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If you have a disability and use a wheelchair, scooter, walker, or other mobility aid, these tips can help you stay warm in the winter and cope with cold weather and snow.
Winter can be a tough season for people with disabilities. Respiratory viruses tend to spike, putting immune-suppressed and chronically ill people at higher risk. Damp and cold weather can aggravate arthritis and other conditions that cause chronic pain. As a person with cerebral palsy, I dread the winter because being cold greatly increases my spasticity, making it difficult to move. And then there is snow, a bane to disabled people who use canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.
Despite these challenges, winter doesn't have to be completely miserable when you have a disability and use a mobility aid. You can still enjoy the health benefits of going outside even when it's cold. These practical solutions, based on my experiences and those of other peer experts here on The Ability Toolbox, can help you stay warm even during snowy winter weather.
1. Keep your head warm.
When you're getting ready to venture out into the cold as a wheelchair user, a hat may be the last thing on your mind, but it should be the first. Studies show that we lose up to 10% of our body heat through our heads.
While hooded jackets are nice to have, a hood doesn't necessarily provide enough warmth, and may not stay on your head if it's windy or you're rolling fast in your wheelchair. I've found that a tightly-fitted knitted hat works best for my needs โ and there are endless choices available. You can even make your own โ knitting and crochet are fun, easy hobbies to take up during the winter if you don't go out much.
HINDAWI Women Winter Warm Knit Hat Wool Snow Caps with Visor, Black
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Hatsandscarf Cable Knit Beanie - Thick, Soft & Warm Chunky Beanie Hats (Black Multi Mix)
Vgogfly Beanie Men Slouchy Knit Skull Cap Warm Stocking Hats Guys Women Striped Winter Beanie Hat Cuffed Plain Hat Black
- ESSENTIAL MEN BEANIE FOR WINTER: This stylishly knit men beanie hat is suitable for most men and women. Step out in style and keep your head warm in this cold winter by combining our slouchy men beanie hats with your favorite outfit, enjoy this winter.
2. Cover your lower body, legs, and feet.
Many wheelchair users trying to stay warm in the winter, including me, forget all about our legs and feet. Protecting your lower body from the cold is just as important as protecting your upper body. This also goes for those of you who don't have sensation in your legs โ you're still losing heat from them.
There are many easy ways to warm your legs, ranging from specialized wheelchair blankets to child-size sleeping bags, mermaid blankets, and of course, boots. You may need to experiment to figure out which solution is best for your needs.
Mermaid Tail Blanket - Mermaid Wearable Blankets for Adults Women Girls All Seasons Soft Flannel Mermaid Scale Sleeping Bags Snuggle...
- ATTRACTIVE DESIGN: The color gradient of pink and green makes this mermaid blanket even more elegant and attractive. It's charming and unique appearance will enhance your bedroom and living room.
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Coleman Kids 45ยฐF Sleeping Bag, Comfortable Camping Sleeping Bag for Kids, Fits Children up to 5ft 5in Tall, Lightweight and...
- Youth sleeping bag for camping in mild temperatures as low as 45ยฐF
- Can accommodate children up to 5 feet 5 inches tall
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- Interior pocket for flashlight or other small items
3. Wear thermal clothing to stay warm without bulky coats and tons of layers.
I often see tips recommending that you โdress in layersโ to stay warm in the winter. However, this isn't necessarily the best advice for people with limited mobility. For people with muscle weakness or spasticity, bulky sweaters and heavy jackets can make movement difficult. Those of us who struggle with temperature regulation may also need to wear warm clothing indoors where non-disabled people find the temperature comfortable. For all of these situations, thermal clothing is the solution!
Flexible and light thermal clothing can keep you cozy without the weight and bulk of heavy sweaters and jackets. It's designed to help you maintain body heat, while also wicking away sweat if you get too hot. Thermal clothing is available in a wide variety of materials and price points; here are just a few options to get you started.
Merino.tech Merino Wool Base Layer Women 100% Merino Wool Midweight Long Sleeve Thermal Shirts + Wool Socks (Medium, Black 250)
- MIDWEIGHT โ Womens Merino Base Layer Available in: Lightweight = 165 g/mยฒ, Midweight = 250 g/mยฒ, Heavyweight = 320 g/mยฒ. FREE MERINO WOOL HIKING SOCKS ($21 VALUE!) โ Package includes Women Merino Wool Base Layer Top Midweight 250 g/mยฒ + Wool Socks. Cool Packaging! MAKES A GREAT GIFT!
