Evenings out are no longer spontaneous or frequent. Some considerable planning goes into everything. Where are we going, how do we get there, what’s the seating situation like, accessibility, can a helper and the wheelchair fit into the accessible bathroom, do we need carers? And then, there’s a later bedtime to consider – how to get into bed if we’re home too late for the personal care assistants. Last week, we went to a fundraising quiz and curry night. I checked out the venue beforehand and found easy accessible parking and ramp access – it was like our own private VIP entrance! I was organising the event and, in the venue thought it best to seat dad near the accessible toilets. I suggested some alterations to the seating be made and, dad and his team mates had a table that gave easy access to the bar, food counters, toilet and, a clear view of the stage area. The venue genuinely and kindly thought it was helpful to have easy access to the loo but, in making the evening fun for all, everyone should have the same opportunities to enjoyment regardless of disability. This is no criticism of the venue at all, they went above and beyond to help and were grateful for our input. Perfect table height for a wheelchair user too, that doesn’t happen everywhere! To make the evening enjoyable for all of us, we negotiated with one of our personal care assistants to work during the event and, to blend in, she invited friends to join her in their own team, giving dad some much needed independence and space. Well done to the venue in having designated parking close to an accessible ramp with automatic doors into the building, spacious toilet facilities and, the perfect height table. We’ll definitely go to more events at Boringdon Park Golf Club and can recommend this as a venue for other wheelchair users.
Daily Life with a C4/C5 Spinal Cord Injury 