♿️I I BECAME A WHEELCHAIR USER, AND THIS SHOCKED ME THE MOST

[@Wheelsnoheels]

What shocked you when you first became a wheelchair user? Dont forget Shaun tried my wheelchair and this is what shocked him. link below. If you enjoyed todays video, please consider buying me a ko-fi (kinda like giving me a tip) if you can’t do that, please watch another video, and share my content with to help others find support they may need. Videos to check out next: Last weeks video: Winter Wheelchair Hacks kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5DPo2WJl6aebZo HUSBAND TRIED MY WHEELCHAIR! THIS IS WHAT SHOCKED HIM MOST kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWjCaZVql817m6c Pet Peeves of a wheelchair user kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3O0c2WQoNRlacU Wheelchair user `Assumptions kzbin.info/www/bejne/kImlZnWMgd6ra6s True cost of disability kzbin.info/www/bejne/moPHfYGmf61_jbM

[@clairesheret2663]

Dad

[@clairesheret2663]

Dddgghghcg

[@sherriholt367]

My son and my sister are both in wheelchairs my sons has had people come up to with in his personal space very close to his ( pre Covid ) my son screamed at him like he was a demonic I found it funny. As far as my sister I remember a time before ada came in to play. On a side note where did you get the pink covers for you handles

[@sarahlabonte6135]

Omg all of this is so relatable! Those are all some things that got me out of my mind quite a few time. I remember being in my mom’s cars going in high school during winter (i’m in canada) and just panicking over the fact that I have no idea if I will be able to make it up to the doors, if there was going to be ice and snow in the way, if some kid would friecking open the door for me even before I would be half way trough this painful ascension and just wait for me in the Awkward silence and sometime even say: « do you need help? » Like no!! I was just fine until you decided to open the door for me! It was so hard and a was so ashamed every days was a nightmare.

[@adamguymon7096]

Adam: I am a power chair user and legally blind: Have you ever had someone pet your wheelchair like someone petting a dog? It would be nice if you or someone could make a video showing what that would look like? I know that people try to pet SDs and when they do it is like someone who pts a service dog? Both of them are medical equipment?

[@cbryce9243]

Something that shocked me the most about wheelchair usage, is how adorable children are. Many wave and say "Hi" and one little child from far away, waved and said very loudly, "mommy, I love her; (while looking and pointing at me she said loudly again, I LOVE YOU!" My heart warmed. I kind of like being in a wheelchair. The babies at eye level make it all worth it.

[@ShandiJasmine95]

My favorite is the little kids running up and asking if I have an "owie."😂

[@cbryce9243]

@@ShandiJasmine95 Kids are great!

[@joyceward5477]

I have been using a wheelchair for about 10 years now. The thing that is surprising on the negative side is how some people assume because you are in a wheelchair you are mentally deficient. My sister is the one who noticed this, that strangers seemed shocked at my being articulate and perfectly normal after they would speak to me. It boils down to preconceived notions that disabled people are all the same and are both physically and mentally disabled. On the plus side, being in the chair has cemented my belief that most people are genuinely kind, caring and helpful. Whenever anyone asks me if I need some assistance, I make it a point to be as gracious as possible,, "No, but thank you so much for asking." I can help folks to understand about being disabled without being militant about it. I especially love little kids and their genuine interest. Usually, they are just fascinated with the chair. But I had one little girl at my granddaughter's day care come up, ask me what was wrong and kiss my leg saying, " I hope its better now." I was so touched by this little one's compassion.

[@kennyporter8215]

Kids are great when they are still to young to hate, God speed to all.

[@robertkurowsky5067]

I will never get used to this... At times when my wife and I go to a restaurant, and I'm in my wheelchair or using a walker, the waitress (rarely happens with a waiter) pretty much ignores my existence, rarely looks directly at me, expects my wife to place an order for the both of us. Infuriating to say the least. How I handle these situations depends on my mood and our waitress's demeaner. I had similar incidents regarding a nurse who while asking for my address, phone number, etc. will ask my wife. I usually state "as I'm the patient, please ask me about whatever you need". Obviously that scene will take place only on my first visit to that doctor.

[@TheMazinoz]

You don't even need to be in a wheelchair. A nurse actually asked me this when I said I had Ehlers Danlos syndrome. I wasn't even using a cane at the time!

[@cbryce9243]

That's so sweeeeet!

[@Veronensis]

I noticed this too when I used a wheelchair for a few weeks due to a foot injury. People literally talk over you, in my case to my mother and sister. Some people even talked about me like I wasn't in the room at all. It was definitely an eye opener for me how people in wheelchairs are treated.

[@pintoaag]

A video idea: do an online collab with wheelchair users from around the world to compare country accessibility. the pro and cons of each country.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

OOOO Thats a good idea. Ill have a think on that. x

[@valerieannrumpf4151]

Good idea.

[@ChrisPage68]

I don't know a fully accessible country.

[@MeaCulpaMerlin]

What a great idea! May I suggest another of my personal yt faves - the brill Richard Corbett from the channel Wheels2Walking. Seeing a UK/US collab incl you guys would be fab IMHO!

[@pintoaag]

@@MeaCulpaMerlin That is a great idea I have wanted a collab from them both since found them

[@cpr58]

I just became a wheelchair user, and I am so lost I finding out how many things I have taken for granted that are no longer accessible for me

[@AngelaTopping]

Thank you for mentioning camber. I struggle so much with that on my walker, and no one has a clue what I'm on about because they don't feel it.

[@jwstanley2645]

Thank you so much for sharing.

