I used a wheelchair experimentally for a semester on a really hilly campus. The hardest thing was trying not to tell outright lies about why I was using it, while still not giving away that I had no medical reason to be doing it. Tip: If the hill's too steep for your triceps, turn around and pull yourself up backwards using your biceps. Alternate as needed.
"It is nearly impossible to get around this campus in a wheelchair"? OK, so get people to do something about it! Based on what I've heard from someone in Second Life, it may be necessary to put those people in a wheelchair, that could do something about the accessibility of the campus.
jojo, I think you did a good job finding some of the issues on your campus, I wish all Archtecture/Design students could spend a day or seven in a chair.... might help with some of the design issues. I had a friend who used a chair due to a spinal injury and she taught me a lot about the issues she faces, really a great eye opener
@medic1685 i believe that some schools have their architecture students spend a day in a wheelchair... its a good idea and will really make u realize how much easier life is out of a wheelchair and also helps young architects design with the wheelchair bound citizens in mind... i think all buildings should be wheelchair accessible...
My close friend Michelle is a full-time wheelchair user and she really opened my eyes as far as life in a wheelchair. Since that time I've become a disability rights advocate. I really appreciate the effort you took to do this. I wish more people would do the same thing. It certainly would help cut down on the prejudice that people with disabilities face today.
That seemed like a pretty nice chair you managed to get a lend of, a proper "active user" chair. I would challenge you to get around the same places in the pieces of junk those of us with poor insurance or the "wrong kind" of disability get allocated, about twice the weight and well under half the pushing effeciency and the front end sticks out so far you can't get near anything even if it's low down! If you thought you had worked hard before you aint seen nuthin yet!
Great job! I'm a wheelie from the Netherlands and I really appreciate your effort in making this video. People should do this more often. Its a shame that a campus is not wheelchair proof. Myself I have the most difficulties with going to clubs and bars. It is hard to find one that you can get in. And when your in most of them won't have a disability restroom. Or the bar is to high so that you can't order anything. But you did a great job! I hope your Uni is making some changes after your video.
beeing a wheelchair user myself, i deeply respect your effort to find out what it's like to in a wheelchair. maybe a suggestion for a next project, try spending a day in a major city , they often are a lot worse then a campus
I have heard reports of the difficulty in getting around in cities, especially if you have to call a taxi or take a bus. It would be very interesting to learn more about something like that. Thanks for your comment.
I'm a blind wheelchair user myself. (c6 quad). I think it would be interesting to do this "wheelchair assignment" and have a person who uses a wheelchair tag along. I have no doubt the "seasoned" wheelchair user would have fewer "problems" and you could compare how you did as a first time user.
u didn't seem to take it very seriously in the video. may be im wrong its just my oppinion, but im a soldier and i have friends becouse of there enuries are in a wheelchair one is nothing compared to the rest of your life. just my oppinion though
Thank you for your feedback. My video arises out of an assignment that I did for an anatomy of movement class and I'll admit that I don't know what it really is like for your friends at all. My assignment was to find out how difficult it was to get around our campus specifically, as it is situated on the top a very large hill.
I am in very good shape, though maybe not as good as a professional soldier. I was getting tired and I am 20 something; I wanted to mention it because I imagine how much more tired the elderly etc. would become navigating our campus.
As a wheelchair user myself - I think it's more than a little funny (and sort of encouraging) when able-bodied peeps try out the chair for a day. The more people who realize how farcked up the access situation is even in progressive places like uni campuses, the more voices we'll have for change!
And hey - yes, having a disability can suck - but there are some fun parts too. Personally, jojo, I'm glad you kept your sense of humor throughout!
Congrats JoJo..! i use a chair also due to SB it wasnt something i wanted to use but as i got older it became more difficult to go anywhere and try to keep up with family and friends so at the age of 30 i got my first chair and it wasnt easy in the begining but with time and practice i now enjoy going on trips in my chair. if you ever want a real disabled guys opinion feel free to ask me ...
im in a wheel chair right now from rehabbing from double knee replacements, and re-alignment surgery, and under dr orders 2 get around campus i hafta use a wheel chair because of my rehabilitation process. I do hafta say it is so hard being in a wheel chair but in a way you have to accept it, head up straight and be positive. i think im going 2 have to use it for class for the semister or entire year, depends on my rehabiliation process.
