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International Wheelchair Day began with Steve Wilkinson in 2008 as a way to celebrate people that live in wheelchairs and raise awareness about the challenges they face. Annually on March 1, it's on his late mother's birthday in 1929—and singer Michael Flanders, born March 1, 1922. Flanders depended upon a wheelchair after contracting polio in 1943.
Wheelchairs originated in ancient civilizations. Rolling beds and chairs with wheels transported those with difficulty walking or standing. However, the modern wheelchair as we know it today did not begin to take shape until the 19th century.
The first patent for a self-propelled wheelchair was filed in 1869 by Stephen Farfler, a wheelchair user. Farfler's design was a three-wheeled chair that the user could propel. It included a hand-operated brake and steering mechanism, an essential development in wheelchairs, as it allowed autonomous movement and control.
In the early 20th century, improvements in materials and manufacturing techniques led to the development of more lightweight and maneuverable wheelchairs. New designs were comfortable, including adjustable footrests and armrests, padded seats and backrests, and improved suspension systems.
During World War II, the need for mobility devices for wounded soldiers led to further advancements in wheelchair design. New materials, including lightweight metals and plastics, made it possible to create wheelchairs that were both durable and easy to transport.
Wheelchair design continued to evolve, with new features and technologies that improved the comfort, safety, and mobility of wheelchair users. Electric-powered wheelchairs arrived in the 1950s. In recent years, new materials and technologies such as carbon fiber and 3D printing have created increasingly lighter, more durable, and customizable wheelchair designs.
Today, wheelchairs are an essential tool for millions of people worldwide with mobility impairments. People of all ages and backgrounds use them, and they play a crucial role in enabling people with disabilities to live independent, active, and fulfilling lives.
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