Introduction

Welcome to the Wijit Testimonials section. We are frequently contacted by our customers and told many wonderful stories about how the Wijit has improved their lives or the lives of their loved ones. Some messages are full of fun anecdotes while others are downright heartwarming. The following list provides quick links to the messages we hope you enjoy:

• Ken – Incomplete Quadriplegic
• Elina – 4th grader, Athetoid CP
• Karla – Elina's Mother
• Karin – Occupational Therapist, Elina's Aunt
• Roger – Computer Specialist, C6/7 Quadriplegic
• Kurt – Retired, L1 Paraplegic
• Rob – A Happy WIJIT Owner
• Bud – Physical Therapist & Clinic Director

Submit Your Wijit Testimonial

Ken

E-Mail from Ken
Subject: So How is it that these things aren't everywhere

I have had my Wijits for just a few weeks, and I cannot tell you the change it has made in my mobility and my life. I got mine on my wheelchair a short time before leaving for vacation. I instantly became a ‘mall rat,’ stopping at a local multi-level shopping mall every day after work to do laps.

I have to add that prior to the addition of Wijits to my wheelchair I avoided places like the mall completely because I do not have sufficient hand strength to propel myself that far using the rails on my chair, and my limited walking ability simply did not permit visiting more than a single shop. Now I can make shopping trips on my own and not have to dread going to the next store (that is, when not doing laps!).

In Washington DC my wife and I went to two baseball games (the Nationals and also the Orioles in Baltimore), we visited museums, strolled the mall, and went to several restaurants which were “walking distance” from our hotel. All self-propelled. None of this would have been possible before unless my wife was pushing me everywhere. Travelling between gates in airports: no problem.

Two things utterly surprised me:
(1) my arms never got worn out from the experience. I learned quickly how to glide with each push of the Wijits and get the best use out of each push. I never tired out. Of course, hills were a bit of an effort but I suppose there's not much you can do about simple physics!
(2) I NEVER go anywhere without being asked about the Wijits. Every trip to the mall; every museum we visited; every restaurant we went to; no exceptions. I would say that about a quarter of these inquiries are from people who identify themselves as working with the disabled and had never seen such a thing. I gave them all your web address and they left promising to check it out. It totally baffles me that the world isn't populated by people using Wijits!

Sadly, I have already acquired my first scratch on one of my Wijits while on a DC trolley. Can you suggest a touch-up paint to match the red color?

Thanks for all your assistance, and for making a difference. I truly appreciate it.

Best regards,

Ken Kornblum
Cedar Park, TX

Elina

Elina

E-Mail from Elina:

I love my new wijit wheels! I went crazy when the package came in the mail. I helped my Dad put the wheels on my wheelchair. Now I can get around myself. I practice using my wijits every day. I also like to play games with my friends and I got to play Red Light - Green Light for the first time this Christmas with my own power. I have athetoid cerebral palsy so sometimes my muscles are uneven. My wijits help me to balance my muscles. Everyday my arms are getting stronger and stronger. Before Wijits, I could not use my wheelchair rims very well. Now with Wijits, I can get to my classroom. I like to wheel to my school library too.

I am sending you a picture of me using my Wijit Wheels. I am also a computer artist and I am sending you my self portrait. My self portrait is a happy picture and I felt that way when I got my Wijits.

For more about Elina, see the reprinted column "Gear Gal" from Kids on Wheels Magazine, featuring Elina and her Wijit.

Karla (Elina's Mom)

E-Mail from Karla:

The Widjit arrived yesterday and we spent the afternoon putting it together. Elina is thrilled!!!!! She said it was just what she needed.

Elina already tried it out at school this morning and it was the first time that she had ever wheeled herself from the parking lot to the classroom! Elina will need a little more practice at it for the coordination part of it, however, I think its going to work out just fine.

Elina's full time Conductive Ed Therapy teacher loves how the widjit works too! Its going to help alot with with adjusting Elina's right hand and also in even-ing out her overall athetoid cp muscle strength. Yahooooooooooo! Your widjit is an answer to one of our many prayers! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Thanks again!

