Choose your own Adventure

I've learned that no matter how I choose to conduct myself, life is an adventure with pros and cons attached to every choice I make. My being in a wheelchair raises many personal choices that are associated with my physical versatility. What I mean by the term "physical versatility", is whether I choose to adapt to my existing environment or whether I restrict it based on the choices I make.

For example, a friend of mine, who also uses an electric wheelchair, once told me she refused to see a film at an independent movie theater due to its inaccessibility. Having enjoyed great movies at this theater myself, I explained that it could be done simply by enlisting fellow customers for help up the stairs. She flat out refused, informing me of how undignified that would be for her. She added that if they really wanted her business they would make the theater wheelchair accessible.

I understood her point of view and believed that she was completely justified, but I also saw how my resourceful approach to my own physical versatility enabled me to have a positive movie experience; whereas her firm stance on the matter prevented her from doing so.

I was confronted with a similar dilemma when I went to summer camp. I became very self conscious because many of the camp staff seemed focused on my being in a wheelchair. I felt my privacy was invaded, and I struggled with autonomy until I realized that my dignity isn't limited to physical aspects. In fact, given my physical condition and my being in a wheelchair, I've found that I derive more dignity from the way I interact intellectually, rather than with physical elements of my being.

Furthermore, my choice to be more flexible when it comes to my physical versatility gives me considerable freedom to do what I want because I'm not afraid to ask people to assist me. Now, I don't always want to ask strangers for help, but my being in a wheelchair requires that I'm sometimes more dependent on others.

My choice when it comes to physical versatility is to go with the flow, and accomplish things unconventionally if need be. I believe that this outlook has given me more opportunities to see the world as physically-abled people see it.

Back to my friend and the movie theater. Her dignified stance might have meant more independence, control and greater opportunities for her to show able-bodied people the world as she sees it. However, she still loses out on seeing a film in a wonderful theater.

You see, whether you choose a dignified stance, a more versatile approach, or a mixture of both, I guarantee that your physical adventures will be full of ups and downs along the way.

However, as always I urge you to keep on rolling in the city.

~ Chantal