The Advocacy Life Podcast & Blog

Tag: disability blogger

  • Disability and the American Dream

    Disability and the American Dream

    Whether we like it or not, 2024 is a presidential election year. Now that we are most likely faced with a rematch, Americans will have to make a choice. It’s fair to say that President Biden has had his share of critics. His first term is not even over, but I don’t think many historians are going to put him in their top five of the best US presidents. I know I’m a few months early, but as a disability advocate, I have a different perspective. There are issues that matter to me that most people don’t think about. Most people don’t recognize disabilities until they’re affected by them. We finally have a president who has seen this underrepresented community.

    “provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of liberty.”

    free and both of the US Constitution

    Biden became the first president to improve the lives of people and families with disabilities when he vowed to support Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), which includes long-term services and supports. (LTSS) People with disabilities should live in their communities in the least restrictive environment. For some people with disabilities, they are locked away and forgotten. We must serve and protect those who are most vulnerable. Some may want us dead. We all have the same right to live.

    ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬ [14] The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

    I am a capitalist. It is maddening to me that just because I was born with a disability, I am forced into a system of poverty. There is nothing wrong with being broke. What is wrong is that I, as an American, don’t have a chance to change that. The social security asset limit set in the mid-1980s has not changed. Under this administration, there has been serious discussion about raising it. I cannot have more than $2,000 in a bank account, so someone else can pay for my $50,000 wheelchair. How does that make sense? I want to live my American Dream, not exist off of the backs of others. There is nothing like going home knowing you earned that money.

    Emily Voorde probably won’t be studied in history books like Kamala Harris. Voorde was the associate director of public engagement for just under 500 days. For the first time in my life, I saw someone who looked like me in a real position of power. She was not there just to be a token, but to actually make change.

    Most Americans don’t realize that we still don’t have marriage equality in this country. There is still a marriage penalty for those with disabilities. This president may stumble with his words from time to time, but I’m confident he would support eliminating this obscene restriction so people can love regardless of their abilities.

    I certainly don’t agree with all of the Biden administration’s policies. He still has more proof. The work is still not done. However, he is the first president to give me, as a disabled American, hope for my American Dream.

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    Cinematic Civil War

  • The Dream Job

    The Dream Job

    @theadvocacylifepodcastat

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    Hello, my friends, I hope you guys are having an excellent day. We all have dreams. Cinderella said it best: “A dream is a wish your heart makes.” Without a dream, we cannot have goals. Every goal starts out as a dream or idea. There are so many people out there who are “dreamers,” but there are very few who do anything about it.

    I’ve never wanted to be an NBA star or an astronaut. One of the restrictions of my disability is that I cannot have a ”dream job.”. To be specific, I do not have a job. Anyone can dream. Now that it is January 2024, it is officially election season.

    Regardless of which side of the political spectrum you fall on, there will be an election in a few months.

    ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬
    And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

    My dream job is to have a job working for an elected official. Disability should not be a partisan issue. Every American should have the right to work and earn a living. Why do my circumstances automatically put me in a system of poverty? The disability asset limit sits at $2,000 at any one time. That limit has not been raised since the mid-1980s. The cost of raising a disabled child is 20 to 25% more. There is no official disability tax, but I certainly feel it.

    No matter how significant the medical diagnosis is, everyone should feel like they have a purpose. Everyone should be able to dream. There is currently legislation to have the asset limit raised to $10,000, but it hasn’t gotten much public attention, so it really hasn’t gotten anywhere. My population just wants to do their part,pay their taxes, and contribute to our society.

    America is the land of opportunity. America is the land of dreams. America started out as a dream. Whoever sits in the overall office come January 2025, don’t forget the American citizens with disabilities. We just want the chance to turn our dreams into reality, like anyone else in the land of the free.

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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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  • Spiritual Breakthrough

    Spiritual Breakthrough

    Hello readers, I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season. Thank you for spending a few minutes of your busy day with me. I had a really nice moment that I want to share with you all today. Before I do, let me just give a quick recap of who I am and my mission for this website, in case I have any new visitors.

