The Wheelchair Site

Image Series - Part II

Chantal — Fri, 11 May 2007 21:21:00 GMT

The Dilemma of a Politically Correct Mentality – Mouths motoring faster then minds

By Chantal Huinink

It is my understanding that the reason behind political correct language is to be as inclusive as possible. I am certainly in full support of this ideal however, I wish to bring attention to the fact that the integration of such practices only goes so far in the reforming of society and in reality many North American minds are not changing as fast as their mouths. The product of this is a seemingly two-faced society causing many negative effects because implicit misconceptions cannot be addressed.

It is not that I wish to shut down all attempts at political correction, I simply believe that society’s disapproval of an action is not enough to erase underlying beliefs, furthermore many aspects of societal beliefs including the stigma surrounding disability which are now deemed unacceptable need to be addressed before we can ever expect to coordinate our minds and our mouths and ensure that a device like politically correct language does what it is intended to do. In the meantime various actions can be tragically misunderstood.

Helpful strangers may refrain from offering to help disabled individuals who seem to be struggling because assuming they could use assistance is regarded as impolite. Also employers may feel the need to deny qualified applicants with disabilities a position simply because they are unsure how to accommodate them in the workplace and inquiring about such things (i.e. asking about the nature of their limitations) is now considered to be inappropriate or disrespectful by many. Able bodied people who have friends with disabilities may refrain from inviting them on an outing because they feel they might be inadequate at providing appropriate assistance or transporting necessary mobility aids properly. Meanwhile the disabled individual might be welcome if the they could arrange for accessible transportation, however such sentiment is unlikely to be expressed if one fears of being politically incorrect. These examples are meant to demonstrate that politically correct language does not always move us ahead, at times it stalls us at obstacles which would be relatively easy to overcome. In truth honesty can be brutal, but in many cases acting politically correct is impractical and causes more damage then good. Therefore neither solution is entirely positive but there is merit to the old addage “say what you mean and mean what you say”

On that note, keep on rolling in the city.

Image Series - Part I

Chantal — Fri, 11 May 2007 21:16:00 GMT

By Chantal Huinink

In the realm of disabilities there are a variety of impairments including physical, social, emotional, and intellectual disabilities, which create a wide range of capabilities. Some people with disabilities relate best to those facing similar challenges and interact primarily within the disabled community. This is particularly likely if their impairment spans many levels and establishing common ground with the able bodied population proves difficult. For the purpose of this column, I will refer to such people as “the relatively able, functioning in a disabled world”. Despite an impairment on one or more levels, others with disabilities identify most with the able bodied population and can interact with them to a much greater extent. These individuals could be characterized as “the relatively disabled, functioning in an able bodied world.” Neither classification is good or bad and many fall between these two categories. Each frame of mind proposed have both positive and negative implications in terms of striving towards ones full potential.

My physical limitations play a significant role in my daily life, and yet I can still relate to the able bodied population on social, emotional, and intellectual levels, as such, I fit somewhere between the two extremes. I can appreciate many experiences of the disabled community, however I also relate with the able bodied population to a large extent. As I experience both worlds, it seems more and more that I am only as disabled as I say I am and only as able bodied as I want to be. What I mean is that my skill level is highly subjective, though some limitations caused by spasticity of my arms and legs are blatantly obvious, other challenges such as dealing with a substantial visual impairment and understanding physical labour are invisible. Therefore in order for others to understand my limitations fully, it is up to me to be the one to communicate how exactly my challenges effect my daily experiences. The only problem is that since I have always had my disability I have no real way of comparing how much different I am from the general population. Further more as no one is able to understand the extent of my limitations for themselves, I’m never really held accountable for new skill development. Rather most people feel more obligated to change their expectations of me based on struggles I described as I encounter new situations. At times these struggles are just as likely due to a lack of practice, as they are due to the limitations that my disability presents. Nevertheless it is relatively easy for me to blame lack of success in many areas on some aspects of my disability, and thereby I have a seemingly valid excuse to refrain from further skill development. I think that it is especially easy to slip into this pattern when functioning as a relatively able person in a disabled world because of the fact that a great many experiences are adapted to suit ones own needs.

Alternatively when I am truly motivated to accomplish a task the challenges I have as a result of my disability will not cross my mind. I will persist despite several obstacles standing in my way and sometimes I am so motivated to accomplish a particular action that I will neglect to make intelligent adaptations which may cause me to act more efficiently. This could be the case if one identifies with the able bodied community so much that they fail to admit any challenges to themselves or to others.

The best strategy I have found for success at any task is to assume that I am one hundred percent capable and keep trying no matter what. In time if I do not develop the skills necessary to accomplish it I learn how to adapt or an observer provides insight into how I should proceed. By waiting on the insight of a third party my skill level remains unbiased, furthermore I avoid personal excuses which may or may not be misconceptions and allow opportunities presented to maximize my skills. In the end it should be your skill level which defies the challenges you face rather then your frame of mind defining your ability level.

On that note, keep on rolling in the city.

Shopping Wheelchair

Editor — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 20:36:00 GMT

I understand there is a new wheelchair accessory on the market that will enable wheelchair users to attach directly to shopping carts and shop from their own chair. Do you know of this item and who is the manufacturer? Do you know of a company called Richardson?