[@shayelea]

When I started (occasionally) using a mobility scooter, I was shocked at just how inaccessible the world actually is, even in places that supposedly have it right. I went to a local mall to practice using my scooter, and it was purportedly fully accessible, but half the time the accessibility features were broken. Automatic doors that wouldn’t open, elevators that wouldn’t respond to the call button, surfaces so bumpy it hurt to ride across, aisles that were too narrow, bathrooms that weren’t big enough to fit the scooter into. It really makes you notice the places that do have it right. I got the scooter initially for a Disneyland trip, and Disney really does have it pretty nailed down, even down to the way the employees treat you - helpful but not condescending. Too often it swings uncomfortably one way or the other.

[@TheMazinoz]

I noticed when Covid hit here in Australia, all of a sudden all the lifts became inaccessible at a major shopping mall. I couldn't imagine anyone using a wheelchair on the travelators. They say not to even use shopping trolleys on them.

[@cbryce9243]

@@TheMazinoz Same happened in the U.S.

[@alisakerwoodakarainbowangel]

I'm not a wheelchair user but I do have a disability I'm a walking Cerebral Palsy person that is highly aware of the obstacles that wheelchair users have because I get the same attitudes too. I have hemiplegia on the right side of my body. thanks for your channel

[@VampireSamzke1002]

Last year, due to a torn ankle ligament, I had to spend two weeks in a wheelchair (and about 3 months with crutches). I never realized how some things were actually annoying for wheelchair users. I am glad I got to have that experience, so I can be more considerate of people who are wheelchair users.

[@keyup2626]

This is so very true, most people have no clue how many barriers there are for us in wheelchairs. The most annoying thing when I’m out with my service dog and wheeling along and people say look at the “Seeing Eye Dog” I sometimes just have to stop and ask them how they came to that conclusion. The worst part is they think you have no brain cells and you’re incapable of thinking for yourself. Great videos.

[@KellyMcCann-ox5hp]

I get that so much! I was at my local highschool once, and people assumed that I wasn’t aware of my surroundings! Of course I’m aware of my surroundings. I plan 2-3 steps ahead to navigate built environments.

[@gamecrusher2024]

When someone stares at me, in my wheelchair, I just smile back, and say, "Hello!"

[@glenpudney]

That’s a great response to someone staring. I don’t worry about people staring at me. Why? Because I’m blind, so I can’t even see if they’re staring. As they say, out of sight, out of mind lol. 😂😂

[@Shamelslife]

To go along with your accessibility segment, here in the US, I’m always shocked to find how many establishments get around having an accessible entrance because the law gives them an out because making the necessary adjustments or fixes would constitute a “hardship”. I’ve always said any short term inconvenience to the business or property owner pales in comparison to the “hardship” I (or other wheelchair users) face everyday!

[@PottersVideos2]

So what? If they don't want you, then why enter? Fuck em.

[@aellaaskew4263]

Any day now after 2 yrs IMMOBILE and 4 turn downs Medicaid...I will get my first chair with a smart drive power assist as I really don't have the strength to propel myself normally. Dislocating shoulders an all 🤷‍♀️ #EDSlife I'm so anxious and watching every video I can find to prepare myself. But hey anything other than bed and the couch well that will be quite novel now wont it? PS I'm another insta follower that just realized you have a you tube channel🤦‍♀️😜😁 So happy to have this wealth of experience before me! You and you camera crew (😏The family and a good stand I presume) are an absolute GEM! Thank You🥰💛💚💙

[@synchro4jc]

I have always been a very outspoken bouncy fun person. When I became wheelchair bound, I found that no one will make eye contact with me! :-( It’s been 8 years and people still avoid me. :-o I rotate through feelings of heartbreak, frustration, again & the "I could care less" feelings. Pffft! Having a husband of 25yrs who still gives me little kisses in public makes it so much easier to ignore people's silliness! =)

[@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084]

This was very interesting. Some thing that annoys me as someone with a disability is that people always seem to assume when I call up the check about Accessibility Weather that’s physical, digital, program etc. etc. is that someone with me we do actually Travel alone you know and the point of being accessible is not to have to have someone go in and request a special access but for the place to actually be accessible to the person with the access needs can go in and self

[@SIRWHEELZ4084]

It's great how when you're talking to camera 3:14 and your puppers is just looking out the window, "You keep doing your video mom, I'll keep watch out for you."

[@samanthacoleman50]

I'm a teacher and it's really hard finding schools that are truly accessible. Many will have disabled parking spaces or a disabled bathroom but...often there is gravel or narrow corridors, no lifts to access different floors or tiny classrooms that mean I can't get to students who may need help at the back. Even when you find a good one, many don't understand how hard it is to push on carpet...especially when your disability leaves you with left sided weakness or children accidently hit you with a door and dislocate your shoulder. People forget the importance of upper limbs to wheelchair users! Great video X Thank you 😍

[@livingdivanized]

Just to add something positive I thought I'd share the best compliment I've ever received. Several years I was on the bus with my walker and got to chatting with a woman in an electric wheelchair (I'm not sure she was even able to get in/out of it by herself). During our chat she ended giving me the best compliment I've ever received when she told me that I truly understood what it is to be disabled. I can't imagine another compliment that I could ever receive that would mean as much to me as hers did.

[@roseeason9619]

I'm glad that you use the term "Wheelchair User" and not confined to a Wheelchair, or Wheelchair bound. I hate those terms! Anyways, when people stare at me, I just smile back at them and say, "Hello." Then they move on. 🤣🤣🤣

[@jupamoers]

I'm not a wheelchair user (yet), but a cane user. And I agree on these inappropriate questions. Like "what happened to your leg?" Nothing, dipsh!t, I was born like that. Mind your own business... or "are you in pain?" Not right now, but if you keep asking, you will be in pain

[@LadyLyndhurst01]

My husband uses a wheelchair and the state of some pavements is the most shocking. All the dips and uneven flags and areas where there are no low points; meaning dangerous moments using the road.

[@dyeshook8048]

After having severe pain for two years, I might need a wheelchair temporarily. I might even need it permanently. I’m a little nervous about how my life at school will change, and just my life in general. As an ex athlete it’s hard to accept but I’m trying to stay positive. This really helped, ty!

