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Many people think that when you get a wheelchair, it’s yours until you outgrow it or someone gives you a new one. Hi there, and thanks for supporting this little blog! I know my recent posts have been pretty serious, so I thought I’d share a fun story today. You see, any wheelchair, no matter what type it is, is actually a machine. And like all machines, they can break down and need fixing.
One rainy Saturday afternoon, my brother and I decided to go to the local mall for some fun. Normally, we can go wherever we want, but because of the rain, we decided to catch a movie and walk around with our caregivers. While I was browsing a store, my wheelchair suddenly stopped. It had been charged up the night before, and there were no problems leading up to this. There I was, stuck next to a display of designer watches that I could never afford—I’ve always wanted a genuine Omega watch with a gold wristband like James Bond! Luckily, all power wheelchairs have a manual function for emergencies. But what puzzled me was that the lever to activate this feature was stuck and wouldn’t move all the way. I was basically stuck in one spot, like a part of the fancy watch display.
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9 NIV
With no other choice, we had to call my dad to bring my backup wheelchair, which hadn’t been used for years. We only saved it for emergencies and when we traveled because it could be folded up and taken with us easily. I watched as my dad struggled to move the damaged wheelchair inch by inch until he got it into the car. It turned out that one of the motors had worn out beyond repair. Here’s a fun fact: I learned that day that my power wheelchair has two motors. Insurance wouldn’t cover just one motor replacement, and they told us I could get a new wheelchair in six months. So, I had a decision to make: either replace both motors and lose my chance at the new wheelchair I was entitled to or use a loaner until the time was right.
Something you might not know about a loaner wheelchair is that it’s not like when your car breaks down, and you can choose from different car models to use. Wheelchairs are made to fit each person specifically, so they do their best to find one that fits you from what they have available in the shop that day.
Until they put together my replacement, which I would use for the whole six months, I had to sit in a chair that Hannibal Lecter might have used to scare his victims. You can see it in the picture at the top of this post. For most people, this would be a big inconvenience, but for me, it was just another day with my wheelchair. Once again, I hope this story helps you understand what life is like for people with disabilities and makes you see things from a new perspective. Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a great day ahead!
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I started Letters from the Limbo as a way to connect with you on a deeper level. Twice a month, I send out an email filled with personal anecdotes, professional updates (like my recent reelection as Vice Chair of the NJCDD), and the policy insights I don’t share anywhere else. This isn’t just another email—it’s an unfiltered look at the life of a disability advocate. Join my community and get an exclusive, honest look at the work that matters
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