My faith is very important to me.  I believe miracles happen everyday, and I know theoretically I could be healed at any moment.  At present however, as well as in the foreseeable future, I am meant to use a wheelchair.  Members of my church and other people close to me understand that physical healing is not a priority of mine because they see that I am able to lead a fulfilling life regardless of my wheelchair. 

However, outside of my community I cannot count on the same understanding.  People of various faiths have tried to heal me on several occasions. Some think that I am in a wheelchair because of the things I have done wrong. Others think that I am entitled to a miracle because they see that my faith is strong. What they do not seem to realize is that my faith isn’t at all reliant on my physical capabilities. I am completely able to live out my destiny just the way I am.

I rarely feel embarrassed when people try to heal me, and I do not get mad at them because I know they mean well. They see me as disadvantaged and would like to help in some way. What bothers me about their attempts to heal me is that they are often compelled to do so because they have underestimated my abilities or assumed that I need physical healing in order to feel whole. In actuality, what makes me feel that I am just as worthwhile as anyone else is the fact that I am able to make meaningful contributions to society, despite my physical challenges. 

What the people who try to heal me need to understand is that everyone on earth is disadvantaged in some way. Even though my physical disadvantages may be more obvious than the disadvantages of some others, that doesn’t mean that I am any more desperate for a miracle.  Furthermore modern technology, such as my power wheelchair, ramps and automatic doors go a long way in minimizing my so-called disadvantages.  In a perfect world I would not have cerebral palsy, and for that matter, no able-bodied person would encounter any kind of hardship. But the world is not perfect, so be confident in who you are. 

Use the talents you have, and until next time keep on rolling in the city. 

~ Chantal

This summer, Wheels in the City came to you from a children’s summer camp where I worked as a Leadership Coordinator. I was very glad to leave the city, and I felt good about the new job. But I also sympathize with those who had to go on the summer job hunt. Finding the right one is not easy, and having a disability can complicate things; knowing this, I have gathered a few pointers that may ease the process.

First, my employment came about at least in part because of my assumption that I was just like everyone else. When my able-bodied friends and I became too old to attend camp, they applied to work on staff; I wasn’t going to let my disability stand in my way, so I decided to apply, just like them. In the meantime however, I had to consider the logistics of fulfilling responsibilities at camp. I knew life-guarding was out of the question, and I figured sports coordination would be more physical work than I could handle. But I loved drama, so I proposed to run a drama program at camp. In my interview, I expressed both what I could, and could not do. You may not see your limitations as a selling point, but it is important to have a thorough understanding of them and be open about them - not only for honesty’s sake, but also so that you do not fall short of your employer’s expectations.

Despite my openness, I struggled much more than I expected to, and burdened myself with trying to compensate for my limitations by exhausting my talents. That was three summers ago. Wanting to be at camp again this year, I applied to be Special Needs Coordinator, knowing that in that job my disability would not hinder my responsibilities.  

To my surprise, having considered my skills and limitations, the camp thought I would be best suited to the Leadership Coordinator’s position, and made me responsible for fourteen to eighteen-year-olds at camp. I did face many challenges that I was not expecting over the summer, both physical and non-physical, but I was able to perform the fundamental duties expected of me. The great thing is that I was forced to learn, adapt and grow like everyone else. After all, isn’t it the best of both worlds if you’re actually learning on the job?

So on that note, hit the job market and keep on rolling in the city.

~ Chantal

When people mean well, but say the wrong thing

I once heard a wheelchair-using comedian speak on terminology. He said in the 1940's he was known as “crippled”; in the 1950's he was called “handicapped”; in the 1960's he was considered “confined to a wheelchair”; in the 1970's he was plain “disabled”; in the 1980's he was “a person with a disability”; and now he's considered “differently-abled.” In the punch line, he predicted that in 10-years he would be called “normal.” I don't remember what his name was, but his take on the ridiculous evolution of politically correct terminology really stuck with me.

The expectation that society will stay on the politically correct bandwagon is just as comical. I mean, I already find some of the newer terms to be more demeaning than the older ones. In particular, the term “differently-abled” makes me feel like an alien with super powers rather than a normal person with some gifts, talents and a few physical limitations.

