Navigating Sliding Door Tracks with Your Wheelchair: A How-To Guide

Written By Cardiologist

How to get wheelchair over sliding door track?

As a wheelchair user, navigating sliding door tracks can be a challenge.

Sliding door tracks are often found in public places, such as offices, airports, and shopping malls.

They are designed to be easily accessible, but they can also be tricky to navigate with a wheelchair.

In this guide, I’ll go over everything you need to know about sliding door tracks, including the different types of tracks, the benefits of using them, the challenges of using them with a wheelchair, step-by-step instructions for navigating them, tips for success, and what to do if you get stuck. Let’s get started!

Understanding Sliding Door Tracks

Sliding door tracks are a type of door system that consists of two panels that move along a track.

The track is typically made of metal, but it can also be made of wood or other materials.

The panels are usually made of glass, but they can also be made of other materials, such as wood or aluminum.

The panels slide along the track, allowing you to open and close the door with ease.

They are often used in public places, such as airports, offices, and shopping malls.

Types of Sliding Door Tracks

There are several different types of sliding door tracks.

The most common type of sliding door track is the single-track system, which has one panel that slides along the track.

The double-track system has two panels that move along the same track. This type of system is often used in larger spaces, such as airports and shopping malls.

Other types of sliding door tracks include the bi-parting system, which has two panels that move along two separate tracks, and the center-hung system, which has two panels that move along a single track in the center of the door.

Benefits of Using a Sliding Door Track

Sliding door tracks offer several benefits for wheelchair users. They are easy to open and close, and they don’t require any manual effort to open or close the door. They are also space-saving, as they don’t take up any space on the floor when the door is opened.

Furthermore, sliding door tracks are often designed to be wheelchair-accessible. This means that they are designed with the needs of wheelchair users in mind, making them easier to navigate.

Challenges of Using a Sliding Door Track with a Wheelchair

Although sliding door tracks can be beneficial for wheelchair users, they can also present some challenges.

One of the most common challenges is navigating the track with a wheelchair. The track is usually made of metal, which can be slippery and difficult to maneuver.

Additionally, the track is often set at a height that is higher than the ground, which can make it difficult to get your wheelchair onto the track.

Finally, the track may have a slight incline, which can be difficult to navigate with a wheelchair.

How To Get Wheelchair Over Sliding Door Track

Navigating a sliding door track can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible.

Here are some step-by-step instructions for successfully navigating a sliding door track with a wheelchair.

Adjust your wheelchair position. Make sure your wheelchair is positioned so that the wheels are aligned with the track. If the track is set at a height that is higher than the ground, you may need to adjust the height of your wheelchair so that the wheels are at the same level as the track.

Position your wheelchair at the edge of the track. Slowly move your wheelchair toward the edge of the track and make sure all of the wheels are on the track.

Push your wheelchair forward. Once all of the wheels are on the track, slowly push your wheelchair forward. It is important to go slowly and be aware of any inclines or bumps in the track.

Keep your body centered. As you move forward, make sure your body is centered in the wheelchair. This will help you keep your balance and make it easier to navigate the track.

Adjust your speed as needed. Depending on the track, you may need to adjust your speed. If the track is slippery, you may need to go slower. If the track is bumpy, you may need to go faster.

Tips for Successfully Navigating Sliding Door Tracks with a Wheelchair

Navigating a sliding door track with a wheelchair can be challenging, but there are some tips that can help you successfully navigate the track.

Make sure your wheelchair is positioned correctly. This includes making sure the wheels are aligned with the track and that your body is centered in the wheelchair.

It is important to go slowly and be aware of any inclines or bumps in the track. Going too fast can be dangerous and could cause you to lose your balance.

Adjust your speed as needed. If the track is slippery, you may need to go slower. If the track is bumpy, you may need to go faster.

You can take breaks if needed. If the track is long or if the terrain is difficult, it is important to take breaks to rest your arms and prevent fatigue.

Adjusting Your Wheelchair Position for Sliding Door Tracks

Adjusting your wheelchair position is an important step in navigating a sliding door track. Make sure that the wheels of your wheelchair are aligned with the track and that your body is centered in the wheelchair.

If the track is set at a height that is higher than the ground, you may need to adjust the height of your wheelchair so that the wheels are at the same level as the track. This will make it easier to get your wheelchair onto the track.

Dealing with Height Differentials

Height differentials can be a challenge when navigating a sliding door track with a wheelchair. If the track is set at a height that is higher than the ground, you may need to adjust the height of your wheelchair so that the wheels are at the same level as the track.

You can also use a ramp or a platform to bridge the gap between the ground and the track. However, it is important to make sure that the ramp or platform is stable and secure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Navigating a sliding door track with a wheelchair can be tricky, but there are some common mistakes that you should avoid.

Go slowly: Going too fast can be dangerous, and it could cause you to lose your balance.

Adjust your speed as needed: If the track is slippery, you may need to go slower. If the track is bumpy, you may need to go faster.

Don’t be afraid to take breaks if needed: If the track is long or the terrain is difficult, it is important to take breaks to rest your arms and prevent fatigue.

What to Do If You Get Stuck

If you get stuck while navigating a sliding door track with your wheelchair, there are a few things you can do.

Try to move your wheelchair backward: If you are stuck on a bump or an incline, moving your wheelchair backward may help you get off the track.

Ask for help: If you are stuck and can’t move your wheelchair backward, you can ask for help from a friend or family member. They can help you move your wheelchair off the track.

Call for assistance: If you are in a public place, such as an airport or a shopping mall, you can call for assistance from an employee or security guard. They can help you get off the track.

Conclusion

Navigating a sliding door track with a wheelchair can be a challenge, but it is possible. In this guide, we went over everything you need to know about sliding door tracks, including the different types of tracks, the benefits of using them, the challenges of using them with a wheelchair, step-by-step instructions for navigating them, tips for success, and what to do if you get stuck.

By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can be sure to successfully navigate a sliding door track with your wheelchair. So, the next time you encounter a sliding door track, you can confidently and smoothly maneuver it with your wheelchair.

If you need help navigating a sliding door track with your wheelchair, make sure to reach out to a friend, family member, or an employee for assistance.

Are you ready to start navigating sliding door tracks with your wheelchair? Try it today, and you’ll be a pro in no time!

Article by

Tiny Nair

Tiny Nair, MD, DM, FACC, FRCP, is a cardiologist and head of Dept of Cardiology at PRS Hospital in Trivandrum. He is also an author, fluent in Middle English and offers consultations on finding the best wheelchair according to individual needs.