Did you know that 2.2 million people in the United States use wheelchairs? I'm one of them. On June 13, 1998, while riding my bicycle, I was crushed by a falling 3-½ ton tree and paralyzed from the waist down. No one expects that they will ever use a wheelchair. But then life happens, and situations beyond our control sometimes limit our ability to walk. Now I travel in my manual wheelchair, trying to be as independent as possible. Being independent in the wheelchair gives me a sense of accomplishment and has restored my dignity.

As a professional speaker I do a lot of traveling--often alone. I try to be as independent as I can, and find that when I need help, I am gifted by a kind person who is nearby. I’ve discovered that there are a lot of good Samaritans in this world. People hold doors open for me; offer to push me up walkways; and offer to get items for me that are out of my reach. Airline, hotel, and cruise ship employees treat me like a VIP. People who carry my luggage often refuse a tip. At restaurants, my place at the table is prepared by removing one chair. Other diners occasionally scoot in their chairs so I can wheel behind them to my table. When I'm in a public restroom, or a fitting room, women offer their place in line when a wheelchair accessible stall becomes available. The woman coming out oftentimes apologizes to me for being in the stall.

One of the most heartwarming experiences I had occurred in an airport bathroom. When I entered a stall, in my wheelchair, the door swung inside and I could not close it. As I was struggling with the door, a woman noticed my predicament and summoned the help of other women in the restroom. Four women stood in front of the open stall door, with their backs to the door, creating a human privacy screen, and patiently waited for me to come out. They shared my anger over the design of this supposedly “accessible” stall.

Life in a wheelchair can be difficult at times. Changes and improvements are needed to make life easier for those who can’t walk. Today, I’d like to speak up on behalf of others who are in this situation. Here are some of the things that can be done.

Please don’t park your vehicle in an accessible parking space unless you have a permit; not even for a short visit. People who drive wheelchair accessible vans need a wide parking space if the van has a side ramp. Save van accessible spaces for vans, and park cars in the smaller spaces. Offer to open the door for a person in a wheelchair. Be patient when entering a door behind a wheelchair user, and don’t dart out in front. When talking with people in wheelchairs in a social situation, sit down next to them. Be eye to eye. This facilitates communication. A person in a wheelchair gets a stiff neck looking up during in an extended conversation.

Don’t prop your leg or lean your arm on an occupied wheelchair. This can cause an unexpected movement and alarm the occupant.

Stand up for the rights of people with disabilities. Be on the lookout for situations that will limit a person’s mobility. Alert the management when a wheelchair accessible toilet or a power door is out of order. Teach tolerance to your children. Help them to understand that some people look different and have limited mobility due to a disability. Help them to understand that people may look or act differently due to a disability and may need assistive devices to get around. Teach them that people with disabilities have abilities.

Life changes in an instant. Changes in society come more slowly. Remember, if you help make life easier for someone in a wheelchair today, you or someone you love may benefit from those changes tomorrow.

Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D. is a speaker and writer. To book her to speak at a conference, or to subscribe to her free monthly inspirational column, go to http://www.RosemarieSpeaks.com

Rosemarie conducts presentations that bring out the best in people, to help them achieve goals, and take charge of their lives. Rosemarie helps her audiences discover their inner strength. Her core message is focused on sharing information, strategies, and life lessons that provide the tools to LIVE LIFE WITH CONVICTION.
She is the author of “Take Back Your Life!” and is Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2004.
Rosemarie would like to receive your comments about the impact her article has made on your life. Write her at: Rosemarie@RosemarieSpeaks.com