[Ansteorra] mobility issues

[Isobel de Kirkbryde]

--- Charlene Charette <perronnelle at earthlink.net>
wrote:

> In an effort to educate well-meaning but unknowing
> event stewards, what 
> issues would those with mobility problems like to
> see addressed at events?
> 
> --Perronnelle

Oh, thank you for asking.  This is a new pet peeve of
mine having had the opportunity to see the world from
a wheelchair quite unexpectedly.  I took a fall at
work and was housebound, almost bedbound, and when I
did get out it was in wheelchair and in pain.

One thing to consider is for those of us who don't
have motorized devices and sometimes our companion has
other duties (like Laurel circle) that the distance
between portions of the event can be a headache.

Just an example, at King's College, I wanted to go to
the library to see the wonderful ancient books.  I had
NO idea how long a trek across campus it was and I was
struggling after awhile pushing myself in the
wheelchair.  Luckily, there was a chivalrous gentleman
by the name of Malaki who stepped up with pleasure to
push this lady around.  I was delighted to have the
assistance.  But, without it, I would have pooped out
and not been able to enjoy that part of the event.

Another thing to keep in mind is that wheelchairs take
up a bit more room at feast than a folding chair.  If
tables are set too close together, you cannot get a
wheelchair in to an appropriate spot.  It isn't a good
idea to put them on the end, because then they block
traffic and tend to trip servers.  I like my food on
my plate, not in my lap.

One other little suggestion, and then I'll let others
pipe up.  At Kingdom A&S, the court was set up on a
stage with three steps.  Fortunately, I was more
mobile then, or else I would not have been able to
join the others or the King and Queen at court.

Ever tried getting into a handicapped accessible
bathroom?  They are indeed handicapped accessible
until you are handicapped.  I can't tell you how many
I couldn't even fit my wheelchair into, much less me,
wheelchair, garb, etc.  Of course, those kinds of
things aren't always controllable by event stewards,
and I know that.  

The real bugaboos are steps, really uneven ground, and
not enough space to fit between displays or seating.
Sometimes it doesn't seem like a big deal, but little
things make a huge difference.  While my husband can
tip my wheelchair and make it go just about anywhere,
I hate being tipped over backwards and I want to
retain as much independence as I can as long as I can.


One thing I really think everyone could work on is
chivalry.  I remember when I was first introduced to
the SCA almost 20 years ago, gentlemen opened doors
for ladies.  When people crossed paths as they walked
across the grounds of an event, the gentlemen bowed
slightly and said, "Milady" and the lady returned a
slight curtsey and a "Milord," even if they were total
strangers to each other.  I almost never hear or see
that anymore and it saddens me.  Courtesy and chivalry
should never die!

Okay, my turn to get off the soapbox!

Thanks for letting me share my opinions.



Isobel de Kirkbryde, a widow.  My son, Odhran Kilmaine and I were blessed to be taken in by Master Michael Fenwick of Fotheringhay.

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