REFLECTIONS

“I ’m OK”

Consider yourself fortunate if you are in good health. One never knows when they may one day become a handicapped person.

That has happened to me. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease seven years ago. Initially, I had no outward signs of physical handicaps. I had no tremors, a normal sign of the disease.

As time has marched on, I have had to deal with chronic pain, mainly in the back but also in the neck.

Physical therapy has been ordered for me and this has been of great help to increase my mobility. I have chosen a cane, a walker and other helpful means of movement from one place to another. Generally, the public is considerate of people who need accessibility.

Friendly people will graciously offer to open a door, usually to a rest room. Here is where some challenges enter, however. The restroom door is often spring loaded and won’t open. Fighting with one hand and a leg, a person tries to enter.

The automatic door openers are the answer.

Last year, Judy and I went to the Minnesota State Fair, and I motivated by using a walker the entire fair. It has now become more difficult.

My family and friends have been overwhelmingly supportive of my efforts to be independent. Judy and I followed the Blooming Prairie High School boys basketball team and sat in the front row.

A new, fancy scoreboard has made it easier to follow the pulse of the game.

Departing a stadium or arena often brings about more challenges. While leaving the Mayo Civic Auditorium last year, Tasha Gross walked with me to easier, travelable ground.

Be considerate

There are many physically handicapped people out there. Be considerate to them. You may face the same challenges someday.

Currently, 26% of adults residing in the United States are living with some form of disability. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activities.

Here are some safety tips for the handicapped:

• Use seatbelts: Always wear a seatbelt and fasten it properly across your chest, shoulder, and pelvis when traveling in a wheelchair accessible vehicle. 

 
• Use brakes: Make sure the brakes are working properly and adjusted correctly for you. When testing the brakes, apply pressure evenly to both wheels and the wheelchair should stop quickly. Always apply the brakes when transferring to and from a manual wheelchair. 

 
• Be aware of surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas.