The Power To Move - Community Screening & Panel Discussion
Admission by Donation
Step into a night of inspiration, outrage, and collective action. We’re not just watching a film—we’re igniting a movement to break the bureaucratic chains that keep mobility equipment out of reach.
Why This Matters -
Across the country, people are sidelined—emotionally and physically—by systems that confuse cost with care. The wrong wheelchair can mean missed job interviews, lost playtime with your kids, or simply being stuck inside your own home.
The Power To Move zeroes in on these injustices, revealing how red tape and one-size-fits-all programs stall life-changing innovation. But it doesn’t stop there: this documentary charts the blueprints for a future driven by respect, collaboration, and open-hardware solutions.
What You’ll Experience -
*A powerful screening that lays bare the human cost of outdated systems.
*A live panel unpacking how community-built solutions bypass red tape.
*Prototype demos you can see in use on-site—see how open-hardware turns garages into workshops of dignity.
*Action steps to join local build nights, repair clinics, and advocacy campaigns.
Join the Movement -
Get involved at themif.org or email
dGhvbWFzIHwgdGhlbWlmICEgb3Jn. Be part of a community that believes respect—not red tape—is the true path to independence. For people with disabilities, for neighbors, for all of us: let’s power a future that moves.
Panelists -
Thomas Quiter
President & Founder
Board Of Directors
Thomas was born in 1983 with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, at a time when the disorder was barely understood. He always advocates for himself and others with disabilities, stating “I do nothing if it doesn’t benefit others.” It was around the year 2015 when he was denied an adequate wheelchair. This was despite coverage by Medicaid and the best private insurance available in NY. A crowdfunded used wheelchair provided by his community was the solution. Having been told he should discard a $65,000 custom wheelchair over a 2 inch part, he knows firsthand why open source mobility equipment is the next step in the industry. It subverts restrictive IP law and enables the right to repair.
Devin Hamilton
Mechanical Engineer
I serve as president and lead engineer at RapAdapt, where my team develops custom adaptive solutions for people with disabilities. I studied Mechanical Engineering Technology at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where I honed my engineering and problem-solving skills. After RIT, I worked in the field as an engineer on a wide range of projects. I hold 2 US patents on wheelchair technology that we have already developed, was born with Cerebral Palsy, and have a passion for engineering and helping others. My disability gives me a unique perspective and approach to problem-solving. I love to use my knowledge and skills to develop products and solutions to help others. I have an in-depth understanding of the challenges that people with disabilities face and the knowledge to help overcome them because I am them.
Matt Lacey
VP of the board and Director of R&D
Matt’s background is in manufacturing and industrial maintenance. As a maintenance technician, he’s worked on both electrical and mechanical machinery. Matt grew up in a family that always did their own work to repair anything at their homes. From house repair to automotive and lawn equipment they would just get things done. Even neighbors in need of repair assistance can always count on him to do what they can not. He believes a community should come together and utilize each person’s skills to help each other and those who can not help themselves. He has a wife and 3 grown children that are making their own way in the world. His journey with The MIF began before its inception while helping Tom to repair and upgrade his chair. From those early beginnings he’s helping shape what we can do for generations to come
Donna Quiter
Board Trustee
Self described as a daughter, wife, and mother of persons with disabilities it is easy to see why she believes in our cause. Outside of her involvement in several family businesses she has previous long term employment at an insurance company, a home for disabled veterans, and as a purchasing clerk for a state university. Her experience with both financial management and disability make her the right fit for this position.
Don Wyckoff
Catskill Center for Independence
Don Wyckoff has been the Director of Community Relations at the Catskill Center for Independence for 23 years and a disability rights advocate since 1994. Don is the host of “The Empower Hour” on WIOX 91.3FM also can be found on all podcast formats. His work has been featured in the National Council on Social Studies; “Social Studies and the Young Learner” magazine, New Jersey Council on Social Studies and most recently published in a new book entitled “Of the People, By the People, For the People - A National K-12 Service Learning Initiative” by author and educator Sandy Mc.Kane. In addition, he is the co-creator of “Through Children's Eye’s” a nationwide education model developed to illustrate disability awareness and etiquette through experiential learning for elementary students. Finally, Don is a professional motivational speaker and specializes in reinspiring individuals returning to the community from jails, prisons and rehabs. Don is also regular lecturer at both SUCO and Hartwick Colleges In NY and has been a regular speaker at both Morrisville College and Delhi Tech for the BEST and Leading Edge programs.
You may also like the following events from Foothills Performing Arts & Civic Center:
- This Saturday, 30th August, 07:00 pm, Visions Summer Concert Series - The Music of JOURNEY & REO Speedwagon performed by The Idol Kings in Oneonta
- This November, 8th November, 01:00 pm, The Met Opera Live in HD presents: La Bohème / Foothills, Oneonta in Oneonta
- This November, 16th November, 03:00 pm, WICKED Sing-Along Screening / Foothills, Oneonta in Oneonta
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