This essay is for those of you who are starting with your motorized chair. Here are some scenarios you may encounter:

Bumper Car Scenario: When people are not aware of where you are, they suddenly stop and you have to stop fast. Beware of the small halls and herds of people. I ask you this: Should you in the wheelchair have to move to one side, or should the able-bodied person use common sense and move? Check owner’s manual for appropriate operation and use. Find seatbelt; you are going to need to use that in case of sudden stops. Try to be aware of your speed at all times. Just like in a car, you have to adjust for flow of traffic. Sometimes it can get away from you. When reaching for your bag, glance down at the "ON/OFF" switch and make sure it is "OFF." If you are removing your bag and the chair is "ON," the weight of the bag on the joystick may cause the chair to go crazy like a maniac out of control. Not to mention you could accidently hit someone. In this case, if you can think of it, turn it "OFF."

The Four-Way-Stop Scenario: When two chairs meet and try to go for the elevator at the same time and there is only room for one. If there is a lady present, mind your manners; let ladies go first. Going up or down? "Wait, catch that door!" Getting in the elevator is like trying to parallel park a Lincoln in a small space. Watch for swinging doors; it is more like a game of dodge ball. In this case, be quick on the joystick and swerve out of the way.

Juggling Scenario: Time for lunch. Stop and pick up sandwich, chips and water. Ask for help when needed. Do not forget your juggling skills. They are necessary because it is a balancing act with both hands full. It is like a circus clown juggling flaming batons. If you drop your chips, your chair could run them over and smash them on the floor. You would not have chips anymore; you would have crumbs. Hold all of your stuff and move the chairs out of the way. Remember, you are trying not to drop anything because once you drop something, you will never see it again.

Battering Ram Scenario: All of a sudden, you realize you need to go ram the restroom door. Be careful; it can be hazardous to your footrests. They are liable to fall off at the most inconvenient time. If able to, find a willing participant who you can teach wheelchair maintenance 101. Suggestion: always keep an allen wrench handy. On the way back out from the restroom, you have to pull the door open with one hand, and drive with the hand opposite of the one you are used to. Or, try to push with one finger.

Four-Wheel Drive Scenario: Driving a power chair in snow is like going ice skating without the skates. When you are headed to your bus stop, beware of the path you take because it could lead you into a duck pond. For example, try to slow down when the weather is being violent. I hit a bump in the sidewalk and tried to save it but over-corrected and slipped down an embankment and got stuck in grass. Fortunately, I stopped sliding just before I hit the pond.

Avoiding Arrest Scenario: Caution to wheelchair owner: you may receive suggestions to supe up your chair. You might want to stop and think about this because more power does not lead to a good result all the time. It just may be more trouble than it is worth. For example, you might modify your motor by installing a lawn mower engine. This may cause you to overpower yourself. You cannot control it. One of the consequences—you get pulled over for speeding.

Launch Scenario: Always have cell phone handy. For me, the launching scenario happened when I was exiting my laundry facility. I tried to line up for the ramp and got caught on a piece of metal and I took an unwanted trip off the side and almost tipped over.

Transportation Scenario: Call Handy-Trans the day before and tell them the time and place you want to go. The next day be prepared for anything; if you are lucky they will do it right and you will get dropped off at the right bus stop.

Bus Scenario: Sit at the bus stop; wait for the right one. When the one you want shows up, wait for fellow passengers to board or unboard. Wait for the lift to come down, board the lift and hang on! Wait at the top so the driver can set up station. Avoid running over anyone’s toes. Make a sharp turn, turn off chair, place restraints and away you go!

I hope this piece helps you avoid some of these scenarios. If for some reason you find yourself in a similar predicament, just remember you are not the only one. Just laugh it off. Good luck!

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