I’m a recent paraplegic and everything is a chore to do. Really time consuming, takes a while to learn patience. I still get frustrated with how difficult that the little things are

Just showed this to my daughter. She is 5. We were talking about not crying all the time, and being mentally strong. This was the best demonstration of being mentally fit. You ROCK !! AM HAVING NO MORE CONVERSATION ON THIS. Thanks (2023-10-23)

I had polio at 5 months old and I am 73 now. I’ve been driving with hand controls for 50 years. Enjoyed your video.

I'm never complaining again. She's so cool headed about everything. What an amazing person.

Literally the BEST video I’ve ever watched on KZfaq. I’ve always been curious. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. You’re awesome, many blessings 💞

Wow the things that all of us getting around normally take for granted, we all should be grateful much more than we are, thank you Kathryn for opening so many eyes!

I'm not disabled in anyway other than being old. The simple things I take for granted are no more. God bless you.

At 53 (3 years ago) I became a double amputee due to diabetes. I was a drummer who walked at least 5 miles a day, a lot of that on the beach, so my legs were very important. Loosing them was a living hell. The depression and feeling of helplessness was nearly unbearable. NOW, I’m coping much better but still have a lot of dread for the future. Seeing your grace and attitude is up lifting for me. I subscribed to your channel because I think watching your journey will let me know I’m not the only one with issues and that we can over come them. It’s one day at a time… I guess that goes for all of us huh? Hang in there and I’ll try to do the same. God speed.

My aunt Muriel got Polio and became wheelchair bound in the late 50's. She had four kids and my uncle left her. She never remarried. She raised my cousins and would drive to come visit us all the time. We were little and always asked if we could ride in her wheelchair while she visited. She was the strongest, most amazing person ever until she passed away last year. She outlived my parents and all other uncles and aunts. I remember her car having similar controls as yours. Muriel never let anything get in her way. I don't know your story, but you are so young and have an amazing life ahead of you as long as you never let anything get in your way. :)

My dad is new to a wheelchair. Thanks for putting yourself out there. It’s nice to see community of all sorts living life!

You are awesome Kathryn! Thanks for sharing your daily routine. I wish you nothing less than huge success with your life!

Kathryn is a beautiful young woman and it's a blessing that she shares her struggles (and triumphs) dealing with a major medical condition. Kudos to Ms. Granger, I'm sure there are many out there with conditions similar to yours who can and will benefit from your educational and aspirational videos. Keep it up!

This was such an encouraging video for me to watch at this time. I had a below the knee right leg amputation Sept 2020 got fitted for my prosthesis in Apr 2021. September I started learning to drive with hand controls. I never thought I would learn but with perseverance I just finished my 10th lesson. I go for my assessment this week. I love to see you drive it seems effortlessly. Thanks for sharing it means so much.

Fascinating, we take simple things for granted, and we still sit around and cry all day, about how difficult life is, but look at her... I need a friend like this, such a positive person.

All of people are the utmost in patience and courage and persistence! I bless all of you

You are A real inspiration. I lost my daughter over 20 years ago if I had another daughter I would be proud to call such a Beautiful young LADY like your self my daughter your amazing best wishes Ronan Wilco ❤ LOL

Kathryn, Thank you. I am an older disabled verteran and I'm just getting into my new wheelchair life. This little video gave me the information I needed to practice getting in and out of a vehicle. Just seeing it done shows me what I need to know to learn and practice it. I'll be watching some more of your content for little tips and helps. Thanks.

Of course your physically strong after working that wheelchair for some time now. What I'm so impressed and encouraged about is the mental strength you show, as if this is no inconvenience at all. You have the physical beauty for sure, but also have managed to build the mental beauty of taking life as it is and not what we would want it. I was born into a horrible family with awful parents that loved drugs and alcohol far more than children and yet I managed to use that as fuel to show me what not to be, rather than follow in their foot steps. Today I'm a highly responsible, hardest working, funny guy you can imagine and I see that in you as well. Nothing is going to get you down, and you have a real gift communicating with others. May God bless and keep you, and one day soon a miracle happens for you and that wheelchair will become a distant memory. Peace and happiness to you.

