Forward Motion

"Beyond Limitations!"That was the apparent motto of Donald McNeil, a dear friend and exuberant scooter-user.With his scooter in the trunk and oxygen tanks in the back seat, he visited friends nearand far, and enjoyed going to parks, the city, and the beach. After Donald died, I wanted to honor him in some way. Because of him, I became much moreaware of people with scooters or wheelchairs. As I watched their varying degrees ofconfidence and enthusiasm, I was inspired to interview some of them, record what theysaid, and tell their stories. I was moved, astonished, anddelighted by the stories I heard. The people I interviewed showed me the freedoms andoptions that their wheels added to their lives. Restrictions were fewer, scooters andpower chairs fit in cars and on airplanes, and they could get around on their own! These stories offer a fresh perspective to those who feeldiminished by physical limitations. Equally important, the stories offer a newperspective to those who view the handicapped as diminished. My greatest hope is thatall readers will come to see people in scooters and wheelchairs with new eyes and fewerstereotypes. Forward Motion is a resource full of possibilitiesfor those who are considering (or already use) scooters or electric wheelchairs. Friendsand family will also find it helpful. Finally, the book isanother tool for health care professionals to encourage those clients seeking an addedmeasure of freedom and a broader range of possibilities in their lives. Vehicles and their respective Companies used in these stories: Action Arrow by Store with seating system by La Bac'; Sidekickand Sun Dancer by Pride; GVP and P300 by Quickie; J9 by Amigo; Colt by Lark; Excel byPace Saver; Bronco; Forster 2000; Palmer; Electric Mobility.