    My name is Kevin, and I’m a Puerto Rican male living with cerebral palsy from New Jersey. I serve on various state and national boards advocating for people with disabilities. The purpose of this website is to create conversations about faith, society, and disability. The Purposely Broken World produces two episodes a month. On the 1st and 15th of every month. With the accompanying blogs every Wednesday. In addition, every so often, I have a few contributors that add to the website. For example, Miss Betzy Lee hosts the Living the Extraordinary Life Podcast.

    I will never charge for any work produced on this site. If you enjoy it, please leave me a few dollars in my Cash app or PayPal. There is also a link to support the podcast directly. Think of me as a musician just playing a song on the street. All links are above every post.

    As a writer, I’m always finding myself in front of a keyboard, typing my way through an idea. It may not surprise you to find out that I have a journal where I write letters to Jesus. Essentially, they are my prayers. On rare occasions, I share them with a friend. After reading it, I was asked a simple question: “Why don’t you ask God to help you walk?”

    This might sound naive or even strange, but I never gave it much thought. Once, when I was down the Atlantic City boardwalk, two inebriated gentlemen asked to pray over me. I didn’t want to be rude, and prayer is always good, so of course I said yes. They prayed that the demon would leave my body so I could walk. This was years before I was saved, so I didn’t take it seriously. Truthfully, I thought it was a bit rude. After all, they didn’t even say my name when they prayed.

    I will not lie my disability can be exhausting. People think it’s all about not walking and not being able to do stuff. There is no day off, which can be annoying, but it is what keeps me up at night. Even the best mother has been known to hide in her bathtub for a few extra minutes. Any dad will admit that they have stayed in the driveway of their house just to finish a song before going in. I can’t go for a run when I feel stressed. Physical therapy is not the same thing as a workout at the gym. Like most people, when I pray, I ask for my family, my friends, and a loving partner to accept me. Here is a fact: God is not a genie. One of the biggest challenges as a Christian is accepting his will over your own.

    I do not believe that God is not punishing me. I don’t believe I deserve to walk. My life purpose is to accept the gift of grace he’s giving me. I don’t have perfect faith. I also know that I don’t need to have perfect faith. I realized by thinking about this simple question that I’m not the man I used to be, nor am I the man I want to be. I think a lot of people like to pretend and lie to themselves about how strong they are in their faith as if they could show it off on Instagram. It’s okay to say you don’t understand God’s plan right now. It’s okay to say I’m willing to be God’s miracle. A miracle is more than just splitting the sea. It’s answering a text from my friend. It’s buying someone dinner. It’s doing a Bible plan with a friend. Faith is laughing until your ribs hurt. Faith is not being afraid to ugly cry.

    I can’t say I’ve ever seen myself walking down the street. However, I never thought I’d be going to Washington DC, regularly to be the voice for others. I just made the arrangements for my next trip in April. I know I’m going to dance with Jesus one day. That’s what faith means to me. At the age of 36, here’s my new prayer.

    ‭‭John‬ ‭9:1‭-‬3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ [1] As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. [2] His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” [3] “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

    “Jesus,

    My Lord and Savior. The keeper and protector of my faith. It would be wonderful to run, jump, and take showers by myself. If you’re willing, may I be healed physically so I may be able to do things like everyone else? So my life won’t be so hard.

    More importantly, may I be healed spiritually. So that I may be a miracle for your glory to help others. My life may not be easy, but because of this journey you gave me, I’ve done more than I ever thought I would. I’ve surprised so many people, including myself. Keep the devil from me so I may continue to thrive. My life can get lonely, but I know that with you by my side, there will never be a moment alone. In the name of Jesus Christ, I say

    Amen

    Thank you to anyone who took the time to read this very personal testimony. Have a good day. Tell me in the comments: What do you pray for?

    Disability Limbo Newsletter

    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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  • People with Disabilities under Surveillance

    People with Disabilities under Surveillance

    @theadvocacylifepodcastat

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    Imagine someone proposing to install cameras in your home without your consent. You’d likely object strongly, and rightly so. Now, consider a piece of legislation, S1897/A2483, known as Billy Cray’s Law. The New Jersey legislature is aiming to introduce monitoring devices in group homes and community-based settings for people with disabilities. As Kevin Nuñez, I want to clarify that my opinions are my own, shared to shed light on an often overlooked issue.

