Wheelchair users are describing excessive wait times for wheelchair repairs as an ongoing “crisis of equity” as lawmakers consider whether to pass legislation to make wheelchairs more reliable for those who rely on them for their livelihoods and health. Wheelchair users packed a hearing room at the Massachusetts State House on Tuesday to discuss the loss of independence that lengthy wheelchair repairs create, as well as their concerns about fundamental flaws in the repair system.
“At one point, my wheelchair went unrepaired for over nine weeks. I was completely bed bound. That delay didn’t just inconvenience me, it led to me being hospitalized, placed on a ventilator, and fighting for my life,” said Destiny Maxam, a community organizer at the Disability Policy Consortium. “I want to be clear. This happened because I couldn’t get the equipment I rely on every day,” Maxam continued.
Sen. John Cronin’s measure (S 210) would extend wheelchair warranties to two years and mandate that broken wheelchairs be assessed — and interim replacements delivered — within specific time frames, depending on whether assessments are conducted remotely or in person. Senators passed a similar bill in 2024, but it died in the House without a vote.
A new House bill (H 1278) would establish an explicit schedule for wheelchair repairs, requiring them to be completed no later than 10 business days after the request. Rep. Jim O’Day’s bill would also eliminate prior authorization requirements for repairs under $1,000. Both bills eliminate the need for prior authorization for repairs under $1,000, mandate a wheelchair parts inventory, and have differing enforcement mechanisms.
“This legislation isn’t just about mechanical fixes. It’s about restoring dignity, independence and basic rights. Because when our chairs don’t work, our lives don’t work,” Maxam said. “This is a crisis of equity. People who walk don’t have to wait nine weeks to use their legs again, and yet, wheelchair users are expected to live like this over and over again.”
Assistant Attorney General Ann Lynch said the issue is commonly cited in complaints filed with the office. “Our office consistently receives complaints from consumers about wheelchair repair delays. In recent complaints, consumers have reported that they have been waiting two, four, five, six, and even nine months to have their wheelchairs repaired,” Lynch said.
Wayne Grau, executive director of the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology (NCART), was among the few who opposed the bill. NCART is a nationwide nonprofit that advocates for people who rely on complex rehabilitation equipment. “We understand that consumers are experiencing a lack of timely access to wheelchair repair services,” Grau said. “In the last session, NCART was engaged with various stakeholders, including consumers, legislators and MassHealth to develop solutions to address the timeline of repairs.”
Grau stated that NCART is ready to continue those discussions and supports the elimination of previous authorization, which he claims will speed up repairs by seven to 21 days. Grau emphasized that the intricate rehabilitation equipment mentioned in the bill is tailored to specific needs, and he was particularly concerned by the provision requiring a two-year warranty on wheelchairs.
“We are concerned that [with] just the wear and tear on items, which currently have a six-to-13 month warranty, [manufacturers] will not be able to expand their warranty limits to meet that two years,” Grau said me. Grau stated that manufacturers already offer tiered warranties for specific components and purchase parts such as batteries and tires from other companies, which he believes must be modified and expanded over time.
As someone who uses a wheelchair, this bill could be life changing. Wheelchairs are much more than just equipment. Having the right chair is essential for people’s health and overall quality of life.
I hope that this becomes a law in Massachusetts. People depend on their wheelchairs. Not having a safe, comfortable wheelchair can be life-threatening.
Source:
Adams, Ella. “Wheelchair Users Say Repair Bill Is about ‘Restoring Dignity.’” State House News Service, State House News Service, 30 Apr. 2025, http://www.statehousenews.com/news/healthcare/wheelchair-users-say-repair-bill-is-about-restoring-dignity/article_5f6114be-44af-43f6-9121-63aaa1973a54.html.