Name withheld

Answer:

We were able to locate the Care Chair Classic, on abledata.com. It’s a manual wheelchair which incorporates a shopping basket. Sammonspreston.com offers a shopping bag that attaches to a wheelchair, but you’re looking for something more substantial – a proper, accessible shopping cart. We did find a reference on one web-site to “an accessible shopping cart” that attached to wheelchairs with Velcro, but the site said the anonymous manufacturer no longer made them. However, the retailer still managed to get one somehow – custom-made perhaps? Here’s a suggestion: choose a favorite grocery or department store and become a regular. After you’ve made your presence known – often – approach the store manager and ask them to get a cart for the store. Then make sure other people are made aware of what the store has done. Good acts deserve recognition, and other retailers will realize that doing something for their customers with disabilities can also be great for buisiness.

Beach Wheelchair Tires

Editor — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 20:34:00 GMT

I am looking for balloon-type tires to construct a beach wheelchair. Any advice or direction is appreciated.

Jim

Answer:

Jim, the same strategy we recommended to Debbie will also work for you: use Google to search for the term "beach wheelchair" into the search box.. You’ll come up with a number of resources that should be able to help.

Bariatric Wheelchairs

Editor — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 20:33:00 GMT

I am looking for a power chair suitable for a larger person. I tend to find that chairs suitable for a heavier weight do not have a wide enough seat. Can you suggest anything?

Lynda

Answer:

Absolutely. Head on over to wheelchairs.com. They sell a the Big Bounder “bariatric power wheelchair” that’s available in seat widths from 21 inches up to 48 inches. The standard version has a weight capacity of 500 pounds, but they can make one that’s rated up to 1,000 pounds.

Paralympian wheelchairs

Editor — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 20:31:00 GMT

Can you give me the dimensions for the sports wheelchairs used by paralympians? I understand some of them might be too wide for entrances to buildings, restaurants etc. I am the guest with disabilities coordinator at General Motors Place and would like to know if our entrances are accessible by these wider wheelchairs.

Almira

Answer:

We contacted Sportaid, which sells sports wheelchairs, to find out a typical width. They gave us 41-inches as a typical example. Keep in mind, though, that there is no established specs, and different manufacturers will have different widths.

Holidays for wheelchair users

Editor — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 20:30:00 GMT

Would like to know more about holidays for disabled wheelchair users – tours by coach in accessible coach.

Nuala

Ireland

Answer:

The internet has made this kind of information much more accessible (we’re so funny). Check out sites like: assistireland.ie, worldonwheelz.com, access-able.com, globalaccessnews.com. And winning the irreverent web-site name award: gimponthego.com.

Vocational school training for wheelchair repair

Editor — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 20:28:00 GMT

I'm looking for a vocational school or course from a wheelchair company that will teach repair.

Kevin

Answer:

As difficult as this may be to believe, we were unable to locate a single vocational school offering a “wheelchair technician” qualification – at least in North American and Europe. There is a program in Africa, but this was created because the areas being serviced by the program lacked the resources of wealthier countries for fitting and repairing wheelchairs. According to a paper reproduced on motivation.org.uk, entitled “Wheelchair Technology as a Profession,” wheelchair services in the industrialized world are provided through a synergy between manufacturers and health professionals, such as occupational therapists, rehab engineers and clinical assistants. Prosthetic and orthotic technologists may also develop expertise in wheelchair repair. Our advice is to contact prominent manufacturers and ask them where to begin your quest to learn wheelchair repair.

Collecting pop can tabs for charity

Editor — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 20:26:00 GMT

We were told that by collecting can tags we could help in the purchase of a wheelchair. Could you let me know if it is true or not and, if it is, which organization must I contact to donate the tags? We have the possibility, as an office, to collect a lot of tags. If it is worth it, we would like to help by donating these tags.

Nathalie
Québec

Answer:

We looked into this. Unfortunately, it looks like it’s an urban legend. Snopes.com has an interesting entry on the phenomenon. No one seems to know how the rumor started – a cruel hoax, perhaps? – but it’s widespread; aluminum and recycling companies frequently receive queries about the non-existent program. Some groups have occasionally tried to put the rumor into real effect – collected tabs for their wholesale value – but the amount paid on pull tabs is so small, it hardly merits the effort.

Beach Wheelchair

Editor — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 20:24:00 GMT

We are looking for a wheelchair that would be able to go on the beach, possibly powered? My daughter suffered a spinal cord injury and will be going to the New Jersey shore after her prom in June. Would love for her to have some independence.

Debbie

Answer:

The good news, Debbie, is that there are lots of products on the market, including motorized options. Plug beach wheelchair into Google and you’ll come up with lots of choices. Just as an example, the Seeker II has FDA approval and a “best new product” accolade (albeit from 2002). But there are tons to choose from, so log on, read the online brochures and talk to the manufacturers. Ask them why their product is superior to others and make sure they have a good warranty.

Wheels on the Water

Chantal — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 11:00:00 GMT

It may not be possible to walk on water, but I can most certainly roll across it!

I recently enjoyed the most pleasurable experience of my life, sailing through the Caribbean on a Carnival cruise ship. Surprisingly the trip was not greatly complicated by my wheels. I went through the same procedures, in the same time-frame, as anyone else who booked the trip by providing my travel agent with just one simple medical form. My attendant was also given a discount upon request.

