For the past month, I've been slowly working on a story about wheelchair accessibility in GP and how easy (or not easy) it is to get around the city.
This story has actually kicked my ass, because I've had to reschedule interviews numerous times and it's been really hard to get the info I needed.
I'm really glad that I decided to pursue this initiative because it's been really eye opening for me.
I've interviewed 3 people in wheelchairs for the story.
1. A man who had a severe spinal cord injury who only has use of one hand. He has a power chair and had to use a remote to open the door so I could get into his house.
2. A man who had use of both his arms and was in a manual chair. He could do wheelies etc, and has a van that he can drive which he powers by his hands.
3. A five year old girl with spinal degenerative disorder (with her parents of course). She cannot move her legs or raise her arms. SHe has fine motor movement, but so little mobility in her head that if her head flops forward or back, she has to get someone to move it into place for her. I did this interview yesterday and was really moved. THe little girl was cute and precocious, like the average five year old. She wanted to know who was at the door, she complimented me on my necklace, and she was obsessed with writing her name in pink cursive.
The things I've learned- Park far away from wheelchair parking/handicapped spaces. Shovel your sidewalks and make sure that cutaways are clear. Do not park in front of them. Kneeling buses cannot always accomodate power wheelchairs. American cities have better wheelchair access than Canadian cities.
I know that I'm going to be a lot more aware from now on.
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