The challenges of using a wheelchair didn’t deter Shannon Klann, of Michigan, from becoming a mother of three. But raising kids while in a wheelchair is no small feat with Friedreich’s ataxia.  

While pregnant with their firstborn, Jared (now 10), Klann and her husband, Chris, began an extensive search for information on how parents can care for children from a wheelchair. But information was scarce and their search for other mothers in similar situations was unsuccessful.

“After I had the baby, I vowed that I would have a Web site or write a book to share tips and information I picked up as I learned the ropes,” says Klann, 36. “I know I’m not the only mom in America in a wheelchair. It may not be a huge population, but nonetheless, I am not the only one.”

“I’m hoping to be a source of both information and encouragement for other moms or dads on wheels,” she says. “I know that the group I’m speaking to is not a big population, but I also know how valuable this information will be [to them].”

New parents on wheels shouldn’t have to do without this kind of practical guidance, says Klann – and she’s hopeful her Web outreach will fill that information gap.

Source: MDA Quest Online  http://www.mda.org/publications/Quest/extra/feb09/moms_on_wheels.html#