Then the experience began. Not all Air Canada employees that I came into contact with were experienced in getting my wheelchair prepared for flight. However I was pleased with their willingness to assist me in all lifts necessary to transfer me from the airport to the plane and back again. Upon arriving in Florida I was pleasantly surprised that every city bus I spotted was wheelchair accessible. I found out that the accessible industry is much larger there because the demand is higher in Florida. My delight didn’t cease. I boarded the ship with ease and was further amazed by the accessibility built into the ship. There accessibility is based on the Americans with Disabilities Act, which means that locations designated as such, are not just technically accessible but are easy to navigate. My accessible room was equipped with a wider door as well as a roll in shower and grab bars in the bathroom. Ramps and elevators on the ship meant that I could access ten of the eleven decks. Hosts and hostesses in the dining room were mindful of my special needs and made it especially easy for me to enjoy meals.

As an added bonus, manual wheelchairs were available to explore ports that were not exactly accessible. The ship security staff were experienced in assisting passengers with special needs in getting off the ship in these locations. Four men lifted me in my borrowed chair down a flight of stairs, onto a smaller ship, so that I could enjoy the shores of Grand Cayman Island. Though my activities onshore were somewhat restricted, the denial of my participation in them was based on a lack of ADA approval for the excursion and I appreciated that I was not put in harms way nor frustrated by unforeseen obstacles.

The land restrictions were not as bothersome as you might think because there was an abundance of amusement provided on the ship. All the shows had accessible seating and I was welcomed to adapt any activities on the ship that were not entirely suitable. In having my chair onboard, the only problem I was not mindful of at first was that the electricity available on the ship was at a slightly lower voltage than on land. I had to be careful to charge my wheelchair more frequently than usual after the battery died on a pier of Costa Maya Mexico. Not that staying there would have been a horrible fate but I really wanted to get back and enjoy my five star, four course dinner that was included in my adventure. The bottom line is that it was an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone with physical limitations simply because the few obstacles I came across were relatively minor and did not impede upon my enjoyment of my holiday. Until next time, keep on rolling in the city and try rolling on the water if you get a chance.

~ Chantal

Photography: Capturing the memories of your travels

Robert — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Greetings fellow travelers.

It's cold outside and you're probably planning to go to the slopes or to the beach. Either place provides great opportunities for picture taking. When I was trying to decide what to write for this column I thought of my father, who passed away six years ago this month. My father loved photography. Mostly, he loved composing the scene he wanted to capture. He lived during the film era, but I think that he would have loved this digital era. I often heard him say he didn't need to print the image. He just loved composing and framing it. Toward the end of his life he stopped taking pictures. Parkinson's made holding the camera and snapping the shutter difficult. I wish he had known about the many pieces of adaptive photo equipment.

I sit in a wheelchair. I know that sometimes it is difficult for me to keep the camera steady while framing a shot. My father must have gone through similar problems. Fortunately, finding ways to cope have been easier for me than they were for him. Several companies have developed devices that clamp tight onto the frame of the chair and allow a camera to be positioned for a clear, steady image. Some of these devices are the Laird VGO, Symmetric Designs’ Camera Mount, and Orcca Technology Incorporated’s Camera Mounting System.

Today's cameras are smaller than my father’s were. So too are their control buttons. If you have poor dexterity or gripping ability these cameras can be a problem. There are solutions. The Gentle-ed IR Remote Control is a shutter release extension that uses the Infra-red wireless control found on many newer cameras to trigger the shutter. Conceptus, an Arizona-based company, makes switches for skydiving photographers. The best of these is called the Bite Switch and it is perfect for those with limited arm/hand mobility. As its name implies users bite down on it to operate the camera shutter.

Finally, and this may be a surprise to you, even those who have very poor or no eyesight, can be photographers. I remember when I was a staff writer for a disability style magazine. One of the frequent contributors was a blind photographer. One advantage of today's digital cameras is their large LED viewscreens. For someone with low vision the larger the screen the better. But for those people who are completely blind and still want to take photographs the best advice I can give you is to rely on your intact senses. For instance, taking a picture of a sunrise one would face the East and let the rays of the sun warm your face while pointing the camera in that direction. If you want a candid picture of people listen to the direction of their voices. If your ears are sharp enough you can even tell how far away from you they are, and then a flick of your finger can adjust the camera’s zoom.

If you have questions about becoming an amateur of professional photographer, and you have a disability, the best place to ask questions and receive valuable information is a worldwide organization logically called The Disabled Photographers Society.

Well, that’s it for this entry. I hope that I have been helpful in presenting you with ways to capture the memories of your travels. Till, next time…happy traveling!

Wheels in Public

Chantal — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 12:00:00 GMT

The public persona of persons with disabilities has both positive and negative aspects that are probably evaluated differently by each individual on wheels. I am not like every other person with a disability nor do I wish to be associated with each one of them. I have become particularly annoyed with assumptions made due to physical appearance and/or abilities. So much so that sometimes I fail to recognize their legitimacy. I will examine these assumptions in order that only legitimate beefs remain.

In my teenage years I became particularly annoyed with a high school teacher who continuously confused me with another student in a wheelchair. Being especially concerned with preserving a unique identity I failed to recognize the regularity of his actions. Categorization and classification are unconscious activities of the human mind. Everyone performs them everyday. It was visible in my own life as I commonly confused people who had similar tones of voice or similar ways of walking. Looking back, having considered what I learned, I was surprised that he was able to acknowledge me at all. That being said, I am thankful that as people with various disabilities become more and more involved it becomes harder to classify everyone of us in a similar category and unique identities prevail.

