Wheelchair Assessment
Bachelor of Social Work, Walden University
SOCW 3001: Diversity and Multiculturalism
13:53:20 GMT -05:00
, Wheelchair Assessment
Living a life as a person with a disability can be challenging. As a person who does not
have a physical disability, living a day in the life of was challenging. This paper will describe the
thoughts and actions of my attempt to live as if I was wheelchair bound. I will also reflect on
the mental effects that living with a disability may be like.
Introduction
On a rainy, chilly morning I woke up early to get bloodwork done prior to getting ready
for my workday. Even though I woke with intentions on living my life as a person with a
physical disability, by the time I reached the lab and saw woman waiting in line in a wheelchair, I
realized I had already forgotten. My ability to quickly dress myself and run down the stairs to the
car was taken for granted. What the rest of the day revealed was how easy people who are able
bodied can manage their days without barriers.
Experiences and Insights
I started my experiment at the lab. I took note of how the woman in the wheelchair
needed assistance to open the door and I though about the fact that I was alone and immediately
realized that had no one else been there, I would have struggled to get the door open as there was
no automatic door. Once I left the lab, I looked for the handicap ramp. The only one was at the
end of the sidewalk, two stores down. In the cold and rain, I certainly wished it was closer.
Returning home, I immediately realized that if I were to suddenly find myself truly in a
wheelchair permanently, my family and I would have to sell our house to accommodate me. I
would need to crawl up the steps or have my husband carry me to go upstairs to take a shower
and change. A few hours later I arrived at work. During my ride I reflected on the fact that in my
county, transportation is a large barrier for people as there is none. If I were unable to drive, I
13:53:20 GMT -05:00
Bachelor of Social Work, Walden University
SOCW 3001: Diversity and Multiculturalism
13:53:20 GMT -05:00
, Wheelchair Assessment
Living a life as a person with a disability can be challenging. As a person who does not
have a physical disability, living a day in the life of was challenging. This paper will describe the
thoughts and actions of my attempt to live as if I was wheelchair bound. I will also reflect on
the mental effects that living with a disability may be like.
Introduction
On a rainy, chilly morning I woke up early to get bloodwork done prior to getting ready
for my workday. Even though I woke with intentions on living my life as a person with a
physical disability, by the time I reached the lab and saw woman waiting in line in a wheelchair, I
realized I had already forgotten. My ability to quickly dress myself and run down the stairs to the
car was taken for granted. What the rest of the day revealed was how easy people who are able
bodied can manage their days without barriers.
Experiences and Insights
I started my experiment at the lab. I took note of how the woman in the wheelchair
needed assistance to open the door and I though about the fact that I was alone and immediately
realized that had no one else been there, I would have struggled to get the door open as there was
no automatic door. Once I left the lab, I looked for the handicap ramp. The only one was at the
end of the sidewalk, two stores down. In the cold and rain, I certainly wished it was closer.
Returning home, I immediately realized that if I were to suddenly find myself truly in a
wheelchair permanently, my family and I would have to sell our house to accommodate me. I
would need to crawl up the steps or have my husband carry me to go upstairs to take a shower
and change. A few hours later I arrived at work. During my ride I reflected on the fact that in my
county, transportation is a large barrier for people as there is none. If I were unable to drive, I
13:53:20 GMT -05:00
