A Day Out in a Wheelchair
Before I had mobility issues, I took my ability to get around for granted, the fact I could take steps two at a time, walk for miles without feeling the slightest bit of fatigue and shop within the hustle and bustle of people without worry. I didn’t even stop to think about what it might be like for those who didn’t have the ability to pound the streets in such a way and as such it was a shock the first time I went out in a wheelchair.
In a wheelchair I became to many people invisible, it wasn’t uncommon to have a bag to the head and in all honestly it added to my fear of going out, as not only could I not walk, but I didn’t feel safe when sat down either. Then there were the places it was impossible to get to anyway, places with steps and no ramps and oh my fear of lifts didn’t help when it came to moving from one floor to another. So when Fenetic Wellbeing got in touch and asked if I would like to take in the challenge to see how accessible my local town is, I thought why not.
We were asked to take on the challenge of shopping, going for a meal and to the cinema, now I have to be honest and Lichfield doesn’t have a cinema. So we would normally, for that, head to Burton-On-Trent as they are quite a disability friendly when it comes to parking spaces outside and comfortable seating (as well as a number of wheelchair spaces). However, although situated close to a number of restaurants, it is located in a little outlet centre, outside of the main town centre and as such makes getting to the town centre, not as easy as it could be, unless we moved the car between locations.
The other choice would be Tamworth, which while easier on the shopping side and has a restaurant next to the cinema, which is actually just across the road from the main shopping centre; I find it isn’t as disability friendly. They do offer wheelchair seating and the do have a number of larger more comfy chairs, but to access these you have to pay a premium. While the normal seating is rather, at least for me, uncomfortable making the whole experience of watching a film rather painful and a lot less enjoyable than it could be.
That’s just the cinema issues, honestly next time you’re shopping take a few moments and look around, there are some shops out there that still that don’t offer enough space for wheelchairs to fully get around. To give you a bit of an idea on what it can be like think of your favourite department stores the main aisles are a great illustration of an easy to get around space, but venture from them too far and often the distance between racks can be a little too close for comfort if you are trying to steer a chair through them.
A similar situation is repeated in many restaurants, main aisle are made, to make moving around easy, but when you get into the main seating areas, it is often impossible to get through them when you are sitting in a chair.
With all that in mind, to be honest with you, I don’t remember the last time myself and Ash went out for a day that included all three of these elements. As to really make it possible, it would be a lot of effort and energy that I really don’t have to spare sadly anymore.
So next time you are out shopping, perhaps keep an eye out for those in a wheelchair and make sure to give them room (and please don’t hit them over the head with your bag). What’s more, if you spot an aisle that perhaps needs to be cleared a little to offer more room, point it out.
Have you ever thought about how getting around your local shops might be for someone in a wheelchair?
*I received some gift vouchers to help with this post.
It’s amazing the things we take for granted. It is even more amazing how little many of us think about those who are in wheelchairs. We should always be grateful each day that we have mobility and take the time to see if those who don’t need our help
I hurt my foot a couple of years ago, and it was hard to get around. Doing simple task. Makes you appreciate being able to walk.
It really does doesn’t it – I think many of us are just so use to being able to be and do, we don’t think what it is like for others. x
Praise god for all of these disabled friends that we have right here. Very inspiring story.
I can’t believe you’ve been hit by a bag. I never look at those in a wheelchair as invisible. I think I acknowledge them more and always help in anyway I can.
It’s happened so many times and then if they do realise they have done it only a few say sorry mostly you just get a blank stare :/
I love that this makes you think about how it doesn’t come to your mind unless it affects you. I really think that there should be more awareness about this.
My folks are guilty of being completely oblivious of others when out shopping 🙁 this post has made them more aware of wheelchair users. Makes them appreciate how much they take for granted.
Thankfully I have never been in a wheel chair but I have been on crutches a few times. It can be very hard to get about and it’s a shame people are not more considerate.
This is such an interesting post. As an able-bodied person I definitely take that for granted.
I do think about it and I try to be considerate. Hold doors or help out with whatever I can. Or just get out of the way.
wow madrespect to you for posting about this and raising awareness. Thank you for sharing both your wisdom and experience in these situations. We have people in wheelchairs working next to us and I always treat them as equals, we joke we chat we interact and yes I do help them with the odd opening a door but that’s not coz they can’t do it but rather coz I would do it for anyone else.
I wish the world was more accessible for everyone. I think everyone should try this out.
It makes me sad people aren’t more considerate. 🙁 I do have to say though I am quite surprised how many places I have seen that aren’t wheelchair accessible – especially the sports parks my son plays it! It blows my mind!
It’s good to see more places are getting very accessible for wheelchair users x
Ah your have to tell me where these places are!
This is such a thought-provoking post. I always take it for granted the fact that I can walk and move around easily. In this day and age, places should be more wheel chair friendly.
It makes me angry that not enough people accommodate for wheelchair users, its disappointing that they do not take you into account.
It is so sad – I hope one day they will, I think may places are going the right way at least.
This is such an interesting post and it highlights such a big issue that a lot of wheelchair users face. I cannot relate to being in a wheelchair but I’ve been on crutches a lot and struggled getting around places.
I have thought about this before (as I was in a bad car crash when I was younger and couldn’t move for a while), but I didn’t leave the house at that time. I do take for granted being able to move around, and I really shouldn’t.
It’s weird I often wish I had run more because I don’t really remember what it is like now – it is a strange feeling. x
It’s never really crossed my mind what life would be in a wheelchair. I’ve never been injured before so I’ve never required one thankfully. Thank you for opening my eyes and let me see a different perspective.