Standing Tall

Why I Use a Standing Wheelchair – And What It Really Means

People often ask me, “Why do you use a standing wheelchair?” And I get it—it’s not something you see every day. But the answer isn’t simple or singular. It’s not just about the tech, or even about mobility. It’s about something deeper: freedom, health, and connection.

As a quadriplegic, sitting all day isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous. A standing wheelchair helps me shift pressure to avoid sores, improves my circulation, and even protects my bones. It’s a lifeline, physically speaking. But that’s only part of the story.

What the chair really gives me is a sense of presence. When I stand, I meet the world eye to

eye. I’m not looking up at people—I’m with them, face-to-face. That changes how they see me. And just as importantly, it changes how I see myself.

It also means I can do more on my own—cook, reach a high shelf, move through life with fewer barriers. Those “little things” feel huge when you’ve lived without them.

A standing wheelchair is more than a piece of equipment. It’s part medical device, part confidence boost—and part rebellion. A rebellion against the idea that disability means limitation. That I should settle for anything less than a full life.

So, why do I use a standing wheelchair? Because I’m still rising. And I plan to keep rising—every single day.