May 14, 2024: Wheelchair User Safety Day

WHEREAS, Michigan is home to 2.3 million adults with different forms of disability, and,

WHEREAS, a great majority of persons with disabilities (PWD) are active in their communities, contributing their talents, skills and ideas; and,

WHEREAS, some PWDs use manual or electric-powered wheelchairs in making such valuable contributions to society; and,

WHEREAS, for the safe mobility and convenience of users, wheelchairs require regular maintenance and servicing by professionals; and,

WHEREAS, 48% of PWDs in Michigan live in financial hardship, according to the 2022 “ALICE in Focus” Report; and,

WHEREAS, the high cost of wheelchair maintenance and servicing poses significant barriers to users; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan cities like Westland, through their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Department, help to remove such barriers by collaboratively hosting a free wheelchair maintenance and servicing event on May 14; and,

WHEREAS, continued collaborative efforts are needed to promote the safe use of wheelchairs across the state; and,

WHEREAS, I urge all Michiganders to join me in giving all PWDs, including those using wheelchairs for mobility, the respect, dignity, and fair opportunities they deserve; and,

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 14, 2024, as Wheelchair User Safety Day in Michigan.