International Wheelchair Day is recognized on March 1st.
This day encourages wheelchair users to celebrate the positive impact a wheelchair has on their lives. Many wheelchair users took to social media to express the impact their mobility devices have on their freedom and quality of life. Here are 10 of their reflections.
1. Joy and Fun
“Ah, the humble wheelchair, a symbol of tragedy only they’re not. They’re tools to freedom and safety and joy and fun,” says Nina Tame.
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2. Light and Access
“The amount of light and access my wheelchair has brought into my life is truly unmatched. Before it, I was so incredibly stuck,” says Devin Norko. “Access is the goal. Comfort. Happiness. And all of those are possible for me now because of having the privilege of getting my chair.”
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3. Independence and Safety
“My wheelchair is my freedom, my independence, my safety and is one of the main reasons I have built the beautiful life I have today,” says Rosie Dunn. “Wheelchairs should be celebrated by society for all of the gifts it gives those who use them instead of being seen as a limiting and burdensome object.”
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4. Mobility and Opportunities
“Thirty-two years using this chair to get me anywhere I want to go. My wheelchair has given me way more opportunities than obstacles. It wasn’t easy, but it’s all definitely worth it,” says Adam Lucio.
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5. Challenging Ableism and Inaccessibility
“My wheelchair is not a tragic accessory. It is my freedom,” says Abby. “Please change your view of wheelchairs and other disability aids. Challenge how you see them compared to the ableism and inaccessibility that disabled people face.”
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6. Strength and Navigation
“Wheelchairs are not for the weak-willed. My disability taught me how to fight. It pulled a warrior out of me. I am not embarrassed by my wheelchair, walker, or any tool I use to navigate life as a disabled person. My wheelchair is an extension of my body, no different than my arm or my leg,” says Stephanie Mathew Valacheryil.
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7. Gratitude and Humility
“My wheelchair creates freedom to an extent that the world allows due to the constant access issues we face & try to change. However, I’m grateful for my chair more than usual today just by simply reflecting on what it does for me,” says Jordan Bone. “A humble reminder that without it I would only ever be in my bed imagining what life outside was like.”
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8. Wings and Authenticity
“I always say that my wheels are my wings: my wheelchair allows me to live my life to the fullest. Thanks to my wheelchair, I can be myself,” says Ilaria Naef.
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9. Freedom and Celebration
“My wheelchair is not limiting. In fact, my wheelchair is my FREEDOM. Let’s celebrate the amazing lives we’ve been able to live thanks to a nice hunk of metal on our bums,” says Janira Obregon.
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10. Participation and Exploration
“What does having a wheelchair mean for Bobby and our family? It means being able to travel, attend community events, participate in activities, visit friends, go out to eat, ride in a van, meet some awesome people, attend concerts, go to summer camp, attend school, etc.,” says Beth Baird. “Not a hinderance but an asset. A way to explore the world and live life!”
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Through these ten posts and countless others, it is undeniable the impact that custom wheelchairs have on the health and independence of those who need them. Yet, over 50% of new power wheelchair requests get denied by insurance. United Spinal Association is calling for our members and all wheelchair users to share their stories of coverage denial for essential equipment with us.
Our wheelchair denial stories are powerful, and getting them in front of the right people is the best way to get policies and laws that support our independence and right to move about our community.
United Spinal Association is the largest disability-led membership organization in the nation. We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for America’s 5.5 million wheelchair users. Contact our Community Support team for more information about our chapters and programs, and join us by signing up for a free membership.
