My Trip to New York City to Celebrate My Mom’s Birthday

I take birthdays very seriously. I am the first person to plan surprise parties for my loved ones and go way over the top in any way I can. So, this year, when my mom turned 60, my husband and I decided to take her to New York City to celebrate. We told her she could choose any weekend and we’d take her. She chose Thanksgiving weekend for her birthday trip.

We decided to take Amtrak to the city for several reasons. First, my husband and I are both wheelchair users and we find that traveling by train is easy and accessible for us, with the added bonus of being able to keep our wheelchairs with us the entire trip. This means we don’t have to worry about our wheelchairs being broken like we do when we fly. Also, taking the train is more relaxing for me than driving. We don’t have to concentrate on the road, stop for gas, or worry about parking in the city. When I ride the train, I can still get work done on my laptop and use the bathroom whenever I want without stopping the vehicle.

Once we arrived, we checked into our hotel then we took my mom to Ellen’s Stardust Diner where my mom marveled at all the waitstaff who performed musical numbers while also serving food. It took a long time for us to finish our meals because my mom was so distracted by all the performances. After dinner, we took a stroll through Times Square and my mom was blown away by the vibrant energy all around.

The next day, we taught my mom how to take the subway as we went to the National September 11 Museum and Memorial before rolling to the river to see the Brooklyn Bridge. After that, we checked out Chelsea Market and the Union Square Holiday Market, and then we took the train up to Central Park. My mom, of course, stopped to take pictures of everything. We ended our day with dinner at Patsy’s, one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Manhattan.

On Saturday, we decided to go to Grand Central Station because I love the food options in the basement and I knew my mom would love the artwork on the ceiling. We also decided to hit up tons of tourist spots, including Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Saks, and Macy’s. Our grand finale was going to the Rockette’s Christmas Spectacular show. None of us had ever been to the show and I was pleasantly surprised by how great the show was!

On Sunday, we packed up to leave, and everyone loaded me up with their bags! My mom was impressed with how many bags I could carry on my wheelchair, but, more so, she was thankful that she didn’t have to carry all the stuff she bought over the weekend!

It was a really fun weekend for all of us and I am so grateful that I was able to spend time with my mom in a city she’s always wanted to visit.

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.

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

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Three Ways My Quantum Wheelchair Helped Me with Recovery

Jill uses her Quantum wheelchair with iLevel for completing transfers

This past month, I had surgery on my spine and recovery was a completely different experience than any surgery I’ve had before. A couple of years ago, I fractured a bone in my spine. Four years later, the bone never set and the existing metal in my spine was also broken. We needed to repair the bone with a new spinal fusion. Medical technology has come an impressively long way and my doctor was wonderful, so the surgery went quickly and with no complications. I was a bit nervous, however, to come home, as transfers in and out of my manual wheelchair are difficult. Fortunately, having my Quantum wheelchair with iLevel technology made a huge difference in my recovery.

Using Power Recline on My Stretto

My biggest recovery struggle was that I couldn’t sit up for a large amount of time. Having the ability to recline in my Quantum power wheelchair, as well as raise and lower my leg rests, allowed me to achieve many comfortable positions, as opposed to just laying in bed all the time.

Transferring with My Quantum Wheelchair

My Stretto with iLevel made transfers a completely different experience. While recovering, I’m not allowed to lift anything over ten pounds. This of course makes transfers pretty challenging, as they require you to lift yourself, especially if you’re transferring onto a higher surface. My bed at home is pretty high up, so transferring from a manual wheelchair would have been impossible. Thanks to iLevel, I can raise myself higher than my bed when transferring in, and can lower my wheelchair seat below my bed when transferring out.

The Benefits of Seat Elevation

Throughout my recovery, my Stretto power wheelchair has allowed me to move around my house for longer periods of time. I can carry things and make myself coffee in the morning, all without hurting myself or causing fatigue. Even nearly a month out from surgery, I still prefer to use iLevel for navigating the day to day while healing. Assistive technology with seat elevation after a surgery is an outlet that makes life easier and supports so many aspects of healing for people with disabilities.

About Jill Moore White: Jill is an inclusive play specialist, bringing accessible playgrounds to local communities. She volunteers with disability organizations, including the Disability EmpowHER Network. Jill enjoys music, sketching and playing video games. Click here to learn more about Jill.

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

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Useful Tech and Apps for People with Disabilities

Technology has come along way in the last 30 years, giving the world greater access to information. Technology also gives people with disabilities greater access to the world. Below is a list of just some of the technology and applications available that can support people with disabilities.

