| Greetings! My name is Corey Lee, and I represent the CT Wheelchair Reform Coalition. We are a group of disability advocates in Connecticut fighting for the timeliness of wheelchair repairs, especially those that need to take place in one’s home. This is a national issue, with average wait times for such repairs ranging from 60 to 90 calendar days in 2024. Last year, Governor Ned Lamont signed law PA 24-58, which went into effect on July 1, 2024. Through hard work and powerful advocacy from members in the wheelchair community, this historic piece of legislation was the first of its kind requiring wheelchair repair companies to service someone’s wheelchair within 10 business days. This piece of legislation was passed unanimously through both chambers of Connecticut’s General Assembly. However, this fight is far from over, and there is still much more that needs to be done.
Today, we are fighting for additional legislation that primarily 1. expands the repair services insurance must pay for, such as preventative maintenance, 2. penalizes companies that are flouting the new law and misleading customers, and 3. requires companies to inform their customers of their rights under the law. We’re looking for others to share their stories of wheelchair repairs to help galvanize this coalition’s mission, as we work to negotiate reforms to improve the quality and timeliness of wheelchair repairs in CT, but also serve as a continuing model for other state and national policies. Tell us your story: You can contact us with your story at wcrepairct@gmail.com or (860) 470-6514. A wheelchair is more than a piece of complex rehabilitation equipment; it’s a person’s ability to be mobile, which gives them access to being a part of their community. No one should go without their mobility device because it wasn’t fixed on time, and now is the time to fix this problem. We also know that comprehensive and long-lasting reforms to wheelchair access and repair policies can only happen in the context of broader and deeper healthcare reform that benefits all, because disability does not discriminate. With that in mind, we look forward to exploring opportunities to collaborate and show solidarity with other causes. If you want to join our cause contact us at the email above or fill our form to sign up for future meetings! To Report a Wheelchair Repair Issue: Report to CT Healthcare Advocate: bit.ly/reportwheelchairdelaysct 866-466-4446 |
