BS ISO 7176-26 is the international standard that specifies a vocabulary consisting of terms and definitions used in the field of manual and electrically powered wheelchairs (including scooters) and associated seating systems. Part 26 of BS ISO 7176 includes, but is not limited to, the preferred terms used in two or more ISO standards of the ISO 7176, ISO 10542, and ISO 16840 series, but does not include terms considered to be adequately defined in everyday English.
In addition to terms used in the three official ISO languages (English, French and Russian), this BS ISO 7176-26 gives the equivalent terms in United States English; these are published under the responsibility of the member body/National Committee for the United States. However, only the terms and definitions given in the official languages can be considered as ISO terms and definitions.
A standard set of descriptors for characterizing wheelchairs is also included.
Contents of BS ISO 7176 includes:
Scope
Rules and elements used in vocabulary
Rules used in vocabulary
Organization of elements used in the vocabulary
Abbreviated terms
Terms and definitions
Wheelchairs and related mobility devices
Wheelchair operators
Overall dimensions
Drive systems
Wheels and wheel features
Postural supports
Postural support characteristics
Seating dimensions
Testing equipment and configuration
Transportation in a motor vehicle
Product information
Characterization of wheelchairs
Bibliography
The provision and selection of wheelchairs and associated seating products relies on clear communication of information relating to these devices. Over time, many terms and definitions have evolved. Unfortunately, this process has resulted in a lack of clear meaning for some terms and duplication of other terms (sometimes with conflicting messages).
For example, the terms tilt and recline are sometimes used interchangeably, but usually have quite distinct meanings. If used inappropriately, an entirely inappropriate wheelchair may be specified or purchased.
The purpose of this part of ISO 7176 is to provide a collection of terms and their definitions to form the basis of clear communication across the field of wheelchair and associated seating and to eliminate confusion from duplication or inappropriate use of terms.
The vocabulary is drawn from surveys of the literature and language used by experts in this field. It excludes, however, terms which are adequately defined in the everyday language of English, medicine and technology. ISO 7176 recognises that there are a number of terms in use which, because of duplication or inadequacies of meaning, should be replaced by terms from this vocabulary. To help people move towards a common vocabulary, these deprecated terms are included along with a reference to the preferred term.
The development and application of wheelchair standards is particularly dependent upon clear and consistent terms and definitions. Hence, a major proportion of this part of BS EN ISO 7176 includes terms and definitions used in more than one of the ISO standards specifically related to ISO wheelchair standards. These include the BS EN ISO 7176, ISO 10542, and ISO 16840 series, and ISO 7193.
This part of BS EN ISO 7176 is intended purely as a means of specifying terms and definitions. It does not attempt to classify wheelchairs and associated seating into any classification of device groupings as this is the purpose of BS EN ISO 9999.
BS ISO 7176-26:2007 replaces BS 6937:1988, which has been withdrawn.