“I never knew.”
What It Is…
One Day in the Chair™ is a disability awareness experience that creates genuine understanding through direct physical experience — not lectures, not videos, not statistics.
Able-bodied participants navigate an obstacle course and timed race in a wheelchair for the day. People who use mobility devices compete as themselves — as full participants and competitors, not as subjects of observation. Everyone starts. Everyone finishes. And everyone walks away changed.
Watch It In Action
The Knight started in a wheelchair with a bucket on his head; within moments he knew what it felt like to have a disability.
Here’s the “DRAG RACE” that Jack wanted to have…and unexpected victor! Child face blurred to protect identity.
Who It’s For
- Schools and universities — students, faculty, and staff
- Intermediate School Districts — as regional coordinators
- Veterans’ organizations and American Legion posts
- Rehabilitation and mobility organizations
- Scout troops and youth organizations
- Corporate teams and employee resource groups
What a Day Looks Like
- Brief orientation — the rules, safety, and the one rule that changes everything
- Obstacle course designed to replicate real-world navigation challenges
- Timed race open to all participants
- Debrief and reflection — where the real learning lands
Staff Training Options
We recognize that every organization is different. Some choose to have staff experience the program first — separately, so leadership arrives prepared and confident. Others prefer a side-by-side approach, where staff and participants share the experience as equals from the start. We leave that decision entirely to you. Both work. Both create lasting impact.
We also believe the best version of this program hasn’t been built yet — because the people who know your community best are you. If your organization has ideas that could enrich the day, we want to hear them.
Pricing & Partnership
One Day in the Chair™ is currently offered at no cost for time and facilitation. Reasonable material and travel costs apply. Any organizational fees are directed to a disability advocacy charity of the participating organization’s choice.
We are actively seeking sponsors, co-hosts, and community partners for our October 2026 regional championship event in Michigan — Disability Awareness Month.
Origin Story
This program was born at the American Legion Roger B. Chaffee Post 154 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A veteran named Jack rode a scooter. A little girl competed in her wheelchair. A Boy Scout wore a bucket for a helmet. And a woman on an orange scooter in a Harley flame shirt set up the course, decorated her ride, and watched something remarkable happen in a parking lot.
Jack is gone now. But the race continues in his spirit — and in the spirit of everyone who has ever had to fight for their independence on wheels.