Good morning Rose,

I'm sorry to hear of your situation.

I'm afraid that while the ADA does require certain things of store owners in terms of making their premises handicap accessible, No court has found that this obligation includes the requirement that each store have wheelchairs for the use of their patrons. There are a limited few stores who do have such equipment available, but the majority do not and can not be legally compelled to provide them---I'm sorry.

The customer is required to provide their own wheelchair if they have need for one. This is the same for all medical devices---including canes, walkers and other devices that assist folks with mobility---as well as such items as oxygen bottles or portable concentrators. These sorts of medical devices are always the responsibility of the patron to bring with them if they are needed.

I have seen shopping malls where there was a central kiosk where a wheelchair could be borrowed for use in the mall by people in need of them---and perhaps that is where you might direct your push for assistance.

I wish you the best in 2012.

I understand that you may be disappointed by the Answer you received, as it was not particularly favorable to your situation, nor was it what I sensed you were hoping to hear. Had I been able to provide an Answer which might have given you a successful legal outcome, it would have been my pleasure to do so.

Because I help people here, like you, for a living---this is not a hobby for me, and I sincerely appreciate your abiding by the honor system as regards Accepting answers. I wish you and your family the best in your respective futures.

Would you be so kind as to Accept my Answer so that I may be compensated for assisting you? Bonuses for greatly informative and helpful answers are very much appreciated. Thanks Again,

Doug