Smartwool Men's Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew, Black, Large
- COLD WEATHER BASE LAYER. We've updated this fan-favorite with new colors and a new fit to improve functionality while enhancing aesthetics. Add this cold weather base layer to your winter wardrobe and experience the difference on your next adventure.
Fruit of the Loom Women's Micro Waffle Premium Thermal Underwear Tee Shirt, Black/Black, X-Large
- Soft micro waffle fabric long sleeve crew-neck t-shirt made from U.S. sourced cotton and recycled polyester
- Soft poly/cotton micro waffle fabric stretches for a better fit
- For cold to moderately cold conditions
Ekouaer Men's Thermal Undershirts Long Sleeves Tees Basic Muscle Sweater Shirts Stretchy Ribbed Blouse Light Grey S
- ใFEATURESใClassic round neck design, Stretchy and skin-friendly material, Ekouaer Premium Ribbed Men's Thermal Shirts make you feel comfortable during spring, autumn, and winter. What's more, the sweater's slim-fit design will make your muscles more attractive.
Fruit of the Loom Men's Recycled Waffle Thermal Underwear Henley Top (1 and 2 Packs), Greystone Heather, X-Large
- Soft mini waffle fabric thermal long sleeve henley neck t-shirt made from U.S. sourced cotton and recycled polyester
- Wicks away moisture to keep you comfortable
- Retains heat to keep you warm
- Tagless label for added comfort
4. Choose a coat that works well with your wheelchair or other mobility aid.
When choosing a coat or jacket to stay warm in the winter as a wheelchair user, consider fit and flexibility first. Waist-length jackets are generally preferable to long coats as they won't bunch up around your waist while sitting. If you use a manual wheelchair and push yourself, you'll need sleeves that are loose enough to allow plenty of arm movement but not so loose that they get in the way.
Whether you put on your own coat or need assistance, I recommend choosing a jacket with a satin or other slippery lining. Packable down and lightweight jackets for backpackers and hikers are designed to be thin while providing maximum warmth, exactly what most wheelchair users need. Their smooth interior and exterior make them easy to put on and take off. My favorite among these is the Columbia Powder Lite jacket. While not the cheapest winter coat, it provides great value for the money and will last for years. The reflective interior works with your body heat to keep you comfortable without any excess bulk.ย
Columbia Women's Standard Powder Lite Jacket, Black, Medium
- OMNI-HEAT: For versatile lightweight warmth in mild to severe cold. Our patented Heat Reflective garments are the ultimate body heat management system for outdoor performance. Reflects and retains body heat with breathable comfort, and enhanced warmth.
Columbia Men's Powder Lite Hooded Jacket, Black, X-Large
- OMNI-HEAT: Our patented Heat Reflective garments are the ultimate body heat management system for outdoor performance. The interior lining consists of our metallic dot pattern designed to retain heat, while the breathable fabric dissipates moisture.
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Columbia Women's Powder Lite Hooded Jacket, Black, Medium
- OMNI-HEAT: Our patented Heat Reflective garments are the ultimate body heat management system for outdoor performance. The interior lining consists of our metallic dot pattern designed to retain heat, while the breathable fabric dissipates moisture
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5. Consider a heated vest or jacket.
Many people with neurological disabilities such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury struggle to regulate their body temperature. I have cerebral palsy and I'm often cold even when others around me are boiling hot. On the coldest winter days, even a heavily insulated coat isn't enough to stop my muscles from becoming rigid. I need an external heat source. I received a heated vest as a gift and it has been exactly what I needed to cope with winter as a wheelchair user. If I wear it under my packable down jacket, I stay super comfy despite the freezing temperatures.ย
DOACE Heated Vest for Women, Smart Electric Heating Vest Rechargeable, USB Warming heated Jacket, Battery Not Includedโฆ (2X-Large)
- โ โ โ ใNew Smart Heated VestใDOACE heated vest is one of the best household/ outdoor care products, functioning as multiple body warmer packs with infinite energy to keep your body warm all the time. If you'll be spending time outdoors this fall and winter, whether you'll be hiking, fishing, cycling, camping, hunting, or attending sporting events, the heating vest is the best way to stay warm for extended periods of time outdoors.
