About the Event
The FDAAF launched this pilot project in summer 2015. Participants agreed to use wheelchairs for 24 hours while conducting their normal work activities, experiencing mobility from a wheelchair user's perspective.
By spending a full day navigating the world from a wheelchair, participants gain a firsthand understanding of the accessibility challenges faced daily by people with disabilities. This experience fosters genuine empathy and inspires real change.
Get Involved
Dan Vasquez
Personal Injury Attorney — Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A.
Dan Vasquez was the first participant in the inaugural "Wheelchaired for a Day" challenge. As a Gainesville personal injury attorney and member of the Florida Justice Association, Vasquez has worked with clients who became wheelchair-dependent due to spinal injury or amputations.
He emphasized that living the experience, even briefly, enabled him to understand their daily challenges at a deeper level than discussions with doctors, friends, or family could provide.
"The physical challenges alone were surprising. Add to that the frustration of not being able to do simple tasks like reaching and carrying what you're used to..."
— Dan Vasquez described the experience as "tough, positive, and enlightening."
Gwendolyn Saffo
Interim Director — Gainesville's Office of Equal Opportunity
Gwendolyn Saffo chose August 6 for her participation because the city commission convened that day. She borrowed a wheelchair from Nu Motion, loaned to FDAAF for the event. Her day began at 11 a.m. in the wheelchair-accessible conference room at the Office of Equal Opportunity, then continued to City Hall where she navigated elevators and exterior ramps.
During a meeting with city colleagues — including city manager Russ Blackburn — Ms. Saffo challenged others in city government to participate in the challenge themselves, helping recruit additional participants like Dan Vasquez, Nell Page, Ben Boukari, Greg Undeen, and staff from The Hippodrome Theatre.
"I'm already learning a lot...It takes a lot of strength."
— Gwendolyn Saffo, as she navigated an exterior ramp at City Hall