In honor of International Wheelchair Day on March 1st, we asked United Spinal Association staff and board members to reflect on what their wheelchair means to them. They expressed common themes of independence, freedom and improved quality of life.
Unfortunately, our community faces many barriers to obtaining this life-changing equipment — share your wheelchair denial story to help United Spinal advocate for better coverage of mobility devices.
Mobility & Freedom
“To me, my wheelchair means mobility and freedom. I was 22 when I sustained a spinal cord injury, and at that time, I thought my life was over. But that idea was so shortsighted. My wheelchair has given me the ability to live a life beyond what I thought was possible — one that’s fulfilling and action-oriented, full of love and joy,” says Erin Gildner, United Spinal’s Director of Chapter Relations.
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Big difference in quality of life
“I started using a wheelchair after my spinal cord injury 40 years ago when I was 16. These four wheels have provided independence to me that has made the difference between living in a nursing home and working full-time as a college professor. By the way, wheelchairs have come a long way since my first belt pulley motors. Celebrate your independence!” says Javier Robles, a United Spinal board member.
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Improved independence
“I have been a power wheelchair user for over 18 years. As a C5 quadriplegic, my wheelchair provides me a huge amount of independence to do the things I love and have a fulfilling life. Whether it is taking my dog for a walk, rolling through grocery aisles, or showing up for work, so many aspects of my life would not be possible without my ability to move about freely and independently with my wheelchair. It is hard to imagine how I could function without it,” says Annie Streit, United Spinal’s Grassroot Advocacy Manager.
Ability to go wherever, whenever
“I started using my wheelchair 13 years ago. Before that, I don’t think I had ever sat in a wheelchair. I love my wheelchair — it is unconditionally there for me during my good times and bad times. (Almost) always ready to take me wherever I want to go. It has helped me reach my dreams,” says Vincenzo Piscopo, United Spinal’s CEO.
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Thriving, not just surviving
“Freedom in a word. My wheelchair represents thriving in life, not just surviving. It’s not just about the physical freedom of being able to move around independently, but psychological freedom to improve my quality of life by working full time, being a disability advocate for fellow wheelchair users, and living a life full of purpose,” says Ali Ingersoll, United Spinal board member and advocate.
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Allowing possibilities instead of constraints
“My wheelchair symbolizes independence. Independence is not a destination but a continuous evolution. My wheelchair is not a limitation but a source of empowerment, a vehicle propelling me toward a future defined by possibilities rather than constraints,” says Lesly St. Louis, United Spinal’s Director Of Employment & DEI Programs.
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Safer and more sustainable
“I started using a wheelchair full time when I was 14. Before that, I walked with loft strand crutches and would often fall and get fatigued. My wheelchair has provided me with mobility that is safer and more sustainable. It has allowed me to travel worldwide and has greatly improved my quality of life. ” says Shannon Kelly, Senior Marketing Manager.
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Find a virtual or in-person support group on United Spinal’s Peer Support Group page. Contact our Community Support team for more information about all United Spinal’s chapters and programs. Join us by signing up for a free membership.