DOACEยฎ Upgraded Heated Vest for Men, Smart Electric Heating Vest, Menโs Lightweight heated Jacket (Battery Not Included)
- โ โ โ ใNew Smart Heated VestใDOACE heated vest is one of the best household/ outdoor care products, functioning as multiple body warmer packs with infinite energy to keep your body warm all the time. If you'll be spending time outdoors this fall and winter, whether you'll be hiking, fishing, cycling, camping, hunting, or attending sporting events, the heating vest is the best way to stay warm for extended periods of time outdoors.
DOACE Heated Vest for Men and Women with APP Control, Smart Electric Heating Vest with Battery, Unisex Warming heated Jacket
- โ โ โ ใNew Smart APP Heated VestใDOACE heated vest is one of the best household/ outdoor care products, functioning as multiple body warmer packs with infinite energy to keep your body warm all the time. If you'll be spending time outdoors this fall and winter, whether you'll be hiking, fishing, cycling, camping, hunting, or attending sporting events, the heating vest is the best way to stay warm for extended periods of time outdoors.
DOACE Heated Jacket Soft Shell for Men Women, Heated Jacket Warm Coat with 12V 14400mAh Battery Pack, L
- Large area heating: 8 carbon fiber heating elements generate heat across core body areas (two on waist, two on shoulder, three on back, and one on neck); It heats up quickly in seconds, makes you warm and comfortable.
ANTARCTICA GEAR Heated Jacket, Lightweight Heating Jackets with 12V/5A Power Bank, 6 Areas Winter Coat for Men and Women
- UPGRADED MATERIAL: 100% nylon, not only warm but also comfortable to touch. ANTARCTICA Gear heated jacket guarantee comfort in cold winter.The interior is made of comfortable professional materials.
- CARBON FIBER HEATIING ELEMENTS: Heat quickly in 3 seconds, 6 carbon fiber heating elements generate heat across core body areas (front,arm area and back) boost your core body heat and keep you warm. 16000mAH power bank(packaged) can save your money and time to buy a new one.
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6. Use a heating pad or hand warmers for supplemental heat.
If a heated jacket isn't right for you or isn't in the budget, you can place a USB heating pad behind your back to stay warm everywhere you go. If you use a power wheelchair, you can even plug it into your USB port. If not, a small battery pack can keep you warm for hours.
By the way, there are also battery packs that double as hand warmers. I've had a pair for years and they are one of the best purchases I've ever made.
USB Heating Pad for Back,Neck,Shoulder,Abdomen,Knee and Leg Pain Relief,3 Heat Settings and Auto-Off, Machine Washable,Christmas Gifts for Women Men Mom...
- FLEXIBLE USAGE: Our 5V2A heating pad easily pairs with common 5V USB power sources like portable chargers, USB adapters, and car chargers. Its compact, lightweight design (24 x 12 inches, 4.76 oz) ensures portability and convenience. Perfect for diverse settings, including home, office, car, and travel.
Hand Warmers Rechargeable 2 Pack, AI Temperature Control Pocket Size Electric Handwarmers, Quick Charge Portable Hand Warmer Great Gift for...
- 2 IN 1 Portable - Our 2-in-1 hand warmers solve the pain points of traditional, can be used separately or synthesized into one. Warms both hands at the same time, and can also be put in a pocket.
- Portable - Our hand warmers rechargeable net weight 3.5oz, only 30% of the weight of traditional hand warmers, 30% of the size of the phone, easy to carry, easy to put in pocket.
HotHands Hand Warmers - Long Lasting Natural Odorless Air Activated Warmers - Up to 10 Hours of Heat - 40...
- SAFE, NATURAL LONG-LASTING HEAT - Odorless, Disposable, Single-Use Item, Do Not Apply Directly to The Skin. TSA Approved. Made in the USA using domestic and imported materials. No shaking or kneading required
7. Wear a mask or gaiter while outdoors to warm your face and neck.
During the pandemic, I discovered that wearing a mask while outdoors could help keep me warm. Since winter is an important time to mask anyway due to the increased spread of respiratory viruses, you can just put your mask on before leaving the house instead of before you enter a store and stay both warm and safe all winter long.
![Be Healthy [Pack of 10] Posh KF94 Mask - Chicago (B03) (MADE IN KOREA), Navy, Light Blue, Light Green, Large](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41K5qHPjL3S._SL500_.jpg)
- Navy, Light Blue, Light Green, 3D box pattern. Goes well with casual attires
- KFDA Approved (KF94). Filtering minimum 94 percent of particles as small as PM 0.4.
- Premium 4-layer Electrostatic Filters. Comfortable Nose wire and wide 3D structure makes the mask easy to breathe and wear.