Another pet peeve of the public persona is that when I meet people for the first time they will often assume that I know and have information to share about another friend of theirs who has a disability. I am aware that these are probably people that assume that their friend in Washington knows their friend in Texas, simply because they live in the same country. Furthermore I recognize that I do come into contract with and know more people than average from the disabled community. However people need to understand that just because I may ride the parallel transit with someone does not mean that we have anything in common besides physical limitations. Therefore the extent of our communication might be small talk, if that. Still, because of the age of political correctness I should not expect to be exempt from this social faux pas. Therefore have no valid reason to over re-act to such silly questions.

When people get to know me, I want them to see my unique qualities. But in my view the public should be public and I sense a definite lack of anonymity on such occasions where it seems that people can instantly recognize me, even if I have no idea who they are. Such phenomenon can not be blamed on any individual after all large objects, such as wheelchairs, tend to stand out. In addition motors that make noise will be noticeable. Also accessibility in extremely visible locations such as the front of lecture halls makes in-conspicuity impossible. I mean to alert society to the fact that sometimes blending in is valued and it might be worthwhile to develop technology and accessibility arrangements that are not so open. I also mean to alert the disabled community to the fact that whether you want to be or not you will be noticed so represent the group well, and keep on rolling in the city.

~ Chantal

Plane Frustration

Robert — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 18:25:00 GMT

Hello fellow travelers.

Today I'm going to tell you a story. This is the story of a man having to surmount many obstacles in order to take a trip. A few months ago, I was invited to speak at a writer's convention in Boise, Idaho. Now, you might think that traveling from New York to Boise wouldn't present many challenges. That's what I thought also. But, like me, you would be wrong. Arranging the trip has been difficult from the very beginning. First, no airline goes directly from New York to Boise. Short, in-direct flights from point A to point B have become more and more the norm. That means the weary traveler has to change planes. For someone with a motor impairment, like myself, changing planes can be a major pain. You don't want to have so little time at the interim airport that you have to rush like a madman to catch a connecting flight, especially if you have adaptive mobility equipment that needs to be unloaded from the first plane. But, you also don't want to have so much time between flights that you go stir crazy. This was my problem. Almost all the flights, on all the major airlines, had waiting periods of at least three hours in the interim airport. I only found one flight that had an acceptable interim waiting period. I decided to book it, but that presented a second problem.

All the airlines seem to be pushing customers to use their Internet website to make travel arrangements. Those websites are easier and cheaper for the airlines. But, for a traveler with special needs the websites are often insufficient. You can purchase a ticket, but selecting a seat is a challenge. As I've told you in previous entries of this blog, I like a seat next to the bulkhead. The bulkheads make transfer from a wheelchair easier. Even when the website does include a diagram of the plane you are going to be on, and not all of them do, that diagram does not show where the bulkheads are. Nor does it show which aisle seats have movable armrests. So, you end up having to make a phone call.

If you try to call an airline on the telephone you first come in contact with their automated service. You’re told to push one button after another. That process can take upwards of 10 minutes. Then, if you're lucky enough to get past the machine, you're treated to service announcements and music which can drive you mad for as long as several hours. When a human does finally answer, customers are often told that purchasing a ticket over the phone carries an extra charge. To be fair, having a human deal with customers is more expensive than automating the ticketing process. But, because the websites are insufficient, travelers with special needs sometimes require the service of a human in order to complete their travel arrangements. The question is this, should someone be penalized for their special needs?

It seems to me the solutions are simple. Connecting with an airline needs to be made simpler and quicker. Hiring extra telephone staff is expensive, but doing so would alleviate customer frustration and make travelers more likely to choose one airline over another. Furthermore, the websites need to be updated. Seating chart diagrams need to include icons to show where accessible seats are. In this way customers with special seating needs can arrange their own travel over the Internet, just as most other people do, and avoid the extra fee.

Diminished Romance

Chantal — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Let’s face it; although I recognize the importance of physical attraction and eventual intimacy in serious relationships, I rarely express myself physically. Emotional and psychological aspects of a relationship are far more important to me. That is not to say that I don’t desire a physical component, rather I value the fore mentioned components more.

Furthermore, I see the development of emotional and psychological dependence as a legitimate romantic relationship. In my experience some are led to view the relationship differently due to the lack of a physical component (or ignorance of the fact that a physical component is indeed possible as time goes on). Others I know have withheld the possibility of anything physical as it allows them to view the romantic connection as non-existent (dare I say there are people in the world who do not want to be caught dating a person in a wheelchair). The fact is that even though I place greater value on emotional and psychological connections with my partner that does not mean that I do not desire physical intimacy at all. I was once proud that a fellow student who is extremely sexually active asked me to gratify him sexually. Although I would never accept his inappropriate request I appreciated that he saw fit to treat me like he would anyone else.

I have had the pleasure of dating individuals with and without disabilities and I consider each experience valid in its own right. Though I do not know exactly what the perfect match looks like, I have learned a lot from each experience and have no doubt that cupid will get to me eventually. He just may have to try a little harder to penetrate my wheels.

In the meantime I remain aware of factors such as compartmentalizing, pressure-cooking and diminishing relationships which can cause problems in romantic development. If you have been frustrated by love in the city or a lack thereof know that others have had similar experiences. Take heart, learn from my mistakes and keep on rolling in the city. You never know when cupid may strike.

