As you may have read, some children diagnosed with cerebral palsy may need to be fitted for a manual or power wheelchair. This can be a very exciting time for a child. Having used a wheelchair my entire life, I view mine as my legs—my source of mobility, independence, and freedom.
I attended Seagull School, a special needs school, where the physical therapists assessed me for a powered wheelchair. My first experience “zooming” around was in one of the school’s backup chairs—a pink one! At home, I had a basic manual wheelchair, so mornings were filled with anticipation of getting to school and using that pink power chair!
All students at Seagull School had scheduled physical and occupational therapy. Sometimes, instead of going straight to therapy, my physical therapist would instruct me on how to maneuver the power chair. I practiced driving straight, turning, and even reversing. I remember trying so hard not to bump into anything, especially people’s toes! It was all about learning how much pressure to put on the joystick to make a smooth ride.
When I was finally fitted for my very own power wheelchair, I knew exactly what color I wanted – the same pink as the one I used at school! I went to the children’s health center, the same place where I was medically evaluated, for the big reveal. They had my power chair covered, and when they unveiled it, it was truly one of the best moments of my childhood. It wasn’t just pink, they told me, it was pearl pink! The entire base and footrests were this beautiful shade, contrasting with the black seat cushion and backrest. And in the center of the backrest, written in pink script, was my name, “Jennifer.” 🩷
Sitting in my own power chair for the first time felt like sitting in the driver’s seat of a car. The joystick reminded me of my brother’s video game controllers or the ones at the arcade. I was allowed to take it for a test drive around the room. There were four speeds controlled by a switch on the joystick box. I remember that it drove similarly to the one I used at school, but it still took some getting used to.
As I got used to each speed, I eventually could drive it at speed 4! That was my favorite speed, except in one teacher’s classroom where I was only allowed speed 2 after a minor incident with a table…🤭
That chair helped me make friends outside of school too. In my foster care neighborhood, I’d give kids rides on the back of my chair. Some would sit, some would stand, and some would just hold on and shout, “Go!” I even raced kids on bikes! Later, I realized that the “seat” on the back wasn’t a seat at all, but the battery! 🤦Oops.
Another memory I have is when my foster dad was washing his truck. My foster and biological siblings and I decided to play with the hose. Let’s just say I learned that power chairs and water don’t mix! My foster mom wasn’t happy.
**The Power of Pink (and Independence)**
That power chair lasted a very long time! I received it around 1995, and it lasted until my late senior year of high school in 2003. I even miss it sometimes and wish I had cut my name out of the backrest before donating it. Since then, I’ve had three other power chairs.
Whether powered, manual, walker, or crutches, it’s important for all individuals with cerebral palsy to know that their diagnosis doesn’t define them. Mobility devices are key for children with disabilities like cerebral palsy to learn that they, too, can move around and go anywhere they please. Their mobility device just helps them do it a little differently!
