Like a skilled pickpocket’s distraction, government offers independence with one hand while the other hand robs you of it.
- People need the means by which to practice independence and inclusion.
- Give and take legislation doesn't work.
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Denied A WheelchairA somewhat cryptic opener but nonetheless true. We have been given ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) which holds out the promise of access to buildings, transportation, workplaces, and the promise of ongoing independence for all Americans with disabilities. We thank the hand that offered up such a ripe plum.
While reaching for this tasty prize we need to keep an eye on Uncle Sam’s other hand. This is the one that taketh, and what he means to take through his loyal henchman Medicare are your wheelchairs.
Like a skilled pickpocket who distracts you up front while your pocket is picked in back, Medicare is undoing years of progress in disability rights by making it impossible for Medicare funded wheelchair users to get a wheelchair that will give them the ability to access this new user friendly world.
It boils down to Medicare’s “in the home” restriction. By providing wheelchairs that are suitable for home use only, Uncle Sam deprives people of the right to benefit from and take advantage of changes brought about by such things as the Americans with Disabilities Act.
So while more and more public buildings, arenas and theaters, restaurants and hotels become accessible to wheelchair users, they will continue to be beyond the reach of many wheelchair users who have been supplied with an inappropriate wheelchair or no wheelchair at all.
For some people caught up in this give and take game the take greatly outweighs the give.
Ziggi Landsman
VP of Assistive Technology
United Spinal Association
