To most of us, a wheelchair is an fun, easy, and effortless way to get around. To those that are bound to a wheelchair because of genetics, degeneration, or injury, it is a whole different story. Until I completed this simulation, I was a strong part of the first group described.
This was one of the hardest things. As I began this simulation, I thought it would be fun to roll down the hills of Rexburg and speed through doors before they closed, but boy was I wrong. The first battle was getting off of the third floor of the building. I was essentially trapped. I had no way to get down, except for taking the elevator, but I had been so oblivious to it before, I couldn't find it. I spent a good 10 minutes navigating the Hinckley building before I found the elevator alone! This was going to be a long 2 1/2 hours... Well, I found it and immediately got to the other points that I had to hit. I made it through a door way by myself, but it was a struggle and took so much of the muscles in my arms that I didn't even know I had.
As the simulation went on, my arms were bruised and my hands were tired. I cannot express the empathy I am able to have for the people in wheel chairs now. Going to the bathroom seemed to be the hardest thing I would every have to do...if I could first get past the lip beneath the door to enter the restroom. It is interesting that we call places "wheelchair friendly," because when you are in a wheelchair, they seem anything BUT friendly.
Looking back, I just want to help people in wheelchairs. I came to understand the struggle of maneuvering through a crowd of people and the feeling that comes with it. It is understandable when people are unwilling to go to different events because it is such a hassle just to get there. This experiences was one that I appreciated, but I am so much more grateful for the abilities that I do have.
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