Now that we've returned to the land of four seasons, I've taken note of different challenges to my access in each. For winter, there's the obvious: SNOW! Even a mild snow storm can immobilize me and cold weather makes my achy bones and joints that much more hesitant to brave the conditions. Summer is free of such obstacles but inaccessibility isn't only an aspect of our physical surroundings. Social functioning, too, can be inaccessible.
Living within close proximity to so many friends and family is a relatively new experience for my husband and me. We've loved the opportunity to join all the cookouts, birthday dinners, and ball games that we've missed for years. Every weekend has been packed with fun and more activities are possible with such a supply of people willing, able, and happy to help us. Two weeks ago, we were invited to an annual family camping trip. The perfect excuse to order the Eureka Freedom tent-designed especially for wheelchair users! Had I had the extra $350 (yikes!), I might've ordered one. Another obligation conflicted with the camping trip though and we decided to let the rest of the family survey the site for whether or not we can come next year.
We had our chance this weekend though to brave the wild wilderness-wheelchairs and all. My Dad has a boat that he's invited us on for years (literally!). I've been hesitant because boating absolutely mandates what I hate the most: asking for help...alot of it! I usually need to be carried down a steep embankment to the dock (while I fear for my life!). I always require assistance getting on the boat (this time involving a leap over water that I'm sure will lead to my demise). And sometimes it can difficult moving around the *moving* boat. This boat, a cruiser, was large enough for me to keep my wheelchair on board. Adam decided to leave his ashore because he's able to "walk" on his knees pretty well. I also abandoned my chair to climb/crawl to the front of the boat for a better view. Overcoming my irrational fear that pirates would at any moment storm the boat, we spent the night on the water by sleeping in a cool bed tucked into the bow of the boat. With a little creativity and relaxing enough to accept help, we had a great time.
I realized though, that boating isn't an option for many other people with disabilities. I'm small enough that I can still be carried and lifted by most adults. My small size was a perfect fit for the tight living quarters. I don't know how average-sized people fit in that bow! My well-practiced skills of climbing in and out of water for a swim also were put to use. The height of most boats from the water paired with a caregiver's inability to stand on the bottom would make getting OUT of lake/river very difficult for other people with disabilities. The lack of online information on boating for wheelchair users makes me think my fears are not unfounded. This outdoor activity doesn't lend itself to easy adaptation.
Of course, there are plenty of other ways to have fun in the sun, but this experience helped me realize how social isolation can creep into the lives of people with disabilities. On any given weekend, some of my friends and family might be camping, boating, hiking, and enjoying cookouts in beautiful but often inaccessible backyards. I'm extremely thankful to have the man/woman-power to make my participation possible, but what if I didn't? Adults build friendships and relationships during these activities and being excluded could take a real toll on one's social life. I'm not suggesting the able-bodied world should instead take up indoor Tiddly Winks. It takes some compromise from both parties for full inclusion. I've been working on my comfort level to ask for and accept help. When an opportunity arises that seems feasible, we make every attempt to join because we realize that next weekend's adventures might be inaccessible. Able-bodied friends and family also help by planning parties in houses with fewer barriers and providing open and honest appraisals of situations before we arrive. Social inclusion takes work-but it's worth it!
For more on making seemingly inaccessible activities possible, check these blogs and articles out:
When Waves and Wheels Collide: How do you enjoy the beach?
Wheelchair Users Discover Adaptive Sailing
Rolling a Kayak without the Use of your Legs or Hips
