My Trip to Kansas in My Power Wheelchair

It’s summer vacation and I needed some time to relax. So I went along with my family on their trip to Kansas. Unfortunately, my dad wasn’t able to come because it was a last-minute trip, so I went with my stepmom and stepbrother.

Let me tell you something about our ride to Kansas. It was long! It was supposed to take us about eighteen hours to get there. Instead, it took us two days. I have to give my stepmom a lot of credit. She’s the one who drove from Connecticut all the way to Kansas, on very little sleep.

Accessibility in the Midwest

During the ride to Kansas, I noticed some things regarding accessibility and people with disabilities. Here in the Midwest, there are a lot of accessible or handicapped parking spots. According to the ADA, each state is required to have a certain number of handicapped or accessible parking spaces in each and every location. The ADA also requires that businesses have wheelchair-accessible bathroom stalls and accommodations. However, this was lacking in the states that we drove through. This made things challenging for me and my Quantum Power Wheelchair. Plus, a lot of these states do not have automatic doors. I had to wait for someone to open the door for me.

Accessibility issues aside, I’m having a great time. So far, we have been to a couple of places here during our trip. We went to the mall and the movie theater. We also went to the LegoLand Discovery Center, as well as the aquarium. We have also been to church here. It’s great!

Meeting New People

During my time here, I’ve met someone who uses a wheelchair. Her name is Abby. She is the most amazing person I have ever met. Although, every time I’m around her, I get really shy. I have never been like that around anyone else. I’ve been on a lot of vacations over the years but this is the first time I’ve met someone who has a wheelchair like me. This trip has been absolutely amazing and I love it.

About Zoe Hernandez: Zoe lives in Meriden, Connecticut. She uses a Quantum Power Wheelchair for mobility. As Quantum® brand ambassador, Zoe attends Abilities Expos and speaks with people about her disability. She is currently enrolled in college and hopes to work in a community one day with people who are just like her. Click here to learn more about Zoe.

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31 Years is Enough Notice

July 26, 2021, marks the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act! Every year the Disability Community celebrates this day because the Americans with Disabilities Act is, as Justin Dart put it, “the world’s first declaration of equality for people with disabilities.”

31 years later, we recognize that while the ADA did not solve all the problems that people with disabilities experience, it has truly increased access and opportunities for disabled people across our nation. At the same time, far too many businesses continue to deny access to people with disabilities. That’s why my theme for this year’s anniversary is “31 Years is Enough Notice.”

The ADA and Business Owners

Many businesses claim that they are inaccessible because they are not aware that they are required to provide equal access to their buildings, programs and services.  The problem with this is that the Americans with Disabilities Act has been around for 31 years. There is no valid reason that a business owner should not know about the laws that they are required to comply with. It’s simple: if you want to be in business, you must know what you’re required to do by law and you must abide by the law. I am beyond sick of hearing the excuse that business owners “didn’t know” they had to be accessible or that they cannot discriminate. 

If a business does not pay taxes, they cannot claim that they did not know they were required to pay taxes. That excuse will not stop the federal government from doling out consequences for not complying with the law. The same goes for violating the ADA. If a business isn’t accessible or discriminates against a disabled person, pleading ignorance is not an excuse.

Fighting Discrimination against the Bar Association

In 2014, when I was a fresh faced lawyer right out of law school, I wanted to attend an event put on by the Young Lawyer’s Section of the Dade County Bar Association. I was informed that the event was being held in an inaccessible location. I was rightfully upset because it wasn’t just anyone violating my rights; it was other lawyers and the Bar Association. Florida’s Chief Justice Ricky Polston wrote a letter to all Florida Bar Associations as a result of the discrimination I experienced, and he aptly stated: “Benign neglect, oversight, or indifference which produces this type of discrimination is simply not acceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Now, seven years after Chief Justice Polston made that statement, and on the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, I remain firm in my stance. There is no excuse for businesses to be inaccessible or to discriminate against disabled people because 31 years is more than enough notice. It’s time to comply with the ADA!

