Wheelchairs in the Temples

[cptreft]

After the Pandemic and years of illness, I want to return to the Temple. However, I am now confined to a wheelchair and need to elevate my legs. Before all this I used the provided wheelchairs and found them uncomfortable. Still attendance was the importance. Things have changed and to return to the Temple I need to use my Power Wheelchair. Transferring to a manual chair would be very difficult and the possibility of someone taking my personal Wheelchair is frightening to me. Is a powered wheelchair allowed into the Temple or should I just forget to ever return to the house of the Lord?

[russellhltn]

I think you'll need to discuss this with your local temple. I don't know as anyone here would be able to answer that.

[Mikerowaved]

I'm a 20+ year paraplegic and haven't had any problems taking my manual wheelchair into the temple. The only time I was asked to either transfer to their chair or have them put white elastic strips over all 4 tires was for a temple open house prior to a rededication. I chose the latter and the youth volunteers there had a good time doing it.

Other temples may operate differently, so yes, contact your local temple as russellhltn pointed out.

[sbradshaw]

I have a brother who relies on a large electric wheelchair. I have been to several temples with him and there hasn't ever been an issue with him using his electric wheelchair throughout the temple. I've also been a temple ordinance worker. Many of the specific procedures in the temple can be adapted for patrons with limited motor skills or other physical challenges. You are wanted in the temple!