My wheelchair is my legs — what happens when the providers we depend on disappear?
Op-ed by Latavia Sturdivant, amNewYork.
In a recent amNewYork op-ed, Latavia Sturdivant, Ms. Wheelchair America 2026, shares her lifelong experience relying on durable medical equipment (DME) and raises concerns about declining supplier access and equipment durability in New York.
Born with cerebral palsy, Sturdivant has used orthotics since infancy and a wheelchair since age two. She explains how access to appropriate medical equipment has allowed her to pursue a career as a speech-language pathologist, professor, advocate, and business owner while maintaining her independence.
Sturdivant notes that the number of DME suppliers in New York has declined by 24% since 2013, leaving some counties without a single supplier. She also describes challenges with the durability of her orthotics and wheelchair components, emphasizing the importance of having access to providers who can repair, adjust, and replace equipment that is essential to daily life.
Her experience highlights the critical role DME suppliers play in supporting individuals with disabilities and the potential consequences of reduced access to equipment and services.