Wheelchair Design and Fabrication

A good understanding of the application of appropriate technology to wheelchair design for and manufacture in developing countries. An introduction to and acquisition of the skills required for low cost wheelchair fabrication. with the goal of being able to teach those skills and that technology to others.

Wheelchair design, fitting, and the comparative ergonomics of competing types of wheelchair design will be demonstrated. Steel cutting, bending, and welding will be taught, practiced by the students, and applied to actual chair construction. Finished chairs, built by the class, will be tested for strength, obstacle climbing ability, and ease of operation.

Students will demonstrate through their participation in class, their understanding of wheelchair design and technology as well as their ability to teach this technology. The quality of the finished chair and all of its components will also factor into the final grade.