Monday, January 18, 2016

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.




Tuesday, January 12, 2016

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?”.