[@boofyhalfpint8559]

Don't give up on sports if you love them. Check out wheelchair rugby/fencing/bowles and a whole heap of other sports. It is great for mind and body to stay active and positive!

[@jeffreyrandall7131]

You have a very good guard dog. Making sure the sidewalk is safe for you.

[@ixykix]

I'm an ambulatory wheelchair user, so I can walk tiny distances and very occasionally a bit longer. Honestly, the looks I get in supermarkets from a few people when I stand up from my chair to reach something, I can feel them burning "FAKER" into the back of my head when I sit back down and turn to go. One lady actually tutted at me and shook her head just before lockdown! Have to admit I stared her down and raised an eyebrow at her lol Generally most people just ignore me which is as it should be, but the ones that don't can be really intrusive - usually "So what happened to you then?!" aargh

[@michelecallahan1660]

I have a spinal cord injury as well and MS. So enjoying your videos. LOL I did same thing everyone staring. My pet peeve...is when people walk literally right in front of me. And here in my part of the US it is hard indeed how hard and expensive equipment is.

[@AmandaHW1984]

It was in my chart that I was allowed to leave class a few moments early, so I could report to the next class on time.

[@kimulm0619]

New sub.Thank you for your bright personality and video.

[@imalionimaqueen7234]

The most accessable school I ever went to was a small charter school with only one floor, I don't remember if it was originally built to be a school or what but it was better than any standard public schools I've been to. It was also project based so accessable for mental disabilities too.

[@CrystalMouse1]

It’s late 2021 when writing this and it’s ridiculous how people forget we exist 😣

[@Ellie_Eclipse1]

When I was in highschool they had an elevator & would let you leave class early to go to your next one. Overall my experience is that they've become a lot more understanding. Now that I'm in College there's ramps everywhere, elevators, & even signs in the building telling you where the elevator is.

[@patibulary]

with the staring, what i’ve found is that as you gain more confidence in your wheelchair you stand out less and people don’t notice you as much. i know exactly how to manage daily tasks with attracting the least amount of attention possible, and when i’m struggling with something or not confident in my wheelchairs ability to take on an obstacle, that’s when people start to stare or ask if i need help

[@miriamharris-kaplan6997]

Thanks so much for describing yourself as a wheelchair user and not wheelchair bound, confined to a wheelchair, or in a wheelchair. I use a motorized wheelchair and I see it as a tool and not a state of being.

[@pingu99991]

The amount of NHS services that aren't accessible is mind boggling!! My MS clinic (which deals with people that have mobility issues allllllll the time) doesn't have a single wheelchair space in the waiting area and it's crammed full of chairs so it means you have to block the hallway while you wait which makes you self conscious and the nurses that need to get through treat you like an inconvenience. I also have to travel about 40 minuites to the closest dentists that isn't on the second floor of a building - this surprisingly common from conversations I've had with other people.

[@erinaustin2157]

Philip James In that type of situation, I may just try to rally anyone else who goes to that office,in any type of chair to make an “appointment” all around the same time. Then all of you wait patiently 😏 in the space they expect you to stay in while waiting. Basically filling the entire hallway, which btw, is a fire hazard and could be brought up as well 😆. Fb live it, and send a mass message to the head ups of that place and NHS. Oh and the news quietly 🤫. Maybe that will shift there attitude! Do this if any other efforts were basically ignored but don’t give them lots of “time”. They had enough already. 😉👍

[@robokill387]

A lot of group homes for people with learning disabilities and autism aren't wheelchair accessible either.

[@mmagurl83]

YES GIRL! The staring is too much sometimes lol I stare back 🤣 I am not sensitive to it at all but none the less, it's fun to make them uncomfortable.

[@marvellousaunt]

Sometimes I notice a wheelchair user out in public and I want to smile and say hello because I am disabled too and I want to show support... like hey, we are both part of the spoonie club! Obviously I don’t know exactly what they’re going through but I want them to feel seen (but not stared at). I use a stick or scooter sometimes but I have an invisible disability so a lot of the time I DON’T say hello as I worry about being patronising?? What do you think?

[@DerelictusAnima]

@@marvellousaunt I always greet a fellow cripple, at least with a nod. 99% they all get the idea and do the same to me :)

[@beeb6730]

Great video and I absolutely love you and Daisy re-enacting shopping! She was great in both of her roles in that skit 😊

[@SteveB357]

When I was in high school, I was one of a team that helped a girl in a wheelchair, by carrying her in the chair up and down several flights of chairs. She was terrified and cried out to be careful the whole time. Thirty years later, I was charged with lifting a lady into and out of a car, and into her chair. She was terrified and cried out to be careful. It was the same woman, thirty years later. Really the same person.

[@Arthur172B]

Having such strong phobias...a lifelong terror, I grew up with with phobias of several different kinds, (even astonished a clinical psychologist) my parents did not have the education to begin to understand, so be as kind as possible in all you do. Sensitive people will see you as you are. My first serious "squeeze" in a W/C immediately saw me as an honest person. I always tried to be straight, the only exception was never exposing the bad parenting I lived under. I wonder if the team of Steve's W/C lifters might have been a bunch of stupid jokesters? I have seen examples of very dangerous "assistance" being inflicted.

[@karencollins1356]

I’ve been in wheelchair only 7 months ,i use a frame at home or the chair when I need both hands free ,all of these resonate with me ,esp the staring at ,neither of us drive so we use the bus everywhere but the wheelchair is place so you are facing the other passengers ,it’s not fun .