About Stephanie Woodward: Stephanie is a brand ambassador advisor for Quantum Rehab® and works as a disability rights activist. She uses an Edge 3 Power Wheelchair for mobility. She has received many awards for helping communities become more accessible, as well as for her actions in fighting for the rights of disabled individuals as it relates to Medicaid and other support services. Click here to learn more about Stephanie.

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Fighting the Stigma of Power Wheelchairs

Kids love machines. We recently got a new gadget that infuses still water with carbonation to cut down on our family’s consumption of single-use sparkling water bottles and cans. Observing this device in action was a major event when we hosted one of my kids’ playmates for dinner recently. 

As exciting as a seltzer maker is to my preschoolers, nothing compares to the ecstasy of witnessing any sort of vehicle in action. All activity ceases on Friday mornings when the trash truck comes rumbling by. They make a mad dash for the front windows and, sometimes, out the front door and onto the sidewalk to cheer.  A similar scene happens when a helicopter or low flying plane comes cruising overhead.  As a present for my son’s third birthday last week, we masked up and went on a ride on the San Diego trolley. It was something he specifically asked for. I’m pretty sure our family owns more toy trucks than we do wine glasses, coffee cups, dinner plates and silverware combined.

The Stigma of Power Wheelchairs and Disabilities

Human beings don’t naturally fear and stigmatize manual wheelchairs and motorized wheelchairs. It is something that is learned.  A child may be curious about power wheelchairs or maybe even a bit confused. Most of the time, there is the potential to turn those kinds of reactions into the same kind of glee evoked by a cement mixer. I am realizing more and more after getting vaccinated and moving back into public life that my Edge 3 Power Wheelchair with iLevel® technology can be a stigma management tool. 

Using My Power Wheelchair as a Learning Tool

In that first encounter with a new child on the playground, I prefer making a show of how my seat reclines or elevates rather than them standing and gawking at my body.  More importantly, my kids much prefer telling potential new friends about how cool my wheelchair is rather than experience what Goffman famously called “courtesy stigma” or stigma by association. Over time, kids’ fascination with machines can even normalize disability for them. 

At the height of the pandemic, my crew “podded” with another family from my daughter’s preschool who had a parent that also works at my university.  We spent countless afternoons masked up and riding bikes and scooters in deserted university parking garages and lots. I still remember the first time her young friend asked if he too could have a motorized wheelchair ride.

Now, when we see him walking into preschool on weekday mornings, he is sometimes scolded by his mom for climbing up onto his perch to catch a ride without asking first. Consent to touch my body or my motorized wheelchair is usually a big deal for me.  In this case, I take absolute delight in how comfortable he is with my disabled body and typically stigmatized machine. It’s even better than hearing the rumble of the garbage truck at 7 a.m. on Friday morning.

About Joe Stramondo: Joe is an assistant professor at San Diego University and is extremely active in the disability community. Joe uses an Edge 3 Power Wheelchair to maintain his mobility and independence. In his spare time, Joe strives to be the best father he can to his children. Click here to learn more about Joe.

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Preparing for EmpowHER Camp

In a previous blog, I shared that I recently launched a nonprofit dedicated to empowering girls and women with disabilities called Disability EmpowHer Network. In that post, I shared a bit about two of our programs: Letter from a Role Model and EmpowHer Camp. 

Now that some time has passed, I am excited to give you an update on EmpowHer Camp! EmpowHer Camp is a multi-stage skill-building, empowerment, and mentoring program that brings a diverse group of girls with disabilities (ages 13 -17) to camp with successful disabled women mentors in the Adirondacks for one week. They learn about disaster preparedness and basic survival skills, while also developing independent living and leadership skills. The next summer, the girls are invited for a reunion trip in Washington, D.C., to explore how they have grown as leaders. During the year between the first trip and the reunion trip, the girls create a yearlong local project involving inclusive disaster strategies. 

Choosing Our Girls and Mentors

Our very first EmpowHer Camp starts next month! We will begin by bringing a group of nine girls with disabilities from across the country to the Adirondacks in New York! We received so many applications from incredible girls with disabilities who wanted to join us at EmpowHer Camp. It was so difficult to select only nine girls to participate this year. 

