Para Ladder Fact Sheet on the unique Para Ladder floor transfer device. Background: An auto accident 47 years ago rendered the inventor of the Para Ladder ™, Rene de la Tour, a paraplegic. To keep in better physical condition, he took up wheelchair racing. His wheelchair racing successes led to his selection in 1990 to the USA wheelchair track team and the Olympic Wheelchair developmental team. Three rotator cuff shoulder operations ultimately reduced his arm strength. His awakening soon occurred when a simple garden hose caused him to fall out of his wheelchair in his driveway. Unfortunately, these kind of wheelchair falls are a common problem for those with limited mobility. Rene' realized that he needed an effective transfer device to maintain his independence and quality of life. He undertook an exhaustive market search for such a transfer device, but found that such a device did not exist. Research and Development: Rene’s failure to find a transfer device that met his needs propelled him to try to invent one. Over about three years he worked with numerous doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and a physiatrist (physical medicine physician) to develop several prototypes that met certain design criteria: Functionality Lightweight Portability Usable by anyone with use of both arms with adequate triceps strength Safe to use Simplicity – simple to use for unassisted transfers. After designing and testing about 35 prototype devices, Rene filed an application for a federal patent on his device. When the U.S. Patent Office approved his application on June 3, 2003, the Para Ladder became the first and only patented manual lift device that allows: The device can be used alternatively for safe and efficient transfers from a wheelchair to a floor or ground surfaces, such as a poolside, boat dock, camping tent, etc.