The Disabled Underground presents:
an investigative deep dive into the durable medical equitment industry

Audio Version Sources Magazine Chat

broken since: 02/14/2024

Introduction:

I’ve always wondered why there is rarely any public outcry for the disabled. When my world stops due to disability, no one freezes but me. Yet, it seems like my life always revolves around “ableds” schedule. Today is March 11, 2024, meaning, I’ve gone 26 days without my wheelchair. My memory recalls that when I first called Numotion, they promised me a loner wheelchair within 48 hours, a week at the latest. Now, they cannot see me until the 22nd. In total, I will likely go 36 days without a wheelchair, if not more. This is a human's rights violation.

Timelime:

Roughly a week before my 21st birthday, my motorized wheelchair caught on fire after plugging it in to charge. Similar to plugging in your phone before you sleep, I charge my electric wheelchair all night so it is ready for the next day. However, on February 14th, I noticed smoke emitting from my wheelchair’s joystick approximately 30 seconds after plugging the cord in. Immediately, I yanked the power cord out of my wheelchair, revealing a 5-7 inch flame at the end of the charger. As fast as I was able, I shook the flame out and let out a big breath.

When the fire was out and the smoke had disapated, I inspected my wheelchair for damage. One metal prong out of the three inside the charger had completly smelted in half. Soot brushed the outside of my pink joystick controller. Although I assumed my charging port and joystick were completly broken, I attempted to plug the wheelchair in for the night. With no suprise, my electric wheelchair could no longer refill it's battery. The clock across the room ticked into the next day, while I slept frustrated and exhausted.

I spent most of the 15th asleep because I felt defeated from the night before. After I woke up, I called Numotion’s emergency line in Indianapolis. No one answered, so I left a message. An hour later I called again and heard nothing once more. No one called me back.

The following Friday, I called Numotion. They promised they could find a loner wheelchair within 48 business hours after the weekend is over. At this point in time, my wheelchair could still move, however I could no longer charge it. I stayed home, fearing I would lose the remaining battery I had left.

Monday came around, so I called for an update about my wheelchair. Unfortunately, a part they needed ships out on the 29th of February, however, they can probably get a loner chair out to me soon. She told me to wait for them to call me back regarding scheduling. I waited a day and called again, they explained that they’re unable to give me a loner chair. According to them, they don’t have one I can use.

I wait some more days away and call them again. They tell me that if I want a loner chair sooner, than I should drive up to the branch and pick one out. I sighed and looked at my bus pass and dead electric wheelchair. How am I supposed to drive out to some warehouse when I can barely move without a working wheelchair.