He was still young enough to be sitting is a car seat. He probably believes in dragons, and fairies and magic. He is the age where the world should be full of wonders, and fun and, unaware of the work of his parents to make it so, safety. But the world isn’t safe. And he […]
The argument happened behind me. I was rolling up a ramp and paused to center myself and push over the door sill. At that moment a couple came out of the building and seeing me pause, the woman asked if I needed help. I said, “No, thanks but I’m good.” She nodded and kept walking […]
I went to the movies yesterday. We rushed in, headed to the washroom, and then took our seats. Something felt wrong about the whole experience. I couldn’t place it but something was missing. I pushed that aside because we were at a movie, Wonder Woman, that we had wanted to see a long time. Now […]
Just before we crossed the border we stopped at the Duty Free. The primary reason for the stop was that I had to pee. We pulled in and I got out and then rolled down a hill, the enjoyment of that was tempered by the knowledge that I’d have to go back up, and then […]
Sometimes it just seems easier to disengage. I notice, at times, when I’m in a group of non disabled people who are actively not noticing my difference and the only way they can do that is by not noticing me, it’s a real fight to speak up, to be heard and to be taken seriously. […]
She didn’t stand out. I didn’t even notice her. I’m a people watcher, I’m curious, and a bit nosy, and I didn’t even notice her there. I didn’t notice him either. They were just part of the scenery, just part of the crowd. That meant something that mattered. She had an intellectual disability, though her […]
Yesterday, at the gym. (Now there is a statement that, at one time, I could not imagine myself saying.) Another disabled guy rolled in and scooted up the ramp. He stopped and introduced himself and I said that I was glad not to be the only wheelchair user there. He wholeheartedly agreed. I was working […]
The ramp up and in to the grocery store where we shop is a bit difficult to manage. It’s rough where the end of the ramp meets the roadway. My solution is to back up, using the big tires to go over those bumps is much easier for me. It garners stares and unsolicited offers […]
I now have medical confirmation that by working out regularly I am increasing my strength and overall fitness level. I can’t tell you how good that felt. You know what that means … It means that I’m still stuck at the idea that the opinions of others trump what I already know to be facts. […]
I have only one voice But I’m not just one voice Yet When I speak out I feel alone When I stand firm I feel alone When I refuse to cede space I feel alone I am only one person But I’m not just one person Yet When I take action I feel alone When […]
