For many Oregonians who use wheelchairs, even a small repair can cause major disruptions. For example, a flat tire or a loose part often means waiting weeks—or even months—for a fix. As a result, people stay stuck at home and can’t carry on with their daily lives. This situation feels frustrating and unfair. That’s why we feel so passionate about ourWheelchair Maintenance Workshops.

These workshops aren’t just about fixing equipment. They’re about giving people the skills and confidence to stay mobile and self-reliant. At Oregon Spinal Cord Injury Connection (OSCI), we work alongside community partners like Bike Farm in Portland, Talent Maker City in Talent, and SHIFT Community Cycles in Eugene to empower wheelchair users to maintain and repair their own equipment.

 

Practical Skills and Confidence

At their core, our workshops focus on equipping people with the knowledge and tools they need to care for their mobility devices. Moreover, individuals with firsthand experience of spinal cord injuries and other mobility challenges lead the sessions. Because of this, everything we teach stays practical and relevant.

Participants learn how to handle routine maintenance tasks, such as adjusting brakes and maintaining tire pressure. In addition to these technical skills, they also gain confidence to advocate for themselves in more complex repair situations. Ultimately, the goal is to enable people to take charge of their own mobility.

 

Building Community Connections

One of the most powerful aspects of our workshops is how they bring people together. By partnering with groups like Bike Farm, an all-volunteer bicycle education collective, wheelchair users gain access to valuable mechanical knowledge. In Talent, Talent Maker City provides an accessible space with ramps and charging stations, making it comfortable for everyone to participate. Meanwhile, Shift Community Cycles in Eugene shares a community-focused approach to teaching essential repair skills.

These partnerships help foster connections, mechanical know-how, and a supportive network for anyone who relies on a wheelchair. Moreover, they create a community where people share resources, learn from each other, and work together to stay mobile and engaged.

 

Why It Matters

When a wheelchair isn’t working, it’s not just inconvenient—it can disrupt a person’s entire life. As a result, people may feel isolated or even face health issues while waiting for repairs. To address this gap, our workshops teach preventative maintenance that Medicaid and insurance often don’t cover. For example, simple fixes costing as little as $25 take just minutes to complete. This approach prevents bigger issues that could leave someone stranded for weeks.

 

Get Involved

Our Wheelchair Maintenance Workshops focus on more than just repairs. In fact, they promote mobility, community support, and ensure no one waits for a basic fix. Whether you use a wheelchair, have repair skills to share, or simply care about health equity, you have a place in this movement.

Want to learn more or get involved? Check out our Wheelchair Maintenance Workshop page. By supporting our workshops, you’re helping build a community where everyone has the tools, knowledge, and support they need to keep moving forward.