~ Chantal

Romantic Relationships in the Pressure Cooker

Chantal — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 21:34:00 GMT

Sometimes I feel that my wheelchair is an unwanted shield against cupid’s flaming arrows. In this column I intend to shed light on frustrations faced by many with disabilities in the romantic realm. As I mentioned in the last edition, sometimes I wish that I could wear a sign advertising the fact that despite my disability I experience the same thoughts, feelings and drives as anyone else

It is not that I wish to invite promiscuity or that I would accept just anyone as a partner, but I wish to de-escalate some of the drama surrounding romantic behaviour of those with disabilities. I suppose that I should be thankful that I am hardly ever seen as just another piece of meat and rarely objectified by men who just want sex. In our society it is socially unacceptable to take advantage of the disabled girl and I appreciate that every man who has expressed interest in me has done so in a genuine manner. However despite its benefits, the extra importance placed on romantic relationships with the disabled also has its drawbacks. Romantic offers are less frequent for most and every romantic endeavour is automatically under greater pressure to succeed because more aspects seem to be pre-calculated. I mean that potential partners usually must come to terms with challenges and realize that those challenges are outweighed by similarities before expressing interest in a relationship with a disabled individual. The irony is that the people with disabilities are more likely to face more challenges as the relationship progresses in accounting for their physical limitations.

Developing a relationship, where a person with a disability is involved, may be more complicated as certain stipulations, such as the need for attendant care, a lack of spontaneity or a simple inability to participate in various activities, may be presented. Adapting may make the relationship slightly more difficult than most. As such I believe the harsh reality is that a couple, where one or both parties have a disability, may be more prone to failure than other relationships. The end result therefore is either the deepest happiness or the deepest heartbreak.

~ Chantal

Wheels on TV

Chantal — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Modern medical technology has saved the lives of many born with or later acquiring a disability. As the incidence of disability increases in our society so too does the appearance of wheels on TV. So this column is dedicated to how the small screen is affecting our image. When embarking on this topic I was fully aware of the fact that people on wheels are hardly victims of the media. The media stereotypes, distorts and exploits virtually every minority on a regular basis. Much of the following discussion could be applied to other minorities in society.

When I was younger every public-service image included a person of every race and of course someone in a wheelchair. To my knowledge there aren’t many current characters on wheels, however it appears that the barrier of political correction has been broken as people using wheelchairs have been placed in random roles. Examples include lawyer Jonathan Ashworth in Judging Amy; Kevin, the eldest brother, in Joan of Arcadia; and Stevie in Malcolm in the Middle. There is also a series devoted to characters using wheelchairs called Quads. There are several ways to view these images. In one light I see them as normalizing disability and supporting their recognition in society. In another light I see them as misleading and categorical. I think the problem lies in limited character development. Although I appreciate that writers integrate characters without drawing undue attention to their disability, it creates problems when trying to present the whole picture.

In my experience wheeling characters fall into one of three categories. The first is demonstrated by the Jonathan from Judging Amy. His character uses wheels and yet appears virtually unaffected by his disability. This scenario showcases a capable individual and serves to normalize disability however the portrayal is misleading. If a disabled individual held a similar position in real life it is likely that they would encounter secondary challenges not mentioned in the series, such as difficulty in navigating around small offices. There might be more value in illustrating real challenges and contributing to public awareness rather than creating unrealistic expectations of many with disabilities.

The eldest brother portrayed on Joan of Arcadia, is a well-integrated character on wheels. He demonstrates the problem faced by many accident victims of overcoming anger and bitterness caused by the loss of ability. However it is unfortunate that other character traits seem to be neglected. Despite struggles faced by anyone they always have more than one dimension to offer. With viewers only seeing that one dimension they may expect the same behaviour from all members of that minority.

The third category represented on TV, are those whose challenges are exploited for comic relief. I value the fact that some TV shows do not exempt those with challenges from the development of humour, after all I want to be treated like everyone else. Having said that, there is no reason that those with challenges cannot be a part of able-bodied jokes and their disability does not have to be at the centre of every spoof.

Perhaps instead of examining how minorities’ images are distorted on the small screen, we should spend more time looking at the bigger picture of how the small screen is affecting the views of society.

Keep on rolling in the city.

~ Chantal

Evolving Identity

Chantal — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 16:46:00 GMT

As a child, my disability never factored into my self-concept. Reasons for this were not that I was unaffected by it or that I refused to admit it to myself; I simply didn’t make the connection between things like my many doctors appointments and my wheelchair, or my educational assistant accompanying me to classes and my special needs. As well until I was about twelve years old, none of my drawings included my wheelchair. My self-portraits typically showed me skipping or running along. This is how I saw the world around me and how I understood myself.

It wasn’t until adolescence that I began to recognize that there was more to the picture then I had previously thought. As qualities like athleticism rose in value and homogeneity of social groups became important, my challenges and differences from the majority confronted me. I wasn’t sure that I could measure up anymore so I retreated to a network of disabled friends whenever possible. There I derived solace from feeling equally capable again. Yet I felt awkward, as our relationships were based only on physical capability or rather the lack there of. My self-identity within the group was not at all related to my previous self-concept. When I realized this I became fearful that my wheelchair would be all that anyone saw and that the rest of my picture would fade away. In an effort to shed light on the rest of my self and preserve the identity I grew up with or at least gain respect from the masses, I refused to do anything that could fit-in with stereotypes of the disabled. The only thing wrong with this was that in doing so I discounted positive aspects of my disability such as accessible sports, like wheelchair basketball, as well as the ability to understand and advocate for minorities.

I am just now coming to understand that to be the most fulfilled is to embrace all aspects of your identity and I suggest that you do the same. Keep on rolling in the city and good luck finding a way to balance all that you are.