We’ve also selected nine mentors to join us at camp. The mentors are all successful women with disabilities from all over the country and the world! We have women with different disabilities coming together from Kansas, Minnesota, New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, South Carolina, and even England! Each woman offers different experiences and skills to share with our participants. 

What the Girls Will Learn

While camping in the Adirondacks, we will learn to build fires, practice meal planning and cooking, share our fears and goals around the campfire, plan community projects, master compass reading, and so much more. 

One of our mentors, Kathryn Carroll, a blind attorney from Albany, NY, said: “I am looking forward to so many things at camp! First, I am a learner, and so I look forward to learning from the other mentors and, most of all, from the campers. There are so many skills and knowledge we can share. Second, I look forward to simply being at camp. Camp can be a magical experience you never want to return home from and I look forward to that feeling. I’m a very serious person, but don’t let that fool you into thinking I’m not wildly excited about EmpowHer Camp!”

Meanwhile, our participants shared that they’re all so excited to spend time with other girls with disabilities and make new friends!

I am very excited about EmpowHer Camp because I know that it will be life changing for our participants and for our mentors! 

About Stephanie Woodward: Stephanie is a brand ambassador advisor for Quantum Rehab® and works as a disability rights activist. She has received many awards for helping communities become more accessible, as well as for her actions in fighting for the rights of disabled individuals as it relates to Medicaid and other support services. Click here to learn more about Stephanie.

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Vacationing with My iLevel® Wheelchair

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, my family and I took a vacation to a place that is very special to us: Greensboro, Georgia. I attended the Mansfield Oil Golf Classic in hopes to raise funds to help those with life-threatening conditions. The event was a lot of fun and I’m excited to share about my adventures in my Stretto Power Wheelchair with iLevel® technology.

Enjoying the View

Bryson checks out the view with his Stretto Power Wheelchair

We arrived at the hotel on Sunday, June 6. It was about a four-hour drive from our home in Charlotte, North Carolina. The first thing we did was enjoy some of the scenery, as the hotel was on the lake. There are multiple pathways around the hotel that allow guests to walk around and venture into the outdoors. I had a great view of everything on our walk thanks to iLevel. I elevated the seat of my Stretto Power Wheelchair up to 12 inches for even more fun and enjoyment.

Golfing with iLevel

Bryson uses iLevel to help him swing his golf club

We went over to the small putting green at the hotel and I played some golf. iLevel technology allowed me to get into the game. I raised up my wheelchair seat, which helped me to swing the golf club. I sunk many of the putts and felt as though I was ready to play in the Masters Tournament.

On the golf course, I raised my wheelchair up to see the action better. My wheelchair traveled over the terrain easily and allowed me to get to each hole with no problem. Being elevated at iLevel allowed me to be at the same height as the golfers while I talked with them. It was great to have the full experience!

Eating Out with My Stretto Motorized Wheelchair

We ate out at some fantastic restaurants that had tons of tasty food. My motorized wheelchair with iLevel allowed me to elevate to sit at the table and eat my food easily. We met up with some friends that we usually see at the event. It was great catching up with them after all this time.

Attending Concerts and Giving Speeches

One of my favorite things that we did on the trip was seeing the Electric Light Orchestra in concert. Almost every song they played was a hit and I had a blast. Being in my Stretto with iLevel allowed me to rock out and have the time of my life.

On the final day of the event, I gave a speech about how Mansfield Oil has been on the front lines of fighting for research to help cure many life-threatening conditions. I spoke about how the organization has helped to change the lives of many families, including mine. My Stretto with iLevel technology helped me during my speech by letting me elevate my power chair seat all the way up. Everyone could see me, no matter where they were in the room. People didn’t have to search for me during my speech.

The trip was a lot of fun after having to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. It almost felt as though life had gone back to normal. It was great to get away and spend quality time with my parents. I am excited to attend this event in the future and experience more great times.

About Bryson Foster: Bryson is a Friend of Quantum and lives in North Carolina. He advocates and raises funds for the development of treatments for muscular dystrophy. He loves sports and cheers for his favorite basketball team, the North Carolina Tar Heels.