If you want to learn more, there's no better way (without being disabled yourself) I'd say than spending time with a disabled person who is wheelchair-bound. You see things from such a different perspective, and think about things that we are all just so unfortunately ignorant to until we have the experience first(ish) hand.
Good work, and I hope you can bring about some change in your area to better 'accomodate' disabled people - even if it is just in the way you alone act toward them.
I agree, you could never learn, from one day, the struggles that wheelchair users face day-to-day, but you seem to have gained a valuable glimpse into the lifes of disabled people.
Seems like you have learnt a vauable lesson from this experience. You're right; we never know what the future brings and any one of us could end up in all manner of situations that we just simply can't predict... For that reason alone, we should be as loving to our neighbours as possible, because I'm sure we'd only expect / want the same treatment if it was us in their place.
Considering many people encounter worse than you did in an average day, what does it make you actually think? I'm not sure if you learnt anything other than not to wear a backpack on your back (hint - back of the chair is useful for something too)... and by the way, not everyone gets a lightweight Quickie chair... It would be interesting to see if you did learn and hopefully implement changes from your experience...
This is actually a video that i did for a class project. It was an anatomy class, but we had to spend a day each in a wheelchair, on crutches, and with a walker. By no means was it anything to bring about complete understanding or anything, but it did broaden my comprehension of what disabled people face on a day to day basis.
I decided to go the extra bit and do a video in place of a paper, and managed to put in some segments of fun, partially to remind people that just because an individual is chair-bound doesn't mean they can't be a goof and enjoy life as much as anyone else.
The main point of the project was to determine the difficulty of getting around our campus, which is situated on a hill. Naturally, as you can tell from the video, it was nearly impossible without some sort of help, or much stronger arms than I have.
No, not everyone gets a lightweight chair (which tend to topple over backwards when too much weight is put on the back, such as a school bag). I was fortunate enough to be assigned one of the lighter chairs and this did help me in some ways during my experience.
As to what did I learn? In the class as a whole I learned mostly about the anatomical struggles of disabled individuals. During the video? As I said before, I couldn't possible hope to learn very much from just one day, but I think that I do understand some things better. For instance, I began to understand why often times disabled people tend to refuse help from others, or politely insist on doing things themselves.
On a broader level, I now appreciate how difficult life can be for disable people when accomodations aren't put into place for them, such as ramps, curb cuts, and automatic doors. These things are required by law in the US, but are often not present in private locations like the college I attend.
As to what I will change? I think I'm a pleasent person normally, but I am also more aware of accomodating disabled people as much as I can without being intrusive. It could easily be me in that chair for real one day...
the GPV is classed as a lightweight chair, titanium chairs are classed as ultra lightweight. Aluminium can be lighter than some titanium options and you should keep in mind the bike industry ditched titanium ages ago.
it was kinda sad when that kid couldnt get to his mail... wasnt there an elevator???
bandgeek0210 11 months ago
hey i just did the same thing today at my college!! check out my blog experience!
greatcomedian18 1 year ago
more schools need 2 do that
wheelieblind 1 year ago
I used a wheelchair experimentally for a semester on a really hilly campus. The hardest thing was trying not to tell outright lies about why I was using it, while still not giving away that I had no medical reason to be doing it. Tip: If the hill's too steep for your triceps, turn around and pull yourself up backwards using your biceps. Alternate as needed.
kesafloyd 1 year ago
"It is nearly impossible to get around this campus in a wheelchair"? OK, so get people to do something about it! Based on what I've heard from someone in Second Life, it may be necessary to put those people in a wheelchair, that could do something about the accessibility of the campus.
YTMrVulcan 1 year ago
whats the namme of the song of the ending?
alexis0095 2 years ago
Comment removed
TheTrafficant 2 years ago
Where the hell did you get quickies?? i am in a quickie TI and i payed 8000 bucks for it. whoever lent you one isnt that smart lol.
Stuffs bull shit right? and my friends wonder why i'd rather stay home sometimes.......
kaytayftw 2 years ago
they were using Quickie GPVs, the base price for a brand new GPV is less than $1000 USD and they sell on ebay second hand for $200 USD.
