Bob Moser
Blog #5
Able-Bodied
I followed the instructions and tried to make a list of architectural barriers that I faced as I went through my day. I was not able to identify any single architectural barrier I had to overcome.
As I imagine going through my day with a mobility disability, the items start running through my head and I instantly wonder how can I possibly do everything I need to do if I cannot use my legs? In the morning, I get out of bed and carry my daughters to the kitchen to get them a glass of milk. Then, I would jump in the shower, get dressed and whisk them off to day care. Without the use of my legs, the time it would take me to do this every day task would be more than doubled. I would get out of bed, grab my wheelchair and go over to my daughter’s room. She would probably have to jump onto my lap and I would wheel her to the kitchen. I would grab the milk out of the fridge and fill my daughter’s glass with milk. Of course, our cupboards and fridge would have to be organized differently so I could get to everything. Then, wheel back and get into the shower somehow. I am embarrassed to say I don’t even know how I would get into and out of the shower. The morning would end with me putting the girls in the car and taking them to day care. I would need a vehicle that could handle a wheelchair also.
My day would not have many barriers as there are ramps and elevators that would allow me to get to any place I need to go. Although, the people that do not have a mobility disability are not considerate enough to take the stairs or make room for the people that need the elevators.
As I go home after a long day at work I pick up my kids from day care I assume the same way I dropped them off. When I get home, I wheel myself out to the mail box and grab the mail. I never noticed that the slope of the driveway was so high. Once I get back in the house, my wife wants to put up the Christmas decorations. I cannot help with the lights on the top of the tree, the lights over the doors or any of the outdoors lights because the wheelchair does not do well on grass.
Other people’s judgments and prejudices start with assuming you cannot do anything or accomplish anything because you are disabled. A mobility disability does not have any impact on your heart or your will. You still have similar goals and aspirations as anyone that does not have a disability.
This was a great exercise on how important it is to really understand how other people live their lives. I am more aware and conscious of other people’s challenges since that day that I recorded everything. I think it is a good idea to do this from time to time to remember how truly lucky I am to not have to overcome these challenges each day.
