Book- House

(Place on page 60, after para 7 before "During this time..")

Even though I felt very free and independent, back in the late 70's houses weren't required to fit the needs of a person with a disability. We were still seen as outsiders in society, out of the norm, thus accessibility was not a high priority.

In our home the doorways were still too narrow, the kitchen cabinets were too high to reach, and even though I had a ramp built in the front, the ramp going to the backyard was built too steep and I couldn't use it without assistance.

Things have definitely gotten better in the 40 years that have passed. When I was younger, if my folks weren't sure of  the accessibility of a  certain restaurant or local business, they would need to call ahead. Often was the case we would go somewhere and find out there were flights of stairs to climb. It was just a way of life back then.

Over the years I talked to other people with disabilities, both young and old. Especially with people who were newly disabled from an accident or life-changing health issue, resulting in the inability to walk, one of the most frustrating issues to them was inaccessibility. Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness prevailed. Remembering times one could easily take the steps to where you needed to go; when an elevator was merely a luxury ride not a necessity; or when a simple street curb did not loom as large as a mountain, it was easy to take freedom for granted. Needing to rely on someone else to get you from here to there  could easily kill one's spirit.

So our house wasn't perfect in 1979 when we moved in, but without stairs, without  challenges or obstacles to get in the way, I  grew in my new freedom, appreciating the simple  act of being able to get a drink of water by myself.