An interview with Jenny Smyth Creator of Invacare Boards

An interview with Jenny Smyth, creator and Webmaster of Invacare Boards (www.invacareboards.com), an independent discussion forum and information sharing website for people who use Invacare equipment.

Tell us about yourself?

My name is Jenny and I’m known as KiwiJenn on the boards.  I use a TDX5 with Tarsy Tilt/Recline and enjoy the performance the chair gives me.  I spend a lot of time on the computer keeping my boards updated and answering members’ questions.  I have a good relationship with Invacare New Zealand and Invacare United States and love to keep my knowledge updated.  I like to make graphics and keep my website updated as well.  I use my chair like a car really as I drive everywhere in it, to get me to the train, to the mall and everywhere else.

How long has Invacare boards been going? 

I created the Invacare Boards on 25 January 2004 on a free board.  The boards grew quite well after advertising it on other forums.  A special friend of mine who lives in the United States emailed me sometime in 2006 and offered to host my Invacare Boards ‘free of charge’ which means it would be advert free, I could have a photo gallery, polls, links area, a portal and a few other options that a free forum host doesn’t provide.  I took up his offer, with grateful thanks and after that the Invacare Boards looked better and the number of members grew! 

Why did you decide to start Invacare Boards? 

I have been a member of another wheelchair forum since 2000 and this forum discusses everything you want to know about ‘Mobility for Attitude’.  There have been lots of discussions on Invacare equipment, mainly powerchairs and manual chairs. I decided to create a Board for those people using Invacare equipment, including powerchairs, medical equipment, beds, hoists and ramps to come and discuss, know what’s available and understand how the features work.

How many users visit the site and/or are registered?

I have 146 registered members, 1543 Posts and 329 Threads.  I have members from New Zealand, Australia, United States, United Kingdom and Canada.

What sort of information can visitors find on the site?

Visitors can find members product reviews, powerchair settings and powerchair updates. Visitors can find discussions on seating and pressure relief, custom modifications (e.g. specialised controller), feedback for Invacare, product ideas to share with Invacare, information and advice on travel and accessibility worldwide, gadgets and equipment funding.  There are discussions on ramps, beds, respiratory, bariatric, ambulatory, bathroom and toilet aids, lifting and transfer equipment and furniture.

What do visitors need to do to get involved?

Visitors who would like to take part in the Boards, would need to register, which is free, and then they have full access to posting, including an introduction about themselves and what Invacare equipment they have, voting on the polls, adding photos to the gallery, reviewing their chair/equipment and getting involved in the discussions.

What is the future for Invacare Boards?

I world like to see the Boards linked to as many Invacare sites to spread the word for people to come and discuss their Invacare equipment.  I would love to see some Invacare technicians and seating therapists register and help answer the members technical and other questions and respond to the feedback that the members provide.  Have more members.  I hope to broaden the boards so members can talk about any Invacare related equipment.

Jenny welcomes anyone to visit www.invacareboards.com and get involved!