Are You Able?

I don’t think of myself as “handicapped,” but as “slightly inconvenienced.” I walk with a cane due to nerve damage in my legs that occurred as the result of cirrhosis. My recovery was miraculous (a different story) and I know I’m extremely blessed and fortunate.

The situation has made me very aware of handicapped people, and I’m talking the real deal. People with no legs, no arms, or both. People born with a condition that mandates a wheelchair, and those that contracted a disease or experienced an accident that led them to their new life in a chair.

I also work out at the world famous Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham, Alabama. This facility trains athletes for the Olympics and the Paralympics. It’s a fascinating place and you just never know what extraordinary things you’ll see. Wheelchair football and rugby, wheelchair basketball, an amputee climbing a rock wall, or prosthetic-wearing woman competing in a swim meet, these athletes are serious and do not mess around.

The stories are fascinating. I have never heard such incredible stories of survival, overcoming hardship, and comebacks. I could listen all day. 

Most of these wheelchair bound people do not look at life as “being confined to a wheelchair.” To the contrary, they see their chair as their freedom, their legs, their mobility -  and are darn grateful for it. There are custom wheelchairs, especially for sports. Skinny tires, fat tires, special seats, tricked out gears, you name it.

There are designer prosthetics. Yes, very, very cool.

Like I said, it’s a fascinating and humbling place.

Even in an environment like this, a handicapped facility, I see something that shocks and upsets me: People’s disregard for the handicapped. You don’t have to be handicapped to join Lakeshore. So there are a lot of able-bodied people there as well.

To my utter disappointment, I see the able-bodied, even at Lakeshore, park in handicapped spaces they don’t need, and use handicapped showers they don’t need.

People with rollators, walkers, and canes have to have a handicapped shower because we need the extra space to turn around in the shower. I cannot tell you the number of times I have waited 20, 35, or even 45 minutes for a handicapped shower to open up, and a totally able-bodied person hop out. I have asked them point blank, “You do know that’s a handicapped shower, right?” Their excuses range from “I didn’t know” to “I like the extra room” and “I take a really fast shower.” No, you really don’t.

First, where the heck do you think a handicapped person is going to shower?? You have 5 showers for able-bodied, and two for handicapped. The handicapped can only use the handicapped shower stalls.The able-bodied can use any shower.

Second, you like the extra room?? What? You’re in a handicapped facility. Are you also one of those who parked in the handicapped spaces outside?

Complete disregard.

Let’s take this into the realm of daily living. Do you park in a handicapped spot at the grocery store or bank just because it’s empty, you’re in a hurry, or (please) you didn’t see it? Do you go up a handicapped ramp because it’s “faster” than taking the stairs?

If you do, I pity you. A lot of you will find out the hard way how important these spaces, ramps, and facilities are when a loved one or even you find yourself in the category of “handicapped.”

This is not a threat, and yet yeah, maybe I am trying to guilt you a little. Mostly, I’m trying to get you to think. Be grateful for two good legs, two good arms, and the ability to use them. Be aware that if you take the steps, the regular parking spot, or the able-bodied shower you’re doing someone a favor; you. You’re getting a little exercise, or you might be helping yourself lose a little extra weight that you’re carrying around. And you’re getting out of the way of someone who needs those designated spaces and showers.

Do the right thing, if you’re able.

I’ll see ya’ in the water –