Have you ever wondered how to order a wheelchair that is designed specifically for you? Maybe you are unsure how to transfer from your chair into your friend’s SUV or how to push a grocery cart and your wheelchair at the same time.  Meet Mary Allison Cook. She is a wife, professional, and eight-time member of the U.S. Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team. With 23 years of experience as a wheelchair user, Mary Allison will answer all of your questions and more through a new series entitled How To: Video Series. This series will give wheelchair users tips and tricks on how to conquer the world with confidence, ease, and style.

In this first episode, Mary Allison will discuss how to design the perfect wheelchair, combining equal parts form and function. She will focus on proper fit, taper, wheel size, center of gravity, and much more.  You will learn that building the right chair can positively influence your body image, increase independence, and conquer inaccessible obstacles. Check out Mary Allison’s video, and the next time you are fitted for a wheelchair, you will have the knowledge needed to design one that is right for you.

How To: Hop, Pop, and Jump! (Part 1)

Welcome to Episode 2: Part 1 of a How To video series presented by NCHPAD with the help of Mary Allison Cook, a wheelchair user for the past 23 years.  She will lead us through a number of How To’s for the wheelchair user. In this video, you will learn the important aspects of how to hop, pop, and jump in your wheelchair wherever you please. 

This video depicts the way Mary Allison has found to navigate life. What works for her may not be feasible for you. It is important to take proper precautions while trying new skills and note that some skills may not be safe for you to attempt. In some cases, riding an escalator may be prohibited for individuals who use a wheelchair.

How To: Hop, Pop, and Jump (Part 2)

Welcome to Episode 2: Part 2 of a How To video series presented by NCHPAD with the help of Mary Allison Cook, a wheelchair user for the past 23 years.  She will lead us through a number of How To’s for the wheelchair user. In this video, you will learn the important aspects of how to hop, pop, and jump in your wheelchair wherever you please. 

This video depicts the way Mary Allison has found to navigate life. What works for her may not be feasible for you. It is important to take proper precautions while trying new skills and note that some skills may not be safe for you to attempt. In some cases, riding an escalator may be prohibited for individuals who use a wheelchair.

How To: Hop, Pop, and Jump (Part 3)

Welcome to Episode 2: Part 3 of a How To video series presented by NCHPAD with the help of Mary Allison Cook, a wheelchair user for the past 23 years.  She will lead us through a number of How To’s for the wheelchair user. In this video, you will learn the important aspects of how to hop, pop, and jump in your wheelchair wherever you please. 

This video depicts the way Mary Allison has found to navigate life. What works for her may not be feasible for you. It is important to take proper precautions while trying new skills and note that some skills may not be safe for you to attempt. In some cases, riding an escalator may be prohibited for individuals who use a wheelchair.

How To: Transfer from Floor to Chair

“Wheelchair-bound” is one of Mary Allison’s least favorite words. No one should feel stuck to his or her wheelchair. Transferring out of your wheelchair is an important skill to learn to increase independence and experience life from a different perspective. With a few simple steps, you too can hop in and out of your chair like a pro.

This video depicts the way Mary Allison has found to navigate life. What works for her may not be feasible for you. It is important to take proper precautions while trying new skills and note that some skills may not be safe for you to attempt. 

How To: Talk To Your Doctor

Welcome to Episode 4 of a How To video series presented by NCHPAD with the help of Mary Allison Cook, a wheelchair user for the past 23 years.  She will lead us through a number of How To’s for the wheelchair user. In this video, you will learn the important aspects of how to create a positive doctor’s visit.

How To: LIVE Chat With Mary Allison (Recording)

Have you ever wondered how Mary Allison gets a flip flop to stay on her feet or what type of wheelchair she uses?  Well, you will be able to see her answer your “How To” questions live in this video recording.

How To: Drive with a Physical Disability

A physical disability may affect the function of a person’s body, but it should never affect a person’s independence. Driving is a skill that promotes freedom, and it can be adapted so almost any person with a physical disability can be mobile. In this video, Mary Allison will share how you can adapt your vehicle to meet your needs of function and style.

How To: Navigate an Airport

The experience of traveling by air in a wheelchair can be daunting, but this video has a few tips that will help you navigate the airport like a pro.