~ Chantal

MP3 Land

Robert — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 14:00:00 GMT

Hello fellow travelers. How many of you have done this? When preparing to take a trip you go to the library or bookstore to pick up a travel guide for your destination then pack the book into your suitcase for reference when you arrive at your destination. I’ve done it on many occasions. For my trip to Paris a few years ago I packed two of these books then, when I arrived, decided they were too heavy to lug around in my backpack and too awkward to use while I was exploring the city. And how about those city and museum tours where the guide either goes too fast or too slow, or is difficult to understand?

Now, with the growing use of Ipods and other MP3 devices, those heavy guide books are becoming anachronistic and being replaced by travel-content podcasts. Let’s say you were going to Paris and you wanted a walking guide of the Louvre Museum. When you arrived there you could thumb through the pages of a guide book, or hook up with a tour group, or even rent one of those CD players with museum information. But each of these options has its own limitation. Now let’s say you are already carrying an MP3 player to listen to your favorite music while you meander. Now you have a walking guide of the museum in your pocket. You don’t have to follow anyone else’s rules or directions. You don’t have to struggle to hear a docent. You don’t even have to follow a pre-determined path of exhibits, as is the case with many of the CD-based tours.

Several companies have begun to record travel guides specifically to be used in these devices. One of these, iJourneys, was created by Elyse Weiner, an Emmy Award-winning network news executive who has extensively traveled the world for both business and pleasure. According to the company website, for a fee of $14.95, travelers can download guides from nine cities from around the globe. Many more are scheduled to be added to the library. The iJourneys tours don’t just encompass major attractions. Weiner’s descriptions include “the most interesting places, the best local texture. You'll get history, art, ice cream, gondolas, Julius Caesar's assassination and wine bars.”

“Do you want to tap into the essence of a city? Delve into the spirit of a community? Grasp the magic of a particular street? Comprehend the legacy of a specific structure? Do you wish to return from your travels with the opulence of a destination etched on your soul?” This is the opening message on the iToors website. The company creates mp3 podcast tours of cities world-wide and bills itself as ‘your personal escort.’ Each downloadable (and free) tour focuses on the lifestyle and attractions within a particular city.

The world is changing and the tools travelers use has to change with it. One of those tools is the beloved travel guide. There are many websites that offer travelers the opportunity to download itinerary guides that can be played at one’s own pace on an mp3-compatible device. With these in hand travelers can avoid the strain, aggravation and awkwardness of carrying those antiquated paper-based travel guides.

All Aboard: Train Travel

Robert — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 22:10:00 GMT

Hello fellow travelers. Over the past several months I’ve talked to you about access to various types of transportation. We’ve looked at planes, buses, and cruise ships. Now, let us explore train travel.

Several years ago I began experiencing severe headaches. Often the pain was so great that driving became dangerous, especially on long trips. For these longer journeys, at least, traveling by train became my only option. However, I quickly learned that the laws regarding accessible train travel were murky and their goals sometimes unachievable.

The Americans with Disabilities Act public requires that wherever public transportation is provided it has to be made accessible to people with disabilities. Rail carriers, for example, have to provide one common wheelchair space and one common wheelchair storage space per car. Section 37.3 of the Department of Transportation regulations defines a ‘common’ wheelchair as a three or four-wheeled device that does not exceed 30 inches in width and 48 inches in length and does not weigh more than 600 pounds when occupied. Furthermore, rail stations must make accommodations to patrons with physical disabilities and include such features as ramps/elevators, large-print and tactile-Braille signs, audio-visual information systems, platform-edge warning strips, platform gap modifications or bridge plates, accessible telephones with volume control, and text telephones (TTYs), and, accessible restrooms at commuter rail stations with restrooms. Rail carriers are mandated to be totally compliant in their architecture, products, and signs by 2010. Several states, most notably New York, Michigan, Illinois and Vermont, have been trying to find ways to rebuild their fleets and railway stations but those efforts have been thwarted by uncertainty over applicable regulations. Surprisingly, the Department of Transportation itself is responsible for at least some of the problem.

For example, Department of Transportation regulations require stations to have a level platform running the full length of the passenger boarding area. This platform is supposed to have a horizontal gap of no more than three inches and a vertical gap of no more than 5/8 inches. The problem is that even DOT officials are not convinced that these requirements can be met. They recognize that many stations are constructed in such a way that they can not accommodate full-length, level boarding platforms. Furthermore, passenger cars from different eras and different manufacturers are not standard in their dimensions. The ADA does allow for a work-around to the gap-span problem however. Gap-cover ramps are installed on an as-needed basis by individual train conductors. The trouble with this solution is two-fold. First, according to a conductor in Philadelphia I recently spoke with, many stations do not have enough of these ramps to adequately meet their passenger needs. Second, the need to have a train official place the ramps interferes with the independence of passengers with disabilities. I've almost missed a train because I couldn't readily find a conductor to place the needed ramp in order for me to board.

Potential riders must take some responsibility as well. My local commuter station has two platforms, with elevators on both sides. Several times I have been able to take the train to my destination only to later find out that the elevator on the return platform is out of order. I’ve learned that it is important to call ahead to the individual stations in order to find out about current status of elevators on both arrival and departure tracks. Also, riders need to know about the availability of accessible local transportation (taxicabs, transferring to other subways, etc.) once reaching their destination station.

One final thought : I remember when people could tour the inside of a plane before it took off. That was a long time ago and, because of heightened security measures, you can’t do it now. But, on a most trains you still can. For the “fun” of it, when planning a train trip, it might be helpful to make a dry run. Go to a local train station. See if it’s accessibility features are up to code and, more importantly, meet your needs. Then check out one of the trains, not necessarily to take an impromptu ride but to see how easily you can get onboard and into a seat. If you don’t want that impromptu ride just make sure you have enough time to get off the train.

