Imagine being stuck in a situation where your mobility equipment breaks down, and there is no one to call for help. This is a reality I recently faced when my $45,000 piece of durable medical equipment (DME) malfunctioned while I was on my way home from my Dr's office in New Brunswick. With no emergency services available for wheelchair breakdowns, I had to leave it behind. To make matters worse, I couldn't even reach my repair provider because it was after hours. **Now, if your car breaks down, at least you can call for a tow truck, but for wheelchair users, no such service exists.** It's incomprehensible that a society which has advanced so much can leave a significant part of its population so vulnerable.

Across Canada, people who rely on mobility equipment are left stranded without an emergency backup plan when their device fails. As robust and vital as these machines are, they are not infallible. A sudden breakdown can effectively render an individual immobile, isolating them and compromising their safety and independence. This issue is not just about inconvenience—**it poses a real risk to the health and safety of individuals with disabilities**.

**Statistics indicate that millions of Canadians use some form of mobility aid**, including wheelchairs, scooters, and other specialized devices. As the population ages, this number is only expected to rise. Unfortunately, the infrastructure to support these individuals in emergency situations has not kept pace. This gap in services highlights a lack of foresight in addressing the needs of people with disabilities.

**We propose the establishment of a nationwide emergency service** specifically designed to aid mobility equipment users in distress. This service should be modeled after existing roadside assistance programs but tailored to respond to the unique challenges faced by wheelchair users and those who depend on other mobility equipment. Such a service would ensure rapid response, provide temporary equipment rentals, and guarantee after-hours support.

By implementing a nationwide emergency service, we could alleviate the anxiety and danger associated with equipment breakdowns, enabling users to maintain their independence and dignity in any circumstance. Let's urge the government, car clubs, and service organizations to collaborate and create a support network to protect all mobility equipment users. **Sign this petition to make a crucial difference in the lives of countless people who cannot afford to be stranded.**

Please support the call for a reliable, emergency service for those who depend on mobility aids. It's high time we addressed this critical gap in our healthcare and emergency response infrastructure. Sign the petition and help us drive change now.