    The origin of this legislation lies in the tragic passing of Billy Cray, who was found dead in a group home closet. Recent articles, such as the one highlighting the push for cameras in group homes, add a layer of complexity to an already contentious debate. Another piece examines the ongoing discourse surrounding whether cameras would genuinely make group homes safer or if they compromise residents’ privacy.

    Financially, the burden on providers is immense. The strain on the disability care system has been building for a while and has reached a breaking point, made worse by current issues. Caregivers, the backbone of the system, already face difficulties. Constant scrutiny undermines the trust crucial for effective care.

    ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.

    Particularly troubling is the provision allowing monitoring devices in bedrooms and at the entrance to bathrooms. If any individual or their family does not wish to be recorded, they must move. This is a forest evacuation. This “choice” is more illusion than empowerment. This bill aims to protect the most vulnerable, but instead, it takes away freedom for all individuals. The disability population is made up of people. Please stop trying to fix the system with a one-size-fits-all solution.

    In a time where awareness is crucial, I encourage everyone to conduct their research, form their opinions, and engage in discussions about the potential repercussions of Billy Cray’s Law. It’s not just a matter of legislation; it’s about the well-being and rights of an often marginalized community. The recent push for cameras in group homes, coupled with the ongoing privacy debate as explored in the linked articles, underscores the need for a nuanced approach that balances security with respect for personal privacy.

    Sources:

    https://nj1015.com/after-man-was-found-dead-in-closet-a-push-in-nj-for-cameras-in-group-homes/

    https://www.nj.com/politics/2023/01/would-cameras-make-group-homes-for-disabled-people-safer-debate-rages-over-privacy.html

    Disability Limbo Newsletter

    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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  • Everyday Personal Questions

    Everyday Personal Questions

    @theadvocacylifepodcastat

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    Hey there, folks! I hope you’re all having a great day. My last few posts have been serious. I wanted to have some fun this week. Today’s blog post is all about challenging some common misconceptions that people have, especially when it comes to disabilities. My goal is to connect the disability community with everyone else out there. I have to admit, it’s a bit nerve-wracking to share this, but when you’re talking about life with a disability, honesty is key. So, let’s dive into three questions that I often get asked.

    ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:15‭-‬16‬ ‭NIV‬‬  Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

    How do you pee?

    People often assume I use catheters because of the lack of sensation, but having Cerebral Palsy doesn’t necessarily mean I can’t feel. Using catheters can be uncomfortable and increases the risk of infections, so I opt for a urinal bottle. It’s a straightforward process—my caregiver helps me out, and I go about my day.

    How do you poop?

    This question is a bit tricky because asking for help isn’t easy. When I’m placed on the toilet, I can balance myself, but for the rest, I rely on someone close to me to assist. It’s a vulnerable situation, but knowing they care makes it easier to handle. It’s a bond we share, and it’s part of my daily routine.

    Does your junk work?

    Yes, it does. I have a fully functional system. This question comes up a lot, and I’m always cautious, especially when someone sits on my lap. It’s not uncommon for them to be surprised, but just like any other couple, we figure out what works for us.

    I get that these topics might make you a bit uncomfortable, but that’s okay. The point is to shed light on different experiences and break down misconceptions about disabilities. It’s cool to ask questions, just be mindful of who you’re asking and remember that everyone’s experience is unique.

    Disability Limbo Newsletter

    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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  • A Different Look at Disability

    A Different Look at Disability

    @theadvocacylifepodcastat

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    Hey there! I came across this fascinating article by Javier Robles, a respected figure in the disability community. The opinion piece challenges readers to discover a more realistic definition of disability. Dive into the thought-provoking insights shared by this Rutgers professor. In a world where we often have fixed ideas about disability, this article is like a friendly push, asking us to question what we think we know and see things in a new light.

