Accessibility Awareness: Public Restrooms

Growing up I did not pay much attention to how accessible places were for people with disabilities. Mainly due to the fact that someone to get me where I needed to go with no problem. However, as I grew older and began to do more for myself I began to realize how inaccessible many places were; especially regarding bathrooms.

An accessible stall should have handrails as seen in the picture above on the right. They should also have enough room for the persons wheelchair and a person to aid them should they need assistance.

The picture on the left was taken by me at a local restaurant. As you can see there are no handrails. Aside from not having handrails, I was unable to close the stall door after entering and positioning how I needed in order to be able to transfer. Friends I was with had to stand in front of the stall (with their backs to me) to give me some sort of privacy so someone else did not just walk in on me. To make matters even more complicated there was not enough room for another person to enter the stall with me should a fall have occurred. Situations like this are not safe for anyone with a disability or who is elderly. If someone were to fall in that stall there is no way for them to even try to pull themselves up. I did speak with the manager this afternoon and he was very unaware of this issue. He sincerely apologized to me for the trouble I had and said that he would make sure it was fixed, to give him about a week. I plan to go back in a few weeks to see if any progress has been made.

This is not the only time I have encountered such an issue as this where I live. There are several places I visit that are not truly accessible to those in wheelchairs or otherwise. I know this blog will not reach many people, but it is one way to raise awareness!

Living Independently

My journey to independence began at the age of eleven with the help of wonderful doctors and physical therapists at Shriners Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. I spent 2 weeks of my sixth grade year there learning how to transfer to and from the bed, toilet, and shower. Also during this time I learned how to fully dress myself. This made getting ready for school at 5 a.m. a whole lot easier for all involved. While I got dressed Mom or Dad could get breakfast ready which ensured plenty of time to eat before boarding the bus in the morning. At first, I had to have someone spot me during transfers to ensure that I did not fall. As time went on I was able to complete the transfers totally on my own.

A year after graduating from high school at age nineteen I made the decision to attend college 3 hours from home at MTSU in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. There was a lot of planning that was involved in making this decision a reality. I had to make sure that I would be staying in a dorm that was accessible and get help with transportation for errands I would need to run. Thankfully, the campus is relatively accessible to wheelchair users. My on campus apartment was a little on the small side, but I was able to manage and make everything work for my benefit. I had a caretaker come in twice a day. In the mornings they helped me get everything ready for the days classes and prepare breakfast, and in the evening they helped me prepare dinner and were there while I got settled in for the evening.

After living in Murfreesboro for nearly three years I moved back home. I stayed with family and a good friend for the first year after returning home and then in the summer of 2006 I moved into my own apartment. I still remember the excitement of being on my own and truly having my own place. It was a thrill! I lived in the apartment for three years before finally purchasing my first home in the summer of 2009.

I have lived in my home now for five years. It is a double-wide mobile home. I knew the moment I rolled into it I was going to buy it. Minimal modifications were needed to make it accessible, for that I am grateful!

Today, I want to share with you through brief descriptions; some of the equipment and appliances that have made living in my own home possible.

• Front load washer/dryer: This is self-explanatory. Using a front load washer is idea for those who are wheelchair users because the washer/dryer is sitting at our level and we can just toss the clothes in with ease! Laundry quickly became one of my least favorite household chores but I am thankful I am able to do it.
• Foreman Grill/Toaster Oven/Crock Pot: These three items made cooking meals possible for me. I am no longer just the queen of the microwave! I am now able to make items such as hamburgers, chicken, pizza, pintos..etc.
• Electric Recliner: This is my spot in the livingroom. Ninety percent of the time this is where I can be found cuddled up in a blanket watching TV or gaming. These recliners are true blessing for those who are disabled or elderly. It allows us to be able to change our seating position and relax without the worry of being stuck because we cannot push the recliner back down or because we cannot hold the recliner back in the reclined position.
• High-rise toilet/Hanging Shower Caddy: These two items have been a tremendous help in my independence as well as my shower seat. The high rise toilet seat makes transferring a whole lot easier because it is level with the height of my chair and also eliminates the need for seating over the toilet which allows more space. The shower caddy, well it is also self-explanatory. I have one on an extra shower rod inside my shower. This eliminates clutter on the edge of the bathtub and puts everything needed in reach!

I am very thankful to have been given the opportunity to learn how to live on my own and for the overwhelming support I have received and continue to receive. Living independently with Cerebral Palsy is one of my biggest accomplishments and having a positive go-getter attitude has helped me get where I am today. This journey is one that will continue for a lifetime. For I will always be learning to do new and different things!

Pampering Should be Relaxing

Let's face it, most all females like to be pampered once in a while. This usually consists of some shopping and most likely a manicure and/or pedicure. I am one of those girls. I do not have painted nails often because it is not something I do well on my own. [Trust me I've tried] So, ever great once in a while I have girl time with my sister and a friend and have my nails painted.

I am always satisfied with the way my nails turn out and it makes me feel girly as it should.

However, the process of having my nails done has never been a truly relaxing experience for me. You may be thinking, "Well, why not? I love going to have my nails done!"

This is why:

• I cannot roll completely under the manicure table.
• The manicurist usually seems frustrated with me because I cannot completely relax my hand.
• I have to lean way over the table which causes my back to hurt.

If I were able to roll completely under the table I think my experience in such a salon would be different. I would be able to sit more comfortably and not have to lean way over, nor would they have to pull at my arm all the time. And the manicurist would not seem as frustrated.

Thoughts ladies?