Getting out of the house these days is quite the experience. On top of the preparation there are considerations to take into account. Since I am in my wheelchair for every venture and I have to have my ventilator , we have to be strategic and plan for possible situations that may arise. Gone are the days of just up and going.
The biggest priority for me is usually relief access ! Can I get to the rest facilities wherever we are going or at the very least , is there access nearby? When you are able bodied, you never even give a second thought to this question. When you are in a wheelchair and require assistance , wow, do your options shrink. Family restrooms are a rare commodity. You would think that in this day and age they would be standard. Alas, since they are not, Lowes, Walmart and Target have become good friends of ours. But even that has its downfall. Countless times have I sat waiting outside of one only to have a lone, able bodied person come out ! I usually give them the stare down which typically elicits a half assed “Oh, sorry. ” Yeah, numbnuts, it is not there just so you can have your own private restroom ! Lol!! Getting into restrooms that are singles or at someone’s home present their own challenges. And sadly, visiting others homes is dwindling down because of accessibility. Not much can be done about that.
I would be remiss if I didn’t make quick mention of parking challenges. I won’t go off on too much of a tangent because I could definitely write a whole blog entry on this alone! I will just say that it baffles me how many people are unable to park. Like, those lines aren’t just there to decorate the parking lot. It is hard enough to find a spot with a large enough area to deploy my ramp and have room to maneuver my chair. Don’t get me started on the folks that shouldn’t even have handicap placards. We all know there are many who are perfectly fine. In the words of a wise man, “That’s all I’ll say about that. “
I have no shame in my game. This disease provides plenty of obstacles for me. I won’t let my appearance be one. I get stares pretty often out there. Why is this relatively young, exceptionally handsome man relegated to a wheelchair? Why does he have to wear a mask that hides his dashing good looks? And why is that woman feeding him? I know, I know. I should be so modest. In all seriousness, yeah I see the looks. It is what it is. I would graciously welcome the questions. This is ALS. This is what it looks like. It doesn’t really bother me much. Actually, I think it is funny when I catch kids staring or pointing. The little ones don’t know any better. But the bad angel on my shoulder always tells me to quickly turn my head and yell “Raahhh” just for the fun of it. I refrain.
Accessibility is rather feeble for the most part. Sure, the country has come a long way but it is far from what I would say is acceptable. The main accommodations seem to be accessible sidewalks, entry ways and an accessible restroom. But I have certainly done my fair share of damage and had to be saved several times because accessibility is minimal if that. I have ripped thresholds from doorways. Bashed countless sinks and toilets. I have crashed into numerous desks and equipment in offices. I once lost control in a sandwich shop and dragged a table and 3 chairs into another table then into the wall. A few times I have gotten my chair stuck trying to drive over obstacles. One of the times was in DC last summer. We were trying to get to the Washington Monument through the National Mall. Well, that day they were celebrating the hockey team winning the Stanley Cup so it was packed with thousands. As the festivities ended, I found myself teetering on a device that was meant to protect laid out electric cables so you could roll over them. Fail!! Thanks to several kind folks, they were able to get me over the hump and on my way.
For the most part, my forays out are uneventful and I am met with courtesy and friendly people. But it seems to be less and less common. So many these days lack even the simplest decency. And it is not just the younger generation. Regardless, I plan to continue my excursions as long as I can. ALS be damned!