Wayde Carter takes the challenge.
For most people, crossing the street, running errands or riding public transportation is easy. For those in wheelchairs it is a different story. Most of us do not realize just how challenging daily activities can be for people with muscular dystrophy.
On April 4th, both Wayde Carter and Mirelle Gelinas took the challenge to spend the day in a wheelchair. Together they raised $4,145 for Muscular Dystrophy Canada and have a much better appreciation of what people in wheel chair have to deal with regularly.
Thank you for all who generously donated to the cause! After spending the day in a wheelchair, this is what they had to say.
What was your greatest obstacle?
M: There is only one bathroom in the whole building that is accessible and it is on a different floor!! I got a little stressed out having to rush toward the elevator once it opened and get in without having the doors close on me.
W: Not being able to work at the same pace that others seem to expect, feeling a little self-conscious of people having to wait for me.
How did your interactions with others change from being in a wheelchair?
M: I am already pretty short so I’m used to looking up at people, but the fact that I was sitting down while everyone else was standing up, made it more difficult to relate to them. I was very happy when others sat down so I could have a face to face conversation.
W: Venturing out of the building for a face to face meeting took a lot more energy than I thought. I wanted to communicate remotely, rather than in person to use my time more efficiently.
What surprised you the most about this experience?
M: The awkward feeling of meeting new people who were surprised to see someone in a wheelchair and I felt self-conscious that people had to wait for me or that I was in the way.
W: Although Mirelle found people to be generally very helpful (offering to hold the door), I found on the street most people weren’t too helpful or interested in my lack of mobility. Most looked the other way and continued on with their day.
What in your normal life did you realize you took for granted, but now never will?
M: Next time I am in a gathering where there is a person in a wheelchair, I will definitely make a point of suggesting we sit down together as opposed to all standing up to chat.
W: Mobility of course…..but most importantly how the office buildings and facilities are so unfriendly to the disabled.