When I became a power chair user, I had to make changes – both at home and work. I was working at the National Air and Space Museum in DC when I became a power chair user. Thankfully, the museum was mostly ADA-compliant, and when obstacles arose, I embraced adaptation. Just like at home, I found solutions that helped me continue to perform my duties.
When I became a power chair user, the most I needed to do at work initially was to get my office furniture rearranged, so I had room to maneuver my power chair. I also chose to get a lift on my chair which raised the seat a foot. I was responsible for maintaining the contents of the image binders of my department’s RPIF. The lift allowed me to reach the binders on the higher shelves.
EXHIBIT DISPLAYS
I had many responsibilities at the museum. One of those being my department’s exhibit displays. Consisting of 20 flat screens, these displays were spread out between two galleries, Looking at Earth and Exploring the Planets. Now, before the museum opened, I’d perform a walk-through of the exhibit galleries to make sure the galleries were clean, cases undamaged, and that my displays were working properly.
After I became a powerchair user, I started referring to my walk-throughs as ‘roll-throughs’. I also liked to tell people that I was off to ‘stretch my wheels’. I’d usually get a chuckle in response. What can I say? I like making people laugh.
I controlled all of the displays from my office computer. Unfortunately, if there was a problem with any of the displays, I would have to go all the way up to my office on the third floor to fix it and then come back down to the gallery to see if the fix was successful. This was a significant pain in the ass. However, when my computer was upgraded to a Microsoft Surface, I saw an opportunity.
With parts from Ram Mount, I managed to cobble together a mount that allowed me to carry the tablet-sized computer on my power chair. I even got myself a kneeboard (the type pilots use) and strapped it to my right thigh. I used the kneeboard as a mouse pad and got myself a corded mouse, that could be easily retrieved if dropped. I am particularly proud at how I mcguyvered this setup.
Being able to carry and use my computer while sitting in my power chair was a game changer. I could finally fix issues with the displays while actually being in the galleries. When my department’s researchers wanted to use the displays for live PowerPoint presentations, I was able to troubleshoot any spontaneous hiccups with the presentations while present. I was very pleased with how this worked out.
COMMUTE
For over seven years, I commuted to and from work as a powerchair user. And my experiences commuting helped me figured out how to effectively handle public transportation as a power chair user.
ACCESSIBILITY
I also addressed a few workplace accessibility issues – much to the annoyance of the museum’s administration. I regret nothing.
I successfully worked on wheels for over 8 years. And I was proud to do it. Being a power chair user didn’t stop me from performing my duties.
And I would have continued performing those duties if my position hadn’t been defunded.
I hope the information I’ve shared here is helpful.
-Jen, aka. “Power Chair Dorothy”
Not in Kansas Anymore (www.notinksanymore.com) is a site/blog authored and managed by Jen, aka. Power Chair Dorothy (pwrchr-dorothy). This site/blog is intended to provide educational and research information, and to share the author’s experiences.
The author of this site/blog is not a medical physician and this site/blog does not provide medical advice. This site/blog contains information that should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation or the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. If you choose to apply or implement any information posted at this site/blog, you do so at your own risk.
