CAROLYN'S ACCESSIBILITY CHALLENGE: Monday, May 27th, Day One

As my contribution to National Accessibility Awareness Week, I'm attempting to use a wheelchair to get around to meetings, do errands, shopping, etc. It's possible I may not have anticipated how difficult this is going to be ..
What I learned on Day One:
1. Turning a wheelchair is harder than it looks
2. Trying to slow down going down a fairly steep ramp can be dangerous; NOT slowing down would probably have been even more dangerous!
3. People are helpful: I'm thankful to the bus driver at the Rec Centre who made sure I was able to get in, as well as the Rec Centre staff person who pushed me up a ramp from the meeting room. Not sure I would have made it without her.
4. You need a LOT of upper body strength.

CAROLYN'S ACCESSIBILITY CHALLENGE:

Friday, May 31st, Day 5: whew!

My "wheeling" has improved this past week and I had no problem accessing the Rotary Room at the Kenora Recreation Centre. Still a bit scary hanging on to the rails going down, (Don't let go!) and it was hard work pulling myself up to the main level, but if I was a pro, it would have been a piece of cake.

Also no problem at Walmart - the last challenge on my list (saved the easiest for last).  But I have no idea what people in wheelchairs do with their purchases. I had toilet paper and dental floss and could barely manage to get to the car.

Final observations: 1. People in wheelchairs are very brave. 2. Ask; don't presume that you know what the person in the chair wants (almost lost a couple of fingers when helpful people grabbed on and pushed!) .. 3. I got the most offers to help from homeless/vulnerable people. They were quick to see and empathize with a person who might be in need of help. 

Still looking for these beautiful colourful wooden ramps - didn't see a one when I was out and about - message me if you see one - I'd love to know that they are being used to help people access downtown businesses.

 

CAROLYN'S ACCESSIBILITY CHALLENGE:
Thursday, May 30th, Day 4:
So, hey, City Of Kenora this works! Handicapped spot, curb cut was OK, a level concrete sidewalk to the Credit Union!
And .. Rotary Way Trail, two thumbs up!
McDonald's, you have great coffee, but I have taken seniors with walkers there many times and I have never known the automatic door to work. Today was no exception. I'm thankful for helpful people .. #AccessibilityKenora 

CAROLYN'S ACCESSIBILITY CHALLENGE, Monday May 27th, Day One

Monday, May 27th, Day One:

As my contribution to National Accessibility Awareness Week, I'm attempting to use a wheelchair to get around to meetings, do errands, shopping, etc.  It's possible I may not have anticipated how difficult this is going to be ..

What I learned on Day One:
Turning a wheelchair is harder than it looks
Trying to slow down going down a fairly steep ramp can be dangerous; NOT slowing down would probably have been even more dangerous!
People are helpful: I'm thankful to the bus driver at the Rec Centre who made sure I was able to get in, as well as the Rec Centre staff person who pushed me up a ramp from the meeting room. Not sure I would have made it without her.
You need a LOT of upper body strength.

CAROLYN'S ACCESSIBILITY CHALLENGE Tuesday, May 28th, Day Two

Could not access two businesses today without help. Bummer ..

CAROLYN'S ACCESSIBILITY CHALLENGE:
Wednesday, May 29th, Day 3:
My motive for doing this challenge came out of having done the Poverty Challenge earlier this year - I figured that "accessibility" is another area that we need to take a closer look at, so here I am on Day 3! Still alive, but with some "iffy" moments!
My first challenge today was accessing City Hall. After circling the big parking lot a few times, I realized there had to be another way, and there was - a handicapped parking spot in the back of City Hall, apparently available for a maximum of fifteen minutes. The set of stairs immediately to the left of the automatic door made me a little nervous, but I made it in, did a victory loop in the main office and headed back to the car.
Next stop: The Library - The library has always been my favourite place to go, but I have to say I would not have made it there today without the help of someone who was passing by. If you check out the pics, you'll see the problem I "wheeled" into ..
After the library, I did a quick loop of the Harbourfront - four stars, City of Kenora - it was lovely!
Not so lovely was trying to get up to Main Street to go to HoJoe's for my favourite chai latte. There are three levels of what seem to be fairly steep ramps and it was a marathon. Big thanks to the man and his young son who helped me with the door. On the return trip down to the Harbourfront level, it was difficult to stop myself from picking up momentum going down the ramps; I thought I might be going for my first swim of the year!
Going out for supper tonight was another "marathon"; one of those deals where I had to have help getting in and out - the lack of independence is hard ..

Just finished my supper of soup, salad, banana and yogurt .. not hungry, but still missing the chance to decompress with an evening glass of Pinot Grigio. No money in the budget for luxuries ..

What a profound learning experience! Finishing my final day by turning to the No Frills flyer to check out the specials!