Re: Pain & Scooters

[Guest guest]

I for one wish that Walmart would make a person show something that proves that

you need to use a scooter thing. Maybe you could show the card you get when you

apply for the handicap placard or something.I am so sick and tired of seeing

teens on them for fun and I need one and there are non available. I often talk

to the greeters and they tell me it is a problem they face all the time. I am

not talking about people who you question whether or not they need one but those

who you can see proof they do not need one. Gwen

Ro wrote:

I am a very stubborn woman and it took a great deal for me to sit in one of

those scooters but it has made a world of difference in my life. I can go to the

supermarket and sit in one and I don't hurt. I can do my own shopping so it

makes me independent.

[Guest guest]

How can you see proof that someone doesn't need one?

Maybe it would be better to request they get more

scooters for your store.

It opens a huge can of worms to start making people

PROVE they need a little help from one day to the

next.

On the other hand, it is really a terrible thing to

show up at the store and realize you're either going

to have to wait or have to put off your shopping

entirely because all the scooters are in use.

Shy as I am, I would not shrink from telling an abled

bodied teen that I need the scooter to work for me,

instead of playing for them.

Uabi

--- Gwen wrote:

> I for one wish that Walmart would make a person show

> something that proves that you need to use a scooter

> thing.

[Guest guest]

Gwen,

How do you see proof they do not need one?

Many people have conditions that you might not be able to see; for example

certain heart conditions. You cannot go by age, since there are congenital

problems that can affect the young.

I understand where you are coming from though; I burn up when I see someone

taking the Handicap parking space and then running into the store. It's hard not

to ask if they are not using someone else's (family member or such) permit --

which is illegal in most states). OTOH at least then you can see if they have a

permit. I get very hot when there is someone w/o a permit and who doesn't appear

to need that spot on top of it.

However, my dad (has same genetic disorder as I do -- and is much worse) used

to do crazy stuff like block the car in and get the security to get a cop to

write out a ticket.

I say crazy b/c in this day and age there are people who will kill you in a rage

for cutting them off -- I " m not about to take a chance like that!

Callie -- relating but...not seeing an easy solution.

Gwen wrote:

I for one wish that Walmart would make a person show something that proves that

you need to use a scooter thing. Maybe you could show the card you get when you

apply for the handicap placard or something.

[Guest guest]

One of my biggest pet peeves. I nearly blew out a blood vessel a few

months ago in Target. Some kids were having races in the mart carts

down the main aisle of the store right in front of the employees who

did nothing about it. They were knocking over merchandise and ran

right into me and a few other people. I was so mad I couldn't even

go find the manager to raise H E double hockeysticks. I had to leave.

And the parking problem is insane where I live. I went to Walmart

today and had to circle the parking lot for 15 minutes to get a

space. And as I was leaving some young muscular men pulled into a

disabled space in their H-2, hung up a parking permit, jumped out and

jogged into the store. Please, Lord. Make me as disabled as those

two are!

[Guest guest]

On the same subject....I would have everyone show the disabled card you receive

when you apply for a permit to park in handicap. I realize that people could

show someone else's card, but I think they should requre a picture Id at the

same time.

I personally have seen teens use the carts and then jump off and skip around the

aisle, playing hide and seek. I have seen young men get off the cart and then

race to their car. I have observed women who got off about half down the main

aisle at walmart and then left the cart and walked around. The cart was still in

the same place 30 minutes later. I could go on and on. I do not judge people

but it is very evident when someone does not need it. Other ones I assume they

have heart problems or something that is not evident. Gwen

Goodwin wrote:

One of my biggest pet peeves. I nearly blew out a blood vessel a few

months ago in Target.

[Guest guest]

I have a few peeves surrounding this as well. My biggest one is the

stores who dont keep thier carts charged. The lady you saw who left

the cart in the middle fo the store may well have run out of juice

and been stuck. It has happened to me more times than i care to

count. Then there are the stores who wont let you take them out to

your vehicle, and dont offer you assistance as well. And then there

is the 3 feet clearance rule in the ADA that is ignored because they

want to put a display up... I have no qualms about crashing into

them and knocking stuff down when i am trying to squeak through. I

used to stop and pick stuff up, but not anymore, if the aisle is

under 3 ft wide. Christmas season is the worst for that.