I never comment on videos and found this by accident and have to say , your a champ and probably give newly wheelchair'd people major hope. you made that seem almost flawless and as if not even a lifestyle and massive change to life even a issue.

I've been exploring hand controls for my disabled wife (76). Her foot was broken and due to peripheral neuropathy she didn't realize it until it had healed badly...and couldn't be fixed without great danger. I had driven a friend's car with push-pull controls years ago (put in for his {accident-caused} paraplegic wife). Things have changed, and many variations and price ranges are involved. I loved your video showing the ease of using one type of push-pull controls, and using the cruise control with it. The steering wheel knob is nice...I used one loooong ago. I think they are (or were) illegal in California where I live. The cruise control aspect is one others don't cover, so great to hear it. I use my cruise control all the time, everywhere (saves gas and helps me avoid lead-foot syndrome)...but my wife hasn't delved into that yet. Currently, she wears a custom CROW BOOT that supports her weight on the right calf, required for walking...but it's just too dangerous to try to drive with it on...so she has to switch to a shoe for driving, and back to the boot if she steps out of the car...what a pain! Thus, a suitable hand control setup would be of great help. Thanks a million for your video! Just what the doctor (didn't) order. lol Maybe it will help convince her she can do the hand control scene. (smile)

Awesome young lady! Love your attitude and can do way! I been injured 30 years and have learned patience’s is a gift and a blessing! Best of luck and good wishes, if you ever need a ear or eyes please reach out.

Thank you so much for this video. I have MS and my most recent flare has left me unable to drive. My dad has been driving my kids to and from school for the past 6 months, but this is unsustainable, I honestly thought I would have to give my ex husband full custody of my kids, but your video has given me hope. Thank you so much! ❤️

Thank you for this awesome video. You are a true warrior. I can’t believe how I’ve taken for granted just being able to get up in the morning, get ready and then just get in my car all on my own. I wish you nothing but the best.

Thanks so much for your great video! I'm 75 and had a stroke 3 years ago. I'm learning to walk, and can do a few steps at a time. My friend said "Hey, walking could take a year or even several years, , so why not try driving!" So, I tried left-foot pedals, too hard for me. Now I'm getting hand controls, push/rock. You are an inspiration to all of us!! I couldn' do the manual wheelchair like you, so I got an automatic ramp. When I watch your video that segment at the beginnning is VERY impressive!! If there were a Nobel Prize for grit and determination, I'd nominate you! Keep it up!

Your spirit to give yourself the best life you can despite circumstances is just incredibly inspiring!

so amazing and yet enlightening. Its a wonder what humans can accomplish. Thank you for being the strong individual you are and sharing you wonder to us.

Great. Humbling, impressive, touching and happy to see you managing your life and driving. Thank you!

Katherine , you are amazing! I know you might disagree, but you explain things so clearly and calmly it seems that you have such a great attitude. Your mythology and demonstration are superb. Thanks for being an inspiration to me.

My dad had a quad injury when I was 5 (35 years ago) and had a severe brain injury. We had an agency connect us with a lady that was a t3/t4 complete spinal injury like yourself to drive our family around when needed. She was with us for over 20 years and a big part of our family. There was nothing she couldn't do and this was before all the new technology gadgets out there. So know there is no limit to anything you want to achieve as long as you can dream it and you have faith along the way. Work hard and maybe down the road you can get a chair lift setup for your car/van. I remember when she got that and it was a game-changer. You are a rock star, God bless!

she gives me hope and is comforting to know what to do in case of an accident.

I appreciate the fact that you're sharing your experiences. I hope that others that need your demos and encouragement are finding your videos!

Thank you soooo much for sharing this! I am a new paraplegic and feel so lost, I'm getting ready to drive and am overwhelmed with what my options are and the cost of everything. The wheelchair vans are great but they are so expensive and hard to find so this really helped me to see that I don't need all of that. I still don't know how to get in the seat without a transfer board and have never taken my wheelchair apart but now i'm going to practice. Thank you for all of your help!

Doing great! You should secure all the removable parts, because they will be flying projectiles in an accident.

