EDUC 5813 - Border Crossings

A Glimpse into the Challenges of Mobility Aids

Imagine navigating a world that often is not built with you in mind. Where curbs, stairs, narrow doorways, and heavy doors can feel like obstacles rather than simple parts of your daily environment. Tasks that many of us take for granted, like getting from one place to another, suddenly require adaptive tools as well as extra time and effort.

To better understand the challenges, I spent a day navigating my workplace using a wheelchair. The first challenge of my day came when I arrived at work. The parking space I normally use does not have a wheelchair-accessible ramp, so I had to find an alternate spot that provided both enough space to exit my car and a nearby ramp to get from my car into the building.

Once I reached the entrance, I was thankful to see that the building, constructed in 2016, was designed with accessibility in mind. It has automatic handicap door openers, an elevator for access to all floors, and interior doorways wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. Inside, I was able to move about freely without significant barriers. I am fully aware that not all spaces are this accommodating and I can only imagine the challenges.

My office furniture would have to be rearranged to allow for a wheelchair to get behind my desk, but it could be done. Although I spent much of my day sitting at my computer completing assessments and reviewing applications, when I moved about, I quickly realized, getting around in a wheelchair is a very different physical experience. Instead of relying on your legs, you use your arms and upper body to push and maneuver the chair. It takes strength and endurance in muscles that people do not typically train for everyday movement. It did not take long to realize that going even short distances requires practice and physical effort. It gave me a new appreciation for the determination and strength it takes to maintain independence while using a wheelchair.

Spending the day using a wheelchair gave me but a brief glimpse of what some people go through every day. Even in a fairly accessible building like mine, there were still moments that were challenging. It made me appreciate the strength and determination it takes to stay independent when you are dealing with mobility issues.

Caryn Krueger

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