Best Tech for People with Disabilities

While our world is filled with different kinds of tech, here are just a few examples of some of the most common tech available and how they can make a difference in the lives of those who are disabled.

Smart Phones/Tablets

Before smartphones, accessing the Internet required logging on to a computer and the telephone was a device solely used for calling others. Smartphones let us access the world in the palm of our hands. They combine a phone and a computer in one. Smart phones can also do video calls and take photos and videos.

iLevel and the Quantum Backup Camera

The backup camera is a great piece of tech for people with disabilities.

iLevel allows people who use power wheelchairs to elevate their seat, up to 12 inches. They can also drive while elevated, up to 4.5 mph. Being able to elevate your seat allows you to reach for things and navigate the world at a higher level. Backup cameras for wheelchairs are great for safety and increased visibility. The authentic Quantum backup camera provides a better view of what is going on behind you. It also allows you to navigate tight spaces and saves walls and people’s toes.

Adjustable Bed Frames

Allow people to raise and lower the foot and head of their bed. These adjustments can make it easier to maneuver in bed.

Top Apps for People with Disabilities

From digital assistants to Audible, here are some great apps that can really make life easier (and more fun) for people who have a disability.

Digital Assistants

a brown speaker on the table — Photo by Anete Lusina on Pexels.com

Digital assistants, like Siri or Alexa, are programs that understand voice commands and complete tasks for the person. For example, my Echo Show (Alexa) can turn my fan and lights off and on with my voice command.

Be My Eyes

Be My Eyes is an app that connects people who are blind or visually impaired with non-disabled people virtually to support problem solving. For example, a volunteer can be connected with someone through video, and the volunteer can help find something that is lost.

Dragon Dictate

Dragon Dictate is an app that turns speech into text. This is helpful people who have difficulty typing. Most smartphones and tablets also have text-to-speech software built into them.

iAccess Life

iAccess Life is an app that lets users with disabilities rate, review and research places based on their accessibility. This helps people research new places before they go to them.

Audible

Audible is an app that lets users listen to audiobooks. Audiobooks can be helpful for those who like to multitask or have barriers with traditional reading.

About Isabella Bullock: Isabella, or Izzie for short, is an employment specialist for the Center of Independent Living. She is an iced coffee enthusiast who enjoys getting lost in a good book. Click here to learn more about Isabella.

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Inaccessible Buildings Are Barriers to People with Disabilities

Recently, my family and I had a small get together at my house. We had a nice “catching up potluck” and although I couldn’t indulge in the food, I indulged in the atmosphere. Ever since I’ve had to rely on tube feeds to keep me going, I’ve truly realized how big of a role that food plays into our social lives. While the social air that food creates at home is great, wouldn’t it be nice to go out on the town every now and then with friends and/or family and create this space at a much fancier location? This proves to be a challenge, however, with so many restaurants and businesses that are inaccessible.

Barriers in Local Restaurants and Businesses

In the city near where I live, there is this pub in the downtown area that I want to go to for a meal. It’s a nice-looking Irish pub located in a really atmospheric old building. The key word here is “old.” During the summer some years back, me and my partner went on a double date with their brother and his wife. It was a lovely time, dining in the outside seating area. The weather was nice, the food was great, and overall, we had a blast, however, this outdoor seating area is the only seating area where I can dine at this restaurant in my power wheelchair.

Inaccessible Features of Local Businesses

local businesses are often inaccessible to wheelchair users — Photo by Tim Mossholder on Pexels.com

The main entrance has about an 8 to 10 inch-step up to get into the restaurant. The only other entrance into the building, the staff entrance, is the same. These “cliffs of doom” as I like to call them, are very problematic to us wheelchair users, as well as anyone who uses a mobility aid. While it’s nice that I can eat outside of the restaurant, it kind of makes me feel like an animal, unworthy of being inside of the restaurant. What am I supposed to do if it rains? What if I want to join some friends at this restaurant in the fall when their seating area is closed? Realistically, I can only go to this restaurant during the summer.

This is, unfortunately, the reality for a lot of businesses within this city. Most of them have steps or short, dangerously steep slants up to their step entrances (seriously, we are talking like, 60- degree angles). This makes it extremely difficult for me to go anywhere. If I’m being honest, it makes me feel unwelcome.

