Day 5 - Final Day of Wheelchair Trial

Today went a little better than yesterday. They are having us bring home the chair to practice with until next Thursday. I think it will be good to practice with Emmalins vision teacher and other therapists back at home (because it wi be different environments and different people working with her).

We headed back today and I think it's safe to say that both of us are glad to be back and sleeping in our own bed! Again, I am SO grateful Emmalin had the opportunity to have this amazing experience! I think the greatest thing that has come out of the trial (at least that we have noticed so far), is that while Emmalin was working in the power wheelchair she has continually kept her head up (at least 98% of the time). In her other chair Emmalin (as of now) hangs her head about 45% of the time she is in her chair. By having the increase time of Emmalin keeping her head in the upright position, it puts her at a smaller risk for respiratory issues (including aspirating). We have found that it seems to be motivation for her to keep her head up so that Emmalin can maneuver her power chair. This is HUGE!

Now that we are home, we will continue working very hard to give her a chance to co to use to get familiar with the chair and how to maneuver it in her natural surroundings. Once the power chair is picked up, we will reevaluate the situation from there and see how things are going.

Below is a picture of me and my baby girl cuddling. Nothing beers cuddling with Emmalin!

God is good!




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