Problems with unsuitable wheelchairs and maintenance delays are adding to difficulties faced by users in accessing education, work and everyday life, a researcher has said.

Disabled people are at risk of further significant health problems due to badly fitting wheelchairs and a lack of repair facilities, a conference at the University of Limerick heard yesterday.

Many children are being squashed into wheelchairs that are too small for them which has serious consequences for their limb development, a study on wheelchair provision has found.