As for the placards for handicapped parking... The picture ID isnt a

bad idea. But then the cost would be higher too. What bugs me is the

morons who will steal them out of your car, had that happen twice so

far. Or at christmas that one who borrow grandmas card so thay dont

have to walk so far to get into the mall. I dont even bother going

to a mall during the holday season, because you cant find a sparking

space for love or money.. Then there are the ones who will squeak in

tight beside you in a handicapped space because they have a small

car, not realizing that the area thats marked off with white lines

is to make sure you can load your chair. So, by parkling there they

have blocked me from doing that,. I have to get in the van, back it

up get back out, and then load my chair in the middle of the traffic

lane.

I will admit to some bad behavior surrounding that sort of thing. I

carry a tube of the no smear lipstick in my purse. And I will write

on your windows, not the paint, things like, I am selfish and parked

in a handicapped space. Or I am inconsiderate and blocked a

wheelchair ramp because I am lazy. etc etc etc. It comes off of the

glass and doesnt hurt the vehicle, but it takes a LOT of work to get

it off. Hopefully they are embarrrassed to bits and will think about

it as they have to clean the windows.

Then there was last year at christmas when i went to Target. There

was a stop sign and a cross walk from the handicapped parking. I am

in my power chair and in the middle of the crosswalk when a woman in

and SUV blows through the stop sign and misses me by inches. I am

scared to death and screaming like a banshee as she is comming at

me. I reached out and slapped the fender( she was lucky it wasnt my

cane) on her SUV and got flipped off. She was THAT close to hitting

me. How dare I cause her to wait and extra 5 seconds and actually

STOP at the stop sign. I have also been missed by inches for

starting across a crosswalk when the crosswalk light turned in my

favor, and the driver at the corner wanted to make a right on red

and wasnt observant. At least that poor woman had a look of horror

on her face at the near miss.

I dont know if it will do any good, but after the second near miss

in a week, i went to the local bike shop and got one of those orange

flags on a fiberglass rod that you attach to a kids bike. I use some

of the industrial velcro to attch it to my chair in 2 places, or a

bungie cord. I also got a couple of the red flashing lights that

runners clip onto thier pants when running at night. they are about

5 bucks each. I have a spot of sticky velcro on the back of my chair

and one on the front of an arm. I put another bit of the sticky

velcro on the back of the light and slap em on if I have to be in a

parking lot when its dusk or dark. I also have places on my service

dogs harness to put those flashing lights as well.

OK.. off the soap box....

On the same subject....I would have everyone show the disabled card

you receive when you apply for a permit to park in handicap. I

realize that people could show someone else's card, but I think they

should requre a picture Id at the same time.

[Guest guest]

,

I used to have a Van with a rear lift for my wheelchair and then I

would walk (drag myself) to the driver's door. That got to be too

much for me (too many falls and the fear of breaking bones) so I now

have a lowered floor Entervan with a side ramp that extends four feet

from the side door. I don't like that it limits where I can park,

but, it seems to be my only option. The Vans with rear entry ramps

don't have a provision to transfer to the driver's seat.

I think I will make a call to the police if I get blocked in by

someone parking in the lined off space. I usually leave my Van at

enough of an angle in the space that even a small car couldn't fit in

there but, Sometimes you come back and the car that was there has

moved and there is more space for someone to wedge in.

As for nearly getting run over, it's happened to me many times. And

it's not always because they don't see me. There is a lot of

hostility out there directed at People with Disabilities.

Once at Universal Studios I was trying to get up a ramp to get out of

the street when the Mardi Gras parade was coming and some people were

sitting and standing on the ramp. I asked them to move so I could

get out of the street and one of them leaned down and yelled into my

face: " G** D*** disabled people! " He had alcohol on his breath so I

figured he only said it because he was drunk.