So if the acceptance of various terms depends on personal viewpoints - how can we deal with the terms we find particularly offensive? There are a number of options that I'd like to discuss.

First, righteous indignance may be justifiable, because after all in some cases it's good to speak out. However, this approach may leave you looking bitter over someone else's honest mistake, and this can make the situation unduly awkward and embarrassing for everyone involved.

Another option is adopting derogatory terms into your plain speech. This may empower you in the same way that it seems to empower other social and racial groups. After all, the more that shocking terms are used in everyday conversation; the more they begin to lose significance right? The problem with this is that not everyone will realize your objective, and you risk offending those who think these terms contribute to mixed messages or those that just plain won't tolerate derogatory lingo.

My approach is to explain my point of view to the people I know well. In my experience there are few negative effects when you explain your personal opinions to the people closest to you. After all, they are the least likely to feel threatened or get the wrong impression by your intimate conversation. Through word of mouth they will likely share your point of view with others, and your message will spread.

Above all, if someone else's language bothers you, don't ignore it. However, when identifying and trying to solve the conflict, keep the speakers' intentions in mind as well as the context of your conversation. Always remember that people usually mean well – even when they say the wrong thing.

Keep on rolling in the city.

~ Chantal

Weather isn't exempt from the rule "No white after Labor Day!"

I love snowmen, skating and salted sidewalks, but I hate getting my wheelchair tires stuck in the snow and having my batteries die because of the frigid cold. Unfortunately, the dreaded white stuff causes many wheelchair dependant individuals to become hermits during the snowy months. Surely there has to be a better way to thaw this snowy situation.

ATTENTION SNOW REMOVAL CREWS! Even those seemingly harmless small piles of snow left on curbs are big obstacles for some of us. Four-horse-powered wheelchairs like mine simply can't handle them. Usually I'll take a run at them, but then I risk getting stuck in a drift. Worse yet, by the time I dislodge myself the stoplight is usually no longer green, causing me to reverse and to possibly get stuck again. Other times I get frustrated because I manage to get through one snow bank - either by maneuvering my wheelchair or with the assistance of a helpful passerby - only to run into another snow pile, virtually trapping me. Just so you know, narrow clearings made with a shovel are also particularly aggravating, as getting through these with a full-sized power wheelchair isn't any easier.

HELP WANTED FROM INVENTORS EVERYWHERE! Electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters are wonderful inventions, except that such technology isn't built for certain North American weather conditions. Solutions to a few of the common problems that electric wheelchairs and other assistive devices face in winter weather include:

• Onboard battery heaters – These would keep wheelchair batteries efficient regardless of the temperature.
• Winter devices made for wheelchairs based on automobile design - such as snow tires , tire chains and larger front wheels - would greatly improve mobility.
• Heated wheels – to melt tracks in the snow may be a far way off, but mounting a simple sort of plow attachment on the front of a wheelchair may eliminate snow obstacles altogether.

In the meantime, some strategies I recommend for minimizing the snow effect are:

• Maximize planning - I never liked planning extensively because I found the lack of spontaneity somewhat unfair. However, leaving things unplanned meant that I would often run into unnecessary difficulty in my wheelchair, for example if I didn't dress warmly and got stuck in a snow drift.
• Minimize effort - Use winter gear that's easy to assemble so that frustration is curtailed and energy can be put toward more important matters.
• Always carry an emergency device – such as a cell phone or pager that will allow you to contact help immediately if you need it. This eliminates the possibility and fear of being stranded.

Despite the snow effect, keep on rolling in the city.

~ Chantal

How Living Life to the Fullest Plants the Trouble Weed

The root of conflict between me and many healthcare professionals is planted by our differing perspectives. For a healthcare worker to be effective, much of their world revolves around the medical community. This is so they're aware of the newest assistive devices and wheelchairs, the latest clinical trials, the greatest treatment possibilities, as well as other beneficial tips that are "helpful" – at least in theory. Whereas for me, to effectively live my life to the fullest, I must continually remind myself that my physical impairment has only a small influence on everything I do.

