So, it has been a hot minute since I’ve posted. I’m learning that I need to take a day or two off from all things digital each week to help rejuvenate my creativity. I had an amazing weekend with my college roommate and her wife! It is amazing to be with people that you know do not see you as a burden or get frustrated with your mobility/health needs. Accessibility helps tons too! I wasn’t sure what direction this post was going to go, but I realized that I wanted to share my adventures in accessibility more than anything.
I am still non-weight bearing because of my hip injury so I wasn’t sure how we were going to get out an about this weekend. Friday and Saturday were filled with great food adventures and quality time spent together. We managed to get out by using my manual (non-custom) wheelchair. Relying on Lyft rides to get where we wanted to go, I was pleasantly surprised that the drivers, with only one exception, helped to put my wheelchair in the trunk. While wheelchair accessible ride-shares are not available in my area, their help made us getting out possible.
We had planned to go to a local kite festival on Sunday, but a coastal storm canceled those plans. I already hired a wheelchair accessible van for Sunday so that I could bring my power wheelchair out for the event. We switched gears and decided to go to the mall.
I realized I haven’t been shopping at a mall in at least six years. It was great to get around and be able to do some in person shopping. I found the mall and most stores to be very accessible. Most paths were wide enough for my wheelchair and people were friendly and helpful. It helps that this is still what I would consider a “newer” mall and built with accessibility in mind. The bathrooms were great and even had many “family style” restrooms that provide more space and adult friendly changing tables.
The real excitement was being able to go bowling at the “fancy” high tech bowling alley at the mall. We checked in and inquired about accessible lanes and without a blink of an eye, we were set to start bowling. I used a ramp type thing to push the ball down the lane while staying in my wheelchair. There was a learning curve for sure and we even figured out how to put the bumpers up for me (and only me) to compensate for the learning curve. There was no fuss about it being accessible and my needs didn’t hinder my friends playing either. This is true accessibility!
The only drawback to all this accessibility was the cost. Wheelchair transportation is not cheap and having no other options is tough. We must fight harder and advocate for total accessibility by having transportation available for wheelchair users. There are noble people and local organizations that are trying to make this a reality. What options exist by you?
I loved my adventures with my friends this past weekend. Accessibility allowed me to fully take part in the fun! My hope is that everyone who needs access to fun adventures, which is everyone, gets the chance to make this a reality. This needs to happen not just for special days, but as the norm.
