Chemistry from a wheelchair

Nearly every year we have at least one wheelchair student who wants to
do our First Year Chemistry courses. Like most student labs we have
only high benches (intended for work in the standing position) that are far
too high for a wheelchair.

I understand that funding will be made available to us next year to provide
better facilities for students working from wheelchairs. At present I
am thinking in terms of lowering a section of one of our high benches
and removing the storage cupboards etc from under the bench so that the
wheelchair can fit (partly) under the bench. Other facilities (water,
gas, electricity outlets etc) will also have to be lowered.

I would appreciated information from anyone on the net who has
experience in providing facilities in laboratories for wheelchair
students. Are there design specifications available? What safety
problems are there?

Many thanks.

                 Prof. Charles E. Loader
                 Chemistry Department
                 Memorial University
                 St. John's
                 Newfoundland
                 Canada
                 A1B 3X7

       electronic:

        I do not know if this is a valid option.  An acquaintance of mine,
now in medical school and confined to a wheelchair, managed to get through
labs with the help of something that looked like a scooter.  She said that
it wasn't nearly as confortable as her wheelchair (less upper back support)
but because the seat could be raised over a foot, came in handy for labs.
Perhaps having the chemistry department have one of these in reserve might
prove easier than redesigning hoods, and could certainly take place in
a shorter time scale.

--
                Craig Werner   (future MD/PhD, 3 years down, 4 to go)

              (1935-14E Eastchester Rd., Bronx NY 10461, 212-931-2517)
   "If you've heard this story before, don't stop me. I want to hear it again."

I don't know if it was ever used for its intended purpose, but it looked
like just the ticket for lab work and other upright activities.  I also
don't recall exactly where I saw the gadget... I believe it was on a
Nova or similar show about two to three years ago.  Sorry I can't be
more specific.

--
"How did you manage to survive?"
"HA!  I'm wearing my BABY PROOF VEST!"
        --- Mole Mom & The Cow (from The New Adventures of Mighty Mouse)
--
Wayne Throop      <the-known-world>!mcnc!rti!xyzzy!throopw