This conflict, or root, grows into a thick troubled stem as a result. From my own perspective it's impractical to keep focusing on my disability and my wheelchair; whereas health care professionals make it their main concern. I understand that they wish to be helpful by checking up on their patient roster through routine visits and regular appointments. However, unless these appointments are regarding an actual health problem, I put very little value on them.

As far as I'm concerned, I can spend my time in plenty of other productive ways. For instance, I would much rather be playing an active role to improve my life, rather than focusing on what I can't do. So unless I require the expertise of a health care professional, I live by the "don't call me, I'll call you" rule. That is – I don't call them unless I need them, and I don't expect them to contact me either.

I rarely make concessions for my disability, and this my friends is where the troubled weed between me and healthcare professionals comes into full bloom. What I mean is, just because I consult a healthcare professional for some expertise, that doesn't always mean that I take their advice. I personally believe that there's a very fine line between a health-conscious decision and a health-consuming decision (one that requires undue sacrifice).

For example, I often choose to go swimming rather than to undergo an hour of passive physiotherapy every day. Another example would be that although a heavy-duty electric wheelchair was recommended to me for reasons of durability, I chose a lightweight travel wheelchair because it can be folded so I can commute with friends.

My choices suit my personal lifestyle. My primary goal is to improve my functional abilities so that I can accomplish everything I deem worthwhile. In doing this, I don't necessarily make time for my disability, or take advantage of all that the medical community perceives as "beneficial" to me. Hence the trouble weed between me and medical professionals continues to grow, and yes, some hate me indeed.

On that note, keep on rolling in the city.

~ Chantal

Finding Balance Between Special Needs & Special Treatment

As a person who depends on a wheelchair I can tell you firsthand that having a disability makes life challenging. I don’t think anyone would argue that those of us who must use wheelchairs, electric scooters, canes or walkers to get around have it easy by any means. However I’ve seen the reactions and heard the mutterings of disapproval from those who witness me getting what they deem as “preferential treatment” - I can think of one instance when I was moved to the front of a very long line at the OSAP office at my university. On the other hand, I’ve also seen many people applauding this special treatment - to the point of offering it up when it’s completely unnecessary.

These negative and positive reactions to my disability often leave me pondering if there’s a way to balance the scales between “special needs” and “special treatment”? Is there any hope of finding real equality between the two?

In the past, I’ve been approached by many people who’ve said they’re delighted to help me whenever possible. They rationalize this because aspects of my life seem a lot harder than theirs. However, I’ve also been confronted by the complete opposite. People who witness much of the special privileges that I receive and complain that they are given randomly, unnecessarily, and at times even unfairly.

When I think about it I can understand both points of view, but I don’t believe either one is totally justified. I can tell you that I often accept almost any special services I’m offered without giving it much thought. This is simply because these special treatments typically make a significant difference in my daily life. However, it still leaves me wondering if the special treatment I receive hurts others in any way? It also leads me to ask the ever-lingering question - where do the scales between special needs and special treatment balance out?

The Special Treatment Argument

In my experience, I sometimes receive special treatment because of displaced compassion. What I mean by “displaced compassion” is that I’m often offered special privileges that have nothing to do with my disability. For example, a while back, I was bumped to the front of the line while waiting for an autograph from my favorite band. These kinds of genuine gestures tip the scale of equality in my direction a great deal. Some would say this is unfair preferential treatment; while others would argue its necessary favoritism.

I admit, oftentimes assistance isn’t really necessary. However when it’s offered, I take advantage of it because it allows me to put more energy towards greater struggles. A good example of this would be when people feel obliged to open doors for me or to give me access to reserved computers in the library, even when they’ve been waiting in line longer than I have. These sorts of privileges make a significant difference in my daily life. If someone opens a door for me or lets me use a reserved computer, I can get things done a lot faster, because time isn’t a luxury that life in a wheelchair allows for. So these sorts of favoritisms leave more time in my day for other tasks that I normally wouldn’t be able to find the time for.

In my next column I plan to continue our examination of special needs vs. special treatment by giving insight on the “special needs” side of the scale.

On that note, keep on rolling in the city.