Wheels in the City from a Different Perspective

Chantal — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 21:49:00 GMT

In my experience with the able-bodied public, most do not have a very thorough understanding of accessibility. However many remark that it only took slight contact with a wheelchair user, or a brief experience in a wheelchair themselves, for them to recognize barriers in our society. Therefore being confronted with accessibility and technological issues early on, you might expect my family to be among the most aware. However, growing up accustomed to such issues causes my relatives to tell a different story.

Throughout childhood I was particularly close to a cousin who was eighteen months older then me and due to a number of common interests, we remain close today. She says that there are always obstacles. Her familiarity with my disability has simply made her more conscious of how to get around them. She finds it hard to comment on how our experiences were different from anyone else’s and points out that when she was little; she assumed that everyone had a cousin in a wheelchair. Looking back, it is obvious that our childhood experiences were somewhat different and pointing out the unique aspects might be valuable to others.

Most young children spend their time burning off as much energy as possible. Sometimes an older family member would set me in the middle of the action so I too could participate in such energetic games. However, the migrant nature of such games made continuous involvement difficult. So my closest cousin and I spend much of our time on stationary activities. I’m not sure what possessed her to lift me up one day, but we were about nine when she decided that if she wanted me to be where the action was she would have to find a way to get me there. It seemed precarious as first. To anyone else it might have looked like a recipe for disaster, but to us it was a valuable mode of transportation in un-wheelchair accessible houses. In a short time we perfected a technique where my feet where barely off the ground, and she could barely see where she was going. As we grew she developed a profound understanding of my limitations, how my limbs operate and how my chair works. Over time our technique has improved, and to this day friends are amazed at how easy she makes moving me appear to be.

The great thing about my cousin is that it never occurred to her that my life should be any different then anyone else’s. She recalls one childhood incident when she was confused because a stranger passing by handed her a dollar to give to me. She said, “If people knew your life was as good as mine they wouldn’t feel sorry for you.” She has no problem helping me with things that others might regard as less important for a “disabled” person - such as hair and makeup - because she’s only ever compared me to other friends and family who do such things regularly. She assumes that if I can’t do something she would do, I must want or need help doing it. Her attitude is very refreshing because it shows she respects me as much as she would anyone else.

So keep on rolling in the city with all the respect you deserve.

~ Chantal (Inspired by Laura Huinink)

Expressions of Encouragement

Chantal — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 19:15:00 GMT

Thus far I feel I’ve made the most of my capabilities, but I can also understand why people feel the need to encourage me. I know many see me as someone who is continuously overcoming the obstacles and beating the odds. Such people are very impressed with my accomplishments at university, and are even surprised by my ability to live independently. So it’s unsurprising that on various occasions, friends, family and strangers too, have felt the need to express their encouragement.

Although these gestures may be very genuine and I make an effort to accept them graciously, they make me feel quite uncomfortable - after all, this is my life. From my perspective, I am simply going about my days, doing what I have to do to live like many others. I am making the most out of what I have, and being or doing anything less really seems foolish to me. That’s why I am often unsure of what to do when people go out of their way to encourage me.

One stranger in particular caught me off guard - she was wowed that I was shopping in the dollar store by myself. The fact of the matter is, I may need help from various people for many things, but I am also capable of many things, and I do not believe doing them is a very great accomplishment. The fact that anyone would expect less from me is a scary thought. If I did succumb to my limitations then what would become of me? This is a question I often ask myself, because it is no joke.

Sometimes I do struggle, and doing as much as I would like to is very difficult; but in the end, the effort I put in is worth it because there is nothing better to do with my time. It is almost as if the end justifies the means - that is to say, if I relinquished my active lifestyle in the hopes of minimizing struggles, I would have no productivity to show for the hurdles I would still inevitably face. My accomplishments make the challenges I encounter in the midst of everything even more worthwhile.

So keep on rolling in the city, and know you are capable of much more then what it takes to make people proud.

~ Chantal

Access To Airlines

Robert — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 23:18:00 GMT

Hello fellow travelers.

Recently I took a trip to California for Thanksgiving. As you may know, I'm a wheelchair user. When I take a trip by air I need extra room for my legs to transfer into and out of the plane's seat. So, I make sure to get assigned a bulkhead seat. When I made the reservations I was told the flights would be on planes without bulkhead seating. After an hour of haggling with the reservations clerk, I rearranged the reservation, not realizing that the new flights had long layovers. I don't know about other wheelchair users, but for me having to change planes and having long layovers can lead to serious health problems. It was back to the drawing board, and back on the phone with a supervisor at Delta. After another half hour of haggling I finally got the flights I wanted. When I asked the supervisor why the new flights weren't offered to me in the first place, I was told the agent simply gave me what the computer spit out first.

Upon checking in at the airport, I discovered there was no bulkhead on the plane. That was the first of many deceptions I would face on this trip. Fortunately the agent took pity on my situation and bumped me up to first class. Before making the trip back home I called the airline to check in and was told that, because of my problems with the earlier trip, a notice had been placed in the computer that my family and I had been bumped up to first class. That was the second deception. When we arrived at the airport we were informed that our seats had not been changed. However, three seats in first class were available. That was the third deception. At the gate I was told there were bulkhead seats, but they were in an emergency exit row. I could not help if a problem occurred so was not allowed to sit there. After a bit of discussion with one of the supervisors, I was also told that the first-class seats were sold, but that I would be put on standby for those seats in case somebody did not show up. I ended up getting one of the seats, but my mother and brother sat in economy compartment.