The Lack of Accessibility in Historic Buildings

Recently, I managed to get into a store that I’ve wanted to check out for a while. I had to call the store when I got there though and wait for them to bring their ramp out for me. If you ask me, I hate that older buildings and buildings that are considered historic, can get away with not being truly accessible. We are in 2022, not the 1950s. It’s a shame that all of these nice-looking businesses around me unknowingly (or knowingly) limit their customer base.

people walking on street in front of building with steps that inaccessible — Photo by Scott Webb on Pexels.com

I don’t know how many advocates it takes to change the city’s mind on allowing these buildings to remain like this, but it’s a fight that I and a few of my also disgruntled friends want to take on. We deserve to be able to go into the businesses that we want, along with everyone else. Once again, it’s a shame that these places continue to limit who can and can’t visit them.

About Chrysanthemum Chan: Chrysanthemum is an award-winning cosplayer and Quantum brand ambassador. She enjoys fashion, cosplay and music and has a TikTok channel with over 380,000 followers. Click here to learn more about Chrysanthemum.

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

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How to Plan an Accessible Holiday Party for Power Wheelchair Users

If there’s anyone on your holiday party guest list who uses a power wheelchair or another mobility aid, you have an important role as host to make sure that everyone on the guest list can enjoy the fun!

Putting together an accessible holiday party takes a bit of extra planning but with attention to detail and a little help from this guide, you can create a welcoming, inclusive and positive environment for every guest.

Give Attendees Plenty of Notice

Party planners recommend sending out invitations three to four weeks before an event date.^[1] This gives attendees plenty of time to make transportation arrangements (whether they use a wheelchair or not), so do your best to give as much notice as possible. Why is this such an important component of an accessible holiday party, or any other event where wheelchair users are in attendance?

invitation card with the inscription tied with ribbon — Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels.com

Many people with disabilities don’t use personal vehicles for travel.^[2] For one thing, wheelchair-accessible vehicles are expensive. Fortunately, accessible public transit is a reality in many metropolitan areas in the U.S. Typically, people with disabilities end up traveling as passengers more often than people without disabilities.

While it’s courteous to give all attendees as much notice as possible, people using wheelchairs may have more transportation logistics to sort out in the days (or weeks) leading up to the event. Giving them enough time to arrange rides to and from the event is just one way to make your celebration as welcoming as possible.

Choose an Accessible Location

disabled parking signs on asphalt pavement — Photo by Jakub Pabis on Pexels.com

Take your time and conduct diligent research when choosing a location for your event. If you invite attendees who are wheelchair users (or use other mobility aids, like walkers or canes), your location should be as accessible as possible.

Some of the most critical elements of an accessible event space include:

Public transit access – A public bus or public wheelchair van may not be able to reach the door if you’ve chosen a venue at the end of a long, private drive. Consider a more publicly accessible space, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Community centers, movie theaters and schools are likely to meet ADA requirements and they’re likely accessible via public transit.
Accessible parking – If wheelchair users take a personal vehicle or hitch a ride with a friend, they’ll still need space to deploy a vehicle ramp or transition from a car seat to their chair. Accessible parking spaces aren’t just big, they’re also close to the entrance and offer additional space between other vehicles. If there’s not a marked accessible space onsite, make sure to reserve an area for this purpose.
Ease of entry – Your venue’s primary entrance should feature a ramp or zero-step option, even if it’s alongside a stairway. A smooth, hard surface is ideal, especially for guests using power wheelchairs who might have difficulties getting their chairs through grass or gravel.

Accessible Interiors for Power Wheelchair Users

The interior of your space is just as important as the exterior when it comes to accessibility. During your venue research, keep a close eye out for the following:

Accessible restrooms – Large restrooms with grab bars and fixtures at wheelchair height are critical for accessibility. And, if you have more than one wheelchair user on the guest list, try your best to find a venue with more than one accessible restroom.
Wide doorways and hallways – The ADA recommends that doors and hallways provide at least 36 inches of clearance. This width should accommodate even a large power chair. ^[3]
Stair-free interiors – While you can certainly host an event in a multi-story space, every level you occupy should be accessible to every guest. If you’re using a space with a balcony or second floor, ensure that there are elevators or lifts that can transport your guests to the second level.

Decorate Thoughtfully

Once you’ve chosen a venue and sent out invites, it’s time to decorate. The holidays are the perfect opportunity to have fun with decorating, but keep the following tips in mind as you deck the halls:

white table cloth on table — Photo by Max Vakhtbovych on Pexels.com

Keep the floors clear for people using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Prevent tablecloths from dragging on the floor. Skip streamer curtains or other decorations that dangle in front of doorways. Keep extension cords out of the way (or use a floor cable protector).