    Robles guides us through the world of disability, helping us understand it better. He asks us to think about how society sees disability and encourages us to understand it in a more genuine way. This article isn’t just about thinking—it’s a call to action. Robles wants us to talk about disability differently to challenge our ideas and make our society more understanding. It’s a chance to open our minds and be a part of a more inclusive world.

    Join Javier Robles on this journey to rethink disability. Let’s change how we see things, break old ideas, and embrace a truer understanding of disability. The conversation is starting, and it’s time for us to be a part of it. Have a good day See you guys next week! All comments are welcome.

    Source:

    https://mosaic.nj.com/commentary/2023/10/this-rutgers-professor-dares-you-to-find-a-realistic-definition-of-disability-opinion.html

    Disability Limbo Newsletter

    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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  • Disabled Thriller Movie Review

    Disabled Thriller Movie Review

    @theadvocacylifepodcastat

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    Greetings readers! The spooky season is officially upon us. Horror movies like Halloween, Scream, and Friday the 13th have been reviewed a thousand times So, I’m not going to do that. It would be completely off-brand for this blog. However, I would like to know what your favorite scary movie is. Please let me know in the comments. 

    Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NIV

    Now, onto a significant milestone for the disability community—cinematic representation. In the Hulu original movie “Run,” Kiera Allen takes center stage. Since 2014, Kiera has used a wheelchair for mobility for undisclosed reasons. She became the first real-life wheelchair user to star in a major thriller in 73 years. The storyline follows a young woman with a disability navigating the complexities of adulthood alongside her mother, her primary caregiver. (Sarah Paulson) While the plot may seem straightforward, the film delves into the thriller/horror genre, bringing with it themes that, despite being familiar, earned it a “Certified Fresh” badge on Rotten Tomatoes in 2020. What sets it apart is the inclusion of disability, adding an extra layer to captivate the audience.

    Navigating the world with a disability often means being part of a relatively small community. As someone who has critiqued Hollywood’s portrayal of disability, “Run” pleasantly surprised me. Its a good movie, but it also allowed me to connect with the character’s journey on a personal level. As a person with a physical disability, the burden complex is a real struggle I go through. It was interesting to see this used as a twist. Unlike the usual narrative of feel-good stories associated with disabilities, this film doesn’t aim for Oscars or the title of the scariest movie ever made. Instead, it presents itself as a compelling narrative that invites the audience to identify with its main character in a unique way.

    If you haven’t noticed by now, I’m specifically avoiding spoilers. This film has gone under the radar. “Run” is a must-watch. It doesn’t rely on jump scares or special effects This is the perfect kind of Friday night thriller to have you on the edge of your seat for the duration. I have left the trailer at the bottom of this post for you to look at at your leisure Thanks for your time. See you guys next week!

    Disability Limbo Newsletter

    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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  • Writing is Freedom

    Writing is Freedom

    @theadvocacylifepodcastat

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    “Why do you love writing so much?” Hello, my dear friends! I hope you’re having a fantastic day. I had just finished writing a few pages in my book, Confessions from Disability Limbo.

    My twin brother asked the straightforward question mentioned above. Anyway, I’m getting off-topic. My brother asked because who else would willingly spend hours in front of a computer when they weren’t getting paid for it at all?

    First, because I can do it all by myself, there are very few things I can do on a daily basis on my own. Once someone gave me my laptop, “The world is mine.” Just like Tony Montana wanted. The only difference is that I have no interest in drugs or world dominance. I love having access to knowledge. When I write an empty page, it doesn’t matter if I can’t clean my backside. The cursor does not pity me, or I think I am mentally delayed. In fact, it’s quite the opposite; the page cannot fill itself. It challenges you; it needs you to leave a piece of yourself behind to be shared with everyone. If what you write does not get shared, it’s only marks on paper. The same goes for art or cooking. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes you have to do stuff for yourself, but for the most part, when you do something with your heart, it’s to be shared.