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Sakina Shamsi: My Greatest Fashion Accessory

I’ve written about wheelchair fashion in the past. What many people may not realize is that it’s actually quite fun to jazz up your wheelchair and personalize it. There are so many ways to make your motorized wheelchair fun and trendy!

Staying Safe and Trendy with Hand Sanitizer

Now more than ever, because of COVID-19, I have to make sure I’m safe. So, I had to reassess what I keep on my power wheelchair. I keep tons of hand sanitizer on my motorized wheelchair for easy access when I’m out and about. The fun part about that is I can pick hand sanitizer cases that match the vibe of my power wheelchair. So, if you’re ever running short on hand sanitizer, I’m your girl.

Decorating My Power Wheelchair

When I got my Quantum® Power Wheelchair, I immediately used duct tape and stickers to decorate it and make it my own. I put decals on the back shroud panels and lots of bling all around! On my new Edge® 3 Power Wheelchair, I customized the shroud colors. I chose Raspberry Beret and White Satin.

The most innovative thing we’ve done is found the perfect backpack to match my wheelchair and my style. Not only does the backpack look cool, it holds everything I need. From spare parts to medical supplies, a bag of wipes or even a wheelchair poncho. My backpack has everything I need and it’s easily accessible.

LED Fender Lights on My Power Wheelchair

Another thing that I love about my wheelchair is that it has front and rear LED fender lights! This is perfect for when I’m strolling through town on these summer nights. My chair even has fog lights so foggy days are no problem for me. I attached LED strip lights all over my power chair so when it gets dark outside, my wheelchair comes to life and the party goes where I go!

Bluetooth Technology

I have a Bluetooth® speaker attached to my wheelchair, which means I can pair my phone to the speaker and I can play anything I want, when I want. I use my phone easily with a phone mount that is attached to my power chair. I can be the DJ at any party and use my playlist or text anyone I need to easily. (I know it’s not safe to text while you’re driving!)

Staying Hydrated with My Wheelchair Cup Holder

To keep me hydrated during the summer, my wheelchair has a detachable cup holder. If it’s not holding my water bottle, it’s used as a storage area for things I need in the moment. One of the most important things that I use in the summer is an umbrella. It attaches to my power chair and it keeps my head cool.

Having the ability to customize and personalize my power wheelchair has made being in one so much easier and very fun! It’s a reflection of my personality and all the fun things I get to do with my Edge 3 Power Chair!

About Sakina Shamsi: Sakina lives in New Jersey with her parents and brother. Although she has spinal muscular atrophy type II, Sakina lives a full and independent lifestyle. She is active in the disability community and enjoys horseback riding, baking and crafting. Click here to learn more about Sakina.

For more great blogs from our brand ambassadors and Q Roll Models, visit lifeatilevel.com today!

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Funding for iLevel®

It’s no shocker that things always cost more when you have a disability. If you have a vehicle that you drive with hand controls and a side entry or rear-entry ramp, you understand that routine maintenance can cost a lot. Other expenses that people with disabilities may have are doctors’ appointments, medications, making any kind of a modification to your power chair. All these challenges can really put a tight squeeze on your budget. I get emails from consumers almost every day asking how much our products are and telling me that they can’t afford a power chair.

Insurance Coverage and iLevel®

Last week I received an email from a consumer I had met at the Abilities Expo a few years ago. He has owned his power chair for four years and wants to upgrade. He already received a doctor’s note and was trying to find an authorized dealer that would assist him with a power chair. He was very interested in our iLevel® technology and had never used a power wheelchair where you could drive elevated at iLevel.

So, I was on a mission to get this guy into one of our power wheelchairs so that he could live the best life possible. I recommended a few dealers to him. He went through the process with both dealers only to find that his insurer denied coverage of iLevel. When this happens, it’s important to understand that you have appeal rights. Make certain your insurer explains why they denied your request. I recommended that this consumer contact his doctor and have the doctor specifically describe how iLevel would benefit him on his script. The consumer told me the doctor had written down specifically what he could and could not do on the script. Yet, his insurance would not cover it.