Offer surfaces for placing drinks or snacking on appetizers at different levels. Not everyone’s power chair has power adjustable seat height, so try to diversify your surface height options. Focal areas should be accessible, too. Spots like the bar, the buffet and the dance floor should be simple to navigate in a power wheelchair or with a cane/walker.

Celebrate the Holidays with a Quantum Power Wheelchair

Parties are always a highlight of the holiday season. If someone on the guest list (or their plus one) uses a wheelchair, hosts should do their best to make the celebration as accessible as possible. By following the steps above, you can create a party space that’s welcoming to all.

At Quantum Rehab, we’re proud to support and empower people using mobility technologies all year long. Our power chairs are user-inspired, comfortable and reliable. We deliver confidence and stability to keep up with all of life’s seasons.

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Shutterfly. When to Send Party Invitations?. https://www.shutterfly.com/ideas/when-to-send-party-invitations/

2. U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Travel Patterns of American Adults with Disabilities. https://www.bts.gov/travel-patterns-with-disabilities

3. ADA. ADA Guide for Small Businesses. https://archive.ada.gov/reachingout/entrancedoors.html

My Quantum Wheelchair and My Love for Decorating

Merlisha loves to decorate with the help of her Quantum Wheelchair with iLevel

For me, there is no holiday that is more special than Christmas! When my disease first manifested and changed my life forever, I knew that a few things I loved would become bittersweet memories: such as being a semi-pro decorator. Because of my love for decorating, friends, family and even my bosses would ask me to help decorate for special events. Thankfully, My Edge 3 power wheelchair with iLevel® technology, which I nicknamed Bumblebee, has helped me to not miss a moment of decorating. Here’s how my Quantum wheelchair helps me decorate for the holidays.

I am always amped for getting the office and my coworkers into the Christmas spirit, which made the Christmas season so much fun at work, as well as at home.

Decorating at Work Made Easy with My Quantum Wheelchair

Having the ability to adjust my height at the touch of a button gives me almost total access to all surfaces, both higher and lower for hanging wreaths and garlands. I can set up small Christmas scenes with mini figurines next to the copiers or the counters in the many break areas in the building. My Quantum wheelchair allows me to keep doing the activity that I have always loved.

Decorating for Christmas at Home

gold christmas ball decor — Photo by Element5 Digital on Pexels.com

My power wheelchair is always adorning my home with the sights of the season. Because of my Quantum wheelchair, the warmth and cozy feeling of seeing a fully decorated tree is not left to be directed and brought into balance by my hubby. I can reach every area except for the top of the tree, allowing me adjust or relocate ornaments, tinsel, candy canes, bows, figurines and bulbs (the kids and my husband load everything on one part of the tree, leaving the remainder of the tree bare).

I think this year, I will get one of the kids to help me pin some mistletoe onto the top of my power chair’s headrest before my husband gets back from picking up the eggnog, ice cream and sugar cookies. I guess my power wheelchair is the gift that keeps on giving. Happy holidays!

About Merlisha Henderson: Merlisha uses an Edge 3 Power Wheelchair for mobility and lives in Arizona with her family. As a wife, mother and disability advocate in her community, she stays active and independent, working toward bringing equality and access to all. Click here to learn more about Merlisha.

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

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My Quantum Power Wheelchair and the Magic of Christmas in NYC

While New York City is known for a lot of different things, it is one of the most popular places to visit during winter. The city comes to life with Christmas lights at every corner and there are surprises everywhere you turn! One of my family’s favorite things to do during the holidays is spend the day in New York City, which is fairly accessible for my Quantum power wheelchair. Here are the best Christmas things to do in NYC during the holidays for wheelchair users.

As there is always traffic on the way to New York coming from New Jersey, we usually leave our house right after my brother and I are done with school. We end up getting there right before the sun starts to set. This way, we can plan out exactly where we want to go in a way that makes sense and find a good place to park where we don’t have to walk a lot. The city starts to come to life just as we’re getting settled!

Visiting Bryant Park with My Quantum Power Wheelchair

My ultimate favorite thing is visiting the winter village in Bryant Park. The main reason for this is the never-ending food and my favorite thing of all: fried pickles! I love the excitement of being able to roll up to the counter in my Quantum power wheelchair while elevated at iLevel and place the order! Bryant Park has all kinds of different stands and vendors that sell almost anything you can think of. They even have ice skating! You can make an entire trip just out of Bryant Park itself, but there is still so much more to experience in New York.

