Power wheelchairs are more than just a convenience – they are a lifeline for people with disabilities.  These critical mobility devices enable individuals to lead full, independent lives, participating actively in their communities and engaging with the world around them.  However, in Ontario, control over the sale and repair of power wheelchairs lies not with those who rely on them but with government bureaucrats.  This lack of control can lead to significant service delays, inflated repair costs, and limited quality-of-life options, severely impacting users' daily lives.

Currently, the bureaucracy and red tape involved in servicing and purchasing power wheelchairs in Ontario create unnecessary hurdles for people with disabilities.  The Ontario Government needs to give people with disabilities control over these processes.  Allowing users to control their repairs will enable vendors and consumers to work collaboratively, potentially lower costs, and ensure more timely repairs and servicing, reducing disruptions in wheelchair users' lives.

Statistics from the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) indicate that approximately 15.5% of Ontario's population has a disability, with a significant percentage utilizing mobility devices like power wheelchairs.  It's crucial that these individuals are empowered with the autonomy to manage their devices, providing them with the freedom to live independently and confidently.

The benefits of enabling power wheelchair users to control their own repair and purchasing decisions are undeniable. 

We urge the Ontario Government to take immediate action to revise current policies, enabling people with disabilities the right to manage and control the sale and repair of their power wheelchairs.  This initiative is not only about improving individual lives but also about affirming the dignity and self-reliance of individuals with disabilities across Ontario.  Please join us in this important movement by signing this petition.