Stavros Center Offers Accessible Scales for Wheelchair Users

AMHERST — Stavros Center for Independent Living is offering new wheelchair-accessible scales at its Amherst and Springfield offices.

People with mobility challenges sometimes have a hard time keeping track of weight-related health and well-being, and chair-accessible scales allow a wheelchair user to roll directly onto the low platform, which then displays their weight on an easy-to-read wall panel. By subtracting the weight of the wheelchair (as provided by the manufacturer), people can easily assess their weight without needing assistance to transfer in and out of their chair.

Accessible scales provide an easy way for people with disabilities to learn their weight, meet their fitness goals, or to track how those New Year’s resolutions are going. Anyone who uses a wheelchair is welcome to access the scales, which were made possible by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, MassMATCH, and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.

There are open hours for the scales four Thursdays a month, alternating between Stavros’ Amherst and Springfield offices. They are: 227 Berkshire Ave., Springfield, first and third Thursdays, 1-4 p.m.; and 201 Old Farm Road, Amherst, second and fourth Thursdays, 1-4 p.m. Stavros can also accommodate people as needed at other times.

Call Tom Filiault at (800) 804-1899, ext. 233 with any questions, or if you need to make special arrangements.