WORKING ON WHEELS

October 16, 2026October 18, 2026 | Jen

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.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AS A POWER CHAIR USER

September 24, 2026October 17, 2026 | Jen

**Photograph** of a DC Metro Platform from **Pixabay**

During my last seven years working in DC, I commuted to and from work as a power chair user. I rode commuter and local buses, the DC Metro, and the VRE (Virginia Railway Express).

Over time, I experienced every problem imaginable from lift failures on buses that left me suspended in the air for half an hour to getting my chair stuck in Metro car doors. I also had a number of unfortunate experiences with bus drivers pretending not to see me at my bus stop so they could avoid picking me up. I even had a bus driver apologize to everyone on the bus, telling them they were going to be late for work because of the time it took for him to load me onto the bus. Nice, huh?

Now living in Florida, I am experiencing problems yet again as I ride the local buses. These problems have prompted me to write this post, in order to share how I effectively handle public transportation as a power chair user.

Any time I take public transportation, I triple-check the schedules and timetables. I’ve found the Google Maps app on my smartphone to be very helpful for mapping out bus rides. I make sure my fare cards and bus passes are ready and that my smartphone and power chair are fully charged and functional. And I always get to my stop early, even though buses are notoriously late.

No matter what form of public transportation I am taking, I am always at the front of the line. I’m there so the bus drivers and train conductors see me. They usually have to move aside or fold up seats to accommodate my power chair and either get a lift out or extend a ramp for me. Being at the front of the line and clearly visible, helps give them a heads up when they arrive.

Besides helping me map out my bus rides, the Google Maps app on my smartphone also shows me in real-time where exactly I am on the map during the ride. I no longer worry about missing my destination during any first time trips.

I was once trapped on a bus for over an hour because the bus’ battery died. Without power, the lift wouldn’t work. So, while everyone else was able to walk off the bus and get rides home, I was stuck there. Ever since then, I make sure to carry water and a snack with me, just in case I get stuck somewhere again.

Now, if there is an incident with a bus driver, whether it’s failing to safely tie down my power chair or not stopping to pick me up, I will make a formal complaint. At the time of said incident, I try to document it the best I can. I record the time and date when the incident happened and the driver’s name. If I can’t get the driver’s name, then I’ll jot down a physical description of the driver and the bus number. When I make a formal complaint, I need those details.

I hate conflict, but when there is a serious problem, I have to make a formal complaint. It’s the only way to make change happen. I do this for myself and others with disabilities.

DOES MAKING A COMPLAINT MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Yes. I’ve made complaints that have made a difference. Sometimes I’ve been able to fix a problem with a single complaint. Other times, I’ve had to make multiple complaints to get things fixed. I’ve also found that complaints made in person go a lot farther than complaints made over the phone.

Once, a bus driver directed a violent outburst at me because he was having problems loading me onto the commuter bus. I was heading home from work, but his outburst made me change my mind. I chose to skip getting off at my usual stop and instead got off at the bus company’s transit center. The driver figured out I was going to report him and tried to talk me out of getting off the bus. Instead, I stared him down and ordered him to let me off. I then went into the transit center and reported him. Afterward, I sat and waited at the transit center for a local bus that could take me home. Reporting the driver tacked on an extra hour to my trip home, but it was worth it. I never saw that driver again. He could have been fired or moved to another bus line. I don’t know.

So, yes, making a complaint can make a difference. And if stuff keeps happening to me, I’ll keep making complaints.

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” (pwrchrdorothy). This site/blog is intended to provide educational and research information, and to share the author’s journey.

ADAPTATION

August 18, 2026October 18, 2026 | Jen

**Photograph of a Butterfly** by Albrecht Fietz from **Pixabay**

Adaptation is the process of changing to suit different conditions.

Now, as a species, adaptation is an intricate part of our evolution. In the short term, however, most adaptation is simply changing the way we do things.

And despite the naysayers, change isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

When I became a woman with disabilities, I was scared. It took time, but I eventually embraced my disabilities and started making changes. I adapted.

I invested in adaptive equipment and clothing, helpful gadgets, and home modifications. When it came to food and cooking, I had groceries delivered and relied on cooking shortcuts to putting together a meal easier. I also found value in downsizing and digitization, which helped with emergency preparedness.

Best change I made was upgrading to a front-loading washer and dryer. They were a godsend.