Follow Up E-Mail from Karla

Now that she has had some time with using Wijits, Elina's muscles in her arms and trunk seem to be reorganizing. Her right arm is starting to behave more like her left arm however it will take a bit more practice in order to even out the tone in Elina's athetoid cp movements. Sometimes her right hand tries to re grip the handle too much or she even lets go however it is easy for her to grab the bar (lever) again when it rests in the front horizontal position. That is a great feature that you included on your design!

Again, thank you so much Team Wijit for all your assistance. Like Elina said - We love your Wijits!

Karin K. (Elina's Aunt)

Call from Karin:

I have known Elina since birth. Her athetoid cerebral palsy has prevented her from using her hands and body with smooth controlled movements in every daily life skill. She has been dependent upon the assistance of others all of her life.

As a medical professional, I am very impressed with the dramatic and visible beneficial effects the Wijit VOYAGER is having on Elina. Research in therapy has shown that with the use of resistance and weight bearing through the hands and arms, individuals can improve their core trunk strength, increasing the possibility of better control in gross and fine motor skills. Elina is now able to push the chair at a speed where she keeps up with her able bodied friends and does it without assistance!

Karin K., OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Grass Valley, CA

Roger M. - Computer Specialist

E-Mail from Roger:

I'm almost 50, and was beginning to wonder if I'd ever find a way to get fit. Using the Wijits has been nothing short of life-changing. Going from my power chair to manual has resulted in weight-loss, substantially increased strength, and a new outlook on life.

Roger M.
Computer Specialist, C6/7 Quadriplegic
Santa Cruz, California

Follow Up E-mail from Roger M.

"I just officially recorded a 15-lb weight loss since the day my Wijits arrived."

Follow Up E-mail from Roger M. #2

it's funny. a year ago, I couldn't do 20' on a tile floor in my manual chair.

Attached is the palace of fine arts in san francisco.

Kurt P. - Retired

Letter from Kurt:

With my Wijits, my shoulder pain disappeared in a few weeks, and I have gained upper body strength and muscle. I can now take my dog for long walks. I no longer tear up gloves so fast! In fact, I don't even have to wear gloves anymore and my hands feel and look much better.

I live in the foothills and now when I am wheeling about town I am able to take steep slopes a lot easier and with minimal effort. Thank you SuperQuad!

Kurt P.
Retired, L1 Paraplegic
Auburn, California

Rob M. - Happy Wijit Owner

E-mail from Rob:

DEAR SUPER QUAD:

     My name is Rob M, I came across your website and company in 2006 when I was looking for new and different looking manual and power chairs on the net.  When I first saw the WIJIT I really thought I should have a pair.

      I just knew they would help me regain lost arm strength from years of  using  my electric chair, and I would be able to go places at the same time.  A positive double whammy!!   I received my WIJIT wheels and newer wheelchair on Sunday, July 1, 2007 with the help of  my local  dealer Chesapeake Rehab Equipment, and many other caring people & organizations.     

     I have gotten lots of looks and very nice compliments on my new machine from friends,neighbours and others that I meet, they tell me, “ They have never seen a wheelchair like that before.”

     On the 4th of July I went to a cookout at a friends house with my WIJIT and had a great time.  It was so much easier WIJITing through their yard rather than pushing the wheels with my hands and thumbs.  Soon after I got their my friends wanted me to change seats so they could ride in the new wheels.  During the party and everyone’s running around I was able to have this picture taken.  Everyone had a fun holiday.

       Brian, Thank you for inventing the WIJIT and deciding to share it with the world!!  Ya Dun Good. 

Sincerely, Rob M.
(A happy WIJIT owner)

Bud W. - Physical Therapist & Clinic Director

Letter from Bud:

I wanted to comment on the Wijit propulsion system. A previous patient received his Wijit a few weeks ago and he came by the clinic today to show it off. This particular patient has been limited to using a power wheelchair for years. With his new Wijit system, he now feels more independent and he is able to get some exercise. In 3 weeks, the patient notes some improvement in his breathing and in his arm strength. In my opinion, the design and concept are brilliant!

Once again - outstanding concept and product! Thanks for helping my patient,

Bud W., MPT, CSCS
Physical Therapist & Clinic Director
Anne Arundel County, Maryland