Management: Adjusting each rear wheel’s speed and angle to maintain a good direction.
- Shoulder Health:
- ARC Stroke: For pushing and keeping momentum, a simple, relaxed, semi-circle push stroke is sufficient and helps prevent repetitive strain or shoulder injury.
- Head/Torso Check:
- The ability to quickly and stably turn your head and torso to check for vehicles (especially when exiting Whitepit Lane or crossing The Straight Bit) without the wheelchair drifting.
3. Destination Access
Lumbini Restaurant is located on Straight Bit in Acorn House, which is typically a commercial property whish is reasonable accessible.
- Door Management:
- The Swing & Grab: Pulling up to the entrance door, quickly turning the chair to one side, opening the door while maintaining a controlled position, and then quickly pushing through before the door closes.
- Maneuvering Indoors:
- Tight Turns: Using a spot-turn (one wheel pushes forward, the other pulls backward) to navigate around tables, chairs, and other patrons in the restaurant seating area.
In summary, for this specific trip, the required skills are focused on safe, efficient, and precise maneuvering through a typical suburban environment, ensuring a smooth transition from the pavement to your table!
Summary
Please note. Wheelchair skills required. This route has been pushed many many times in the two decades (and a bit more) I have lived in this village. I regularly push this route for fitness and if I need a small amount of groceries. If there is a safe opportunity to push in the road, I will. I take full responsibility for myself when I am in the road. When pushing my wheelchair, I am on full alert and aware of my surroundings when using the road. I DO NOT RECOMEND USING THE ROAD.