Thomas Quiter was born in 1983 with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, at a time when the disorder was barely understood. Despite facing various challenges, he has always been an advocate for himself and others with disabilities, firmly believing that “I do nothing if it doesn’t benefit others.”
In 2014, Thomas was denied an adequate wheelchair, despite having coverage from both Medicaid and the best private insurance available in NY. It was only through a crowdfunded used wheelchair provided by his supportive community that he found the solution. After being told to discard a $65,000 custom wheelchair over a 2-inch part, Thomas realized firsthand the importance of alternative mobility equipment in the industry.
He strongly supports the movement that subverts restrictive IP law and empowers individuals with the right to repair their equipment. In 2023, he founded The Mobility Independence Foundation, a nonprofit technology organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities by producing and distributing open-source accessibility technology.
“The Power To Move: The Long Overdue Fight for Mobility Independence” is an award-winning documentary and the project of the The Mobility Independence Foundation.