AhiruSophie 2 years ago
jojo, I think you did a good job finding some of the issues on your campus, I wish all Archtecture/Design students could spend a day or seven in a chair.... might help with some of the design issues. I had a friend who used a chair due to a spinal injury and she taught me a lot about the issues she faces, really a great eye opener
medic1685 2 years ago
@medic1685 i believe that some schools have their architecture students spend a day in a wheelchair... its a good idea and will really make u realize how much easier life is out of a wheelchair and also helps young architects design with the wheelchair bound citizens in mind... i think all buildings should be wheelchair accessible...
bandgeek0210 11 months ago
to the guy on thr chair..
what the fuck are smiling and laughing all the time ?
do you have an idea what it is like to actually LIVING like that?
eutuve 2 years ago 2
My close friend Michelle is a full-time wheelchair user and she really opened my eyes as far as life in a wheelchair. Since that time I've become a disability rights advocate. I really appreciate the effort you took to do this. I wish more people would do the same thing. It certainly would help cut down on the prejudice that people with disabilities face today.
dotmacis 2 years ago
agreed tha is very nice of you for doing this video
garciajuanitogg 3 years ago
That seemed like a pretty nice chair you managed to get a lend of, a proper "active user" chair. I would challenge you to get around the same places in the pieces of junk those of us with poor insurance or the "wrong kind" of disability get allocated, about twice the weight and well under half the pushing effeciency and the front end sticks out so far you can't get near anything even if it's low down! If you thought you had worked hard before you aint seen nuthin yet!
RoseRodent 3 years ago 2
You are so funny, I love it. Great insight (I use a wheelchair myself). Thanks for the vid. :)
Lordismyportion 3 years ago
Great job! I'm a wheelie from the Netherlands and I really appreciate your effort in making this video. People should do this more often. Its a shame that a campus is not wheelchair proof. Myself I have the most difficulties with going to clubs and bars. It is hard to find one that you can get in. And when your in most of them won't have a disability restroom. Or the bar is to high so that you can't order anything. But you did a great job! I hope your Uni is making some changes after your video.
meeldientje 3 years ago
beeing a wheelchair user myself, i deeply respect your effort to find out what it's like to in a wheelchair. maybe a suggestion for a next project, try spending a day in a major city , they often are a lot worse then a campus
Greetings from Belgium
killjoybe 4 years ago 3
I have heard reports of the difficulty in getting around in cities, especially if you have to call a taxi or take a bus. It would be very interesting to learn more about something like that. Thanks for your comment.
jojowagoner 4 years ago
I'm a blind wheelchair user myself. (c6 quad). I think it would be interesting to do this "wheelchair assignment" and have a person who uses a wheelchair tag along. I have no doubt the "seasoned" wheelchair user would have fewer "problems" and you could compare how you did as a first time user.
KimAndSophie 4 years ago
Kid u don't know what tired is
garmar8 4 years ago
Why do you say that?
jojowagoner 4 years ago
u didn't seem to take it very seriously in the video. may be im wrong its just my oppinion, but im a soldier and i have friends becouse of there enuries are in a wheelchair one is nothing compared to the rest of your life. just my oppinion though
garmar8 4 years ago
Thank you for your feedback. My video arises out of an assignment that I did for an anatomy of movement class and I'll admit that I don't know what it really is like for your friends at all. My assignment was to find out how difficult it was to get around our campus specifically, as it is situated on the top a very large hill.
jojowagoner 4 years ago
I am in very good shape, though maybe not as good as a professional soldier. I was getting tired and I am 20 something; I wanted to mention it because I imagine how much more tired the elderly etc. would become navigating our campus.
Thanks garmer8
jojowagoner 4 years ago
dude - garmer8 needs to chill out!
As a wheelchair user myself - I think it's more than a little funny (and sort of encouraging) when able-bodied peeps try out the chair for a day. The more people who realize how farcked up the access situation is even in progressive places like uni campuses, the more voices we'll have for change!
And hey - yes, having a disability can suck - but there are some fun parts too. Personally, jojo, I'm glad you kept your sense of humor throughout!
josiejose 4 years ago
Thank you josiejose! It's great to hear a first-hand perspective.
jojowagoner 4 years ago
yea must suck to use one of thoses instead of a tilite
monkeyboy8me 4 years ago
Your well come and i do hope your campus improves it access to the disabled
garmar8 4 years ago
Congrats JoJo..! i use a chair also due to SB it wasnt something i wanted to use but as i got older it became more difficult to go anywhere and try to keep up with family and friends so at the age of 30 i got my first chair and it wasnt easy in the begining but with time and practice i now enjoy going on trips in my chair. if you ever want a real disabled guys opinion feel free to ask me ...
quickiekidd 4 years ago 2
"The Disabled" is the only minority anyone can join.
