I hope someone can help me out. The other day I was visiting my friend who uses a Jazzy power wheelchair. I noticed one of the wheels was damaged. He didn’t remember how it had happened, but the wheel was all misshapen. He can still get around but the wheel is uneven and creates a bumpy, slow ride now.

Does anyone know if that’s something we would call the manufacturer to get fixed? Or are there power wheelchair repair shops like a local garage? Is changing out the wheel on a power wheelchair something I could do myself (I am pretty mechanical) or does it need the expertise of an expert?

If you’ve ever seen one of those documentaries about the charities that deliver wheelchairs to third world countries, you know what a life-changing gift a wheelchair can be. Images of poor, neglected, disabled children scooting along the ground or walking on their knees or hands can be heart-wrenching.

Those scenes do help all of us recognize how incredibly important the functional aspects of wheelchairs are. This recognition can make a discussion about the design of today’s wheelchairs—specifically the unimaginative design of so many of today’s wheelchairs—seem immature or ungrateful. However, in a country where there are many wheelchair options that all satisfy the same basic functional duties, it certainly is not unreasonable to question why the aesthetics of so many of these products are drab and uninspired.

Take for instance other “functional” products such as sunglasses or motorcycles. Look at how manufacturers have used design aesthetics to offer large measures of self-expression along with the necessary function.

Is the sterility of wheelchair design a reflection of the prevailing attitude towards human disability? Is there room in the wheelchair market for innovation and inspiration? Don’t members of the disabled community—who already deal with tremendous daily challenges—deserve the opportunity to express themselves?

Thanks to products like the Jazzy Select power wheelchair, there is some hope. This product features a seat that looks like something designed for a great road-trip car. The splash of color injects a bit of personality. The blend of form and function offers a much more visually appealing option. Hopefully other manufacturers can put time and resources toward serving up more inspired designs in the future.

For the last several months, I’ve been attending the local community college, pursuing my associates degree in marketing. The campus is quite accessible for me in my Jazzy power scooter. So it’s been no problem. Well, until just recently.

Due to some renovations, something has damaged the automatic doors to the building where most of my classes are held. But do you know that not one time has it been a problem. As I approach the doors, some other student always takes notice and holds a door open for me so I can drive my scooter through. I’m sure the doors will be fixed soon, but it has been a simple blessing—the kindness of strangers.