Respectful comment to those in wheelchairs

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

We're at Vero Beach and a few days ago I was clobbered by a wave and strained my ankle badly enough that I've been in a wheelchair since then, waiting for this to heal. (I also coincidentally already have an issue with my Achilles tendon on my other leg, so I'm not able to put much weight on that foot and none on the other.) I've never been in a wheelchair before and it sure changes your perspective fast!

I just wanted to say to those who need to use one of these things every day, I sure have an updated respect. While I've never been disrespectful (ie I'm always careful to address the person in the chair, not the person pushing, etc.) I don't think I realized how much fortitude it takes to manage life in a wheelchair when you simply can't use your legs. Transferring from the sofa to the chair and into the bathroom has becomes a production instead of a non-issue, as has almost everything I was used to doing without thought.

So, I'm not quite sure how to say this, but I just wanted to say to everyone on the dis who must basically live in one of these things, I'm thinking of you. Hope that's not a rude thing to say, but I'll never look at someone in a wheelchair the same way again. This is no fun at all!

 

[serenitynow]

Thank you!

It really is impossible to truly relate until it happens to you. I often wish architects, designers and builders could be forced to spend a couple of days in a wheelchair before they be allowed to design public areas. The world really does look a lot different depending on one's perspective. A day in a wheelchair has very different challenges than a day out of one.

I really appreciate your post as there are so many negative posts about folks in wheelchairs and ECVs.

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

I often wish architects, designers and builders could be forced to spend a couple of days in a wheelchair before they be allowed to design public areas.

After just a few days, I couldn't agree with you more! Better yet, wouldn't it make sense in an ideal world for someone who actually was wheelchair-bound to do the designing? There is no way I'm going to be an "expert" after a week or so. To have people with no experience whatsoever put in charge of making decisions for potentially thousands of people who will have to live with those decisions seems beyond ridiculous.

 

[BabyFu18]

Sweet post, I know it's much appreciated by so many!

My biggest issue with being in a wheelchair is when people look at me but only speak to whomever I'm with, it's like they look at me and see I'm in a wheelchair and think I can't communicate with them for some reason. I may have issues with my legs but the rest of me is just fine, I'm just as capable as the next person so I really appreciate when people make eye contact with me and speak to me just as they would with anyone else.

Also it is hard to imagine how difficult life can be in a wheelchair until you've experienced it, but I think it's a good eye opening experience for a lot of people. I've been to places where I wonder why a designer didn't think about people with disabilities that might not have someone with them to help with everyday things, like getting in and out of doors that don't have automatic features or reaching desk/windows that are high and out of reach to someone in a wheelchair.

I've only been in need of a wheelchair for about 6 months and so I'm still learning to adapt my life around that, it's difficult but doable and I'm so thankful I've got family to help me, I don't know how I'd do it otherwise.

 

[DisneyOma]

After just a few days, I couldn't agree with you more! Better yet, wouldn't it make sense in an ideal world for someone who actually was wheelchair-bound to do the designing? There is no way I'm going to be an "expert" after a week or so. To have people with no experience whatsoever put in charge of making decisions for potentially thousands of people who will have to live with those decisions seems beyond ridiculous.

Having been in a wheelchair myself, after surgery, I do understand the perspective thing, but this is over the top silliness. Everything should be designed for/by the small percentage of people in wheelchairs, compared to the rest of the population? There should be accessibility, of course, but not a total design based on the view from a wheelchair. Spaces that people in wheelchairs use are also used by the ambulatory public. If it's your own private home, sure, but there are no dedicated 'wheelchair only' ADA regulations for public spaces because the ADA allows for accessibility to all. Yes, a design should be encouraged to be encompassing, as there are short people, people in wheelchairs, kids for that matter, but not designed just for them.

 

[I Love Pluto]

Thank you for your total understanding! Your kind words are much appreciated!

 

[bushdianee]

I agree with everything that has been said on this thread. I fractured the top of my tibia in January. I am now able to use a walker around the house except for in the kitchen but am still in a wheelchair when I go anywhere. My house definitely isn't made for a wheelchair. I use the wheelchair in the kitchen because the floor makes me nervous with the walker. I feel like it is too slippery. The wheelchair isn't the easiest to move around in a small space and the level of everything is too high to do things easily so I end up standing and sitting as I need to. I know that I'm lucky to be able to stand for short periods. When I first came home they wanted me off my leg as much as possible but the wheelchair doesn't fit through the bathroom doors and is really hard to go down the narrow hallway and turn into the bedroom. I had to use the walker which slowed the healing. It's been more than 4 months since the fracture and I just went to 50% weight bearing a few days ago. Getting a wheelchair through a busy restaurant is nearly impossible at times, they just don't leave enough room between tables. Grocery shopping requires 2 extra people, one to push the chair and one to push the cart. Even using an ECV in a store is hard because of things on higher shelves. I too have a new respect for people who manage life in a chair.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I'll never look at someone in a wheelchair the same way again. This is no fun at all!

1) YEP.
2) While in college, I was a paramedic (this is before "paramedics" were actually invented).
3) Part of our training was to spend two days SOLELY in a wheelchair so we could gain some perspective of our patients.
4) A true eye-opener!
5) Thanks for your description.