Rockefeller Center and Light Shows in NYC

Sakina in her Quantum power wheelchair during Christmas in NYC

Rockefeller Center is too beautiful for words and is perfect for photos. It also has an ice skating rink, which is considerably larger than the one in Bryant Park. It’s infamous for the Christmas tree and it’s definitely something to experience!

The Vessel and Hudson Yards are great places to visit and are also great places to take pictures. The light display during Christmas is magical and it truly makes you feel amazing! It seems as though if you visit New York City during the wintertime, you can find lights everywhere you look. There are specific light shows that you can catch, like the one on Saks Fifth Avenue! If you have not seen it yet, you should make it a point to do so.

Wheelchair Accessibility in NYC

Overall, New York City is extremely accessible to individuals in power wheelchairs. You just have to deal with the crowds and the occasional pothole. Elevating at iLevel in my Quantum power wheelchair does help with navigating through the crowds. This year, for the first time, Fifth Avenue was closed off to car traffic on the weekends, making it more accessible than ever for wheelchair users.

There are endless things to do in New York City, especially during the holidays. My list of best Christmas things to do in NYC is just the tip of the iceberg. One thing for sure is that you will never be bored. If you do decide to make a trip out there, just remember to bundle up and take lots of pictures!

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.

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My Quantum Wheelchair Helps Me Be Successful At School

Until a couple of years ago, I never really gave any thought to having a power wheelchair. I always imagined it would be too much since I can walk a bit and can push a manual wheelchair. I realized how wrong I was since starting in high school. Now, my Quantum wheelchair has improved my life in ways I never imagined. Here are just a few of them!

I Can Go Anywhere I Want

High school is hard enough as it is, with managing so many different classes, assignments and deadlines. What makes it tolerable is socializing with friends. During lunch, my friends like to sit in a garden across the school’s grassy field where the temperature is “just right.” My manual wheelchair can’t go on the grass, so I had to walk quite a long distance and pray that someone wouldn’t touch my wheelchair or belongings. With my Stretto power chair, there’s nowhere on my high school campus I can’t go.

I Have So Much More Energy Using My Quantum Wheelchair

Maddie uses iLevel on her Quantum wheelchair to sit at high-top tables

I tend to fatigue rather quickly from doing the smallest of tasks, like taking a shower. As you might imagine, I struggle when carrying what feels like a two-ton backpack. I mean, even non-disabled people in high school struggle with carrying their backpacks. Being able to hang my backpack on the back of my Quantum power wheelchair has been life-changing! You may think that having a manual wheelchair would help in carrying heavy bags, but it doesn’t! All it does is add weight to what you’re pushing. Now, I can preserve some of my energy, as well as keep all my school supplies on me without the extra trip to my locker.

I Hear Fewer “Short” Jokes and Honk at People in the Halls

Being a hair under five feet, I receive my share of “short” jokes. It’s not like I hate the teasing, but it can definitely get annoying and repetitive at times. Nowadays with Quantum power wheelchair with iLevel® technology, I can elevate my seat and look down on my glorious kingdom.

I think that the horn is probably my favorite feature on my Quantum wheelchair because the crowded hallways are not a problem for me anymore. I also enjoy the hilarious reactions I get when other kids hear the loud “beeeeeep.”

I Can Tour Colleges in My Quantum Wheelchair Without Getting Tired

One of the reasons I needed a power chair is for going long distances is because my arms get too tired from pushing a manual wheelchair. I recently toured a college with a huge campus using my iLevel chair, and it was such a huge help! I know for a fact that I wouldn’t have made it in a manual chair.

These are just some of the ways my power chair helps me but there are a lot more. I can use the USB charging port wherever I am. I can sit at the raised desks in the science room with my friends. I could go on but it’s hard to list all the ways my Quantum power wheelchair has changed my life without sounding like a commercial. I’m extremely grateful, however, to have my wheelchair and I plan to take good care of it so it will be in good shape for college.

About Maddie Kasten: Maddie is a Q Roll Model for Quantum Rehab. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and enjoys participating in adaptive sports, playing video games and watching anime. Click here to learn more about Maddie.