As a paraplegic I’ve always had problems transferring into an airplane seat. Most of the seats on an airplane do not have movable armrests. On this trip I learned something new. The seat of the aisle chairs that bring me onboard can be raised to the level of the plane seat’s armrest. This allows for a much easier transfer.

Allow me to make a few suggestions for the next time you fly.

First, check your reservation many times before actually getting on any plane.
Clearly define to the ticketing agent what you need and why.
If you are a paraplegic or quadriplegic make sure that the attendants know that they need to raise the seat of the aisle chair to allow for easier transfers.
Finally, it is important to note that each of the airlines has its problems. For instance, in my experience, American’s planes are usually late and Delta almost always screws up seat assignments. So, be prepared for disappointments and frustration!

Access To The Sea: Accessibility on cruise ships

Robert — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 23:14:00 GMT

Hello fellow travelers.

Cruising is a ‘canned’ vacation, and therefore perfect for someone with a mobility impairment. Access to hotels, restaurants or entertainment is not an issue. Picking a destination is. For my first cruise I chose Alaska. People I trusted told me this was the most scenic cruise. I was not disappointed. Alaska is, without doubt, the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. After talking to my travel agent about accessibility on cruise ships I was convinced that the Princess line had the newest ships and were, therefore, probably the most ADA compliant.

I flew to Vancouver, B.C to pick up the Princess Ocean. This particular ship had only been christened a few months before. When the cab stopped at the dock I sat there in awe. I was told that cruise ships are huge, but that is an understatement. This ship was eight hundred and fifty-six feet long, weighed seventy-seven thousand tons, and had fourteen decks. When my travel agent and I were comparing cruise lines her sources told her that this particular ship had been designed with disabled passengers in mind. In hindsight I have my doubts.

At first glance Princess seemed to have made an effort to make this ship wheelchair friendly. My stateroom was the size of a standard hotel, not the tiny cabin that most people who take cruises often talk about. The cabin had all the amenities and very little of the annoying clutter that normally gets in the way of a wheelchair. The bathroom, which is almost always a problem when I travel, was great, once I got over the narrow, steep ramp that preceded its door. The vanity had enough clearance for my legs to fit under it. That was a rarity. The roll-in shower was perfectly suited for me. The peephole on the cabin’s door, though, was too high for someone in a wheelchair.

The accessibility problems that existed on the Ocean were relatively small compared to other places I’ve been, but they were glaring. The doors onto the deck were spring-loaded and very heavy. I was told this was done to avoid flooding in case of rough seas. I found it difficult to roll myself up the short, steep ramps while trying to open the doors. Around each deck was a rail for passengers to lean on and look over, but the top of the rail was just at my eye level. Viewing the landscape and taking pictures was somewhat of a challenge. I was constantly forced to find places where the rail was out of the way. I’m sure that a taller person wouldn’t have had this problem even from a seated position. In the casino all the gaming tables were standard height. None were geared toward wheelchair users. The Disco was set up very well, with plenty of space to roll around, but the dance floor had a single step leading up to it. There was no reason I could see for these minor, easily correctable problems. Whenever I ran into one of these problems on this otherwise accessible ship I had to ask myself ‘Why?’

I haven’t taken another cruise since 2001, but I have to think that the ships have become more accessible. The lawsuits against the various cruise lines, discussed in my last entry, go a long way toward standardizing the accessibility features of cruise ships. My advice is to compare each cruise line to see which best meets your needs. If you use a wheelchair take measurements of its width and compare that to the widths of doorways, if they are known. Ask about ramps and steps. I’m sure you’ll find a ship that suits your needs.

Stay tuned to this blog. Next time I will talk about access to the air. Till then, happy traveling.

Why I’m Glad My Wheelchair Says it All

Chantal — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 17:39:00 GMT

There are reasons why I don’t like labels, and there are times when I wish I was capable of more. But they say a picture speaks a thousand words, and when I am confronted by my limitations I am glad my wheelchair does some of the talking.

In a busy store I don’t have to explain why it takes me longer to grab my change. In fact, I’m sure some customers withhold rude comments they would otherwise say to me if it wasn’t for my wheelchair. When I am navigating my way through a crowd, people know enough to clear more than two inches; actually, they’re more likely to give me extra room. Finally, if I cross the street really slowly, people know better than to honk at me. Some will even jump out of their car to ask if I’m okay. These scenarios, and many more, point to the fact that my chair says many things - “be patient”, “don’t make her struggle” and “she might need assistance”. My chair gives me some power to act atypically, without social repercussions - a fact which I greatly appreciate. Still, I try not to abuse the privilege, because I know that without it I would suffer the wrath of many on a daily basis. I consider it a luxury, not a right.

I have some friends who, due to a slight difference in their limitations and / or a sheer act of willpower, choose not to use a mobility aid, even though they go about their day more slowly and struggle with certain tasks more than I would. As a result, the general public will hurry them along or become frustrated by them. My question is, if people do not carry on that way with me, why do they feel compelled to do so to others? There is no need to wait for obvious signs of disadvantage before acting considerately; it is not beyond our capabilities to act compassionately toward friends, families and strangers alike.

So if you use a wheelchair or another prominent mobility device, do not assume that the compassion you receive is simply owed to you because of your disability - such consideration should be universal.

Until next time keep on rolling in the city.

~ Chantal