Using these changes (aka. solutions), I successfully managed a home and three large dog, prepared meals, did the laundry and dishes, and paid the bills. I even did the taxes. Eventually, I hired a caregiver to help me with the tasks I couldn’t handle on my own. No shame there. Everyone needs help at some point.

I was working at the National Air and Space Museum in DC, when I became a women with disabilities. Thankfully, I had a desk job and worked in a mostly ADA-compliant building, so working with disabilities wasn’t a big adjustment. And when obstacles arose, I used a lot of the same solutions I used at home.

Every year I received more and duties and every year I rose to the occasion. Being a woman with disabilities didn’t hold me back.

I was allowed to work from home a couple days a week to take a break from my three-hour commute (round trip). So, I setup remote access between my office computer and exhibit displays at work and my desktop computer and laptop at home. The laptop allowed me to work from bed, if needed.

As a power chair user, I mastered working on wheels and my experiences commuting helped me figure out how to effectively handle public transportation as a power chair user. I also addressed a few workplace accessibility issues – much to the annoyance of the museum’s administration. I regret nothing.

By adapting, I was able to successfully work with disabilities for over 13 years. And I would have continued working if my position hadn’t been defunded.

Once again, change is not a bad thing. Adapting helped me have a life that works. I’m grateful for it.

I hope the information I’ve shared here is helpful.

-Jen, aka. Power Chair Dorothy

STELLAR TRANSPORT

December 1, 2025August 18, 2026 | Jen

**Image** by **Clker-Free-Vector-Images** from **Pixabay**

Stellar Transport is a non-emergency medical transportation service based in Melbourne, Florida. I had the opportunity to use Stellar Transport on November 19, 2025, and the experience prompted me to write this review. Note: I don’t do paid endorsements.

A paraplegic and power chair user since 2011, I am a seasoned passenger when it comes to wheelchair-accessible transportation (ie. vans, buses, subways, and trains). Basically, this was not my first rodeo.

The trip was from home to a doctor’s appointment.

Mileage (Roundtrip): 13.06 miles
Cost: $127.44

The driver arrived on time in a wheelchair-accessible van, equipped with a ramp at the rear. The driver was courteous and professional, though he did not offer his name. I had to ask him for it. The inside of the van was cluttered with gear and equipment, including a loose oxygen tank lying on the floor. The driver had to remove a transport chair to create room for me and after I rolled into the van, he crammed the transport chair behind me. I was so distracted by the clutter wedged around me, and thoughts of my pending appointment, that I failed to notice that the driver had not properly anchored my power chair.

He asked if i was seat belted into my chair. I said I was. He then closed the back door and got into the driver’s seat. After pulling up the address of my appointment on this tablet, the driver headed out. Halfway to our destination, the driver suddenly slammed on the gas and made a hard right. The force was great enough to actually tip my 350 lb. power chair to the left and I was slammed hard into it’s armrest. I cried out as pain enveloped my left knee and hip. The driver quicky pulled to a stop by the side of the road and looked back at me. The chair had already tilted back, righting itself, and I was gasping in pain.

I cried out that I was stuck. I had been thrown over the armrest, unable to right myself. The driver got out and opened the left side door to help me straighten up. Once sitting properly in my chair again, the pain in my hip and knee started to subside. The loose oxygen tank on the floor, however, was now wedged under my chair’s right foot plate. The driver kept asking what happened and I told him that my chair had tilted over. He looked at me like he didn’t believe me. Never once did he apologize. The driver then directed me out of the van, so he could properly anchor the chair. We then continued on to my appointment.

Our arrival at the office plaza was uneventful and after escorting me to the doctor’s office, the driver left. As I sat in the waiting room, I checked myself for injuries. I couldn’t find any. After my appointment, I called Stellar to tell them I was ready for my return trip. Another driver arrived promptly with a much larger van. He was also courteous and professional, and also didn’t offer his name. I still asked for it. The vehicle had a lift. The driver had no problem operating the lift and getting me in the vehicle. Unfortunately, this vehicle too was cluttered with random equipment. Stuff was everywhere. I barely had room to turn.

At least three loose oxygen tanks were lying on the floor. Any one of the loose pieces of equipment in that van could become a deadly projectile in an accident. This type of clutter is not safe. The driver properly anchored my chair, put a shoulder strap seat belt on me, and then we headed out. The drive home was uneventful and so was disembarking, as it should be. After returning home, I called Stellar to lodge a complaint. I received an apology, a full refund, and was assured their drivers would undergo additional safety training. I may be a rough-and-tumble Jersey Girl, but this accident really shook me. I was not happy.

