Petition against the decision of the RAMQ to impose a maximum speed limit of 10km/h for their motorized wheelchairs

This petition concerns the decision of the RAMQ to impose a maximum speed limit for users of motorized wheelchairs awarded by the program.

We have studied this issue and the Paraplegic Association of Quebec does not agree with this restrictive measure that impedes the freedom and autonomy of our members. In addition, like many others, we regret that this measure was implemented unilaterally, without consulting the people who will suffer the effects.

First, the arguments put forth by the representatives of the RAMQ, and supported by the OPHQ, are based on an analysis of international regulations on the subject. We assume that a comprehensive study was made, and we would like a copy of this study in order to study it in turn and validate its sources.

One argument concerns the fact that as a mobility aide, a motorized wheelchair does not replace a road vehicle. This argument seems disingenuous, given the maximum possible speed of motorized wheelchairs. The demands of the people taking a stand against this measure are not about obtaining newer, faster wheelchairs. Rather, it is about not uniformly restricting the speed of wheelchairs allocated by the RAMQ by blindly applying a standard technique. As explained very well by Mr. Pierrot Péladeau in his open letter from February 12th, 2009 (http://citoyen.onf.ca/blogs/vivre-entre-les-lignes/qui-limite-qui-et-surtout-comment/) and supported by Mr. Patrick Fougeyrollas of the International Network on Production Process of disability (RIPPH), it is essential to allow wheelchair users their own free will, to stop their infantilisation and, if necessary, to regulate the use of the chair as is done for all citizens in other cases. By defining for them the speed at which people with disabilities can move, not only is their autonomy being compromised, but their dignity is being compromised as well. Once again, the state relegates people with disabilities to the rank of second-class citizens, presumed to be incapable of having the necessary judgement to move in a safe manner.

Regarding the argument maintaining that the measure aims to ensure the safety of users of motorized wheelchairs and the general public, once again we believe that this is a clear exaggeration. Can we provide studies, statistics or other documents supporting the fact that the number of accidents involving motorized wheelchairs justifies such a drastic measure? Moreover, several users have reported situations where their safety is put at risk because their speed was limited. Indeed, the crossing times at several intersections of busy streets are not long enough to allow them to cross before the light turns red. These people are thus caught in the middle of the street, which you will agree, is a particularly hazardous situation!

We understand that the wheelchair is considered a technical aid to overcome the inability to walk and not replace a road vehicle. Therefore, we can only question this measure which, to date, in Quebec is similar to the law passed January 1st, 2009 that limits the speed of truck drivers to 105 km/h. However, this is a completely different situation. Truck drivers use their vehicles only as a working tool. Wheelchair users rely on their motorized wheelchairs all day, every day to accomplish the simplest of their daily activities. Furthermore, the predominance of large trucks on the road and the number of fatal accidents in which they’re involved justify this measure. Yet the state, in this case, took the trouble to follow a democratic process, which is not the case regarding people with disabilities! Could you quietly pass a similar measure for all drivers of cars or bikes?

Let us recall finally that the users of motorized wheelchairs are not at liberty to use other means of transport for their daily activities which do not justify the use of adapted public transportation or an adapted vehicle. In many cases, they have to travel several miles to buy milk, especially in areas where accessible public transportation is often inadequate or nonexistent.

Ultimately, from what we gather of the measures put in place, the RAMQ is looking for a way to reduce the cost of wheelchair maintenance. It goes without saying that the APQ cannot accept that the RAMQ would restrict their budget to the detriment of APQ members whose daily burden is already heavy enough to bear.

Thus, we ask you to suspend the application of this measure and that a public consultation process can be established in good and due form, which would allow the people, especially persons with disabilities covered by the measure, to decide on the merits of this measure in a more democratic fashion.