ST621TX 4 years ago 2
i do think people in wheel chairs are inspirational people and they are amazing how much they live life to the fullest
b0sox87 4 years ago
im in a wheel chair right now from rehabbing from double knee replacements, and re-alignment surgery, and under dr orders 2 get around campus i hafta use a wheel chair because of my rehabilitation process. I do hafta say it is so hard being in a wheel chair but in a way you have to accept it, head up straight and be positive. i think im going 2 have to use it for class for the semister or entire year, depends on my rehabiliation process.
b0sox87 4 years ago
If you want to learn more, there's no better way (without being disabled yourself) I'd say than spending time with a disabled person who is wheelchair-bound. You see things from such a different perspective, and think about things that we are all just so unfortunately ignorant to until we have the experience first(ish) hand.
tashacatmad 4 years ago
Good work, and I hope you can bring about some change in your area to better 'accomodate' disabled people - even if it is just in the way you alone act toward them.
Best wishes,
Tasha
tashacatmad 4 years ago
I agree, you could never learn, from one day, the struggles that wheelchair users face day-to-day, but you seem to have gained a valuable glimpse into the lifes of disabled people.
tashacatmad 4 years ago 2
Seems like you have learnt a vauable lesson from this experience. You're right; we never know what the future brings and any one of us could end up in all manner of situations that we just simply can't predict... For that reason alone, we should be as loving to our neighbours as possible, because I'm sure we'd only expect / want the same treatment if it was us in their place.
tashacatmad 4 years ago
Considering many people encounter worse than you did in an average day, what does it make you actually think? I'm not sure if you learnt anything other than not to wear a backpack on your back (hint - back of the chair is useful for something too)... and by the way, not everyone gets a lightweight Quickie chair... It would be interesting to see if you did learn and hopefully implement changes from your experience...
TashaAndDom 4 years ago
This is actually a video that i did for a class project. It was an anatomy class, but we had to spend a day each in a wheelchair, on crutches, and with a walker. By no means was it anything to bring about complete understanding or anything, but it did broaden my comprehension of what disabled people face on a day to day basis.
jojowagoner 4 years ago
I decided to go the extra bit and do a video in place of a paper, and managed to put in some segments of fun, partially to remind people that just because an individual is chair-bound doesn't mean they can't be a goof and enjoy life as much as anyone else.
jojowagoner 4 years ago
The main point of the project was to determine the difficulty of getting around our campus, which is situated on a hill. Naturally, as you can tell from the video, it was nearly impossible without some sort of help, or much stronger arms than I have.
jojowagoner 4 years ago
No, not everyone gets a lightweight chair (which tend to topple over backwards when too much weight is put on the back, such as a school bag). I was fortunate enough to be assigned one of the lighter chairs and this did help me in some ways during my experience.
jojowagoner 4 years ago
As to what did I learn? In the class as a whole I learned mostly about the anatomical struggles of disabled individuals. During the video? As I said before, I couldn't possible hope to learn very much from just one day, but I think that I do understand some things better. For instance, I began to understand why often times disabled people tend to refuse help from others, or politely insist on doing things themselves.
jojowagoner 4 years ago
On a broader level, I now appreciate how difficult life can be for disable people when accomodations aren't put into place for them, such as ramps, curb cuts, and automatic doors. These things are required by law in the US, but are often not present in private locations like the college I attend.
jojowagoner 4 years ago
As to what I will change? I think I'm a pleasent person normally, but I am also more aware of accomodating disabled people as much as I can without being intrusive. It could easily be me in that chair for real one day...
jojowagoner 4 years ago
you call that chair light? I would hate to have to use one of those. Titanium is the only way to go.
blublank 4 years ago
the GPV is classed as a lightweight chair, titanium chairs are classed as ultra lightweight. Aluminium can be lighter than some titanium options and you should keep in mind the bike industry ditched titanium ages ago.
AhiruSophie 2 years ago