I was watching behind the scenes of Jamie Fox playing Ray Charles, and he didn't become the character until the director had his eyes sealed with a prosthetic. Until he was able to experience life without vision, he didn't understand what it was truly like. Similarly, the public has not realization on what a wheelchair user goes through both physically and emotionally. I will not pretend to understand or know everything; but do have each staff member working with us spend quite a lot of time sitting in and using the equipment we provide and try to perform daily tasks. This is an eye opening process, and even though they can get out of the equipment; they learn a valuable lesson.
A few years ago the PVAF held a bowling event where everyone had to bowl from a wheelchair or scooter device. It was a great opportunity not only to raise money; but awareness.
Any time we as a group can glimpse at the lives of others it builds a understanding and brings down barriers.
This article was written by Carey J Britton, Seating and Mobility Specialist at Active Mobility Center. He can be reached at 954-946-5793 or cbritton@wheelchairguys.com.
