Any tetraplegic will tell you that operating televisions, using computers, shouting for help from your bed can be somewhat of a nightmare sometimes.

Unfortunately like a lot of us disabled people who use a wheelchair permanently, I have had my fair share of skin problems. On one occasion I was confined to bed with a sore for nearly 8 months which will probably rate as one of my less happy times since being injured 23 years ago. Like many of us who are unfortunate enough to suffer from pressure sores, we will always have to live with the fact that we are very vulnerable and the same thing could easily happen again.

I spend most of my day working on my computer and for most of that time have one television on. Being able to use my computer and watch television is very important to me so being stuck in bed can restrict my daily life in a huge way. For these reasons I have installed my computer next to my bed and made sure it is very easy for me to use. I use a Kensington trackball and control a lot of the computer by voice using Dragon NaturallySpeaking. I have got a long arm adjustable TV wall Mount which guarantees my television is always a comfortable position for me to watch. I have got the Possum environmental control which enables me to operate my telephone, television, satellite, radio, light, fan, front door intercom, front door, emergency call system [lifeline and internal pager/intercom]

Unfortunately I still have to spend some time in bed when problems arise, but now I have everything to hand, I can use my PC, change channels on my TV and satellite, I can make phone calls, call for help, answer the front door and open it, switch on my fan, listen to the radio if I want, the list goes on.

In my area of the country severely disabled people are entitled to free Possum environmental controls. I think it depends where you live in the country to whether or not to entitled to a free environmental control. I have included a link to the main Possum website where they will be able to help you.

I have included some links that may be of some help. My adjustable TV wall bracket came from a company called IAG technology. Don't bother trying to find the bracket on their website, it's nowhere to be seen. Just drop them an e-mail and they will get back to you. I have also included a link to Possum who are also very helpful

http://www.iagtechnology.co.uk/

http://www.possum.co.uk/