GRAMMA'S PONDERANCES

ParaTranspo riders feel left behind October 12,2023. - Community Voice Stittsville

 

When I finished reading the subject article My heart went out to all of our Challenged young and old.

 

I, personally am not as challenged as most, at this time. However, when my husband required a walker then a wheelchair I was totally frustrated by the lack of accessibility available even though signs said “wheelchair accessible.”

 

I could list dozens of incidents where I could not take him due to access restrictions. One that I frequently encountered was the 1 to 2 inch rise from the sidewalk to the front door of establishments such as a Dentist office, a Doctors office and most restaurants. If one more person told me to just pull back on the arms of the wheelchair and lift the front wheels up 1 to 2 inches, you really do not want to know what I was thinking. A 190 lb man and 75 year old woman, this would be an accident looking to happen. I am sure anyone who is challenged has had similar incidents.

 

We were at the General Hospital and had to go to the Civic for a meeting with his surgeon. The Nurse’s desk ordered Para Transpo and we got there no problem and on time. Needless to say the Doctor was late, the appointment was long and we missed the Para Transpo ride back to the General. I was told to call Para Transpo to explain the situation and after multiple tries a live person came on the line and I was told I should have cancelled and booked another pick up time. The wait time could be as long as 4 hours. Please use your imagination here! I called a taxi and $25.00 later got back to the General.

 

What I have learned from these experiences upsets me and they make me angry and sad at the same time. Challenged people are not disposable! Deserve respect! We should all be aware of how we treat our challenged Brothers and Sisters as some day you or I or a loved one could be challenged.

 

My husband is gone now but I still get upset when a simple courtesy such as holding a door open for someone using a cane, a walker or wheelchair is too much for some to do.