This is incredible! I'm very supportive of showing people your experiences. Thank you for this

I can't decide which is more beautiful, your inside or outside :) . You're really helping and giving hope.

I want to thank you for this! Wow. Because of this video I ordered some hand controls off Amazon, rented a car to try it, and boom, I’m driving again. I’m much bigger, and not ready to lift into an suv, so I got a convertible so I can pick my chair up and put it in the passenger seat. Thank you for helping me get mobil again! Please, if you can, keep these videos coming. You are really helping people.

Mad respect to you, Kathryn! I learned how to take care of my mom after she had a stroke, because she was paralyzed on the left side of her body. I hope that you have someone who helps you. God Bless you!

This was super interesting. I always wondered how the hand controls work. I had also always assumed a wheelchair ramp was needed but clearly there are lots of different ways to get in and out of a vehicle with a wheelchair. Thanks for uploading. Definitely going to watch more of your videos!

Thanks so much for your video! It made my day to watch it. :) I am in my fifties and struggle with anxiety/ depression, but watching you gave me a real perspective on dealing with adversity and overcoming struggles. You are awesome Kathryn!

Thanks so much for your video. I've just started using the same kind of hand controls as you, so it was so relevant and instructive to watch you. I'm working on how to get that fluid motion from throttle to break and maintain a steady speed. Thanks again!

Girl, you so cool and share this with stranger people is so breve, i hope you the best ❤️

This video popped up in my feed, never watched your channel before, you have my utmost respect, I can't even imagine what it must be like for you. My neighbor is in the same situation that you are in, and I have watched him get in and out of his car the same way that you do, you seem like such a strong person to me. I see this video was posted 3 years ago, but I still wanted to comment anyway.

Very nice demo for anyone who is disabled and using a wheelchair. God bless you.

Very proud of you im in a wheelchair after haven my legs amputated and haven't drive in 6 years i appreciate you a lot the this video you made got me motivated and inspired to get my self a car and get back to driving god bless you forever girl btw you are really gorgeous 🥰

Whatever damage there is to the paint is a small price to pay for the mobility! Having said that, one could have paint protection film applied to the door. It might have to be re-done periodically because it'll get a bit chewed up, but if you were really worried about the paint that's one option. Thanks for sharing your video. You rock.

What an incredible video. Thank you for sharing and for demonstrating that there is nothing that can stop someone unless they give up.

Thanks for showing this. This is another area where advanced technology really does good for people. Also, as an “able-bodied” person who doesn’t have a “perfect” body, seeing people that have it harder than me and still getting out there makes me very thankful. (I mean this in a good way)

I have a close friend with MS she's able to walk short distances but it's progressively getting worse in her legs, this and similar videos are very helpful and encouraging in case she may need to go through a similar journey and I want to be with her on that journey. Thank you and God bless you!

This is amazing! Thank you so much for this! I myself am a paraplegic and I’m in the learning to drive part. Everything you said and showed was amazing! Thank you so much! I totally understand what your talking about. I’ve been in a chair for close to 20 years. My accident happened when I was young. Before I saw this I got a positive influence from another wheelchair KZfaqr. Aaron Wheelz. I started understanding life is difficult this way but it’s a harder and in a positive mindset stronger push to help with people paraplegic (wheelchair bound) i poloskied and play wheelchair basketball. Thank you for this. ❤

Dude you're a legend straight up. I can't even find myself thinking dirty because you are beautiful but the shit you have to go through on the daily and to still be happy and upbeat is mad respect!

