Gazette 2009-09-24 companion
My column this week discusses Kenny Cieplik and Company from The Traveling Wheelchair blog. I first talked about Kenny in a post a couple of months ago and again just recently.
The column clocks in at over 900 words – and that includes really cutting it short. There was just too much information I wanted to cover but couldn’t fit in. Blog to the rescue.
I have to say that I was apprehensive about interviewing Kenny for the article. I’m afraid that I don’t have much experience and was afraid I’d act like a complete idiot. Fortunately on Kenny’s blog he had some links that had guidelines explaining how disabled people want to be treated. I was way overthinking things. It was all obvious stuff that boils down to treat everyone the same. Duh.
Something I wanted to capture in the column, but wasn’t able to was fun, joy, and love of life. Kenny faces real challenges. On the face it all looks so serious(which it is) but there is a tremendous amount or normalcy as well. As we talked, there were many humorous stories and laughter. At one point we all thought Kenny was going to reenact an accident in which he was thrown from his unrestrained wheelchair in a van. This event led to bill filed on Kenny’s behalf by Representative Steve Canness – HD 2989.
I was also shown some youtube videos that really captured the fun this group has going around and enjoying life. One very funny clip showed Kenny using the auto-ambulator – a machine that supports the user in a sling and helps them use whatever leg motion they possess. The video had a Six Million Dollar Man audio overlay that was very funny. Another showed the group at Old Silver Beach frolicking in the waves with a special beach wheelchair.
I guess the lesson I learned was to leave my expectations at the door when I’m entering an unfamiliar situation.
At the risk of creating a recursive loop that could end the universe as we know, Kenny got permission from the Gazette to post the column in it’s entirety.
Themocracy
Hi Mark,
I want to THANK YOU for writing a great article about The Traveling Wheelchair. As you know my Mission is "To help make the world more sensitive, respectful, safer and accessible to all." With people in the world as kind, understanding and sensitive as you, I am hoping one day our world will be a better place for all to live.
Thanks Again!!!
My Best,
Kenny
That pleasure was all mine – thank you.
Most people don't have a clue how many things they take for granted are very difficult for the disabled. Awareness doesn't come until it happens to them or someone they love.
My gratitude to Kenny for his informative blog and to you for bringing it to our attention.
Our family has reservations for Wally World next summer, and that organization is light years ahead of everyone in their attention to accessibility.
Unbelievable that after two decades so many places still don't comply with ADA requirements.
BB
your article was great.
your understanding now of the needs of the disabled is showing more and more.
I can't say enough good things about you.