By Ena Edward-Descartes
Systematic Literature Review in conjunction with the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Program at the Westchester Institute for Human Development
For individuals with mobility disabilities, a wheelchair can be much more than a means of transportation. The right wheelchair can support mobility, positioning, participation, independence, and the ability to engage more fully in everyday life.
For residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands, however, obtaining a wheelchair that appropriately meets an individual’s needs can present challenges. Ena Edward-Descartes explored this topic through a systematic literature review conducted in conjunction with the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Program at the Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD).
Her work brings attention to an important disability and assistive technology issue: access is not simply about obtaining a wheelchair—it is also about obtaining equipment that appropriately supports the individual who will use it.
Why the Appropriate Wheelchair Matters
Wheelchair needs can vary significantly from one person to another. Factors such as mobility, positioning, physical support, daily activities, environments, and individual abilities can influence what equipment is appropriate.
This is one reason assistive technology professionals consider the individual rather than viewing wheelchairs as one-size-fits-all devices.
The Westchester Institute for Human Development’s Assistive Technology Program uses a multidisciplinary approach to identify assistive technology devices, adaptations, and strategies that can improve areas including mobility and participation. WIHD identifies seating, positioning, and mobility as important areas of assistive technology.
Looking at Wheelchair Access in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Living in an island territory can create a unique context for accessing specialized disability equipment and related services.
Edward-Descartes’ systematic literature review focuses attention on the challenges surrounding access to appropriate wheelchairs in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Understanding those challenges is important because having access to a wheelchair does not necessarily mean that an individual’s mobility needs have been fully addressed. Appropriate equipment should take the needs of the individual and the intended use of the equipment into consideration.
Because we do not have Edward-Descartes’ complete review or results here, specific barriers identified by her study should be presented from the original research rather than assumed.
More Than Access to Equipment
Assistive technology involves both devices and the professional knowledge needed to help determine how those devices can best support an individual.
WIHD’s Assistive Technology Program, for example, brings together occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, educators, and other specialists to work with individuals, families, caregivers, teachers, and service providers. Its services include evaluations, training, technical assistance, and equipment loan programs.
WIHD’s Adult Health Services also includes physical medicine and rehabilitation services addressing assistive devices such as special shoes, braces, and wheelchairs.
These models illustrate the broader role that assessment, professional expertise, and assistive technology services can play alongside access to the equipment itself.
The Role of Assistive Technology
Wheelchairs fall within the broader field of assistive technology, which encompasses equipment and solutions that help people with disabilities perform everyday activities.
Assistive technology services can help individuals and families explore available options, understand how equipment may address a particular need, and gain experience using devices.
Equipment demonstration and loan programs can also provide opportunities to interact with assistive technology before longer-term decisions are made. WIHD, for example, maintains assistive technology loan programs providing equipment on a short-term basis to individuals across the lifespan.
Connecting Research With the Virgin Islands
Research focused specifically on the U.S. Virgin Islands is valuable because disability-related needs and systems of support must ultimately work within the communities they serve.
Examining wheelchair access within the Territory can help bring attention to the experiences of people with mobility disabilities and the importance of appropriate assistive technology.
It can also contribute to broader conversations surrounding disability services, assistive technology, professional training, community resources, and independence.
Research Through LEND
Edward-Descartes’ work was completed in conjunction with the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Program at WIHD.
The WIHD LEND program incorporates evidence-based methods and interdisciplinary leadership development. Its training curriculum includes the Seminar in Evidence-Based Methods as one of its core courses, alongside Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and their Systems of Care and Interdisciplinary Leadership in Action.
This interdisciplinary approach helps connect research with practical issues affecting individuals with disabilities, families, professionals, and communities.
Moving Toward Greater Access and Independence
Access to appropriate mobility equipment can have important implications for independence and participation.
Research such as Edward-Descartes’ review helps bring greater attention to the experiences of Virgin Islanders who need wheelchairs and the systems through which appropriate equipment and support are accessed.
Continuing to examine these issues can strengthen understanding of mobility and assistive technology needs in the Territory and help inform future discussions about improving access for people with disabilities.
Learn More
- WIHD Assistive Technology Program — Information about assistive technology evaluations, training, technical assistance, mobility and equipment loan services.
- Westchester Institute for Human Development LEND Program — Information about WIHD’s interdisciplinary LEND training program.
- Association of University Centers on Disabilities — WIHD UCEDD/LEND — National network information about WIHD and its LEND program.