Everything You Want in a Girl on Wheels

Here she comes…Miss Wheelchair America. She can’t walk, but she certainly stands tall in the face of scrutiny that the Miss America pageant is often criticized for. There’s no doubt that the Miss Wheelchair America pageant has great merit. The Miss Wheelchair America pageant represents a parallel playing field for “beauty queens” who just happen to use a wheelchair and possess a variety of non-traditional skills and talents. The winners are bound to empower many beautiful girls who happen to use wheelchairs as well. In my eyes, this is what gives this pageant great value over other “beauty” pageants.

However, my question is, does Miss Wheelchair America and the message associated with her really look good from all angles? One positive angle of the pageant is in line with its objectives. It raises social awareness and understanding about different disabilities. Another great attribute of this event is that it challenges some incomplete perceptions that people have towards those with disabilities. Despite the big picture issues that those of us in wheelchairs are sometimes faced with, the fact is that many day-to-day activities require additional effort and attention as well - for instance personal appearance. The icing on the cake is that the Miss Wheelchair pageant might also help to broaden society’s conception of the elements that comprise beauty.

However, the pageant is not without its bad angles either. One big smear on the Miss Wheelchair America pageant is its segregation from the Miss America pageant. This segregation gives wheelchair users the message that they don’t measure up to able-bodied people, and this detracts greatly from the positive objectives of the Miss Wheelchair pageant. In one sense, the separation of these pageants also emphasizes unimportant differences. If the pageants were integrated, emphasis would lie on equality of all participants, regardless of their physical differences.

Nevertheless, I believe in the positive aspects of the pageant and of course, the current Miss Wheelchair America, Kristen Connors herself. These outshine any negative elements by far. Miss Wheelchair state pageants are currently being held across America. The final pageant will take place on July 31, 2006, in Little Rock, Alaska. For more information about the Miss Wheelchair America pageant please visit - http://www.mswheelchairamerica.org/.

The Miss Wheelchair America Pageant is definitely one high-heeled step in a positively progressive direction. As we step and roll into the future together, it feels good to know that our various abilities, along with our wheels, are becoming more and more evident in society. Plus, it’s even better to think that both wheels and heels are going to be representative of the America of the future.

On that note,

Keep on rolling in the city.

Spring has sprung and love may be in the air

I don’t pretend to understand all the complexities of true love, but I do know that there are many happy couples with very diverse qualities. I’m also sure that the tantalizing flavour of true love is partly due to unique bakers’ secrets added to every mix. When it comes to love the old adage is true. Love can be blind, but it can also be wheeled!

So because I can’t devise a complete recipe for true love, I’ll share with you some ingredients that I think mix better than others. First of all, physical capabilities will not make or break a recipe for love. Oftentimes people who can walk have more in common with those who can’t, and vice-versa. On the other hand some disabled individuals feel more comfortable with those who are similarly challenged. Consider such characteristics before assuming the perfect dynamics of a relationship.

If you decide to enter into a relationship with a person more physically able than yourself, there are some things to keep in mind. As with friendship, when dating it’s important to remember that just because someone has committed themselves to you, doesn’t mean that they necessarily want to take on extra responsibilities. In my experience guys are fearful of helping me with personal care, and this is understandable as such things are far from romantic. In order to enjoy the relationship it’s important for me to keep personal care separate - unless they specify otherwise.

On the other hand, as your relationship deepens it’s necessary that your partner grows to understand the nature of your disability. It took me a long time to realize that asking my date to simply read the menu aloud and put on my “cover” (aka bib) when the food arrives is actually more effective than having an attendant escort us on a romantic evening.

The last major lesson I’ve learned of romance is that partners who don’t share the same physical capabilities may be soul mates; however their cohesion is probably not based on physical activity. Therefore if your significant other enjoys an activity that you can’t participate in - such as hiking or biking – don’t be insulted. They may require the friendship of similarly interested and able friends, but don’t take it as a sign that you’re not good enough. In addition, your loved one will appreciate your support of their personal interests. If another desires you for their partner, chances are your contribution to the relationship is worth much more than a hobby or two.

Don’t be deterred by the physical capabilities, or lack there of in a potential partner. You never know, between the two of you there might be something special that makes the mix turn out just right.

Until you find your perfect mix, and even after…keep on rolling in the city.

~ Chantal