[@Adjevii]

I’m shocked that most places aren’t accessible, the thought never occurred to me but this video gives me that insight. Thank you for sharing!! This page is inspiring

[@tinachambers4887]

I'm in WC 11 YEARS NOW AN I'M CONSTANTLY REMINDED OF THE NICE PEOPLE AROUND WHO ARE WILLING TO HELP MY ATTITUDE helps loads chin up friends have a day love from TEXAS

[@jessehall5807]

I’m brand new to wheelchair use - and OMG the one handed footpath thing!! I thought my chair was broken or I was doing it wrong lol Nope. Just wonky pathways

[@marieboschman1311]

Something my friend has noticed is shes plus sized and she gets started at a lot and told "lose some weight and you won't need a wheelchair anymore"

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Oh thats horrible your poor friend. People are so ignorent and rude. :(

[@punky19761]

marie boschman Because that instantly cures paraplegia and undoes the affects of Spina Bifida ......(My situation). Also, that’s extremely rude of them.

[@rbroxton3068]

Oh I was told this, plus If I walk more my shoulders won't hurt......I have a fat condition and people still judge.

[@Anne-ambesten]

that says a lot about them and nothing about your friend. So rude. I'm so very sorry.

[@ixykix]

I've had a few reactions like this over the years too

[@beautifullydisabledprinces2698]

I LOVED IT I’ve been a wheelchair user all my life and I have a semi-powered/full powered wheelchair and I constantly have to do wheelies to get into places

[@rickrodgers7805]

Okay I have one for you. In 2018, I was rolling up a street in the bicycle lane, and got pulled over lights and siren by the Omaha Ne., police dept. Naturally, my smartass had to have some fun with them. So I asked if I had a turn signal out; did I make an improper lane change; and finally i said well I did have a couple of beers but Im pretty sure I can roll a straight line. They finally told me to have a nice day and drove off. By making them laugh, made them forget about writing a ticket. Just saying........

[@parrotpepper332]

I don't use a wheelchair for my chronic pain (I think it's EDS) but it's really bad and I have a pass to use my high schools elevator. (I have fourth floor classes). The first week and a half of school the elevator was broken because of a lightning storm. I got to school the first day, and went to students services for them to tell me "Students who can't get up the stairs are down in ISS right now until it gets fixed." I panicked and said "I'll just get up the stairs the best I can I'll be okay." So I ended up crushing 8 flights of stairs in agony for about 8 days until it was fixed. It FINALLY GETS FIXED. Or so I thought. 4 days later? There's a sign on the elevator that says "Elevator is broken, sorry for the inconvenience". It's been two weeks. It still isn't fixed

[@cbryce9243]

Hello from the far northwest corner of the US. I've just started using a wheelchair. The wheelchair you are in, what is it called? The borrowed wheelchair I am using has a high back and is very hard for me to maneuver. The one you have looks so much easier to get a round. As you demonstrated, I have been shocked by some people for sure. Either they are very helpful, or they step in front of me where I almost crash into them, or the one that really irked me the most, was when a teller spoke to the person I was with, asking THEM if they were my caregiver. Oh, I was annoyed! But I was cool and educated them. I'm going to watch a few of your shows, before I get fitted for my new wheelchair. Thank you for sharing this very helpful video!

[@terriem3922]

I used a wheelchair for a couple of hours, and was shocked to find that if that happened to me full time, I would not be able to eat as many calories. Although arm use is greatly increased, I don't know if it makes up for not walking.

[@nateschmall8873]

I was born disabled so my entire life people have stared at me. My "favorite" thing, (not at all) is when people say I can do things when I really cant

[@firebearva]

I am disabled in the USA and have been trying to get approval for a motorized wheelchair since December of 2021 it is almost impossible to get Medicare to pay for a $30,000 wheelchair. Medicare will not pay for a ramp $14,000. or vehicle lift $3,600. Pricing is crazy and meanwhile my condition gets worse. Sometimes I feel it's a game to see if I will die before getting approval for a chair.

[@s6ac891]

there is a someone who lives near me and she is in an electric chair her chair cut out on her coming home one day, in summer (i'm in australia too). i was the only person who stopped and asked her if needed help. she guided me to a switch to flip to engage a back up motor or something that turned the chair back on for her - i'm surprised the switch isn't in a position that the chair user could access in such instances, she was stuck there for a long time apparently.

[@gamecrusher2024]

I was in a "special class," for people with disabilities, when I was younger. However, when I entered High School, I was mainstreamed in a "regular" classroom. I told the Principle that I didn't need to be in a "special" classroom, just because I was a wheelchair user. I also said, "My disability is in my legs, not my brain!"

[@Christianna271]

The same thing happened to me as a deaf child with hearing aids. I was treated like I had an intellectual disability. My mother fought for me to be in a 'normal' class and everyone was surprised to see I achieved straight A's 😂

[@pprey6599]

But how many people equate physical disability with mental disability. A friend who has had MS for nearly 50 years regularly experiences people talking about her in the third person over her head as if she is not there!

[@robokill387]

@@pprey6599but also, people with mental disabilities also shouldn't be treated like that either. Just because they have a mental disability doesn't mean they should be ignored or treated as subhuman.

[@HelloL.G.]

I can relate to your examples! Thanks for sharing, it's quite encouraging to know it's not just me that these things happen to.

[@capricorngirl52405]

I use a mobility scooter, and some other accessible toilets aren’t really that accessible. Also how rude some people can be. I had one woman cut me off in front of a accessible toilet, when I said some thing she turned around and actually called me a piece of trash.

