Do I Need a Wheelchair Quiz
Questions: 15 · 10 minutes
1. Imagine having to stand in a slow-moving line for about ten minutes. Which response best matches your usual experience?
I can generally remain standing without significant difficulty.
I need to shift position or use brief light support.
I usually need a seat or must leave before ten minutes.
I cannot safely remain standing that long, or attempting it can cause severe symptoms.
2. When going somewhere unfamiliar, how much planning is required around distance, seating, or accessible routes?
Mobility-related planning is not usually necessary for me.
I briefly check distances or seating to make the visit easier.
I need detailed planning and may require another person's help.
A lack of reliable access information or support often prevents me from going.
3. How does your current mobility affect independence with routine activities inside or just outside your home?
I can reach and complete my routine activities without mobility-related help.
I sometimes ask for help or leave a task until I have more capacity.
I regularly depend on another person or cannot reach parts of my usual environment.
I cannot consistently reach essentials such as food, a toilet, or an exit without major assistance.
4. On a typical day, what happens when you walk a necessary indoor distance, such as from one end of a building to the other?
I complete it without symptoms or unusual effort affecting me.
I complete it, but I usually slow down or take one brief pause.
I need several stops or substantial support because of symptoms or exhaustion.
I often cannot complete that distance, or trying causes severe symptoms.
5. When pain, breathlessness, dizziness, weakness, or another symptom appears while you are walking, how does it affect the activity?
These symptoms do not currently interfere with my walking.
I adjust my pace but can usually continue as planned.
I often have to stop early, sit, or lean on something.
Continuing can feel impossible or immediately unsafe because symptoms become severe.
6. After an essential outing that involves more walking than usual, how long does the physical impact tend to last?
It does not noticeably change my symptoms or recovery needs.
I need some extra rest but return to my usual baseline that day.
The impact commonly continues into the next day.
I need two or more days to recover, or I avoid the outing because the impact is too great.
7. What happens when you carry a light essential item, such as a drink or small bag, while walking?
Carrying it does not affect my balance or ability to walk.
I move more cautiously but can usually carry it.
I need one hand free for support or often cannot carry it safely.
Trying has caused a fall or injury, or I cannot move safely even with both hands free.
8. Which best describes falls or near-falls during your recent usual mobility?
I have not had a fall or near-fall.
I have had one near-fall but recovered without hitting the ground.
I have had repeated near-falls or a fall without apparent injury.
I have fallen with an injury or head impact, or experienced a sudden collapse.
9. How much do fluctuations in your condition change your ability to move around?
Fluctuations do not meaningfully limit my usual mobility.
Occasional difficult days require shorter routes or extra breaks.
Difficult days regularly restrict me to a small area or prevent planned trips.
I often cannot cross a room or meet basic mobility needs without major assistance.
10. If your legs give way, you become suddenly dizzy, or your balance abruptly worsens, which pattern fits best?
I do not currently experience episodes like these.
I have had a brief isolated episode without falling.
Episodes recur or make me immediately grab support or sit down.
An episode has caused collapse, injury, new weakness or numbness, or an inability to move safely.
11. How manageable are transfers such as getting on or off a bed, chair, or toilet?
I complete them consistently without balance or strength concerns.
I sometimes need extra time or use the surface for leverage.
I regularly need equipment, repeated attempts, or another person's nearby support.
I have fallen, been injured, or become stuck during a transfer.
12. A valued event involves a long corridor and limited seating. What most closely matches your likely decision?
I would attend without changing my plans for mobility reasons.
I would attend but plan extra time, breaks, or nearby seating.
I would attend only with substantial assistance or a much shorter route.
I would probably miss it because the distance or lack of seating is not manageable.
13. How much do you ration everyday trips because you must preserve energy or symptom tolerance for something else?
I do not need to ration trips for mobility-related reasons.
I occasionally combine or postpone trips to conserve capacity.
I regularly choose one essential trip at the expense of another activity.
Even after rationing, I often cannot complete basic trips or responsibilities.
14. How often do mobility demands cause you to miss work, education, appointments, or other necessary activities?
They do not currently cause me to miss necessary activities.
I occasionally reschedule or choose a less demanding alternative.
I miss or leave necessary activities early on a recurring basis.
I am often unable to attend essential activities because I cannot get around adequately.
15. When crossing a room at home, how much do you rely on the surroundings or another person for stability?
I cross the room steadily without needing support.
I occasionally touch a wall or furniture for reassurance.
I regularly hold furniture or need a mobility aid because I feel unsteady.
I need another person, must move on the floor, or cannot cross safely.