Wheelchair Etiquette

                As I have mention in prior posts, I went to regular public school from Elementary to high school in a relatively small town. In fact, I was the only physically disabled student in my school. I had some remedial classes, but that was the extent of any accommodations. In fact, I only saw people in wheelchairs when I went to therapy in Philadelphia or when we went to Spina Bifida meetings.

For the most part, I was hardly ever around other kids with disabilities who used braces, crutches, or wheelchairs. In fact, being around someone in a wheelchair was as rarity until a few years ago.

As a way to give back for all the help that my parents received in dealing with my issues, my parents would counsel parents of babies with Spina Bifida. A few years ago, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with one of these families. Their daughter Nicole and I are friends now. Initially, I was uncomfortable around her. I asked myself questions that I am told non-disabled people ask themselves when they encounter someone in a wheelchair. Do I sit? Do I stand? Do I kneel down? What is proper etiquette when interacting with someone in a wheelchair?  

Soon after we reconnected, I confessed to her that when we first met, I was uncomfortable around her because of the wheelchair. I explained to her that it wasn’t because of her, it was because of not having been around people in a wheelchair. I asked if that upset her. She said no, she understood. Since then, I have gotten used to being around her. For those in wheelchairs, do you prefer that people interact with you in a certain way? If you would like to share your experiences and preferences on this subject, I would appreciate it. Thanks!

For more information, please visit www.mobility-advisor.com/wheelchair-etiquette.html

Wheelchair IN-accessibility.

As some of you may know, I am new to using a wheelchair. I only have to use it part time, for distances. I use it up at the college to go to my classes. Now that the weather is getting better, I am going to start parking in the parking lot furthest away and wheeling over to the building where my class is.

The first bad experience I had was even before I had to use a wheelchair with any regularity. It happened when a friend of mine and I went to stay in a bed and breakfast. This incident happened when I was going through the weakness issue I wrote about that was caused by the cholesterol meds.

When we got to the bed and breakfast, the stairs to the house were VERY steep. I looked at my friend and I almost cried. How was I going to get in there? She told me not to worry. She would go see if there was a ramp in the back. There was a ramp, but it might as well have been two, two by fours next to each other. Because it was so treacherous and tiring for those who had to push me, I could only go out once a day. The only good things about that experience were the breakfasts and the sleigh bed.

Another experience I had, just this year was in Philadelphia. We had gone to see the play my niece had designed the costumes for. Before the play, we went out to dinner. When we go to the restaurant, there were steep steps out front. My sister went to ask if there was a wheelchair entrance. The hostess said there wasn’t, so I ended up having to walk up the steps. In the meantime, the hostess had found out there was a ramp I could have used.

Once we were seated, we were asked to let them know about 10 minutes before we were ready to leave. That way, they could set up the ramp. When we got ready to leave, they had to move a mop bucket and a few other things out of the way. It was a very tight space. The ramp was a rickety thing butted up against the side of the building. We even had to steer past a couple employees outside smoking. The good thing about the experience was that was the best burger I have ever had! All things considered, I would go back if only just for the burger.

 I would appreciate it if those who read this would share any experiences they have had.  Thanks!

Why Won't They Listen?

Okay Folks, time for a rant! What is WRONG with people?? Just because we are in wheelchairs, us braces or crutches, or because we walk differently doesn’t mean we are stupid or helpless! A lot of us are capable of a lot when given the chance. Some of us can drive, go to college, hold jobs, raise families, and MUCH more. We can do it!

            I have read things on Facebook that bother me. I have read that people with disabilities, specifically Spina Bifida, who have jobs are being let go for unjustified reasons. Some who volunteer are being asked to cut back their hours. I would think that they places where people volunteer would appreciate the help. Family members are sheltering us or prohibiting us from trying to learn things so we can achieve a sense of independence. I would think people would do what they could to help their child/family member be as independent as possible.

            Some of us are ready, willing and quite able to learn things to increase our independence in areas such as cooking, cleaning, money management, how to acquire and take public transportation, and time management, just to name a few. The possibilities are endless. We just need to be given the chance. In some cases, we just need to be shown how, not because we can’t do it, but because we have never been shown how. Don’t get me wrong, we love our lives, we just need them to accept who we are and to give us a chance to prove we can do things on our own.

Does anyone have any ideas how to get these people in our lives to help us achieve these goal? Please share.