The Struggles to Achieve Cherry

Most of you know that I love my scooter and it is very important to me for my mobility and independence.  Well, last year, it was time to get a spanking new shiny scooter.  That task proved to be a struggle.  I eventually was able to get my new scooter, which I named Cherry; but boy, is there a story to write!

Before I began my process of getting a new scooter, I had to find a new doctor because the one I had since age 18 retired. Finding a doctor is hard for me because there are not many doctors who have truly studied people with disabilities, or in my case, people with cerebral palsy.

After researching, I thought I found a good doctor, but WOW I was wrong. The agency who provides my scooter needed to reach-out to my doctor daily because they had problems receiving paperwork from her. I even had advocates call on my behalf, but still, no paperwork was received. What brought me to a boil is when I finally got in contact with the doctor, they threatened to hang up on me. After that, I called my health care case worker to intervene and to deal with my doctor. Needless to say, my scooter provider finally received the paperwork to set up a physical evaluation. Just when I thought I was home free, I was not.

I went to my evaluation appointment where I would receive my new scooter.  I was met by an occupational therapist, an intern studying occupational therapy, and a sales representative.

After seeing me roll in, the occupational therapist immediately started making her case to why she thought an electric wheelchair would suit my physical needs better. One of her main concerns is that the scooter’s throttle had been updated. No longer could I push the throttle to make the scooter go forward. The updated version required me to pull it. Due to my physical disability, the occupational therapist thought it would be difficult for me.

The occupational therapist discussed my situation with the rest of the group.  The reasoning to change to an electric wheelchair from a scooter was because in her mind, I could fit up-under a table, it turned on a dime, and the comfortability of the way it sat. Of course, everyone that was in the evaluation agreed with the occupational therapist.

Although the observations were sufficient, all I heard was blah, blah, blah because I knew I wanted a scooter. My scooter makes me feel cool, cute, independent, and confident and at the end of the day, I’m the one who must ride it.

After the professionals were finished stating their case, I went into advocacy mode.  I knew no matter what that a scooter was my choice not the electric wheel chair.

A month later, I received my scooter. I was so proud because I stood up for myself and for what I wanted. Often professionals, family, and friends try and push their opinions, thoughts, and values onto people with disabilities because they feel they know what is best. If people with disabilities aren’t careful or taught to advocate for themselves, they’ll will never get what they want or need.

Cherry and I are doing fine. I am happy to have a voice so I can speak-up. As you go through life always remember, advocacy matters.

On a side note, I got rid of that rude doctor. No one, especially a doctor, should treat anyone that way. Especially when it comes to receiving care that affects your everyday life.