Life Before a Spinal Cord Injury 

An avid horseman, Erway grew up on a Pennsylvania farm. He started riding horses at age four, showing them at age 11, and training them at 16. Eventually he worked under a professional horse trainer, who hoped to someday see Erway in national show circuits. On graduation weekend, he went out to celebrate with fellow classmates. He described the drive back home saying, “I fell asleep in the back seat because I was drinking. My friend doesn't drink so I let him drive.” 

Despite taking precautions to get home safely, Erway says he and his best friend were involved in a “freak accident” caused by road construction.  

Injured in 1980–before seatbelts were required in vehicles–Erway was faced with the reality of living life as a paraplegic after the accident. 

Living with a Disability Before the Passage of the ADA 

Erway lived with his injury for 10 years before the ADA was passed. He described the time saying, “Back then, there were no curb cuts. [A wheelchair user] had to jump curbs to get anywhere.” 

He continued, “In the hospital after my injury, they wouldn't teach me how to pop a wheelie because they were afraid I'd flip and hit my head. A gentleman who was a paraplegic came in at nighttime to teach me how to pop wheelies.” 

The man had a job, a wife, and kids, and he inspired Erway to get moving in any way he could, which eventually led him to get behind the wheel. 

 “He showed me there was life after a spinal cord injury”, he said.