Access for everyone!

     While working on a class assignment, I came across somewhat of a challenge for everyone.  I will include it later in the post.  This challenge made me think about what I have experienced in the past week.  After Kerstin's therapy appointment last week, I had to go to the Sears Repair store to pick up some things for the lawn mower.  This was my first time going to this location.  I must say it was an eye opening experience.

     The experience was so touching, I had to tweet Sears about it and I've sent an email to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) about this and the need for better changing tables/stations in public family restrooms.  We, my daughter, my 10 year old and 4 year old nieces pull into the parking lot.  There are faint lines for accessible parking, Great.  No one was unnecessarily parked there, even better!  The store has steps/stairs to the entrance door and NO ramped access!  NOT GOOD at all!  I had to leave my daughter and nieces in the vehicle, running so that they could have air.  I had to ask the 10 year to lock all the doors until I returned.

Access for everyone!

     A few days later, I mentioned the experience to my sister.  She said something so critical yet, something I know many people do each and everyday.  When you have the ability and use of all limbs and can climb stairs without incident you don't think of those among us who cannot do the same.  

     So, I will challenge you to try this.  I think it's worth it. I even posted it to Facebook/Growing With Kerstin. 

Worth the experiment! Please take notes and share if you don't mind.

Many of us take for granted our ability to come and go as we please. With the exception of a few buildings, which are off-limits to the general public, we are free to enter any building we wish, whenever
we wish. During the next week, keep track of the buildings you enter, the streets you cross, and the activities in which you participate.

* How accessible are these to persons who are in wheelchairs, blind, or hearing impaired?
* Are the room numbers in your building labeled in Braille?
* Are the steps ramped or is there an accessible lift or an elevator?
* What areas have not been made accessible to these individuals?
* How does accessibility limit their participation in the activities in which you regularly participate?
* How could these areas be made more accessible to individuals with disabilities?

Change the Changing Stations!

     You cannot count the times you've been out with your family whether, it was shopping, dining, appointments, entertainment or whatever, you've needed the restroom!  If you haven't that's a new one!  If you haven't it is a guarantee that your little one or the little ones you're traveling with have needed the restroom.  It is a part of life.  Whether it be a newborn or an elderly person...the restroom break is inevitable.  

     For many of us, we are raising children with special needs.  Those needs include having to be changed!  This is NO easy feat when the person needing to be changed is well over the height and weight limit of the very popular "Koala Kare" changing stations that are readily available in almost every restroom I've been in.  You've seen them.

AMC Theaters-Montgomery, AL

Therapy

     There in-lies the problem, the big issue!  Babies and infants are NOT the only people in our society that needs the changing stations or access to a public restroom.  We have preteens, teens and even adults that cannot go into the restrooms and use the toilets or the urinals, my preteen included!  

     I wish you could see the acrobatics I perform when I am in the restroom changing a 75 lbs/ 4 feet whatever inch on a changing station that is only designed for a baby.  I'm usually standing on one leg because my knee is under the station for extra support!  I'm leaning to her chair for her toiletries at the same time keeping a hand on her so that she doesn't come off the side!!! Some of they are higher than others making the process even more challenging!

     I know that something better can be done!!  We have so many family restrooms now.  They too, are available almost everywhere I've gone lately.  I know an adult size station can at least be placed in those restrooms!  Our families deserve that and the privacy!

  

Changing area at Children's Rehabilitation-Montgomery, AL

CRS-Montgomery, AL

     I know a simple table or cushioned bench is not hard to place in restroom and place a simple accessible sign above it is not expensive!  Next stop, Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

More to come...