Despite the fact that he hasn't had a new wheelchair in 17 years, 33 year old William "Dub" Johnson had to reach out for help from politicians to get the wheels turning for a new one at Medicare, after his coverage on Medicaid switched when his dad died. The wheelchair is so old that the sip and puff feature causes it to move forward erratically, banging into and breaking items in his mother's home. The family pets scatter because it "flies out of control".
Both wheels have been welded back on. The brain box, which controls the chair's movement, is made of parts taken from three other wheelchairs. Exposed wires drape below a duct-taped headrest.
The entire contraption, every cracked piece of plastic and scrap of vinyl, is faded and worn. For more than three years the Johnson family has been trying to get a new one, but to no avail.
Finally, the tide may be shifting in their favor. In recent days they've fielded calls from Congressman Allen Boyd's office and are awaiting a return call from Medicare.
[visual image: William is shown from the rear, seated in his power chair on the family farm, watching the dogs play.]
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