Dear Editor:
I have recently entered the category of people referred to as handicapped. My doctor said she wouldn’t term me “handicapped” but when you need a cane, walker, and handicapped sticker for your auto, that’s pretty much what it is.
In the USA, one in seven people have “motor impairments,” meaning difficulty getting around, walking, or climbing stairs. That’s 13.7% of us. On bad days, I find one step daunting, never mind a full set of stairs.
The first and ongoing lesson I learned is that people, even strangers, inquire about a visible impairment. “Did you have surgery?” they ask or fall? Using a cane is like a public announcement that I’m struggling. I realize that most mean well, but my private self wants to answer, “none of your business.”
Or worse, “hope you get better.” The reality for many is that even with medication, faithful workouts, or surgery, our bodies are failing and frankly, this is a permanent condition. I’ll never be better and this is a very harsh reality to accept.
On the plus side, nearly everyone is helpful, especially in Meeker. As many of you know, I’m not bashful at the post office about requesting help from strangers to carry a heavy package to my car. It is hard to carry a cane in one hand, a package in the other, then open a door. Especially when streets and sidewalks are icy, I really appreciate that help and no one has ever refused my request.
People with handicaps learn to adapt. We who can’t move so easily learn to save steps by parking as close as possible to the destination and taking advantage of those sidewalk “ramps” that aid wheelchairs, walkers, and caners. People who are very capable with their “assistive device” as they’re called, can raise their wheels up one step and then yank up the rear. It takes a lot of practice and gumption to master that.
To all people trying to make their home or business accessible, I encourage you look closely at the details. Do you have a sturdy railing next to all steps? Do you have a grab bar at the top? (Believe me that top step is the hardest to propel upwards when the railing ends and your strength is exhausted.)
Is the handicapped parking close as possible to the entrance, ramp, and/or elevator? If there isn’t space for a ramp, can you install a railing even for one or two exterior steps?
Simple personal gestures that mean a tremendous amount include offering a steady arm for stability, assistance to rise from a chair, walking folks to their car when it is icy, windy, or dark; offering transportation on bad weather days, and simply being aware when people are having a hard time.
Like many health issues, mobility-impaired people have good and bad days. Some days and situations are very painful, but others are mild. There are plenty of far more daunting conditions such as strokes, heart attacks, cancer, etc. We all have our own health challenges.
On behalf of all mobility-disabled folks, thank you for your patience with us and realizing we would change our situation if we could.
Kaye Sullivan
Meeker
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