Another time a man was with his grandson as I was coming and he said

to the boy: " You have to watch those people in wheelchairs, they'll

run you right over. " He looked old enough to have dementia so I let

it go. I hope he doesn't completely poison the kid's mind against

People with Disabilities.

I finally started to get the idea when I was in a grocery store and a

little 3 year old girl looked at me and said to her mother: " Why is

that lady in that wheelchair? " and the mother replied: " Because

she's too lazy to walk. " I told the little girl it was because I got

sick and my legs weren't strong enough to walk anymore. The mother

didn't say anything but, her face turned red.

I often hear people say to me: " You're so lucky you don't have to

walk. " I used to respond to that comment by saying: " You know, I'd

trade places with you in a heartbeat but, I wouldn't wish my

condition on anyone. " but, now I just try to let it go. I have more

important things to worry about.

As for the 3 foot wide aisles, when I have a problem with them I

threaten to call the fire department and report them for a fire code

violation, which it is. Don't worry about knocking them down. I've

(accidentally) plowed into more of them than I can count and if any

of it falls on me I file an injury report with store security. That

usually gets someone's attention.

I gotta remember that trick with the lipstick.

>

> I have a few peeves surrounding this as well. My biggest one is the

> stores who dont keep thier carts charged.

[Guest guest]

You know, I think I would love to be with you when you go shopping! I had to

laugh at the picture you painted in my mind of you hitting the bumper of the

car. Not because you were wrong but you have to admit it probably looked funny.

It would have been funny if it was not so sad.

You are so right, people do not seem to care, and for what 5 seconds? I had

never thought of using lipstick on the window. The other day I almost wrote a

note and put it on the windshield because the car parked so close to the

handicap that I could not hardly get out of my car.

If I had of been you and in a wheelchair there is no way. The only reason I

did not do it is because I did not think I could get out and then back in! I

realize everything you wrote about actually happened, what does that say about

our society today? thanks for sharing and allowing me to have something

different to think about for a few minutes today. You are so right, and that

makes me sad that as people we have come to this.

When I was younger people were actually treated with respect, wonder whatever

happened? Gwen

wrote:I have a few peeves surrounding this as

well.

[Guest guest]

Gwen wrote:

> When I was younger people were actually treated with respect, wonder whatever

happened?

When I was young, I rarely saw people with disabilities out and about. The

people with mental retardation were usually hidden away either at home or in

institutions/asylums. Very few noticeably mentally ill people were out and

about either. They were hidden away too.

There were a few soldiers, accident survivors, and diabetics with one leg,

hopping about on crutches. The thalidomide and polio survivors, who were able to

walk with braces, crutches, or canes, were also out in the community. That was

about the extent of it. Mentally ill people, most people with even fairly mild

retardation, and people who needed to use wheelchairs were out of luck when it

came to being included in their communities.

When I was a kid, my Mum had Multiple Sclerosis coupled with severe arthritis

and chronic back pain caused by ruptured disks. She used a wheelchair to get

around. Only problem was, there were very few places we could take her. There

were no handicapped parking spaces, no handicapped bathrooms, no curb cuts in

the sidewalks, no way to get in and out of most stores. Even the schools and

churches weren't accessible, so she could not

come to school functions or attend church. There was next to nothing anywhere.

Back then, most people didn't need to treat people with disabilities with

respect or anything else, because for the most part, " we " were forced to be

invisible. When it comes to being folks with disabilities, I know we are

treated much better now than in any other time in recorded history.

Twice a year, I teach a " disability history " class for the Governor's Planning

Council. When I was back home in Saskatchewan, I taught a very similar class

there. One thing that is always apparent by the end of the history class is

that while we may not always appreciate where we're at now, we've come a very

long way and in a very short time.

--

Lyndi

[Guest guest]

I've had people give me some very dirty looks when I

use the scooter in the store. I am sure the people who

treated me so abominably believe that they are

justified and that they know everything about me, but

it still hurts me.

Perhaps requiring an ID card would help with that as

well, but it would just be another barrier to me,

since asking for help... applying for it... has always

been an extremely difficult task for me.

I've only just recently sent off for a parking permit.

I was in a store once, when an ad style announcement

was made (it broke in between songs) about the

scooters being solely for the use of the 'disabled'.

Maybe you could suggest they try something similar in

your local stores?

Uabi

--- Gwen wrote:

> On the same subject....I would have everyone show

> the disabled card you receive when you apply for a

> permit to park in handicap.

[Guest guest]

Making yourself more visible is a great idea!

--- wrote:

> I dont know if it will do any good, but after the

> second near miss in a week, i went to the local bike

shop and got one of those orange

> flags on a fiberglass rod that you attach to a kids

> bike. >

>

__________________________________

Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005

http://mail.yahoo.com

[Guest guest]

Oh no, you guys! There has got to be a better way to

improve consideration than writing on people's cars.

It's a bit... I don't know... inflammatory? And

besides, when you don't know the details, you could be

making a huge mistake.

That's how you end up with old guys telling kids,

" watch out for peeps in chairs, they'll run you right

over. "

I have to admit to being run over a few times. My

hearing is such that I can't hear a chair coming,

sometimes don't hear excuse me (and I am giving them

the benefit of the doubt).

Patience is a virtue, even if we have to learn to do

things differently than others.

Chastisment is one thing, shaming is another.

MHO

Uabi

Goodwin wrote:

> I gotta remember that trick with the lipstick.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Gwen,

I think we have it a lot better than in the past.

Since ADA and some of the forced implementation of ADA rules,

people with disabilities have a lot more rights, chance for

independence and a greater ability to live a full life.

Remember how people used to hide members of their family from the

neighbors? They used to tie the hands of Deaf kids in school to

prevent them from using sign language! Forget integrated classrooms

and even equal access to education. In some places, kids were forced

to stay at home/kept away from other students because the school just

wasn't accessible.

The perception of cognitive impairment, developmental disability and

mental illness is much improved as well.

I can tell you, we have it a lot better than PWD in France, too, when

it comes to accessibility and perception. I can't remember a time

when American people with disabilities were in a better position.

It will get better, too. As long as we are participating in positive

education, organizations and outreach.

Uabi

> When I was younger people were actually treated with respect,

wonder whatever happened? Gwen

[Guest guest]

Lyndi,

I would LOVE to have your notes on that class and your source

material. What a great class to teach!!!! I would love to know the

information for myself, and also stash it away in case I ever get

the opportunity to teach a class like that as well.

Twice a year, I teach a " disability history " class for the

Governor's Planning Council. When I was back home in Saskatchewan, I

taught a very similar class there. One thing that is always

apparent by the end of the history class is that while we may not

always appreciate where we're at now, we've come a very long way and

in a very short time.

[Guest guest]

wrote:

> Lyndi,

> I would LOVE to have your notes on that class and your source

> material. What a great class to teach!!!! I would love to know the

> information for myself, and also stash it away in case I ever get

> the opportunity to teach a class like that as well.

Hi

I've been doing this so long that all I use are crib notes to remind me of what

to

discuss next. The written pages I do have are old as dirt and have never been

typed

into a computer. It's high time I computerized at least some of it. Your

enthusiasm will be a good push. Over the next while, I'll try to type up the

basics. I've two major disability related grants to write in the next couple of

weeks and a very large mail out to finish preparing, (2500 pieces) so getting to

the notes may take me awhile. Most of what I talk about, you likely already

know.

I usually start out with " Bedlam " and go one from there.

Improvements have come at different times in the G8 countries. Americans can

give

thanks to the fact the F. Kennedy's sister was disabled. If it wasn't for

JFK's sister, most American disability activists agree that the US would have

taken

a lot longer to get the ADA ball rolling. JFK really pushed forward on changing

the " rules " for people with disabilities. It wasn't that many years before

President Kennedy, that President Roosevelt was trying to minimize the number of

public appearances he made in his wheelchair.

--

Lyndi

I hope this makes sense. I've been up since yesterday morning. Couldn't sleep

last night for love nor money nor sedatives:-). Now I'm very, very tired and

just

getting ready to head off to bed. Good thing I close my office out of respect

for

the Veterans.