[@StuartAnderson-eg8gf]

I'm an active wheelchair user for 25 years. My point is that I was refused entry to a church funeral. The fact is was my late Mother's funeral, was extremely annoying. I had to have 2 men carry me to my seat. The reason was that I would have to sit in the isle and there would be no room for Mum's coffin..as enter after the coffin didn't cross the vicars mind on this. I being me challenged him on this as I am a Minister that he didn't know until on the way out of the church I removed my scarf to reveal my Dog Collar and mentioned to my friend very loudly so the vicar could not not heard me, that I was going for Dinner with his Bishop of the area of the church refusal to allow my wheelchair into his church. My church is disabled accessible. And an LGBTQ+ accessible Congregation. I had to coach my older members how to behave around disabled people. I now look back and laugh my head off. I know exactly what you mean. Keep up the good work you put into your videos.♿

[@GingerKiwiDev]

Love your video and sense of humour! Subscribed. EDS + dysautonomia spoonie here, currently rocking two canes or nordic walking poles (and lots of other stuff), but I'm on track to be an ambulatory wheelchair user. Already need one in places where I'd have to stand around (walking is ok, standing makes me dizzy, then increasing amounts of pain b/c blood pressure drops and blood pools). I'm already annoyed/frustrated when accessibility features don't work, or when accessible washrooms aren't actually accessible. (No radar keys here in Canada.). I speak up because I'm a former special ed teacher and grew up being my mom's seeing guide daughter, but really!

[@Bekahhhxo]

The staring.. THE STARRRRRRRINGGGGGG IS SOO BADDDD! They always look down at me with the grumpiest face like i shouldnt be using a wheelchair :S One doctor grabbing a coffee at the hospital glared down at me and shook his head. Always makes me feel like im not sick enough to be using it.. LOL I stare back now though. Gonna make me feel uncomfy, RIGHT BACK AT YOU :p

[@DrFranklynAnderson]

I’d love to start a blog of photos I take of people staring at me, if only I was quick enough in pulling out my phone!

[@dystoniacdiaries]

Yesss on accessibility in schools!!! My jr high had a massive ramp to get from the common area to the stairs/elevator (It was like Hogwarts) and I couldn't physically get myself up that ramp. I had to go around the building, up a longer easier ramp and through several hallways just to get to the elevator!! Crazy times!!

[@queenelizabeth8145]

The way your dog is sitting on the couch is sending me 😭 they’re so still

[@xErinxx]

I’m a 2019 high school grad and I legitimately put off getting a wheelchair at all while in high school and instead chose to stay home on my ‘bad days’ because the campus was so inaccessible. Half the classes were on the second story but there was only 1 single elevator on the entire campus, and it was quite a ways away from the classroom areas of the buildings. Also whether you were downstairs or upstairs the campus was on a steep hill, so you’d always either be walking uphill or downhill. My wheelchair is more than half my body weight (can’t afford a lighter one atm), there’s no way I could of made it up to the higher side of the school in it. There was a girl who was paraplegic so she’d been a wheelchair user her whole life and she had awesome muscles and a great little wheelchair, but even she always needed an aid to help push her up the hill. I asked her about it and she found it completely humiliating, and unacceptable that the campus was built like that. Now I’m in college and struggling with the same thing. Attendance is apart of my grade now and I don’t have an official diagnosis so I can’t get disability accommodation, so I do have to get to class on my bad days. But this campus is also on a steep hill, even more so than my high school actually, and most of my classes tend to be in the back of the campus. I have to ask friends or security guards to push me up because although this school does actually have wheelchair ramps, they’re still way too much of an incline to get up on your own. There’s a man who uses a motorized scooter and even he has to get someone to push him up the ramps. And then all the doors are kept closed because the buildings are air conditioned, and they’re too heavy for me to push and keep open when in my wheelchair so I often have to just sit there and wait for someone to walk by and ask them to open it. It’s absolutely pathetic. So yeah, accessibility in schools is still pretty bad, at least where I am (US)

[@terriem3922]

Wow. How about some progress there

[@xErinxx]

@@terriem3922 ikr?! You’d think we could at least get some easier accommodations like automatic doors and accommodation based on doctor’s report not only diagnosis, but no..

[@pinkmagicali]

If it’s any consolation I never stare at people, only when the chair has something cool on it like wheel lights and stuff. It makes me angry on your behalf at the costs, that should so not be the case. That last one happened to a friend at me at a maccas when we were teens. She was in a wheelchair and we went to order and they asked me what my friend wanted and I was super confused and I was like, “ask her she has a mouth” (and we’d been chatting the entire time in line). It wasn’t until I was a lot older I realised what had happened but at least kid serving and I got a good lesson that day

[@cocosurgerow]

Most doorways have bumps. I teach wheelchair respect, people almost ended up in my husband’s lap. They learn respect fast with a good lesson. Most doctor office exam rooms are too tight for wheelchair, they have to move chairs.

[@lorrainebaldridge568]

I enjoy and learn so much from your videos.

[@deniseshephard3347]

I have complex mental health and physical health conditions and I get alot of people staring at me I also use a wheelchair which I get stared at also which only makes things worse I also have a wet room even this took 3 years to be agreed for I'm really grateful for this

[@shannonalwaise8398]

I'm usually too busy doing what I'm doing to notice if people are staring unless they are really obvious about it, like one lady who gave me a long look up and down. In that case, I stare back. I don't like being asked what happened to me and usually I will say I don't want to discuss it. I wouldn't really mind saying spinal cord injury, but I don't want to answer further questions about how. Tired of driver's license and speedy jokes. Nope, not all schools in the US accessible either. Hate the thing when people talk to the person you are with instead of you. Most people have no idea what accessibility for wheelchairs really means - thus a lot of "yes we're accessible, we only have a few steps." Never know what to expect from a hotel bathroom. Last time brought my own seat which was good because there was none. Plenty of curb cuts are a little dangerous or unusable. Still plenty of people who are astonished that anyone can be an independent wheelchair user.

[@salan3]

I use a mobility scooter and on average one inch is the max drop/step you can do without risking damaging the scooter

[@violetpup4272]

I broke my leg and was in a lot of pain and unable to walk long distances for 2 years when they did a second surgery to try to fix things. Using a wheelchair was exhausting. Yours is probably much lighter than the one I was able to rent but it was very difficult especially when I wasn’t allowed to put any weight on that leg at all. Total respect for those who have to use it all the time.

