#wheelchair style
On top of the world. Sort of.
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Okay, let’s try my first ever image description.
[image description: I’m turned to face the camera, sitting in my manual wheelchair on what appears to be a pier/look out with a futuristic cityscape behind. I’m relaxed, squinting and there’s harsh shadows because it’s a very sunny, very blue skied day]
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Oof I’ve had the most rotten migraine since yesterday’s appointment. Just checking in to say, Happy Wheelchair Day! I had to overcome a lot of internalized ableism and self worth struggles before I finally agreed to try using a wheelchair. I was progressively housebound for almost two years before I managed to get to that point mentally. Having degenerative conditions and growing up surrounded by subtly and quietly ableist attitudes and worlds is quite a different situation to being injured or indeed growing up with the use of a wheelchair. All situations have their own challenges… My own was very much internal.
When I finally let my doctors know I was ready for a wheelchair they seemed relieved and very encouraging. Clearly they had been thinking it, but again, likely due to society’s ableist ideas had been reluctant to suggest it. My entire life has changed since I ‘succumbed’ to rolling around and it is 100% for the better. I feel so free and positive these days. I feel like I’m getting a huge part of myself back (and my upper body strength is the best it’s ever been which for someone with muscular and joint problems is a big deal!).
While I was absolutely housebound I strongly resent the phrase 'wheelchair bound’ I am a wheelchair user. It gives me freedom and life. It gives me the ability to participate and enjoy most things I want to. Only society is to blame for any barriers I face as a wheelchair user. I’m still anxiously awaiting my new chair that will hopefully fit me like a fancy glove, and I will write more then, but for now, here is a photo of me about a month ago, my first time on a gravel 'trail’.
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Dramatic lighting!
Excellent; I do love an accessible bathroom with a nice big mirror that’s also angled downwards! (Although the door is verrrrrry heavy). The Last Crumb is one of the most accessible cafes in my neighbourhood so it gets bonus points for that.
It is spring! It’s official! Today I saw plum blossoms in the most southern part of Vancouver city and a big puffed up pigeon cooing and chasing his preferred mate around. I do love how pigeon mating could be a metaphor for misogyny. The chickadees have been happily singing and flitting around together for a couple of weeks and today it was warm enough to wear my (fake) leather jacket!
**they also had millionaire’s shortbread today which is rare in Canada and I miss it a lot so that was exciting!
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