![[LG Airwasher] KF94 Disposable Face Mask, 10 Pack - Made in Korea, Black Breathable Reusable Face Mask, Individually Wrapped 4-Ply...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51YTDXNGNgL._SL500_.jpg)
[LG Airwasher] KF94 Disposable Face Mask, 10 Pack - Made in Korea, Black Breathable Reusable Face Mask, Individually Wrapped 4-Ply...
- LG Airwasher KF94 MASKS: LG Airwasher Face Masks are sold, distributed, and manufactured in Korea by LG Household & Health Care. Made in Korea from 4 Layers of Melt-blown Polypropylene for Maximum 4-Ply Fabric Mask Coverage.
3M Aura Particulate N95 Respirator 9205+, Flat Fold Lightweight Design, Non-Valved, 20 Count (Pack of 1)
- NIOSH APPROVED for at least 95 percent filtration efficiency against certain non-oil based particles
- FITS A WIDE RANGE OF FACE SHAPES AND SIZES
- CURVED LOW-PROFILE DESIGN conforms well to nose and eye contours, allowing more room for eyewear
BNX N95 Mask Black NIOSH Certified MADE IN USA Particulate Respirator Protective Face Mask, Tri-Fold Cup/Fish Style, (10-Pack, Approval Number...
- NIOSH Approved N95 Respirator Mask - (NIOSH Approval Number: TC-84A-9362) - N95 mask certified for protection against 95% of non-oil based particles 0.3microns or larger. Size small/medium. Elastic bands go over the head, not over the ears.
6 Pack Neck Gaiter Elastic Balaclavas Face Mask Versatile Bandana for Men Women
- Machine washable
- Elastic closure & Automatic high elasticity closure
- ใComfortable & Breathable FabricใNeck gaiter masks is made of 100% polyester fiber, it provides high performance for breathability and durability. Excellent keep warm effect, breathable, comfortable, windproof, moisture wicking, anti-static and anti-pilling. Stylish face coverings fit your face perfectly.
8. Find gloves or mittens you can put on yourself.
If you're a manual wheelchair user, you may already wear push gloves. If not, now is the time to get yourself a pair to protect your hands from the cold and that yellow snow.
If you have limited hand dexterity, putting on gloves with fingers can be nearly impossible, yet mittens make using your hands even more challenging. Fingerless gloves work up to a point, but many of us have poor circulation and need to cover our fingers. Flap mittens are the perfect middle ground.
BTR BORN TO RACE Wheelchair Gloves for Men and Women | Workout Gloves | Fingerless Long Thumb Leather Palm (Black-L)
- Introducing the BTR BORN TO RACE Wheelchair Gloves - where style meets functionality, designed exclusively for wheelchair users. Elevate your mobility experience with these gloves that prioritize comfort, durability, and a touch of sophistication. Here's a closer look at the outstanding features:
KynciLOR Cycling Gloves for Men Lightweight Mountain Biking BMX Gloves MTB and Road Bike Gloves for Women Running Wheelchair Driving
- ใFashionableใThe minimalist design,combined with a simple color scheme and white reflective strips make these road bike gloves both stylish and functional.
- ใComfortableใThe back of the mountain bike glove is made of 4-way stretch fabric that is both breathable and comfortable. With 5 sizes to choose from, you can find the perfect fit for your hands.
C9 Champion Women's Everyday Flip Top Mitten and Fingerless Glove with Reflective Detail, Grey, OS
- HYBRID GLOVE: These gloves easily and quickly transform from fingerless to a cozy mitten. Hook and loop design attaches the mitten to the back of hand to keep the mitt out of the way when using as finger less. Makes it simple to text and use your phone.
9. Remove snow from your wheelchair tires.
If you live in a cold climate, you know the icky experience of tracking in dirty snow and mud on your wheelchair wheels. Luckily, there's an easy solution to this problem โ a car windshield snow brush. If you use a power wheelchair or can't bend to reach your wheels, a brush with a long handle can work great.
As you can see, with a bit of preparation, going outside in the winter as a wheelchair user doesn't have to be a miserable experience. So go outside and enjoy the crisp air and maybe even a little snow!
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How do you stay warm outside in the winter as a wheelchair user?
Share your tips with our supportive disability community in the comments below.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Ability Toolbox. I received my BA in English from Stanford University and MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles, and have worked in entertainment and health media for over 20 years. I also blog about traveling with a disability. As a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, I am deeply committed to amplifying the voices of the disability community through writing and advocacy.
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