[@Jaggededge112]

My first wheelchair was a heavy black invacare brand and it was so heavy. It almost hurt worse to use that wheelchair, I’m with the va and so I talked to my dr and she got me a better wheelchair and now I have a tilite brand that is so light and easy to use. I’m lucky though cause if I didn’t have medical benefits through the va I wouldn’t be able to afford any of the nice wheelchairs I’ve had.

[@KAMISEYE]

Stumbled upon your video and just wanted to let you know that it is annoying when people are staring at you because you don't see that with people who are normal and it sucks because everybody wants to make a spectacle of what is different instead of embracing what makes us different! I truly believe that, you are a powerful incredible being for sharing what it feels like for you because for every one person who chooses to share their reality there's 10 more or even more that don't get to share their reality. every day that we get to wake up on the face of this Earth is a good day because tomorrow is not a given and neither is today what is is right now and right now I know you are incredible strong being take care and have a great rest of your life in your neck of the words.

[@ryanklotz309]

Oh my god, Gem. This is so totally my life! lol. I was born paraplegic, use a manual wheelchair. Live in the US, and have many of these issues come up. I applaud you for talking about your experiences, frustrations, troubles, and annoyances.

[@whiteclouddakota1451]

I love these videos, I am learning so much. It is weird to have people just stare at you lol. I just nod to everyone now.

[@susanday3478]

It's amazing how vulnerable you can feel in a wheelchair. Sometimes, the person pushing you doesn't see a crack or a lifted pavement, and you nearly get catapulted out of the chair. Although its very kind of them to be willing to push me along in the first place.

[@flywithty1]

Great attitude & phenomenal examples!

[@melissaz6778]

Completely agree about the school bit going from one end to the other. I used to get told off if I was a bit late (only talking minutes. Kids were still unpacking bags and lessons hadn't started), but I also wasn't allowed to leave the first class a little early to allow for it. They didn't stop to think that I was going down one ramp, go to the other end of the school and up another ramp. I later found a short cut but got told off for using it because it was "the lazy thing to do". Couldn't win. (Back in the 90s, manual wheelchair, no Smart Drive/Batec/etc)

[@secretsquirrel7374]

The amount of people that smile at me in shops. It makes my face hurt smiling back.

[@Mystery_Nigma]

My favorite t-shirt in my wardrobe says, “Keep staring, maybe I’ll do a trick!” It’s fun catching people off guard with that one! 😂😂😂

[@clairedionne559]

oh, I would wear such a tshirt! We should have stickers printed with this logo.

[@Mystery_Nigma]

@@clairedionne559 I totally agree!

[@debraseiber8820]

That's awesome sounds like a shirt for me

[@MyCatlover101]

I love your husband in this video he’s making me laugh so hard.

[@salan3]

I get really fed up with being asked why are you disabled? whats wrong with you? Because I have both arms and legs and can walk very small distances, most assume I am faking it! I wish!!! I get full PIPS and it's been renewed for ten years. My wife is my carer and has (sometimes to help me wash dress and yes go to the loo !). I just want to get on with life!!

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Yep Im hearing ya!! I hate "Whats wrong with you." Such and insensitive question. :(

[@yvonneajackson]

I have had years of multiple neighbors hating me for being able to walk indoors and then using a chair to go out, they seem to think this along with the fact I own a cat (I think they may have been dropped on their heads as babies and lost a few brain cells then alcohol and weed has dissolved the remaining ones) makes me a benefit cheat.

[@ThStg]

I sympathize with you ( I don't mean patronizing) because I too have mobility issues & also have a partner/carer. I am not too bad with the toilet although there is a frame that we got to help! In raising or lowering on & off the loo making this far better. We needed a shower but, the SELFISH, LAZY good for nothing council would not take away the DANGEROUS bath & fit a shower So, we took on our, own heads & paid out of our own pockets privately installed one. The council wanted to inspect it & if they wasnt happy we'd be forced to have the bath back. That was about 6 months, ago Still no sign of anyone to inspect it. So FCK them not having it removed anyway paid a small fortune anyway to get it. But, I use a mobility scooter to get about & most people are aware & quite respectful of the vehicle. Although when I have ever been on the road with it I have had a very few close calls with motorized vehicles large vans & cars usually. Motorcyclists are not a problem well aware of me in a slower vehicle. So, I understand the issues of getting about & how others not only see you but, how they behave & react to you can be the problem. Not everyone is a complete selfish A.HOLE!!! towards those who are less fortunate in mobility. Just a very few & they are the ones that have the problem not us the disabled. We are still a human being & should be treated as such not like something you trod into on the street & brought home & that you spend the next 20+ mins or so trying to get rid of you know what I am referring to. Hope things improve for you very soon. 😉👍

[@salan3]

@@ThStg I got run off the road a few years ago by 'white van man'. Never been on the road since!

[@clairedionne559]

@@yvonneajackson oh yes, this one is very familiar to many. There have been times I had wished I had an amputated leg, so people won't think I am a fraud and let me know either verbally or with their ''charming'' eyes. If I dare get up from my wheelchair or scooter and get hold of my crutches behind to reach my door or a very short stroll to a cumbersome toilet stall on a good day... then I have committed a crime. However I laughed once, as a young fellow was genuinely surprised to see me get up and he yelled so that everyone heard: ''oh, a miracle!''

[@obsessivelyhypermobile2403]

Nothing is flat and everything is expensive. I’ve shared the prices of some things I need with friends and their jaws always hit the floor. My in-laws also pick ‘flat’ places to walk the dogs with me. It was a scary rollercoaster ride down (I tipped forwards onto the grass). One heck of a workout getting back up.

