Today, anyone with a phone can toss pebbles of content into the sea of social media, making ripples far beyond their own circle. A short video or post can inspire empathy, challenge assumptions, or highlight a problem that’s been overlooked for years. Content can make a difference, and David Daw is proof of that.
From his high-tech electric wheelchair, Daw—a longtime Kingston resident, recording studio owner and musician—has built a quickly growing Instagram presence with his Things My Wheelchair Saw account (@thingsmywheelchairsaw).
Daw films himself navigating local streets, businesses, and public spaces. His videos are blunt, often funny and eye-opening. Contrary to many other social media content creators, he doesn’t do it for attention, but rather to advocate for change by connecting with a broader community, and reminding able-bodied viewers that sooner or later, accessibility is an issue that touches everyone.
What inspired you to start the @thingsmywheelchairsaw account?
David Daw: After many years of being misdiagnosed, I was finally diagnosed with Myofibrillar Myopathy, a very rare form of Muscular Dystrophy. As I lost the ability to walk, it was time to use a power wheelchair. For 20 years my father was basically a recluse because the city we live in is not very accessible. I would argue with him that there are ADA laws and he was overreacting, not realizing how much my wife, mom and brother had to do for him when out. Once I had to venture out on my own without that help, it was eye-opening. Trying to open doors, navigating terrain, and simple things we take for granted—like bathrooms or parking—became real challenges.
During this time I was asked to be an ambassador for the MDA. I decided to change my social media persona from “Things My Desk Saw Today,” where I posted about guitar repair work I can no longer do, to “Things My Wheelchair Saw Today.” It gave me a clear way to show my perspective living from a wheelchair. It was truly eye-opening, and I quickly realized how desperately we need to make Kingston, and our country, more accessible.
What has been the reaction to your channel, and how do you feel about it?
So far the response has been great. At first people were stunned, since I hadn’t told anyone I had already been using a chair for a year, nor had I publicly announced my diagnosis. Some people feel I’m whining or doing this for attention. As I’ve said, if I wanted attention, I would still be in a band. I do this to make change, to bring awareness.
Not many people know or understand why adult changing tables are needed, or why a family-style bathroom is preferred for a wheelchair user. We need space. Many users can’t use a toilet. We have different needs, and we want to be part of our community and economy. When these simple provisions are overlooked, it forces us outside the box and stuck at home.
When I can’t comfortably use the bathroom at Target because my chair won’t fit or the door opens the wrong way, that tells me it’s time to advocate for change. The truth is this isn’t about me. Everyone sooner or later becomes handicapped or disabled. My focus is also on the parents of children with special needs, so they can still be part of the community. No one should have to lay on a dirty bathroom floor to change a diaper. We wouldn’t put a baby on the floor, so we surely shouldn’t put grown children or adults there either.
I am blessed to have a wife who takes care of me, the best all-terrain wheelchairs, and the ability to walk a few feet to transfer or stand up for myself and the disabled community. Not everyone can do that, so I’ve made it my job. I owe this to my dad, and it’s something I should have done years ago.
What have you learned while creating content and sharing it on social media?
That it’s not as easy as it looks. It’s become a full-time job with overtime. Every single post is hard for me, both mentally and physically. What takes most people a few minutes takes me hours. Editing is tough when your hands are weak and shaking. Coming up with content when you’re in 24/7 extreme pain isn’t easy.
I worry about hurting feelings or local businesses. What will people think? Did I choose the right song? Will the algorithm gods allow people to see this? It can be disheartening after spending hours preparing content and then nobody sees it. Many friends offer to help and support me, but not many follow through when I ask. Some won’t even leave a simple comment or like, which goes a long way with the algorithm.
I’m sure I make some uncomfortable as I tend to be blunt and honest—I don’t pull punches and I tell it like it is. That isn’t for everyone. I’ve learned to accept that. That said, many have helped, and I’m beyond appreciative. Interestingly, I’ve made many new friends in the disabled community, and they have become some of my biggest supporters. Those that do, I see you, and thank you.
What do you hope to get out of the channel, and what motivates you to keep posting consistently?
I just want to bring awareness and be effective with change. I get amazing messages thanking me for making people aware of the hurdles. It was eye-opening how many didn’t understand simple things like handicap parking and what the blue lines meant. Being able to help others understand what it’s like to live life in a wheelchair—that’s the goal.
It’s not all negative. In fact, for me using a chair has been life-changing. I can now do things I could never do before. Just this year I climbed to Sam’s Point at Minnewaska State Preserve with a local organization called SOAR Experiences. That was truly amazing and something I could never have done on my own. I can chase my dogs and grandkids around the yard, go to see them play sports, or attend school functions. I can go to concerts again. With simple changes, it could be even better.
My motivation comes from my dad, my MDA community, the disabled community, and every single person on this planet. My goal is to build a following and start a nonprofit (it’s in the works) to raise money to get adult changing tables installed in as many places as possible. I also want to create a loaner program where people can borrow an all-terrain wheelchair for the weekend to get back out enjoying life. Lastly, I want to fund wheelchairs for animals—it was a Frenchie in a wheelchair that literally saved my life!
It’s a lot, but I’m determined and not stopping until it’s reality. Sooner or later we all become disabled. Only a lucky few make it out of here before that happens. I try to use sarcasm, humor, and fun to bring awareness to that subject. If it helps just one person—which it already has—then I’m doing what I’m meant to be doing. To me, that’s priceless and makes this difficult life with this disease worth it.
Join the family! 
