Medical Office Accessibility

Introduction

Going to a medical appointment and transferring from a wheelchair to an exam chair can feel challenging — especially if you’re not sure what to expect. That’s why we’ve created a series of videos to help people who use wheelchairs feel more confident during medical office visits. These videos demonstrate safe transfer techniques and share practical tips for staying comfortable and protecting your skin during longer exams.

What you’ll learn in the videos

  • Safe transfer techniques for moving into exam chairs and other surfaces
  • How to stay balanced using tools like a body bracer or gait belt
  • Positioning tips to help you stay upright and comfortable
  • Skin protection tips, such as:
    • Floating your heels to prevent skin breakdown
    • Sitting on a gel pad for extra comfort
    • Doing weight shifts during long exams

Our goal is to help you feel confident and prepared for medical office visits. By using these techniques, you can reduce health risks and make sure you get the care you need.

Dentist office accessibility

Know your environment

This video shares practical tips to help people who use wheelchairs prepare for their dentist office visit.

A dentist office with an empty reclining dental chair, a headrest covered with a disposable cover, dental tools and equipment trays nearby, and wooden cabinets in the background.

Depression independent transfer

This video demonstrates an independent depression transfer from a manual wheelchair into a dentist office exam chair.

A man in a wheelchair transfers himself onto a dentist chair in a dental clinic. He is wearing a maroon shirt, shorts, a cap, and gloves, with his left hand on the dentist chair for support.

Depression assisted transfer

This video demonstrates an assisted depression transfer from a manual wheelchair into a dentist office exam chair.

A woman in a blue shirt assists a man in a maroon shirt and gray cap as he transfers from a wheelchair to a recliner chair in a room with a sink and wicker basket.

Slide board assisted transfer with manual wheelchair

This video demonstrates a slide board assisted transfer from a manual wheelchair into a dentist office exam chair.

A woman assists a man in a wheelchair as he prepares to transfer onto a dental chair in a clinic. The man is wearing a hat, red shirt, and black gloves, while the woman adjusts a sliding board between the chairs.

Slide board dependent transfer with power wheelchair

This video demonstrates a slide board dependent transfer from a power wheelchair into a dentist office exam chair.

Two dental assistants help a seated man in a maroon shirt and black shorts transfer from a dental chair. One supports his back while the other holds his leg. Dental equipment is visible around them.

Two man lift dependent transfer

This video demonstrates a dependent two man lift transfer from a power wheelchair into a dentist office exam chair.

Two caregivers assist a man in a wheelchair, gently helping him transfer to a dental chair in a clinical setting. The man appears to need support as both caregivers hold his arms securely.

Eye doctor accessibility

Know your environment

This video shares practical tips to help people who use wheelchairs prepare for their visit to the eye doctor.

An eye exam room with a black exam chair, a slit lamp machine, a desk with a computer, office chair, cabinets, and a sink, all on a wood floor.

Depression independent transfer

This video demonstrates an independent depression transfer from a manual wheelchair into an eye exam chair.

A man in a blue sweater and gray pants transfers from a wheelchair to an exam chair in an eye doctor's office, with medical equipment and a computer visible in the background.

Depression assisted transfer

This video demonstrates an assisted depression transfer from a manual wheelchair into an eye exam chair.

A woman assists a young man as he transfers from a wheelchair to a medical exam chair in an eye doctor's office. Medical equipment and a computer are visible in the background.

Slide board assisted transfer with manual wheelchair

This video demonstrates a slide board assisted transfer from a manual wheelchair into an eye exam chair.

A woman assists a man in a blue sweatshirt as he transfers from a wheelchair to a medical exam chair in a clinic setting.

Slide board dependent transfer with manual wheelchair

This video demonstrates a slide board dependent transfer from a manual wheelchair into an eye exam chair.

Two female healthcare workers assist a seated male patient in transferring from a wheelchair to a chair in a medical examination room with equipment visible in the background.

Slide board dependent transfer with power wheelchair

This video demonstrates a slide board dependent transfer from a power wheelchair into an eye exam chair.

A man in a blue shirt sits in an eye exam chair while a woman in a blue uniform helps adjust his position. An empty wheelchair is next to him, with medical equipment visible in the room.

Two man lift dependent transfer

This video demonstrates a dependent two man lift transfer from a power wheelchair into an eye exam chair.

Two women assist a young man in a blue shirt as he is transferred from a power wheelchair to a medical exam chair in a clinical setting. Medical equipment and a computer are visible in the room.
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