Appreciate That Wheel Chair Lift
By A. M. Kelly
Years ago, the sight of a wheelchair ramp at a public building, a handrail in a public rest room or a cut curb on a public sidewalk was only possible in the dreams of public access advocates. People using wheelchairs were unable to get around very well. They needed someone to push the chair, tug it over curbs and hope that when the strenuous and dangerous trip up concrete stairs was accomplished that there would be a door wide enough to pass through. Today, that’s all been changed by new laws and attitude adjustments.
Rolling On
While many voices are heard decrying the costs of revamping old public buildings to accommodate everyone, the need for such changes is more easily understand today. When you see a wheel chair lift at the side of a porch, remember that everyone is helped by it. The biggest change that had to be made was in the outlook of the public. Instead of planning buildings that reflected the grandness of municipal pride, it has become the accepted mind-set to plan with the needs of the buildings users foremost. That means signs that are easy to follow and informative, Braille numbering next to the elevator buttons and, yes, a wheel chair lift if needed.
The curb cuts that allow safe street crossing for the wheel chair also make the stroller bound and shopping cart bound equally safe. Rest rooms made wide enough to allow a wheel chair have made life easier for those using a walker or crutches as well as anyone who needs a little extra width. That wheel chair lift means that hallways and doorways have been planned for every type of individual. Stairs are not too steep or the rises too high for those who only need a little consideration.
People with allergies or breathing problems now have a voice in whether smoking is allowed in public areas. Those who use guide animals no longer have to explain or, worse, put up with exclusion from certain areas. That’s what the wheel chair lift represents. Now there are buses that “kneel” so passengers can enter easily. And, because people in wheelchairs are no longer stuck at home, improvements have been made to the chairs themselves. Motors, steering, better wheels all contribute to the ability of the chair’s occupant to get around. That wheel chair lift means nothing less than independence for the people who didn’t have it before – including you.
Author Details:
A. M. Kelly writes for various web sites including The A-Z of Wheelchairs and other information portals such as information junkie and the A-Z of.com
Source: Free Articles Directory
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