Blind, paralyzed North Bay man left trapped for months awaiting approval for a wheelchair

7 On Your Side Blind, paralyzed North Bay man left trapped for months awaiting approval for a wheelchair When a North Bay man's wheelchair began falling apart, he couldn't get it fixed or replaced. He was left virtually stranded. He's not the only one By Stephanie Sierra , Renee Koury Friday, November 6, 2026 6:43PM Share SANTA ROSA, Calif. (KGO) -- For a North Bay man who is paralyzed and blind, his wheelchair is his independence. But when it began falling apart, he says he couldn't get it fixed or replaced. He was left virtually stranded for months. Ken Rossi can't see or walk, but he taught himself to navigate Santa Rosa's streets using a wheelchair and a cane. He's been working with city officials to make their streets more accessible for people with disabilities. But when his wheelchair started breaking down last spring, his mobility went with it. Rossi, of Santa Rosa, is not only paralyzed -- he's totally blind. Still, he can make a simple meal... get himself dressed... and go out into the world. "I use a cane when I go outside and feel along the sidewalk, and use the cane, and like a ski pole I plant it and correct myself, and just keep the tapping going," Rossi said. He can wheel all the way to the bus stop and go anywhere from there. "They didn't know how to teach people in wheelchairs so I took what I learned when I was able-bodied," he said. Rossi says a mysterious illness set in during his youth and gradually eroded his eyesight and ability to walk. Then, two decades ago, he was hit by a car and almost died. He has been paraplegic ever since. But he hangs on to memories of light and movement. Using that knowledge, Rossi developed his own technique for using a cane and wheelchair together to navigate the streets. He also uses his memories to create artworks, drawing oil pastels based on his recollection of images and color. The works cover his walls, though he may never see them. "I wish I knew what they look like," he said. "Someone said I drew Stonehenge. Do you see it there?" Nonetheless, the pursuit keeps him going. "You know, I don't want to ever give up. I want to live my life to the fullest," Rossi said. And he did -- until his 14-year-old wheelchair began falling apart last spring. Tires were bald, brakes were loose and wheels wobbled in their axles. "I didn't want to have the wheels come off when I'm out and who knows where," he said. Rossi ordered a new wheelchair from National Seating and Mobility last May. The company submitted the request to Medicare, which required documentation to show the chair was "medically necessary." But the process dragged on, Rossi says, with no new chair. $11.4M shipment of Nvidia cargo stolen from Oakland El Cerrito High's football program, coach suspended after hazing allegations involving 22 teammates Blind, paralyzed North Bay man left trapped for months awaiting approval for a wheelchair 18 minutes ago He repeatedly emailed the company, trying to find out what had happened to his order. He wrote: "I'm trying to get answers regarding my new wheelchair..." "Wondering if you guys submitted my order." He also pleaded, "Urgent repairs needed" for the worn-out chair. "I kept calling and leaving messages. And then eventually I had my sister go out to the local branch and it was open. There was nobody in there," he said. Weeks went by, then months. Rossi was stuck at home. "It's not good for mental health for me, it's depressing, you know, when I can't get out. I said well I may have to call 7 On Your Side because I'm getting nowhere with these people," Rossi said. 7 On Your Side contacted National Seating and Mobility. Soon after, the company not only delivered this new chair, it repaired the old one, telling us: "National Seating and Mobility does make every attempt to keep our clients updated throughout a repair or new equipment process. Due to insurance requirements that we are obligated to follow, this can sometimes be a protracted process." "I'm so thankful to 7 On Your Side. I feel great. I could get out. It's very liberating. Like being freed from prison almost," Rossi said. National Seating and Mobility said it could not give specifics about Rossi's case due to medical privacy laws. Its website says it can take up to six months to get a wheelchair partly due to insurance requirements. We found online forums filled with reports of long delays, including one person who said they waited more than a year and a half for a wheelchair. Take a look at more stories and videos by 7 On Your Side. 7OYS's consumer hotline is a free consumer mediation service for those in the San Francisco Bay Area. We assist individuals with consumer-related issues; we cannot assist on cases between businesses, or cases involving family law, criminal matters, landlord/tenant disputes, labor issues, or medical issues. Please review our FAQ here . As a part of our process in assisting you, it is necessary that we contact the company / agency you are writing about. If you do not wish us to contact them, please let us know right away, as it will affect our ability to work on your case. If we are able to assist, we will reach back out to you. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics SANTA ROSA 7 ON YOUR SIDE CONSUMER U.S. & WORLD CONSUMER CONCERNS CONSUMER WATCH DISABILITY DISABILITY ISSUES Navy Federal Credit Union settles suit; here's how to file a claim Scammers spoof iPhone Duo ordering websites; what to look out for Here's how to protect yourself from Golden State Valkyries scams State orders reports on wildfire payout delays, denials Live Streams ON NOW $11.4M shipment of Nvidia cargo stolen from Oakland El Cerrito High's football program suspended after hazing allegations East Bay councilmember injured in violent attack by woman at park Meghan Markle's father Thomas Markle Sr. arrested by FBI in Florida 37 minutes ago Live updates: Karen Bass concedes to Nithya Raman in LA mayoral race Tesla to phase out Cybertruck production 1 hour ago Off-duty CA fire captain rescues driver who slammed into nail salon 2 hours ago 3 detained after 2 boys killed in Moss Landing State Beach shooting