When I started using a wheelchair there were only two sizes — adult and juvenile. They were not very durable — partly because of the materials, but mostly due to design flaws. I sometimes had to have my wheelchair replaced yearly — even with frequent minor repairs. And, in the worst year ever– I had 4 different wheelchairs during a 12-month span because of broken frame components.
A lot of things have changed since my youth:
- Most sidewalks around here now have curb cuts.
- There are parking spaces for the handicapped — although they are often used by lazy able-bodied people.
- Wheelchairs are generally more durable — both manual and those which are battery-powered.
- Wheelchairs can be built for special purposes — from small for a child to very-wide for the obese. They can also be made for a specific type of athletic competition such as: basketball; rugby; track; and many other special needs.
- People with handicaps now have legal rights to an education, employment, housing and many other things which non-handicapped people have — although, you may still have to go to court to get them!
Sometimes I am amazed at all the programs and support available for those with moderate, or even slight, impairments today. It is a good time to have a disability, I guess!
However….
I do not agree that alcoholics and drug abusers should qualify for coverage by the Americans with Disabilities Act — but, they do!
When I hear about people misusing public programs or funding I become enraged. I want to lock them in a cell somewhere — 1 week for every $100 they stole from us taxpayers! Politicians would also have to be careful about how they behaved — they would not be exempt from the penalty!
I’ll end here… before I get my blood pressure into a critical range.
Have a wonderful 4th of July Holiday! And, remember those who have made our liberties available to us.
God Bless America, please!