You are awesome! Love your independence and positive attitude. Thanks for the motivation. God bless. - Ron

Hi Kathryn, great to see you getting out there. I thought I’d offer some advice that might be of some help. I had my injury 30 years ago and that’s been a lot of getting my chair in and out of a car when driving. I saw that you placed the frame on the passenger seat. My immediate thought was for your safety if you were ever involved in an accident. So I thought this might help. Once I’m in the vehicle and all I have is the frame left to put in the car, I put the seat back of the front passenger forward and down. While sitting up i put the back of my seat abt 45° back. Then lifting the chair from outside and into the car as you do, I’m then able to lie back and lift the chair into the back seat and place it on the right back passenger set. This then clears the front seats of any objects. My front passenger seat is alway forward enough to place both wheels behind it as well. I hope all that made sense. Coming from a place of wanting to pass on what I know/learnt, just thinking of your safety while driving. All the best

I DON’T KNOW WHY THIS POPPED UP ON MY KZfaq BUT I HAVE TO SAY I REALLY ADMIRE THIS GIRL…SHE’S AMAZING IN DEALING WITH HER SITUATION. NO BS, JUST REALITY FOR HER. I WOULD BE PROUD RO BE HER PARENT OR FRIEND. THANK YOU FOR YOUR FULL BLOWN HARD CORE REALITY. I APPRECIATE THE HARD WORK

Great videos! You’ve been through a lot clearly, your so brave/strong and such an inspiration for others in this situation. I’m so sorry for your loss, I know it’s hard. I’m loving the videos. I’m curious after watching this video: how do you maintain the speed limits? Cuz I see you can take your hand off of the gas lever. Thank you so much ♥️ ✌🏼

I am 60. Growing up my Uncle was paralyzed from mid chest down in the 1950s car crash and he lived with my family his whole life. This was the 1960s thru the 1980s until his peaceful death in his sleep. He worked everyday and drove to work himself. He made good money as a loan officer at the HUD. As a boy growing up my uncle was my hero and I admired him so much. He was kind and generous and wise and always had time to talk with us kids. My family was poor but my uncle sent all of us to the dentist regularly and paid all the dental bills. He made sure my family never went without anything we needed. My father was a quiet man of very modest means and rarely bought gifts but my uncle would always buy my mom (his sister) special expensive nice gifts at Christmas that he knew our family could never afford. My uncle has been gone for 40 years now and I miss him dearly and now looking back 60 years I can honestly say he is still my number 1 hero in life and although he spent his life in a wheel chair he walked taller through life than any man I know. God bless you Dean!

It’s amazing how well you’ve adapted to being in a wheelchair, back when I was first battling head and neck cancer I wasn’t able to walk because of malnutrition and the fact my leg muscles wasted away not being able to be used and being in a wheelchair for nearly a year did it for me I’d also ended up having to do psychical therapy to build my muscles in my legs and arms back up which was hell in its self but I was slowly able to stand up and then started using a Walker so I’d rely less on the wheelchair then once I felt ready I went from a walker to a cane until I felt comfortable walking without the cane I’m 1 year without using a cane now while my balance is ok it’s not like it was but I am amazed at your determination to do things on your own like driving, Keep Up The Good Work!

@3:20 to avoid the scratches/ damage I have 3M film that I applied to the areas that can get scratched. Yes, I am picky...

For the dings and scratches on the side of your vehicle, you can either get clear rock guard sprayed on the side, or, get some pick up bed "Rhino Liner" sprayed on. Will keep it from rusting out

❤ I love you as a human being. I'm not on a wheelchair but I am disabled. It's my eyes. And you are a beautiful person. It takes a lot I know I've been there and I'm still there. God bless you.

I’m an occupational therapist and I appreciate your tips. Thank you for sharing.

Looking good! I use the seatbelt over my shoulder and lock it so I can use both arms :)

Greetings from Mexico, you are a strong and powerful girl, so admirable! I wish you the best forever

You are very brave and kind. I wish you fast recovery, a lot of strength, joy and love. Be well and b careful, all the best to you Kathryn

There can be tragic hardship in life, but we still make the best of things, keep a good attitude and try to be good to ourselves and others. I know there are bad days Kathryn, I hope you have many that are bright and cheery. Thanks for sharing this awesome video ❤

This is so freaking awesome! I have never thought of breaking down my chair, I usually try to throw it in the back of the car, but thank you! I am totally doing this!

Hi Kathryn, great to see you getting around so well! You are an inspiration, to be sure. I was curious if you have full coverage insurance on your car...'coz 99% of insurance companies have FREE windshield repair/replacement. I know I have to get my windshield replaced once or twice a year, just because of the poor road conditions. Be blessed and stay safe!!