[@rbroxton3068]

Love this and is so relatable, I was watching you but in the background your dog how he was looking out of window was so beautiful 😍.... I went to appointment other day and well they said leave your wheels outside and come in now yes I can walk very short distance with numb legs but wonder how many people we're told the same who like yourself have spc or unable to walk due to disability/conditions/disorders. Total shocked me

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Thats so ridiculous. how dare they ask you to do that. Bindi is so cute thuough. xx

[@rbroxton3068]

@@Wheelsnoheels its really crazy, they think they can just add the word accessible because you can go in ... I am glad you raise lots of awareness for everyone beacuse I feel like my voice is not heard. Hope your feeling better as I seen posts last few days with fatigue and more.

[@punky19761]

I was told once to leave my service dog outside. Oh sure, why don’t I go outside and give my dog away while I am at it, because that’s what’s going to happen. Lol 🐕‍🦺

[@clairedionne559]

It is discriminatory and illegal to ask someone to leave their mobility equipment away. They have no right to comment the quality of the use of your legs. The wheelchair IS the use of our legs. I had an older first class train hostess (with her nose too high) question the use of my wheelchair as I was switching to my crutches to go to the narrow bathroom (it is difficult for me to use my abdominals to transfer as I had invasive surgery), so I favor the crutches in narrow spaces. In Canada, people with wheelchairs or scooters travel first class with a regular ticket on trains. So the nosy hostess would have liked to investigate if by any chance, I was giving myself an advantage she wouldn't have, with free complete meal. I never answered her but reported her immediately; I received sincere apology from the train company. One week later, I took the train again and received the most positive attention one could ever want in first class; another hostess was there and another male hostess recognized me. They told me the nosy hostess had been fired the next day of my complain. The personnel were so good to me they gave me all the extra chocolate cups that were left after the meal! It is worth reporting all types of discrimination on a handicap. Management are very sensitive to us now; when incidents are reported to them, they can react to correct the situation immediately. It is important to report ALL possible situations we encounter. It can be time consuming and even a little humiliating, but we all have to remember that we are helping an awful lot of people going through the same situation. It also helps managers of all types; as we have experimented, they want to help, but miss on quite a lot of our realities.

[@TheMazinoz]

@@clairedionne559 Yes, sometimes it is simply inadvertent lack of insight into the situation of a person with a disability. I think laws help a lot too. I think it is important to complain, not just for yourself but other people with a disability as well, some even worse. But I also compliment on things that are good as well at the same time if I can to be diplomatic.

[@emilybartlett7524]

As someone who has recently broken their ankle and has had to have major surgery, a plate and pins I completely sympathise. I’ve completely lost my independence, I’m bed bound and in constant pain. I know this is only temporary for me but I really do understand even more now. Myself and my family don’t even know if I’ll ever get back to normal, so it’s really no fun right now. Love your content 💗

[@beautifulmisfit2000]

I became a wheelchair user at 8, i'm 20 now and people stare a lot but I have more confidence in my wheelchair than I have on my feet.

[@nic_the_aged_woodworker]

I've been a wheel chair user for over 12 years now, I came to it later in life, I'm 60 now. The hardest things I've found are: Invisibility, if I'm out with my wife and I ask a question the reply is directed to my wife. Height, standing I'm 6'5", I find it hard looking up at people, all my life I've looked down (in the nicest possible way of course) at folk General accessibility, designers and architects have no idea what this means. Opening doors with powerful spring flowers, airlocks with doors too close together, threshold strips Car parking, the aggression that is thrown at you when you challenge an able bodied driver is unbelievable. Also if I had a £1 for everything I heard "l'll only be 2 minutes" I could afford to update my aging powerchair. Etc, etc.......

[@laurenmcpherson614]

I remember out staring people for you sista!!! Always got your back! 😘

[@andycraddock7677]

Gem - as someone about to be in a WC by December (Hopefully, if the insurance gods approve- a TiLite Hybrid with Yamaha wheels.), your videos have been so informative and helpful. Thank you. May I respectfully ask: have you considered a hybrid-chair? They’re admittedly very expensive, but amazing.

[@Nicoles_travels_and_trips]

I might not be a wheelchair user but I do have to often use crutches for a medical reason and two things that annoy me is when plain strangers ask what happened to me and when kids at my school say that I am faking the injury when they don't even know what is wrong with me

[@debralamb1289]

I’m 7.5 years into motorized wheelchair life, I’m still not used to any of it. The stares, inaccessibility, medical expenses & equipment, all of it!

[@Dungeonfreak]

As a non wheelchair using disabled person I struggle to get things off low shelves, I went to resign my tenancy for my flat and the woman at the housing association was asking all sorts of intrusive questions about why I use mobility aids and going on about her bad knee

[@paulabarton9493]

Hi Gen iI started watching you about 3 months ago. I absolutely love your vlogs. Keep up your shows. I am a fairly new quadriplegic. It will be a year on the 15th of this month.

[@dylanjackson6514]

Amazing video. I’m new to SCI. Suffered a spinal cord injury in March of this year an I still haven’t got use to the stares. I’m a T12 complete.

[@kristinreneebrown6844]

Check out disabled sports in your area.

[@daniellecarter3087]

I use a electric wheelchair and I have thesmae problem where people walk straight in front of u and it's like u are not there and I totally agree with u there x

[@TheMazinoz]

Run over them.

