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