How to Purchase iLevel Out of Pocket

So, I told the consumer to ask his dealer about covering the cost of iLevel out of pocket. It’s important that individuals with disabilities know their options. If insurance denies coverage of iLevel technology on your power wheelchair, you can purchase it yourself.

This is where saving is very important. Here’s an example: For many, working from home during the pandemic has reduced costs. If you have a long commute, you probably spend a lot of money on gas, tolls, car repairs. You can take what you save from not commuting to your job and put it towards covering the cost of having iLevel retrofitted to your motorized wheelchair.

When you have a disability, you never know what challenges or expenses might pop up out of nowhere. So, it is imperative to make sure that you save your money when you can. It may mean experiencing independence in a whole new way.

About Josh McDermott: Josh is a brand ambassador for Quantum Rehab®. He is a public speaker and has served as a goodwill ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Josh lives in New York and loves to travel. Click here to learn more about Josh.

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Ask and You Shall Receive: 4Front® 2

Some major advancements are about to hit the rehab power market from Quantum Rehab®. First up is the launch of the 4Front® 2 Power Chair. Consumers, ATPs and clinicians asked for some enhancements to be made to the 4Front® and we listened.

Introducing the 4Front® 2, with amazing features such as the new Smart Traction Control (STC) which is integrated into the Q-Logic control system. Smart Traction Control features upgraded drive performance at higher speeds (up to 6.25 miles per hour) and improved tracking.

4Front 2 Power Wheelchair with safe seat elevation

Other new features include 4-pole motors and redesigned caster arms that have greater durability, reduced weight and enhanced aesthetics. Quantum’s innovative backup camera is also an available option.

“Riding in the 4Front 2 is unlike any chair I have ever used,” said Christian Budney, a Quantum Brand Ambassador. “The 4Front 2 pushes the limit set by its predecessor beyond my expectations. The new suspension allows me to conquer terrain that I never thought possible as a wheelchair user.”

Jay Brislin, Vice President of Quantum Rehab, says the 4Front 2 was created to implement the crucial feedback received from consumers and industry professionals.

“Innovation always begins with listening,” Brislin said. “We spent a significant amount of time carefully developing the 4Front 2, using feedback from consumers and our providers. The latest advancements on the 4Front 2 come from what they wanted more of in this front-wheel drive power chair.”

The 4Front 2 is available in HCSPCS codes, Group, 3 Single Power (K0856) and Multiple Power (K0861). It is pending PDAC code approval for Group 3 codes Solid Seat Pan (K0848), Captain’s Seating (K0849) and Single Power (K0857).

For more information on the 4Front 2, visit https://www.quantumrehab.com/quantum-power-bases/4front-2.asp or open the PQ-365 app.

Let’s All Stay Safe this 4th of July

Many of us are excited to resume our usual gatherings and activities for Independence Day. We’ve all been through so much with the COVID-19 pandemic, so we deserve to have some fun! While you’re out there having fun, it’s important to also stay safe. Here are some important safety tips when celebrating this July 4th weekend.

Fireworks Safety and Power Wheelchair Users

If you want to enjoy an awesome fireworks display this year, we recommend attending a public fireworks show that is put on by professionals. Your local community is probably planning a fireworks show for everyone in your area, so check it out. You can scope out a great place to view the fireworks while still maintaining a safe distance. The American Red Cross recommends staying at least 500 feet away from the show.

If you choose to purchase fireworks and host your own little show at home or with family, here some important safety tips to follow.

  • Follow the directions on the fireworks packaging
  • Wear eye protection when lighting fireworks
  • Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution
  • Light only one firework at a time and never try to relight a “dud” firework
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets

When it comes to our furry friends, we need to be mindful of their comfort. Make sure your pets are safety secured inside your home before you begin lighting the fireworks. For some animals, fireworks can be scary and they may run away.

If your power wheelchair has front and rear LED fender lights, we recommend turning them on when it starts to get dark. LED fender lights on power wheelchairs help you see and be safely seen during the fireworks show.

