I was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy type II, which causes my muscles to shrink and has taken away my ability to walk. I use a Quantum® iLevel® Power Wheelchair to get around. I love going to school with it! It gives me more independence, so I can do the same things that my classmates do! My power wheelchair is my transportation throughout the school day.
I start my day off bright and early! I’m out the house by 6:15 a.m., and I wait for my school bus to arrive. Isn’t that something? My transportation is waiting for transportation! When my school bus arrives, I back my wheelchair up onto the ramp and roll into position. I get locked in with these large hooks, which secure my motorized wheelchair so it doesn’t move during the bus ride.
When I get to school, it never fails. The kids look at my power chair as if it’s some kind of super robot. I’m the talk of the school. I’ve been in this school since kindergarten and their mouths still open wide in amazement when they see me coming down the halls in my rolling transportation. They call it the rolling motor robot. When I get to school, I go straight to the cafeteria and elevate my motorized wheelchair seat 12 inches as I approach the breakfast line. At iLevel, I don’t have to wait for my nurse to tell me what’s on the menu. I can elevate and pick and choose what I want to eat myself. I can carry my own tray and lower my power chair to sit at the table. I am thankful for my independence!
When I’m in class, my teachers always give me a chance to come up to the active board and work out problems. I raise the seat on my motorized wheelchair and that way I’m center with the board. With the way my chair elevates, I can assist my teachers during instruction times too! When it’s time for a bathroom break, my motorized wheelchair makes it easier for my nurse to lift me in and out of my chair. I can use the restroom and get back to class.
It feels so good to be able to do the things my friends at school can do. We all get in line for the water fountain together. When it’s my turn, my classmates push the button for the water to come out. And yes, we all play with the water and I let it splash all over my face and clothes, but hey, that’s what kids do!
I love that my iLevel lets me fit in with everyone else. The kids aren’t asking about my disability as much anymore, since my cool motorized wheelchair catches their interest instead. They aren’t asking a lot of questions about why I am unable to walk. We just focus on playing, having fun and being kids!
About Morgan Steward: Morgan Steward is an honorary police officer for the Covington Georgia Police Department. He lives with his mother, father and two siblings. He is an active member in his community and enjoys helping others. Click here to learn more about Morgan.