I thought it would be fitting that the first post I make in my new blog is related to my daughter, Lynsie. She has Down Syndrome. She is now 12 years old, but I think developmentally more like 2. Anyhow, we love to go places as a family, but Lynsie can be difficult. She is very stubborn, likes to run, has no concept of danger, and can sometimes be downright disagreeable. This year I started working with my insurance company in order to get a special needs stroller for her. It finally arrived a week ago! I spent a couple of months looking at the different options out there and decided to go with the Adaptive Star Axiom Improv. Check it out here.
I also considered the Convaid. There are pros and cons with each. The Convaid looks more like a wheelchair, the Axiom looks like a jogging stroller. The Convaid is smaller and more portable. The Axiom is quite big.
The Axiom comes with a canopy and places to store things. The Convaid does not. The man at the wheelchair shop told me usually people just put a backpack on the back of the Convaid. The Axiom has a canvas bag on the bottom as well as a little zipper pocket near the top handy for a phone and keys as well as pockets that hold water bottles or drinks. Funny thing is, the insurance companies start acting real funny if you want a canopy/storage, etc. They don't think they should have to provide a stroller. I can see where they are coming from, but really, I would much rather my 12 year old be able to walk as long as we can. And not throw fits. And not charge into streets. So if you happen to be trying to get your insurance to help you get one for your special needs child, it needs to be called an Indoor/Outdoor Mobility Push Chair. Ok, whatever floats your boat. If you want a canopy or storage holder for the Convaid, it is out of pocket. Yikes. These puppies are not cheap. The Axiom is around $1500 and the Convaid is around $2500. My insurance covers 90%, which is pretty good. Still, another pro for the Axiom. Less out of pocket.
Anyhow, I digress. So far I like the Axiom pretty well. The front tire is fixed which is good and bad. I kinda have to tilt it to turn it. On bumpy surfaces the fixed front tire is great. The Convaid swivels nicely and is very smooth.
You might be wondering why I went with the Axiom. There seems to be more pros for the Convaid. First, we live in Utah. A lot of what people do here for entertainment is outdoors. I was worried about the smaller wheels on the Convaid. If I lived in more of a city atmosphere, I would probably go with the Convaid. Usually if we are going to the mall, my daughter can walk that long without being a problem. Also, my daughter is pretty mobile, she just sometimes decides she is done and won't walk anymore and wants someone to carry her. The Convaid would be good for you if your child has more mobility demands.
The Axiom is also pretty tall. I can't see the front tire from the back of the stroller. Here is a picture of my son with the stroller, he is about 5'7.
A quick story that prompted us to pursue getting a special needs stroller. We took the family to Moab over spring break a year ago. While walking down main street, Lynsie decided she was done and went charging full speed into the street. We all screamed and ran after her. Good thing traffic was light, it might have been bad. The next day we were in Arches National Park. We couldn't keep her with us and we were not able to hike to see Delicate Arch. Then at Canyonlands she kept wanting to walk right up to the precipice and look down. Bad idea. We drove all over town to try and purchase a little umbrella stroller. I think we have bought about 5 of those dumb things over the years. We decided it was time to just get a stroller that could handle her growing body and special needs.
If anyone has additional questions, respond to the post and I will try to answer your questions. Thanks!
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