Watching these types of videos really make me emotional. Appreciation for doing something as simple as walking is so important. I mean its simple until you can't. I appreciate your inspiration I truly do!😍😍😍😍

I know this video is 3 years old, but i think you are an amazing young lady. You are so positive and such a wonderful attitude. Keep that attitude, as there is almost nothing you can do!

Thank you for this! I suffered a severe vitamin B1 deficiency in 2020 that left me with peripheral neuropathy and wheelchair bound. I'm finally to the point now where I feel secure enough transferring to/from my bed and my couch to my chair that I tried today for the first time to get in and out of my RAV4. And I did it on the first try. then like an idiot I came upstairs to my apartment and watched your video lol. But thank you so much for this because of validated what I did and how I did it. Now I just have to get a chair that comes apart like yours instead of this crappy transport chair that I have.

Hi Kathryn, I've been in a wheelchair for 14 months now, it is quite a challenge! I'm still learning the ropes. Thanks for the info, it is useful. Blessings to you :-)

Thank you for sharing with us and educating us on your method for entering and exiting along with the controls in your car. Keep on trucking :) Thx

You’re a trooper! Not letting anything stop you! Awesome.

Great video. My question is I don't have a wheelchair like that so how would I do it. But a better question would be where do I get a wheelchair like that. LOL

Where did you get the hand controls from?

That was awesome. Thank you for sharing this with us. I know it helps me to see someone doing something that I might think is hard or impossible to do. I'm sure this helps a lot people see that they can get out there and drive as well. Thanks for showing us the possibilities. :)

I never seen that before but its the first for me to see. As for my mother who is disabled and can't hardly walk, i used wheelchair to help her get in/out of vehicle and place the wheelchair in back of the pickup truck bed. I like to see more of your videos.

yes girl boss!!!

Your story is such an inspiration to every person who takes “living normal” for granted. I wish you nothing but success and happiness and everything that could possibly go well for you in your “life’s journey” and what lies ahead. You made me smile and tear up during your video. You’re beyond amazing and whomever has the good fortune of being your employer; their business just became 100X better because of you and who you are! 🤷‍♂️😀😃😄😁

Thanks for posting these videos, they're so helpful and encouraging. My girlfriend's sister was also in a wheelchair, I think she would have enjoyed these. God bless you.

the wheelchair is ingenious well done on being so independent Kathryn smart gal

The never give up attitude you have is amazing. Wish you the best!

So much strength you are an inspiration to so many people.

I love your energy! So motivating.

You are really mentally & physically strong Kathryn. Keep doing good work ❤

Wow. Just…wow. I’m not that strong mentally I guess if I were in your situation to get to that level. I’ve fought off cancer now for almost 9 years but your situation is something else entirely. What mental strength you have! ❤

Extraordinarily beautiful and inspiring, because of your bravery, confidence, independence and positive attitude

You are Amazing. Thank you for the help to help others.

Kathryn, you are an amazing person, thank you for sharing your story. I subscribed and cannot wait to see another video.

Thank you for sharing this video. You are an absolute inspiration. 🏆

Thank you Kathryn. You are a real trooper. We will be praying for you. Also subscribing. 👍❤️🙏

Great video and wonderful information.. lovely personality!!! Thank for showing the controls.

You are awesome! Thank you so much for sharing this information.

You are truly inspiring and courageous. Thank you for sharing this.

I spent over 5 years in chair due to neuropathy, the hand controls in my car gave me such a sense of freedom. That first year without them I felt so imprisoned in my own home. Good on ya to keep your freedom and sharing.

Thank you for sharing this. You are a strong and determined woman, and I wish you the best!

You are an inspiration! Well done. You have got this.

Thank you so much for sharing. You are so courageous and beautiful, in and out. I have shared your video with my two grandchildren and the rest of my family.

Strength and Grace. You go girl!

Thank you for that helpful and innovative video. Very nice to see car companies retrofitting the driver's side for special needs.

I can’t imagine living without my legs. People who do are the true hero’s in this world. Anyone who can push through that and still live a life is worthy of nothing less than a Medal of Honor. I couldn’t. No way no how.