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Living Life, Making Connections in Her Quantum Power Wheelchair

As a therapist, Marianne Middlebrook knows the value of mental health. She is passionate about helping others and hopes to make a difference in her community. Born with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Marianne has been using a power wheelchair for mobility since she was two years old. Currently, Marianne has a Quantum Power Wheelchair with iLevel® technology.

Marianne uses a Quantum Power Wheelchair for mobility

“I like that my power chair fits my body so well and allows me to do everything I need to do,” Marianne said. “Plus, it’s sturdy and reliable.”

While Marianne loves her power articulating foot platform, the front and rear LED fender lights and her USB charger, iLevel technology is by far her favorite feature. iLevel on her Quantum Power Wheelchair allows Marianne to elevate her seat so she can reach what she needs and be at eye level with her peers.

“It’s really handy!” Marianne said.

Pursuing Her Education with Her Quantum Power Wheelchair

A resident of Berkeley Heights, NJ, Marianne enjoys coffee, spending time with her family and friends, getting her nails done and watching reality television.

Marianne is passionate about reading and learning and has been busy pursuing her doctorate degree. As part of her dissertation, she interviewed different people who also live with SMA. She asked them how they cope with their disability and how their self esteem is affected by their disability status. Completing her dissertation benefited Marianne in more ways than one, as she really enjoyed connecting with these individuals.

“It has been a great experience to connect with people who are in a similar situation as I am,” Marianne said.

Looking to the Future

This coming May, Marianne will graduate with a Doctorate in Psychology. She is looking forward to new opportunities in her work and making a difference in the lives of her clients.

“I’ve worked really hard to get to where I am and I’m excited to be able to use my knowledge of psychology to help people who are struggling with mental health,” Marianne said.

Are you interested in doing a testimonial? Tell us what you love about your Quantum Power Wheelchair. You could be featured on our website and social media. Please email marketing@pridemobility.com for more information.

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The Challenges I Face as a Musician with a Disability

I’ve been a singer since I was in high school. As the front person in a band, it was my responsibility to create the focus. Stage presence is just as important to a performance as the music itself. I would dance around the stage, sometimes stepping off it to engage with the audience. It was much easier to interact with an audience when I didn’t need to use a wheelchair. Becoming disabled at age 20 didn’t take away any dreams of being a performer. I had never wanted to perform professionally, as it was just a hobby while I went to school and had my career planned out.

How Singing Helped Me Cope

After my surgeries, complications and onset of chronic illnesses, all my career goals were destroyed. Performing music wasn’t a job or even a goal to me. It’s just what I did to stay positive through the pain and grief. Performing, especially in front of a live audience with positive energy, gives me more serotonin than anything else.

Accessibility in the Philadelphia Music Scene

I live in Philadelphia, so there are lots of open mics and great music scenes. As a musician, it was awesome, but as a wheelchair user, there are lots of problems. Most local music venues are not wheelchair accessible. For those that are, the entrance is through the band loading area (usually in a sketchy back alley). These entrances also tend to be cluttered with lots of obstacles. So, while able people can just step over the giant trash bags filled with beer bottles, the bags get stuck in our wheels and damage our chairs.

Even the venues that are accessible in some way still have alternate upstairs and downstairs stages. So, if you’re coming for an open mic, you need to make sure that it’s happening on a night when they’ve decided to be inclusive.

I’ve performed for 10 years in this city as a wheelchair user. None of the stages I’ve performed at (aside from the disability community and college events), are wheelchair accessible. I need to go down in front of the stage to perform. In a power wheelchair, you’re already at a lower height than your standing audience. So, without even a stage, you are completely hidden. I’m tired of people coming up to me after a set and saying: “I heard you singing, but I didn’t see anyone onstage so I thought it was a recording. Then I realized you’re just down there in a wheelchair.”

Singing with My iLevel Power Wheelchair

In the future, all venues and stages must be wheelchair accessible. I have not performed to a live audience since the pandemic, but I will be back when I am ready to be. I am very much looking forward to the visibility that iLevel on my Stretto Power Wheelchair will give me both on and off stage. I also look forward to not having to wait for someone to lower the mic stand for me when it’s time for me to perform. Currently, I practice in my apartment. iLevel technology helps me visualize the knobs on my cube street amp so I’m finally able to adjust my volume, backtracks, and effects all by myself.

Anomie Fatale: Anomie is a musician who performs at shows and open mic nights in Philadelphia. She is the current titleholder for Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania USA 2022 and is passionate about helping others. Click here to learn more about Anomie.

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