Advocates argue Massachusetts offers fewer protections for wheelchair users than other states.
“I was literally training for ultramarathons, and then, one fine day, I woke up and I couldn't sit up without falling over,” Arndt remembered.
. And getting them repaired can take a month or longer, leaving wheelchair users stuck at home or in bed, and at an increased risk of medical complications.The problems are particularly bad in Massachusetts, according to disability advocates. They say the commonwealth’s consumer protections for wheelchair users don’t measure up well to other states. They’re sparring with the wheelchair industry on Beacon Hill over legislation aimed at changing that.
Another example: Rhode Island and Connecticut require that wheelchair warranties last at least two years. In Massachusetts, the requirement is half that. Warranties can help protect consumers from hefty bills or shoddy products. They also mean less paperwork so repairs can happen faster. But three major trade associations that represent wheelchair manufacturers and providers have come out against the bill, saying it doesn’t provide workable solutions.
Murshid Buwembo has long dreamt of a mobile wheelchair repair van that you can call for help akin to roadside assistance from AAA. If a quick fix or replacement chair aren’t possible, the service could provide, at least, a ride home.