Most people don’t give much thought to what a wheelchair truly means for someone who relies on one. It’s easy to see it as a tool, a piece of equipment, or even a convenience. But for a disabled person, a wheelchair is so much more—it’s independence, it’s identity, and it’s a lifeline to participating fully in the world.
Independence and Agency
A wheelchair provides more than mobility; it provides agency. I recently spent two days without my usual chair, relying instead on a spare one, and I could feel a part of me missing. In those two days, I couldn’t do half the things I normally do. The chair didn’t just get me from point A to point B; it allowed me to live my life on my own terms. Without it, my autonomy and freedom felt constrained, and my very sense of self shifted. It was a stark reminder of how crucial the right wheelchair is for those of us who use one daily.
Identity and Connection
For many, the idea that a wheelchair could be tied to someone’s identity seems unusual. But a wheelchair, especially a well-fitted one, becomes an extension of our bodies. The chair we use shapes how we interact with the world and how the world interacts with us. It’s our access point, our vehicle, and our support. People may see “just a chair,” but for us, it’s a part of who we are—a vital element of our daily life that allows us to connect, communicate, and show up as ourselves.
Read about my experience of losing control; it’ll give you great insight into how much a wheelchair and the use of it can affect a wheelchair user’s emotions
The Heartbreak of Accessibility
Sadly, not everyone has access to a wheelchair. For so many, that means a life without the autonomy that most take for granted. I can’t imagine my life without my chair; the thought of not having this basic necessity to live independently is heartbreaking and unacceptable. This lack of accessibility shouldn’t be a reality in today’s world. Access to mobility aids isn’t a luxury—it’s a fundamental need, a key to living with dignity and potential.
For those of us who use wheelchairs, it’s not simply about mobility. It’s about dignity, self-worth, and being part of a world that often isn’t built with us in mind. Wheelchairs deserve more recognition for the vital role they play, and no one should be denied their life-changing benefits.
Let us strive for a society in which all individuals in need have access to wheelchairs and the freedom, self-worth, and life they provide. It is more than just mobility for those of us who use wheelchairs. It is about self-worth, dignity, and belonging to a world that was not always created with us in mind. No one should be denied the life-changing benefits of wheelchairs, and they deserve greater recognition for the essential role they play.
One simple way to make a difference is to support causes like the Sweethearts Foundation. They collect tops and tags to fund wheelchairs for those in need. It may seem like a small action, but these contributions can transform the life of someone waiting for the independence a wheelchair brings. Together, we can help ensure everyone has access to the freedom, identity, and dignity they deserve.