    My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad indeed; my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right. Proverbs 23:15‭-‬16 NIV

    When I try to walk or stretch my muscles, it hurts. At the very least, it’s uncomfortable. I don’t have to answer, “How did you end up in a wheelchair?” or “Do your legs hurt? I don’t mean to offend anyone by always mentioning God, but I was recently reminded of something: God will never abandon you; he always leaves you with a gift. Making a small difference is his creation.

    Even on the worst days, my body does not do what I say, and I have accidents. When my colleagues in the advocacy community think I’m a little overbearing, which honestly, I know I can be, I know I can always sit down to write and release whatever I have inside. I spend the majority of my time riding a 300-pound tank, but when I am in front of my computer, I am completely free! As always, feel free to leave comments. Thank you for letting me be part of your day. I hope to see you soon.

    Disability Limbo Newsletter

    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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  • Optimizing Life’s Challenges

    Optimizing Life’s Challenges

    @theadvocacylifepodcastat

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    Greetings and happy Wednesday! WordPress.com informed me that I have been writing this blog for four years. I relaunched it with a podcast in March of 2022 The intention was to spark conversations about disability issues, both the positives and the negatives. Lately, I’ve been feeling spiritually restless, and a recent Facebook memory prompted me to reflect. Sometimes, we all need a reminder that God is watching over us, even when faced with life’s challenges. This is especially true for the disability community, which often grapples with questions like, “If God is perfect, why do people suffer from disabilities or other conditions?”

    “This is my truth: I’m broke. I have bills to pay. I will always use a wheelchair, I will most likely always be single, and people will always underestimate me. Yes, it really sucks! I choose to look at all the good in and around my life. I don’t hide from everything. I just choose not to focus on things I can’t control. You might find it dumb or even wrong, but I’m proud of myself, and I love my life.”

    Personal Facebook post from 6 years ago

    To address this question,I want to ask the Holy Spirit to help me speak the truth. Some have accused me of lacking humility or bragging about my accomplishments. My only aim is to leave the world a better place than I found it. I don’t hold any degrees; I have only a high school diploma. I pray nightly, seeking forgiveness for any wrongs I may have committed. Just as the song says, “This is me.” I can only speak from my experiences and give my opinions.

    Next, the statement about being broke and having bills to pay: It’s straightforward. I’ve never cashed a paycheck from an employer because, as I’ve mentioned before, working would mean losing my health insurance. Unfortunately, many private insurance companies don’t cover wheelchairs, and because of my Cerebral Palsy, I will always rely on one. There’s no cure for my neurological condition, and my life expectancy shouldn’t be affected, barring other complications.

    Now, the part that keeps me up at night is: Will I always be single? I’ve had a few relationships, both with disabled and non-disabled women, but they’ve been rare. It’s okay to admit that I feel lonely. There’s a space in my heart waiting to be filled. I have a small bucket list of things I’d like to do with that special person. Nevertheless, I keep putting myself out there because I have faith that someone is waiting for me.

    “The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:11‭-‬12 NIV”

    However, there’s something special about having Jesus in my life. It’s like having a friend who’s always there to make those empty spots go away. Just knowing that Jesus is with me helps me feel better when things are tough. So, even when life gets hard, I remember that Jesus is like a comforting blanket, filling those empty spaces with his love and warmth.

    Yes, it’s tough. If I dwelled on all the things I can’t do for myself and how challenging my daily life is, I’d likely go insane. No medication or doctor in the world could heal me. So instead, I choose to focus on the little joys in life—the aroma of food cooking in my house, the sound of my brother’s laughter, texts and calls from family and friends, and checking my emails for messages from my advocacy colleagues. Negativity surrounds us daily, but the key is to seek out and embrace positive moments.

    I always welcome comments and encourage anyone reading my posts to share their thoughts. Some may see me as a naive optimist, and that’s perfectly fine with me because it means you gave me the chance to show you more than meets the eye. I genuinely believe that God has a purpose for me and for all of us. Thank you for your time, and may God bless you. Thank you to my small but loyalFollowers for following me on this journey. If you feel so inclined please share

    Disability Limbo Newsletter

    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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  • A Wheelchair Memory

    A Wheelchair Memory

    @theadvocacylifepodcastat

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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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