Humanity is a spirit of ability, perseverance, and courage that no disability can taint. Getting started on a healthier and happier lifestyle is one of our favourite ways to ignite this passion.
This photograph had a strong impact on me. A wheelchair-bound guy sits on the Millennium Bridge surrounded by others strolling, demonstrating the diversity and power of setting a norm for those who regard this man in a wheelchair as unfortunate.
With this man in my sights, I wonder how he actually feels when others stare at him or inquire about how he came to where he is or why he doesn't appear to have anyone caring for him.
My mother has used a wheelchair since I was born. I was oblivious to everything else growing up with a wheelchair user for a mother since this was my way of life. I was just recently able to understand the lifestyle contrasts between other families that do not have a wheelchair user until I began to establish a network around me at an early age in my native town of Northern Ireland. I used to go down the street in my hometown, watching others stare and comment on my mother, wondering and expecting the worst. I've been in several instances where I (the child) was addressed and talked to because people assumed my mother couldn't communicate because she was in a wheelchair. Only from these few examples do I realise how strong and great my mother is, and how she raised three children while dealing with adversity.
Following this, I asked someone who uses a wheelchair what their view was of the outside world, the response is as follows - "That regardless of circumstance it is possible to live a fulfilled life, to find true joy and to love and be loved. Our needs are relative to our circumstances and therefore special to each individual whether in a wheelchair or not! Special needs also come in the form of special friendships, special loved ones, special times!. You are as important as me, your needs will be different from mine but they are just as special! Sure I might need help to navigate a poorly designed building, or public transport, or a ramp that is too steep but you may need help with other things that I am perfectly capable of!. Don’t doubt my capabilities or success… because of the challenges I face daily I will possibly have twice the stamina and drive to succeed".
I then discussed with some of the public their initial views upon first meeting a wheelchair user. It was partly eccentric and partly encouraging when I received the answers.
The majority of individuals did not comprehend the realities of wheelchair users, including the fact that persons who use wheelchairs must often accept being treated as a second-class citizen. Yet, public acceptance and admiration are promising aspects of my results; however, it is my goal to change people's first views when they encounter someone in a wheelchair
I have created a few top tips with the research and my knowledge to let you into the lives of someone who uses a wheelchair:
Tip 1: A wheelchair doesn’t restrict you from shaking up the dance floor
At a club, bar or party, it's not uncommon for people to stare or comment when they see someone in a wheelchair - but why can't someone in a wheelchair make the place rock on the dance floor if they want to?.
In the words of Kevyn Aucoin:
“Today I choose life. Every morning when I wake up I can choose joy, happiness, negativity or pain. To feel the freedom that comes from being able to continue to make mistakes and choices – today I choose to feel life, not to deny my humanity but embrace it.”
Tip 2: A wheelchair user doesn’t hang out with their ‘carers’
Just like anyone else, people who use wheelchairs have friends, partners, children, parents, and siblings. Therefore, if you see someone with a wheelchair hanging out with their friends, don't assume they're their carers.
To quote the late Stella Young said,
“Quite often these people are hanging out with us because they like to, not because we need looking after. It’s unfortunate when people assume the only reason someone is hanging out with you is that they have to.”
Tip 3: Yes, someone who uses a wheelchair can drive
Wheelchair users can operate a car by raising or adjusting the foot pedals or using hand-held devices. Thanks to technological advancements in some vehicles, a wheelchair user may drive while still using their chair, thanks to a sophisticated docking system that links their chair to the car floor. Occupational therapists may need to evaluate and instruct drivers before implementing these adjustments, but wheelchair users can get into the car and drive just like anybody else.
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This is a photo of myself and my mother in
Convent Gardens living it up! |
Thank you for reading, and I hope you learned something by allowing you to be a part of my life and exposing you to the reality of the numerous obstacles that come with using a wheelchair.
Transport: Disability and Accessibility Statistics
Inspiring quotes for people with disabilities
Disability help line
Informative blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! Great insight, a definite MUST READ
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