User story by ibot® PMD User Darcy Quimby
Overcoming Barriers as a Photographer
As a frustrated photographer, I faced significant limitations when trying to reach places inaccessible to a standard electric wheelchair. My passion for capturing nature and wildlife was often hindered by mobility challenges, leading me to seek out an alternative solution. That search led me to the ibot® PMD wheelchair, which I chose for its versatility and ability to meet my needs.
Background: From Service to Photography
At age 39, I joined the Army, taking advantage of the raised enlistment age due to two ongoing wars. I served for almost three years, but during my service, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. After my discharge, I turned to photography as a way to stay active and document our family’s summer trips. Photography soon became a source of joy and purpose.
By 2022, my condition required the use of a mobility aid to continue photographing. My first electric wheelchair, however, was not designed for the kind of close-up encounters with nature and animals that I craved. The limitations of the chair left me feeling frustrated, as I often found myself restricted to parking lots or forced to take photos from a distance.
Adapting and Finding New Paths
There were moments when I felt there was no path forward. Facing challenges is a constant, and adapting to them can be difficult. Yet, I learned that every time you adapt, you open up new horizons. As my disease progressed and my wheelchair continued to restrict my movements, I had to find creative ways to overcome the obstacles and keep pursuing my passion for photography.
The ibot®: A True Game Changer
Discovering the ibot® wheelchair was transformative. My long-standing love for the ocean and sea stars had previously come at the cost of two weeks of recovery after each outing. The ibot® changed that, allowing me to approach photography without settling for an “almost” shot or compromising on position.
With the ibot®’s 4-wheel mode, I can now navigate wooded trails that I once only dreamed of exploring again. Its ability to traverse sand and reach tide pools, all while conserving my energy, has opened up locations that were previously inaccessible to me. Additionally, the two-wheel mode lets me shoot above crowds or at eye level with standing individuals, giving me new creative opportunities.
Check out some of Darcy’s photos below!
