The Welner table is a medical
examination table designed to facilitate
accessibility for both patients and doctors with
physical disabilities
A physical disability is a limitation on a person's physical functioning, mobility, dexterity or stamina. Other physical disabilities include impairments which limit other facets of daily living, such as respiratory disorders, blindness, epilepsy ...
. It was designed by American
obstetrician
Obstetrics is the field of study concentrated on pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. As a medical specialty, obstetrics is combined with gynecology under the discipline known as obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), which is a surgi ...
-
gynecologist
Gynaecology or gynecology (see American and British English spelling differences) is the area of medicine concerned with conditions affecting the female reproductive system. It is often paired with the field of obstetrics, which focuses on pre ...
and
disability rights
The disability rights movement is a global social movement that seeks to secure equal opportunities and equal rights for all disabled people.
It is made up of organizations of disability activists, also known as disability advocates, around ...
activist
Sandra Welner
Sandra Welner (1958–2001) was an American physician, inventor, and advocate for disabled women's healthcare.
Early life and education
Sandra Leah Welner was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Nikodem and Barbara Safier Weln ...
.
Welner's work with disabled women patients led her to invent the Welner table, a
universally accessible examination table with a wider than usual range of adjustments in position and height, down to as low as above floor level for easier transfers from a
wheelchair
A wheelchair is a mobilized form of chair using two or more wheels, a footrest, and an armrest usually cushioned. It is used when walking is difficult or impossible to do due to illnesses, injury, disabilities, or age-related health conditio ...
.
The table also serves the needs of disabled physicians by allowing a wider range of positions for performing examinations.
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References
Further reading
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External links
Welner Enabled
- manufacturer of Welner tables
Medical equipment
Assistive technology
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