We just returned from a long weekend in North Myrtle Beach SC. Forty blocks of Resort Hotels, hotels, motels and home rentals lining both sides of the street. I can't imagine the number of people in  this 'small' area. During the weekend, I saw on person using a wheelchair and another with a visible limp. That was it. Where are the people with disabilities? One census number notes that there are 17.2 million adults that have  difficulty walking. They  may or may not need a wheelchair, walker, crutch, or cane. We only saw one other person!
This lack of people with clearly apparent mobility impairments enjoying this resort area makes me wonder where the heck are they? Second to that, why would municipalities and businesses put forth effort and finances to make the area accessible if no one is utilizing the area??
Whaddya think?

Just  had to do a quick post. Not neglecting my duties, just have higher priorities this month.

Note that the car is possibly a person with a disability parked in the proper spot. Just not  paying attention. This illustrates how much room a van with a ramp REALLY needs...

 An effort to adopt a more in-motion symbol for accessibility is gaining traction with New York requiring all new signage in the state to utilize the “Accessible Icon.” (Accessible Icon Project)

A revamped version of the blue and white icon that’s long symbolized accessibility everywhere from parking lots to restrooms will soon be commonplace in more communities.

Under a bill signed late last week, New York will be come the first state to require all new and replacement signage used to signify accessibility for people with disabilities to include a more active, in-motion image of a person using a wheelchair.

The state will also change the terminology on such signs, employing the word “accessible” instead of “handicapped.”

The shift is about more than aesthetics, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in signing the legislation.

“This bill is an important step toward correcting society’s understanding of accessibility and eliminating a stigma,” Cuomo said.

New York City and a smattering of other localities, businesses and schools have already agreed to adopt the revamped symbol, known as the “Accessible Icon,” which first gained momentum through a grassroots effort in Boston.

What’s more, the icon is currently on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City as part of an exhibit of culturally-relevant designs developed in recent decades.

From DisabilityScoop.com

       My wheelchair is 7 years old. It is currently in need of tires, brakes, hand rims and a replacement cushion. It is taking strain in other places as well.
      So, instead of ordering the parts through my service provider and waiting for a technician then hoping  it all falls together, I am ordering a new wheelchair and will keep the old one on stand-by as a 'just in case'.
      Wheelchair purchases can be made easily on line and the prices are excellent. I caution you not to do this for two reasons. If you have insurance coverage, most of these places don't submit the paper work for you. This means that it is cash up front and deal with  the insurer yourself.
       Second and MOST important, you absolutely want a professional to perform an assessment of your needs and physical abilities / limitations to make sure you are getting the correct wheelchair for you. Additionally, the pros assure that your posture is correct and you are not doing yourself continued harm or problems. You get to discuss options and what will suit your needs  best.
     I contacted a local company and let them know I was in the market for a replacement chair. I had to get my doctor to fax medical records and then make an appointment for my assessment at the 'wheelchair clinic'. I was informed that Chad and Tammy would perform the assessment.
      Appointment day arrived and a friend transported me to the Hiram G. Andrews Center. This is an Office of Vocational Rehabilitation facility that provides education and training for people with disabilities. One of the few in the country. Anyway, I was truly pleased to be greeted by Chad who just happened to be a patient in the rehab hospital where I worked 20 years ago. He was working as a Rehab Specialist for the Medical Equipment Provider and would be part of the assessment team. The other half of the team, Tammy, is a licensed Occupational Therapist. She would be assessing my function, taking a medical history and assuring that Chad and I didn't miss anything.
       Tammy did her thing, Chad did his. We discussed my use of the wheelchair, methods of transfer, propulsion and activities of daily living [ADL's for those who are not initiated]. We talked over wheels, tires, arm rests, seat cushion, back support, footrests,  I felt very comfortable that the new chair will meet my needs, keep me safe and as independent as possible. The lesson here: don't try this at home kids, get a professional (s).
       Additionally, it was very gratifying to see that a patient from the rehab was a productive, successful person in the community. Way to go, Chad! I am still envious of him; he could always and still can ride a wheelie forever in his wheelchair.

      I usually refer to our paratransit system as riding the 'Special Bus'. It's not really politically correct, but, those of us that use the system get more latitude.
      I wanted to get a ride to replace my glasses [Gus ate mine; that's another story]. I haven't used the special bus for 5 years. The last time I rode, the driver did not secure my chair properly. He hit the brakes and I face planted into the plexiglass behind the driver's seat. Bad day.
      Unfortunately, I discovered that my 'Membership Card' has expired. I called the transit company, and, must complete the applications for eligibility over again. My point is that I really took this  benefit for granted and assumed it would always be there. Gonna have to be more attentive from now on. It's NOT an entitlement, it's a gift...
      The down side is that the Penguins are in the playoffs and I can't see the puck very well without my glasses.

        I am the person who seems to have the most health problems in the family. For that reason, I frequently get most of the attention from friends and acquaintances. 
        What was a real eye opener, though, was how MY problems turned into THEIR problems, too. I became aware that my illness or my injury has a greater effect on each person in the family than I had considered. My disability really is OUR problem. With that in mind, I have to remember to reach out; make comfort and support available to everyone. Share what is going on even if I don't feel like talking about it.
        With that in mind, while it is kind that people show support by crediting me for being so brave, courageous, etc., they need to be reminded that I would give up being the poster child in a hot second if I could get my function back. I also know that the family wishes I could have that, too. I know that I couldn't be 'successful' without them. 'Them' includes aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, etc., etc.. It takes a village to raise a person with a disability...

I was just reading an article that listed the top portrayals of people with disabilities in the movies. First on the list was the character Lt. Dan from Forrest Gump. The article then listed another four. What jumped out at me was that the author never mentioned Forrest himself!

I pondered about what made this movie character's disability disappear before our eyes? We are always clear that his spine "is as crooked as a politician" and "he's five little points below normal". Once Forrest runs out  of his leg braces, we see him as overcoming his disability and just accept him as a sweet, loveable, gentle, honest soul.

The disability disappears because we look past it. We see the person not the disability. Hmmmmmmmmmmm..........

For the article and video, Click Here...