On Accessibility

If you're disabled like me, what I'm going to talk about today is going to be totally relatable. 

Not that my other posts haven’t been just as relatable, but everyone has different experiences that are unique to their situation.

Chances are though, that if you're disabled, you've been out in the world and had to deal with not-so-accessible-friendly situations.

Now, I don't like to fancy myself an authority on disabilities, but I do know this: Going somewhere that is not accessible, even if by ADA standards it is, can suck. 

When you're trying to make plans with people, or just going out on a Friday night, it can be annoying having to consider if you’re going to be able to move around certain places. 

Over the years, my parents, of course, have become accustomed to this life and so have I.

 How have we gotten over the curb? It's simple really: we research.

We don’t even think about going somewhere: usually, on trips or to shows or to restaurants too, if one of us hasn’t done research on where we're going. This is something that all wheelchair users need to do.

Are you going on a trip? Make sure the hotel you're staying at has an elevator and that you're staying in a relatively accessible area. If you want to partake in a leisure activity, such as walking along a nature trail, make sure the terrain is going to make for a pleasant stroll. 

 Side advice: Consult the nature preserve’s website and not the state's. Otherwise, you'll find yourself being pushed up a steep mountain, on rough terrain, holding on for dear life while onlookers give you well wishes and praise your determination.

 

Keep going they said.

 It'll be worth it they said.

If you're going to a concert, a play or a musical, make sure that you buy tickets for handicap accessible seating. You will need to look on the theater website well before the sale date to find out where this seating is. Don’t assume that the only accessible seating a venue has is in the back of the theater where visibility is low. 

Once you've done this, call the venue and get in touch with whomever is in charge of accessible seating. Get their name and make them aware of your situation. They may tell you that to purchase your tickets you’ll have to go to the venue or they might not. It all depends. On the night of the show, get there early. Find an usher, get seated and enjoy the show.

Courtesy of Michigan University

Side advice: Let everyone else clear out of the theater before you do. Don't wade through a crowd if you don't have to.

The last bit of advice I have is for if you're going to a restaurant. Know what the restaurant is like. Does it have steps leading into the building? Does it have steps leading up to separate floors? Are there elevators? Ramps? These are all important questions to find the answers to. 

So, look for reviews online or look for an accessibility application. If you can't find a suitable answer then try asking people in your social circles.

Disclaimer: This bit of advice mainly applies if you want to go out for an eclectic meal for once instead of devouring the usual TGI Friday’s grub. Like with all of my advice this week just know what you’re getting yourself into.

I’ll leave you with this last thoughtt: Just because having a disability makes traveling or going out in general more difficult, it shouldn't stop you from having a social life. 

If you want to wheel up a mountain, go ahead! If you want to go to the beach, that can also be accommodated. A lot of experiences can be made possible, you just have to ask yourself the right questions and do the research. See what options are available to you. People are willing to work with you and if they aren't then that's okay. You can have a good time and make memories anywhere.

Hope you enjoyed this week’s blog! If you have tips for planning outings leave a comment down below. Talk to you next week!