Wear Hearing Protection

Whether you are attending a professional show or hosting your own, it’s important to wear ear protection. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, or ASHA, encourages everyone to incorporate hearing protection into their celebrations. Here are some of their suggestions to protect your hearing this Independence Day.

Hearing damage can happen in an instant. A single loud blast or explosion that lasts less than one second can cause permanent hearing loss. Basic earplugs offer good protection for most teens and adults. If there are small children, ASHA recommends well-fitting earmuffs instead of ear plugs. If at any point during the fireworks you experience ringing in your ears or other discomfort, leave the noisy situation right away.

Picnic and Water Safety for Wheelchair Users

If your Independence Day celebration includes a picnic or spending time in the water, we have some helpful safety tips and things to keep in mind.

When it comes to food safety, it’s important to keep perishable foods in the refrigerator or cooler with plenty of ice or freezer packs. Don’t leave food out in the sun. When preparing food, be sure to wash your hands or sanitize before you begin. When cooking on the grill, use long-handled tools for flipping burgers or hotdogs. Plus, keep pets and children away from the grill or other hot surfaces.

If you have the Quantum backup camera on your power wheelchair, be sure to use it when navigating crowded picnic areas. You can see children or pets that may be behind you when backing up.

If your friends or family are going for a swim or taking the boat out, make sure everyone wears a life jacket that is properly fitted, especially young children or inexperienced swimmers. Keep an eye on small children that are playing in or near the water.

We hope everyone has a wonderful Independence Day and remember to stay safe!

Jesse Cuellar: My Summer Bucket List

This summer is going to be amazing because we’ll finally be getting back to living more normally. We are finally, slowly (and I say it again slowly) opening back up to the point where we can be outside and participate in normal activities. I look forward to being outside and active as much as possible. So, here is my list of activities I can’t wait to do again now that summer is here.

Take My Power Wheelchair to the Park

Jesse in his Edge 3 Motorized Wheelchair with iLevel

I can’t wait to go to the park every day when it’s nice out. I like to go to the SLU Dog Park and Sculpture Garden, which is in my neighborhood. I can’t wait to enjoy the weather and interact with people and the animals around the park. People always bring their dogs here and for me, these are good visuals. Plus, it’s fun to feed the dogs and it’s good entertainment for everybody.

Go to Restaurants with iLevel®

Although there are a lot of fun things to do in St. Louis, I can’t wait to go to restaurants again and enjoy some good food. With iLevel® technology on my Edge® 3 Power Wheelchair, I can drive my power wheelchair right up to the bar and order a drink or some food. If I am having a conversation with friends, I can be eye to eye with them. When I’ve had enough of being at the bar, I can move my motorized wheelchair and sit outside on the patio. I can lower my motorized wheelchair easily and be at the same level as everyone else sitting at the patio table.

With eating out, it’ll be nice to not have to worry about the people sitting next to you and catching something. To this day, we still don’t fully understand COVID and we have little knowledge but not enough. We can’t assume it’s 100% safe out there. So, everyone needs to be smart about what you’re doing.

Living the New Normal

I do appreciate that the risk of COVID-19 is significantly lower during warmer weather and the summertime heat. This allows us to do more outdoor activities. Now that we have learned to acclimate to this new world we live in, we can dine outside and have fun outside without worrying too much about COVID.

In addition to living as normally as possible this summer, I want to connect again with everyone in my circle of friends. Throughout the last two years, I wasn’t able to spend time with them because of everything. Still, I want to keep it simple and safe yet be as active as possible all summer Long. I just hope everything goes well and I hope for the best for the coming fall. Until then, I will take it one day at a time doing all the things I love: painting, eating out and just getting outside again. Let’s stay safe yet take advantage of all the things we can do now!

About Jesse Cuellar: Jesse is an artist and a brand ambassador for Quantum Rehab®. An accident left him paralyzed from the neck down, so he uses his mouth to paint and expresses himself through his art. Jesse lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and enjoys painting and hanging out with his friends. Click here to learn more about Jesse.

For more great blogs from our brand ambassadors and Q Roll Models, visit lifeatilevel.com today!

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