[@constancejosephinedots]

Great video! I like when you mentioned the electric chairs. They have their own issues. They are super wide and I'm always dragging clothing racks along or can't get through an aisle because they filled it with sale stuff. Electric chairs will dig itself into a hole when loose soil or gravel is around. And anything wet means you track it all indoors. Oh the list is long. Thanks for sharing with everyone. I need to check out your other videos. :0)

[@debraseiber8820]

When I was the at doctor's my chair got caught on one of chair s in the waiting room started dragging it around almost hit another person

[@Melon_Cloud]

I am in the same headspace with the stares. I have not even seen your video about stares. I got sick at 16, managed to use crutches for 2 years but at 18, had to resort to a wheelchair. In the beginning I was so shy and scared of the stares. One of my therapists of the rehab center I was in back then, told me: if you are sitting in your chair, insecure, shy etc, people will notice you. You will stand out. But if you just enjoy what you are doing (e.g. being out with friends or family) and have fun, people won’t notice you as much. I made the switch so fast. And she was right! My friends and family members still saw the stares, but I didn’t anymore. Now, while I am 31, family and my husband still notice some people stare sometimes, friends a little more often. But I never notice it anymore. Only if they are small kids, because they are at my height 😉. But most of the time they are just cute and curious. Stares in general don’t bother me at all. I look at people too, it is just in our nature.. I don’t mind. As long as they don’t stare too much, stretching their necks to look at you as long as possible.. that can be annoying if you catch one by accident.

[@DerelictusAnima]

4 things that I cannot accept about wheelchair life: 1. The insane, inhumane absolute must have gear prices, wheelchairs and wheelchair attachments like the Batec costing like used cars, this is NOT RIGHT in any way or shape or form whatsoever. 2. All the little things that pile up. If I didn't have to deal with them ALL the time, then the little things are just little, but when you have to deal with them ALL the time little things become big things as you described how everything becomes more complicated. I'm sick of simple things like reaching something is always a struggle, I'm beyond tired of this and I'm only been in a wheelchair for almost 10 years, I can't cope with this insanity. 3. No more normal sexual life, feeling, function there. As a man this is the biggest blow to me personally, knowing that you will never be able to feel anything like you used to there until you die, I just can't put it into words, it's beyond insanity. 4. Never ending neuropathic pain. It's like being literally tortured every day, all day for the rest of your life. How do you live with that?

[@pamulawallace4330]

❤😂love your sense of humour,

[@DerelictusAnima]

@@pamulawallace4330 I was being serious..

[@geralddicarlo3249]

Derelicta, your comment touches me. To be honest about never having the sexual feeling again. I am not a wheelchair user, so I can only say you touched me with your honesty. I wanted to comment to the up loader, Gem, on her channel and say how well she lets her personality come out in her video. I'll have to watch more now. Then I read your comment. Man, those realities , you spoke of, slapped me upside my head. This is not about me, but I must say, I am a laryngectomy. My voice box was removed 9 years ago, and I breathe through a hole ( stoma) in my neck, just below where the Adam's apple once was for 63 years of my life. I play drums ( still) and sang ( but never will again ) , and loved people and telling stories or simply talking. Now, and for the rest of my life, that all ended. But I can still speak with an indwelling voice prosthesis with difficulty, without vocal cords. I sense people are terrified of me , the way I sound like a zombie with double-COVID Pneumonia . I tell them all the time, " I sound terrible but I am not sick." The hole is not anything I can get used to, plus all my mucus comes out that hole , a constant maintenance pain.But nothing near like what you are dealing with. I hope I'm not out of place to tell you my handicap, albeit, nowhere near yours. Your honesty is where your strength is, to go forward with , Derelicta. You are a witness now for The Lord. Spread your truth and honesty everywhere you go. Gem is a great role model. She has wisdom from a lifetime as a wheelchair user. She's made herself available with her channel to connect spiritually , with an earth angel. You be one , too!

[@Anne-ambesten]

I used a wheelchair for a few weeks after an injury and what I continue to notice now that I'm walking again is how most surfaces are not flat at all. Especially pavements that slope down towards the road are so common! :(

[@davidtaylor9562]

Hi Gem it’s depressing listening to all the complications. We have a long way to go as a society. My wife has had MS for a number of years we like to get into the country I have two GSDs to walk. It’s amazing how many places have no access for people with wheelchairs wanting to go into the country side. No swing gates etc for chairs to get through ie South Downs National Park and many more. It’s quiet sad my wife stays in the van and looks at the scenery !! It seems those responsible ie NT etc do not understand the difficulties and could only appreciate the problems by getting in a chair to properly understand. Sorry for the rant David

[@AndrewRGross]

Thanks, this was really helpful.

[@katiemayjasmine1348]

Because my mum or my sister is normally pushing me people ask them why I am in a wheelchair or how I am, acting as if I can’t speak for myself. People talking over your head can be quite annoying when it is the 100th time in a day, this means being polite can be quite hard for me, haha

[@Jaggededge112]

I was in line at a restaurant and someone just got right in front of me like I wasn’t even there. I told him to get to the back of the line and how rude he was.

[@EmilySpitfire]

I hate when I'm on a slightly (or not so slightly) uneven path and I have to push with just one arm! Exhausting!

[@Wheelsnoheels]

So exausting. And all the people walking have no clue

[@Malejda77]

@@Wheelsnoheels They don't :D Last time when I was with my boyfriend outside I got so frustrated with pushing with one arm, that he pushed me. After few metres he started to complain, that one or two muscles in his back are starting to hurt as he has to constantly push me with one side only. On the other side, while walking I hated supermarkets with wheels I love them :D

[@Melon_Cloud]

Yes, this! I live in a great place! Very close to some supermarkets and convenient shops. While it is not even a 100 meters (just a guess here), the uneven path is exhausting. Due to my diseases and meds I have a huge lack of energy. Just going to those shops shouldn’t be exhausting, but because of that path, it is exhausting! Why can’t roads be even.. sigh. I also notice that able bodied people hardly ever notice things like that, until they are with me. And see me struggling or hear me telling them about places that are slanted or go uphill. And all this is just about slanted / uneven paths 😂. I haven’t even touched on other subjects Gem mentioned in this video.

[@ivarnordlkken8082]

It's possible to have a wheel-lock so both wheels are connected and you can use both arms. Of course, it won't turn.

[@madalenapombeiro]

It's so hard when the other people treat you differently and like you don't belong there just because you are in a wheelchair.... And what's more frustrating it's that sometimes this people are person's that know you since forever....