Carolina Ahlgren
I was born with cerebral palsy and ended up in a wheelchair from the start. What is my reaction to the fact that I’m sitting in a wheelchair? I don’t know any other circumstances; this is my life. I don’t know the options. I’m not bitter; I only realize my facts.
I don't see my wheelchair as my identity, but it is a useful tool to express my life. Without my wheelchair, I only get boundaries; my wheelchair lets my free spirit fly away. Who would I be without my wheelchair? A crystal-clear answer to that is I wouldn’t be me, Carolina.
In other words, if I were asked the question: “If you could, would you like to walk tomorrow?” my answer would constantly be “no.” Without my disability, I would miss out on wonderful experiences and great get-togethers with good people. And the bittersweet truth is I would be very confused without my disability. After all, we humans are creatures of habit.
From another perspective, I’m truly grateful to my Permobil; it contributes to my independent life. I use my Permobil as my legs, and I’m not dependent on other people who would have to push me when I’m sitting in a manual wheelchair.
My Permobil becomes my key to freedom; I see my Permobil as a mix of body parts. The electronic driving force is my legs. The power functions are the pure manual labor that gives me the opportunity to take care of myself, so I don’t get seat ulcers or back pain, for example.
I spend more than twelve hours in my Permobil per day, and because of that fact, my Permobil is my home. I do everything in my Permobil; it becomes my oxygen in my everyday life. The new design of the power wheelchairs is like the difference between a gray concrete house and a flashy penthouse for cool cats. I totally believe that I will stay in the flashy penthouse forever.
Thanks for that, Permobil!