Mark your calendars! International Wheelchair Day is March 1, and it’s a time to celebrate the power of mobility and the incredible contributions of wheelchair users worldwide. This year, we’re focusing on sharing stories of empowerment and raising awareness about the daily experiences of wheelchair users.
International Society of Wheelchair Professionals
Master of Rehabilitation Technology (MRT) Program Director Mary Goldberg and Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology Chair Jonathan Pearlman were part of the founding leadership for the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP), which was incubated within Pitt with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). ISWP is now its own international non-profit organization aiming to improve wheelchair products and services worldwide. Goldberg serves on ISWP’s board of directors and is thrilled to join the ISWP community in celebrating International Wheelchair Day.
A Global Movement
International Wheelchair Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It was founded on March 1, 2008, by the late Steve Wilkinson, a passionate advocate who lived with spina bifida. International Wheelchair Day is a global movement celebrating the positive impact wheelchairs have on individuals’ lives, recognizing the tireless work of those who provide and support mobility solutions and advocating for the millions still in need. Though Wilkinson passed away in 2024, his vision continues to inspire us. We are committed to carrying his torch, ensuring that accessibility, inclusion and mobility remain a global priority.
This year, we’re joining ISWP and calling on you to join the movement! We want to amplify the voices of wheelchair users and showcase their strength, resilience and achievements. How can you get involved?
Share Your Story: Celebrate Unstoppable Wheelchair Champions
We’re inviting you to shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals who are thriving in their wheelchairs. Share a short video showcasing an unstoppable wheelchair champion in your life. Tell us how their wheelchair has empowered them to live life to the fullest. Whether it’s pursuing athletic dreams, excelling in their careers or simply navigating daily life with grace and determination, we want to hear their stories.
How to Share Your Video
- Post your video on Instagram using the hashtags #Unstoppable and #InternationalWheelchairDay
- Email your video directly to our ISWP’s Program Director Beth Sheehan.
Let’s flood social media with inspiring stories and create a wave of positive change! By sharing these narratives, we can break down misconceptions, foster understanding and promote a more inclusive world for everyone.
Why is International Wheelchair Day Important?
This day serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by wheelchair users around the globe. It’s an opportunity to:
- Raise Awareness: Educate the public about the daily realities of living with a disability and the importance of accessibility.
- Promote Understanding: Foster empathy and break down stereotypes surrounding wheelchair use.
- Advocate for Rights: Highlight the need for accessible environments, inclusive policies and equal opportunities for all.
- Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge the advancements in wheelchair technology and the ongoing efforts to improve the lives of wheelchair users.
International Wheelchair Day is a call to action and a reminder for why rehabilitation technology, including wheelchairs, is so critically important. Trained innovators and providers who supply appropriate products to individuals with mobility impairment support their overall health, function and independence.
Pitt’s Master of Rehabilitation Technology Program
Training in rehabilitation technology can occur in many forms—we’re excited to offer flexible training in our Master of Rehabilitation Technology program that can be done anytime, anywhere and offer financial support to students in need, while promoting the overall professionalization of the field. Many of our students are wheelchair users themselves and help us to shape the curriculum through amazing peer learning opportunities. We love practicing what we preach with many faculty who also practice as wheelchair providers, including our own Pitt-UPMC Center for Assistive Technology.
Please join us in celebrating International Wheelchair Day by sharing your stories and learning more about the Pitt MRT program!
