International Wheelchair Day was founded in 2008 by Steve Wilkinson, known as “Wheelchair Steve,” a British blogger and wheelchair user with spina bifida. Recognized on March 1st, the day celebrates the independence that wheelchairs provide and advocates for inclusion and accessibility.
What does your wheelchair mean to you?
“Often when people begin to use a wheelchair it can be viewed as tragic and extremely negative,” says Sophie Bradbury-Cox.”
“And YES although in some circumstances it can be a huge life adjustment, without them we couldn’t get through day to day life and have some of the amazing experiences we do.”
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“Despite the bumps, my wheelchairs are my lifeline. They’re my freedom. My independence. My wings. I could not do, or be, who I am without them,” says Kate Stanforth.
“I’ll continue to advocate for wheelchairs (big emphasis on the S as I think we need multiple) and my love for how much they can enable people.”
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“Regardless of how you feel about living life in a wheelchair, the wheelchair allows me to actually live life the way I want. Here’s to continuing to make the world more accessible for all,” says Kerry Peterson.
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“For me, I’ve come full circle – from initially seeing my wheelchair as the problem in the early days, to now embracing my wheels for allowing me to access the world as much as I possibly can,” says Jennie Berry.
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“Why do we celebrate this day? Today we highlight the achievements and contributions of wheelchair users, but we also raise awareness of the importance of inclusivity and a society that needs to be accessible for all,” says Annie Streit, United Spinal’s Grassroots Advocacy Manager.
“There are barriers that still need to be broken, there are millions of people around the world who need a wheelchair, but do not have access to one.”
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