HELP ME HELP YOU

My all-time favorite movie is Jerry Maguire. No, not for the romance story, or guy-does-good plot. I love the film for the line, "Help me help you."

The personal genesis of my favorite saying, help me help you, comes from my dedication toward assisting other wheelchair users in obtaining and maintaining the mobility they need and deserve. When issues arise - and they do, even on the most reliable products - I want them immediately resolved, no matter what brand, model, age, or local of the product. Our independence depends on mobility technology, and I don't want any of us without it, period. For this reason, I'm tremendously blessed by my roles on WheelchairJunkie.com and within the mobility industry where I have opportunities to apply my resources and make a difference in the lives of those whom share my need for mobility technology.

Still, I'm forever frustrated by those whom prolong their requests for assistance, those whom are restricted by issues of mobility technology - maybe something as simple as an incorrectly adjusted legrest, or as complex as a failed motor - but don't make an effort to contact their wheelchair provider, therapist, or manufacturer, informing them of the issues. The last circumstance that I, as a user and mobility professional, ever wish to see is a someone needlessly go without mobility, and I'm even more saddened when I learn that a user hasn't had mobility because he or she simply hasn't informed anyone of the issue, making no effort toward ensuring his or her needs are met. Most mobility professionals, from providers to therapists to manufacturers, have consumer assistance at the top of their priorities, but they can only help when aware of an issue, so it's vital that as users, we give them the opportunity to be of assistance by communicating our needs - help me help you, is often the key toward enhanced mobility.

Of course, there are terrible providers in the world, ones that, as we've all heard or witnessed, will sell you a chair, never to be seen again for support or service. In these cases, the help-me-help-you philosophy is even more important, requiring that you look to others - therapists, new providers, or manufacturers - for assistance. Always start by seeking assistance from the provider whom sold you your chair or scooter, and if, for some reason, your request for assistance is unanswered, don't settle for silence, don't settle for prolonged deficits of mobility -- work your way up the supply chain, discussing your needs with your therapist or the manufacturer, ensuring that your needs are met - help them help you.

As a user, my mobility is ultimately my responsibility, and as such, I owe it to myself not to accept limited mobility, I owe it to myself to make sure the proper parties fully meet my mobility needs - that is, I have an obligation to not assume complacency, and ensure that my needs are met by informing the proper professionals of any issues that arise. As a mobility professional, I'm dedicated toward assisting end-users, as are many of my colleagues, and I appreciate the opportunity to better serve end-users - that is, I'm especially grateful when you help me help you.