Listen like Joe did

Think Differently is an exciting movement that goes beyond spreading the message of inclusion and acceptance! It flings open doors, sparks amazing networking opportunities, and empowers everyone to make impactful changes, no matter how small. The journey begins with Thinking Differently!

Let me tell you how exciting this was! I wanted to go pumpkin picking with my friends, and we usually visit the same place every year. As a wheelchair user, when I find a place I love and know is accessible, I stick to it because finding accessible spots can be challenging. But this year, I decided to embark on an adventure to discover a new place. I thought, “How hard can it be?” Well, it turned out to be quite the challenge! I felt discouraged after calling many places and getting little to no feedback. Then, out of the blue, I got a call back from Apple Ridge Orchard. They mentioned they often get questions about accessibility and never quite know how to respond because everyone's needs differ. I thought, "Wait, I can help them think differently!" I offered to visit their facility and provide some insights to help them answer accessibility questions. And that's precisely what I did!

This photo was taken on a beautiful, sunny day in the fall. I am surrounded by the owners, Joe and Patty of Apple Ridge Orchard. we are all standing, well not me, in front of the store. There is a large yellow arrow pointing to the two-inch lip around the store that my wheelchair can't get over. — Every inch counts

When my team and I arrived, we immediately spotted a two-inch step stopping me from entering the store. This store is where you pay to access the orchard and pick up some fantastic, crafty items. Just one inch stood between me and the door! Most power wheelchairs can only manage a one-inch step, but this one was two inches high. There was simply no way I could get over it. When the owners came over to introduce themselves, they invited me into their store. I explained that I couldn’t because my wheelchair couldn’t tackle the two-inch step. They were absolutely mortified! But that didn’t stop them from eagerly listening to my suggestions. We brainstormed together on how they could make a quick fix now and a permanent solution next year. Little did I know, they would resolve the problem permanently in just two short months! We discussed the two-inch lip, the steep incline to the store, and the challenges people might face. They realized that adjusting the slope around the concrete lip would benefit not just wheelchair users but also people with baby strollers and the elderly. It would eliminate a tripping hazard! As a lived experience consultant, I suggested they also needed a handicapped bathroom. We discussed its location, away from the other porta potty, because I shared my experience that everyone tends to use the larger porta potty.

photo taken on a bright and sunny fall day of me picking apples in the orchard. I have a branch filled with apples sitting in my lap that I can easily pick which ever apple I want. — Look at me picking apples!

Next, we dived into the accessibility of their farm! This is a bustling, working farm, which means no smooth, paved pathways exist. I rolled around the Orchard, feeling like I was on an exhilarating amusement ride, and I got to pick apples just like everyone else! It's not a smooth ride, and it shouldn't be! They can easily share this thrilling experience on their website, telling a captivating story about their working farm, the loose gravel, and the mulch in the muddy areas. It's bumpy, but they're committed to inclusivity. Wheelchair users can explore everywhere, and as long as they're aware, the path is the same adventurous journey as it is for every other visitor: Bumpy and muddy!

this photo is on a snowy day where most of the sidewalk has been cleared away. The curbcut though remains covered with challenging snow to be able to drive over with my wheelchair. This picture was to highlight the challenges of what should be done vs what is. a large yellow arrow is pointing to the curbcut that has not been shoveled. — Someone forgot to finish the job

I didn’t expect much, but I’ve made simple suggestions like this before! It's amazing how easy it is to buy a threshold ramp, move the trash can and extra furniture out of the handicapped stall, or clear the pathways of ramps leading to public spaces. While I’m not claiming to make these places fully ADA compliant, I’m all about making it easier for people like me, who use a wheelchair, to get inside. That’s what truly matters to me! Forget about doing a 360° turn in a public bathroom—I want to be able to shut the door. And if the slope is too steep, I tackle them backward so gravity is on my side. Sure, the law says that for every inch of rise, there should be a foot of ramp, and with an average step being 7 inches, you can do the math—that's a lot of ramp space! But for steep slopes, I’ll adjust my approach as long as I can enter safely. ADA laws are complex and, sadly, not always followed these days. Some people think they’re somehow grandfathered in, which is not true at all. Here’s a link if you want the specific guidelines on how to be ADA-compliant.. The way the civil rights law is written, the person with the disability must complain to the Department of Justice, and it’s the lawyers who end up benefiting. But hey, that's another blog!