[Guest guest]

I agree with you 100%! When I was first employed during my college years, way

back in the early 70's. This was a huge issue, if I had lived then with the

problems I have now, I would not have been able to go anywhere or do much of

anything. I am so grateful for the country I live in and the advances we have

made. Last summer my teen daughter worked at a place that only helps disabled

people, she learned so much and I often think perhaps that ought to be mandatory

for those who park in handicap places or violate the law regarding the hadicap.

Gwen

uabicole wrote:Hi Gwen,

I think we have it a lot better than in the past.

[Guest guest]

I had not thought of that and it is a good idea. I believe next time I am in a

Walmart I will suggest that, that seems to be the only store I have problems in.

Gwen

[Guest guest]

When I was growing up my grandmother only had one leg (due to poor circulation).

I remember a lot of the time she would have to use crutches because there were

very limited handicap accessable places, especailly when she came to live with

us for a short time. I remember, we had to plan things out bigtime, and it all

revolved around whether we could bring her wheelchair or not. I never thought

about how this made my grandma feel(when I was a kid), she was always such a

lady and never complained. It must have been really hard on her both physically

and emotionally though. We have come a long way.

Caitlin

Lyndi wrote:When I was young, I rarely saw people with disabilities out and

about. The people with mental retardation were usually hidden away either at

home or in institutions/asylums. Very few noticeably mentally ill people were

out and about either. They were hidden away too.

---------------------------------

Yahoo! FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click.

[Guest guest]

How about Whip Cream?

> Oh no, you guys! There has got to be a better way to

> improve consideration than writing on people's cars.

[Guest guest]

Hi:

I remember one of my grandmothers sisters and she only had one leg. I don't

think I ever asked why and as a kid I assumed she had been run over by a car

I don't know why I thought that. Years later though I found out it was

because she was a diabetic. When I was first diagnosed as being a diabetic I

still remember all the people in wheelchairs with missing legs. It literally

scared the hell out of me.

I am one of those people who don't look disabled. If necessary I could pull

out the permit I got for the placard that goes in the car. I always use the

stores scooters because it makes me be more independent and I can do things

for myself. At Thanksgiving time coming up, I know I am getting a scooter

all of my own. I did pick it out and my son and darling DIL are giving it to

me. It will make my life so much easier and I will be able to get out as I

never drove. Just because a person doesn't look disabled doesn't mean he/she

isn't. Looking at me you don't know what my problems are and I don't wear a

sign around my neck advertising.

Hugs from Southern California

Ro

[Guest guest]

There are so many diseases that you just cannot tell if someone needs a scooter

or not. Personally I am one of those that looks okay but I cannot most days walk

in a store without one. That is why I was trying to come up with a way that

would be fair to everyone who needs one in the stores. It appears there are no

easy answers but maybe someday......Gwen

I am one of those people who don't look disabled.

[Guest guest]

I don't know about the rest of you but, I was just blowing off

steam. I learned the hard way about getting into an argument with

strangers. I once had my life threatened over a little

misunderstanding. Too many people out there who are off their

medication. ;-)

>

> Oh no, you guys! There has got to be a better way to

> improve consideration than writing on people's cars.

[Guest guest]

, me too! I hope no one talks to me unless I am on the proper meds! : )

Gwen p.s. Just teasing of course,then again I should ask my family what I am

really like!

Goodwin wrote:

I don't know about the rest of you but, I was just blowing off

steam.

[Guest guest]

Hi Gwen,

I hope you don't feel that people are coming down on

your head!

I certainly wasn't intending to. I think it's a good

debate and amusing (especially the part about putting

lipstick on windows! lol)

Stay encouraged!

Uabi

--- Gwen wrote:

It appears

> there are no easy answers but maybe

> someday......Gwen

[Guest guest]

Oh ,

Do I ever understand what you are saying. How pathetic this world has bacome.

I see the same thing day in and day out. Also, people parking in disabled with

no sticker or marker to discern if they have an injury or not. This world has

gone to hell in a hand basket.

AND OUR LEADERS WANT TO KNOW WHY THEIR RATINGS HAVE HIT THE TOILOT BOWL.

DA..............

donna