Since then, I’ve had two more roundtrip rides. The vans are no longer cluttered, my chair was properly anchored, and the drivers were still pleasant. Unfortunately, there was one little snafu. While waiting for one of the return rides, I was ‘forgotten’ and left waiting an hour and a half to be picked up. Management was appropriately apologetic and reimbursed me for the return ride.

CURRENT STATUS

I’ve had several subsequent rides with Stellar and they’ve all been great. Nobody’s perfect and Stellar has proven that when things go sideways (quite literally in my case) that they will step up and do the right thing. I’ve also learned to be more mindful when I’m being loaded into a vehicle. I’m giving them four stars.

I’d bump it up to five stars, if they lower their prices

I hope the information I’ve shared here is helpful.

-Jen, aka. Power Chair Dorothy

More Reviews Here.

THE SOUP SOLUTION

September 29, 2025September 25, 2026 | Jen

**Photograph of a Bowl of Soup** by **Mich Wich** from **Pixabay**

I love a warm, comforting bowl of soup. Unfortunately, most canned and boxed soups contain ingredients that don’t exactly agree with me (ie. food sensitivities). The same with soups from most restaurants. The obvious solution, of course, is to simply make my own soup. Being a woman who knows how to cook, making my own soup should be easy, but as a woman with disabilities, my ability to physically cook is limited. Therefore, to create my own soup at home, I had to problem solve.

After much trial and error, I finally found success working at a smaller scale and relying on helpful cooking shortcuts, like my broth mixes. I discovered that 4-cup, handled bowls work best for me. They are easier to manage, physically, than a large soup pot and can be easily put in the microwave. To eliminate the need for the cleaning and cutting of fresh ingredients, I experimented with dried, powdered, frozen, and even canned/jarred ingredients. By the end, I managed to develop several tasty soup recipes.

I also love Thai Curries and have managed to create single serving versions of them as well. Even though Thai curries are technically not soups, I tend to treat them like soups and therefore have grouped them in with my soups.

SINGLE SERVING SOUPS

These soups also contain anti-inflammatory foods. Those anti-inflammatory foods being Artichoke Hearts, Avocados, Carrots, Cauliflower, Peanuts, Pumpkin and Tomatoes. With the exception of the Thai curries, these soups also contain broth mixes, which are also loaded with anti-inflammatory ingredients.

As a woman with Multiple Sclerosis (MS),I use these soups to help manage my MS. When I discovered that inflammation can cause MS relapses, with relapses being the worsening of current or creation of new MS symptoms, I incorporated these soups into my beneficial diet to help manage inflammation. And managing inflammation helps manage my MS.

I hope the information I’ve shared here is helpful.

-Jen, aka. Power Chair Dorothy

THE BROTH MIX FIX

December 14, 2024August 18, 2026 | Jen

**Photograph of Broths and Ingredients** by **Bluebird Provisions** from **Pixabay**

I had an epiphany one day as I was preparing a bowl of ramen. I looked at the little seasoning packet and thought, “What if I made a broth mix, loaded with anti-inflammatory ingredients, that could help me combat inflammation?

You see, as a woman with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), I discovered that inflammation can cause MS relapses, with relapses being the worsening of current or creation of new MS symptoms. Therefore, I incorporated anti-inflammatory foods into my beneficial diet to help manage inflammation. And managing inflammation helps manage my MS.

While I found success in managing inflammation by filling my diet with anti-inflammatory foods, I also had some extra obstacles to deal with. Being a woman with disabilities, I have physical limitations that make cooking difficult. So, I needed to find cooking shortcuts to help putting together an anti-inflammatory meal easier. And that’s when I realized that an anti-inflammatory broth mix would fit the bill. Shelf-stable, a dry ingredient broth mix is easier to make and easier to physically handle than a liquid broth. I can also control the quality and strength of the ingredients I put in the broth mix, while avoiding unhealthy chemicals and fillers.

It took quite a bit of experimenting and testing, but I did it. I created, not just one, but seven very tasty broth mixes containing some of my favorite anti-inflammatory foods. It wasn’t long before I realized that these broth mixes could be used to make more than just broth. They can be used to make soups, sauces, dips, and salad dressings, as well as, used to season rice, vegetables, and proteins like fish, shrimp, chicken, and pork. These broth mixes can even be made vegan.

BROTH MIXES