Back to the Orchard

This photo was taken on a beautiful early winter evening. The sun has just set, and darkness surrounds the store, which is decorated with lit Christmas wreaths and lights. A large yellow arrow points to where the two-inch lip is now gone, replaced with crushed packed stone, creating a smooth pathway. In the doorway, I am inside the store I once could not get inside of. — Look at me, I'm inside!

In early December, I received an exciting call from Apple Ridge Orchard! They invited me to see their incredible new outdoor Light display. I was thrilled, even though it had only been about 2 months since our last conversation. But nothing could have prepared me for the amazing transformation I witnessed! The two-inch lip around the store? Completely gone! It was replaced with beautifully packed stone that seamlessly connected the store to the grounds on all sides. A charming gate now leads from the parking lot to the store, and a lovely stone pathway winds through the orchard.

Video of a singing reindeer saying it is cold outside.

I could now step into the delightful store, brimming with goodies and even a singing reindeer! Every corner was filled with festive decorations, homemade treats, and delightful decor. The pathways around the farm's light display were well-lit and gently sloped, ensuring my safety. Joe enthusiastically offered to tour the area with me, eager to note any further improvements needed.

photo of inside the store which is brightly lite with Christmas trees of various heights, singing reindeer and hanging lights. The store is filled with the smells and sounds of Christmas. Joe and I are in front of the tree smiling from ear to ear. It is important to note that Joe squatted down to my wheelchair level indicating we are equals. — sharing a moment with a friend

Their dedication to accessibility was absolutely inspiring, making it so much easier for people like me to feel included. I felt like I had witnessed a Christmas miracle! I felt heard, valued, and appreciated. It was incredibly uplifting to see that not only did Joe care enough to make these essential changes, but he's also motivating other businesses to take action and discover how simple changes can make a world of difference. It all begins with thinking differently and genuinely listening. Thank you, Joe, from the top of my head to the bottom of my toes for listening to my suggestions and making our world more accessible.

photo taken last year on St Patricks day of mom and I sharing a loving glance face to face as we enjoy the celebration of St Patricks day at our local pub. — Happy St Patrick's day

Fun Facts for March

National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

Get ready for an incredible month of March! It's the time when individuals living with cerebral palsy, like me, along with their amazing family members and passionate activists, unite to champion the cerebral palsy community. Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that affects mobility and muscle strength, and this month is all about raising awareness and making a difference!

Developmental Disabilities Month

Get ready, United States, because March is here! It's an exciting time to shine a spotlight on disability rights, celebrate the incredible achievements of people with disabilities, and champion inclusivity and accessibility for all!

St. Patrick's Day

Every year, thousands of Irish Americans joyfully come together with their loved ones on St. Patrick’s Day to indulge in a “traditional” feast of corned beef and cabbage!

While cabbage has been a staple in Irish cuisine for ages, corned beef only became a St. Patrick’s Day favorite at the dawn of the 20th century. Irish immigrants residing in New York City’s vibrant Lower East Side made the savvy switch from traditional Irish bacon to corned beef to save money. They picked up this delicious and affordable alternative from their Jewish neighbors.

National Good Samaritan Day, March 13th, is an exciting celebration that applauds the selfless acts of those who lend a helping hand whenever it's needed! Also known as Good Samaritan Involvement Day, this day joyfully honors kindness in all its wonderful forms.

World Sleep Day

Get ready to celebrate World Sleep Day, March 14, an exciting occasion highlighting the vital role of a good night's rest for everyone around the globe! Happening on the Friday before the vernal spring equinox, World Sleep Day is the perfect opportunity to revamp our bedtime routines and explore new ways to enhance our sleep quality. Let's make the most of it!

Thank you for reading until the end!

This is the view from my wheelchair, where miracles can make a difference. Always Strive for the Impossible. Come back soon to see what is on my mind and hear more about my experiences and The View From My Wheelchair.

FRIENDLY CONNECTIONS