Is This Really The Answer?

Growing up with a disability is hard. Not only do you feel different, you feel like you don't belong. You can sometimes feel like an outcast. You wish there was some sort of tool out there to teach others that everyone is different and  it's ok!

A long time ago I was out and I saw a Barbie in a wheelchair. Her name was Becky. I was so excited. Finally there was a figure out there that not only portrayed someone like me, but other wheelchair users as well. I had never seen anything like it. I immediately wanted one. I got my wish!

One year for Christmas my parents got one for me. I was excited because there was something out there that would teach inclusion and diversity.  I thought it was a great way to give children with a disability a greater sense of self and higher self-esteem. I will cherish it forever!

Recently it was in the news that Wheelchair Barbie was being discontinued. Why? Because her wheelchair doesn't fit in Barbie's Dreamhouse. There were efforts to make the house more accessible, however it did not work. So instead of making Becky's wheelchair smaller, or making Barbie's Dreamhouse bigger, they got rid of her altogether.

This makes me sad for so many reasons. It puts out the message that society isn't as inclusive as one might think. It also makes people think that if you are seen a different you don't have a place in society. I feel that in 2017, we need to be teaching people that everyone is beautiful no matter what they look like!

Equal Opportunity for Everyone

For as long as I can remember. I have been a fan of the Toronto Blue Jays. I have been a loyal fan no matter how they did in the standings.

I went to a couple playoff games last year and the energy was palpable. It was something I have never felt before. After we won a playoff series at home, I watched the players celebrate with the fans who were on field level. This made me think there should be a way for people with mobility issues to join in on the celebration. It's not fair that people who use a wheelchair, walker or crutches are missing out because we can't get down there.

Besides the issues mentioned above, during the regular season, we miss out on getting autographs or the possibility of catching a baseball.

New Way To Navigate

I am directionally challenged. I am not in denial about that. If I need to get somewhere I like to see the route mapped out for me so it's easier for me to find my way. This could either be through written directions or in the form of a map.

I have always had trouble figuring out directories. I always seem to get turned around and go in the opposite direction of the desired route. I always end up asking someone to help me so I can get to where I want/need to be. Otherwise I would be wandering aimlessly.

Recently I was at Sherway Gardens and I was looking for a particular store. As always I looked at the directory and I got confused. To my surprise I noticed something at the bottom that made my life a whole lot easier. It said "Enable Accessible Directions". When you push that, not only will it tell you if you have to turn left or right, it will actually highlight your route for you.

Now it's easier to shop 'til I drop!

Room To Navigate

I don’t know about you, but when I go to pay at a store, I find it extremely frustrating when I go to pay and the lane between the cash and the line is so narrow that it is extremely difficult, if not impossible not to interfere with other paying customers. More often than not, I have had to ask able-bodied customers at the cash to move so I can get by.

When I went to Scotland, I went to Primark and I was astonished when they had a designated spot for people with mobility issues. As a result, I didn’t have to worry about bumping in to other people, or having to ask them to move when I wanted to exit the store. I also didn’t have to worry about feeling rushed to gather my things and get out of the way because other people are waiting.

Some stores in Canada do have lower counters, but there aren’t designated spots to pay. As a result, I’ve had to navigate carefully so I don’t bump in to other customers, or interrupt them by asking them to move.

The Place To Stay

Another thing you have to think about very carefully when you travel is which hotel is the best one to stay in. Again you will need to do your research. It is best to call and see if they have accessible rooms because they aren't always advertised on the website. You also need to remember that not everyone's idea of accessibility is the same.

Over Christmas my family and I travelled to Scotland We were excited to experience the different customs and traditions of another country.

We stayed at the Premier Inn by George Square in Glasgow. Once we got there we realized that there was a little elevator for people with mobility issues or families with children in strollers. It was a little tricky to get in to because the sidewalk going up to the elevator was sloped. Once you got to the elevator the ground was flat but then you had to back up because the door opened outwards. I could not do it without help. Once in the hotel, there were elevators up to the rooms. When I went in to the room, I was pleasantly surprised. This was the most accessible room I have ever been in. There were cubbie shelves that were nice and low for me to put my clothes in. There was an emergency cord by the bed in case I needed assistance while I was alone.

As impressive as that was, the bathroom impressed me the most. The mirror by the sink was really low so I could actually see myself in the mirror. This has never happened. I have always needed to go to the mirror in the hall of the room to see myself. Another emergency cord was in the bathroom. There were grab bars EVERYWHERE! I felt extremely safe. There were even grab bars to get in and out of the bathtub. As well as the grab bars on the bathtub, there was a wide ledge I could transfer to so I could slide in to the bath. For the first time ever in my life I could get in and out of the bathtub myself without any assistance.

I would never be afraid to go to Scotland myself!

Happy Trails

Going on vacation is exciting but when you have mobility issues, it can be daunting.

If you are flying, there are a couple of things you should think about before booking your flight.

The first thing to consider is who you want to fly with. You need to do your research. You want to go with an airline that has been around for awhile and one that has a good reputation. I recently travelled with British Airways and they were fantastic. They were extremely helpful at the airports. They talked to me and not AT me. They made sure I was comfortable and they came to me and said if there was anything I needed I shouldn’t hesitate to ask. They also worked hard to make sure my wheelchair was where I needed it to be. I wouldn’t hesitate to fly with them again!

The second thing to consider the length of the flight. I used to think that it was impossible for me to go to the washroom on the plane. As a result, I would go to the washroom before I got on the plane and then when I landed. A few years ago I was on a long flight that had many delays and I needed to go to the washroom. The plane wasn’t full so we asked the stewardess if there was a way we could change seats so it would be easier to get to the washroom. She then told us that there was an on-board wheelchair. After all these years flying, WHY was I only learning this now? Ever since I learned that, I am not afraid to drink something on the plane.

Accessibility For All

Accessibility is the design of products, devices, services, or environments for people with disabilities. The concept of accessible design ensures both "direct access" (i.e. unassisted) and "indirect access" meaning compatibility with a person's assistive technology (for example, computer screen readers).

Shouldn’t everyone have the right to go where they wish? Well of course the answer should be yes. However, when a facility (i.e. restaurant, store, theatre) isn’t wheelchair accessible that’s like saying to someone with mobility issues “You can’t come in, go back home”. This it totally unacceptable. This is 2016!

I decided to start this blog because I am frustrated with facing obstacles when it comes to inaccessibility. I should not have to rearrange or miss out on plans totally because I can’t get in somewhere. It’s a burden no one should not have to bare!

I also want to disprove the myth that just because I am in a wheelchair, that doesn’t mean I don’t go out or I don’t like to have fun. I am tired of getting asked “Oh are you going to the doctor too?”.