 

[50surgeries2012]

We're at Vero Beach and a few days ago I was clobbered by a wave and strained my ankle badly enough that I've been in a wheelchair since then, waiting for this to heal. (I also coincidentally already have an issue with my Achilles tendon on my other leg, so I'm not able to put much weight on that foot and none on the other.) I've never been in a wheelchair before and it sure changes your perspective fast!

I just wanted to say to those who need to use one of these things every day, I sure have an updated respect. While I've never been disrespectful (ie I'm always careful to address the person in the chair, not the person pushing, etc.) I don't think I realized how much fortitude it takes to manage life in a wheelchair when you simply can't use your legs. Transferring from the sofa to the chair and into the bathroom has becomes a production instead of a non-issue, as has almost everything I was used to doing without thought.

So, I'm not quite sure how to say this, but I just wanted to say to everyone on the dis who must basically live in one of these things, I'm thinking of you. Hope that's not a rude thing to say, but I'll never look at someone in a wheelchair the same way again. This is no fun at all!

Well said. I was born with a very rare syndrome that makes my bones fuse in my hands, feet, face. Before I was a permanent wheelchair user in January of 1999. I had used one when I had three foot operations on my feet in 1987, 1997, and 1998. I was mobile before that. I've always had the upmost respect for people who sued a wheelchair as I have friends who were born with conditions like spina bifida, and cerebral palsy who have used a wheelchair since birth. I got my first power chair in December 2001 because with the way my hands are formed. I can't propel myself in a manual wheelchair. I'm now in the process of getting my second power chair in 13 years, and I'm excited about that because:

1) My new power chair is going to be a Quickie QM-710. It's my first mid-wheel drive power chair I will ever own, and I will be able to get around my house with it.
2) I will get to very independent in my mobility again after my old power chair "retired" on me after 13 years two months ago.

 

[Rhie]

Having been in a wheelchair myself, after surgery, I do understand the perspective thing, but this is over the top silliness. Everything should be designed for/by the small percentage of people in wheelchairs, compared to the rest of the population?

Yes because able-bodied people can't use ramps or wouldn't appreciate a wider door...

See, the thing is, that all people can use accessible equipment. And there are many types of disabilities, some of which you won't see. I'm in a mobility device for long outings, but not for most days. I appreciate wider aisles, lower steps, etc. Most people do.

I suggest you check out thebodyisnotanapology.com and everydayfeminism.com for more information on being privileged, and why your comments are really not as logical as you think.

 

[dreiwhit]

I had to briefly use a wheelchair last September after a very severe ankle sprain. Although I wasn't in it long, it was an eye opener to me. Most things I did without thinking - like getting something out of the refrigerator, or going through doorways - required thought as to how I accomplished them.

 

[Pridemom]

Having been in a wheelchair myself, after surgery, I do understand the perspective thing, but this is over the top silliness. Everything should be designed for/by the small percentage of people in wheelchairs, compared to the rest of the population? There should be accessibility, of course, but not a total design based on the view from a wheelchair. Spaces that people in wheelchairs use are also used by the ambulatory public. If it's your own private home, sure, but there are no dedicated 'wheelchair only' ADA regulations for public spaces because the ADA allows for accessibility to all. Yes, a design should be encouraged to be encompassing, as there are short people, people in wheelchairs, kids for that matter, but not designed just for them.

This is why Universal Design is so important. By designing buildings, buses, and public spaces so that all users can easily access them, everyone benefits. Wheelchair ramps and curb cuts are used by people pushing strollers and pulling suitcases. Cruise control was invented for people with disabilities, but it benefits all drivers. The Cuisenart was invented for people with fine motor issues, but it's handy for all. Zero entry pools were intended for wheelchairs, but it's great for the little toddlers at my local park because it's shallow.

Designing to make things accessible is the most inclusive thing because it benefits everyone. Disability is the only minority that anyone can join at any time.

 

[serenitynow]

This is why Universal Design is so important. By designing buildings, buses, and public spaces so that all users can easily access them, everyone benefits. Wheelchair ramps and curb cuts are used by people pushing strollers and pulling suitcases. Cruise control was invented for people with disabilities, but it benefits all drivers. The Cuisenart was invented for people with fine motor issues, but it's handy for all. Zero entry pools were intended for wheelchairs, but it's great for the little toddlers at my local park because it's shallow.

Designing to make things accessible is the most inclusive thing because it benefits everyone. Disability is the only minority that anyone can join at any time.

THANK YOU!!

 

[redberyl]

At our local amusement park you go to guest relations to access the disability program. The entry/exit line for general issues is a wide, open space with no door. The handicapped line is narrow, with a push open door at the bottom of the wheelchair ramp. My daughter knows to kick open the door as I push her through, but it's a ridiculous design for the disability line. I was surprised to find this exact set up a few places in Disney. Barnstormer for example has a completely separate exit for wheelchairs, with a narrow, push open door at the bottom of the ramp. But even without a wheelchair, lots of places aren't accessible. 2 of my favorite infant/children's clothing stores, first you have to l push the stroller over a curb, then figure out how to open the door while pushing the stroller in, then once in the store there is no room to maneuver a stroller between the racks. Most of their clients use a stroller, but it's not at all accessible. Just no common sense in the design