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[music]
My name is Mary Allison and I live a pretty awesome life.
I have a wonderful husband, fulfilling job, and have even traveled the world as an elite athlete.
Let me share a few tricks of my trade with you so you can hop, pop, and jump your way wherever you please.
Using an escalator is another skill you'll be able to try once you've mastered the pop and hop.
When using an escalator, make sure the escalator is wide enough to accommodate you chair
and the hand rails are working properly. If the hand rails are not moving, DON'T get on the escalator.
Enter the escalator and place your back wheels on one step and your front castors on the step in front of your back wheels.
As the escalator begins to move, the steps will raise and recline you into a wheelie position.
As you are raised, lean forward towards your knees, press your back wheels into the stair
and grab onto the hand rails.
I normally place one hand on the hand rail and leave my other hand on my hand rim
until I feel secure on the steps. Once I feel secure, I'll place both of my hands on the hand rails and ride the escalator up.
As I reach the top of the escalator, the stairs will begin to get smaller and my chair will level out.
Take a quick pop over the curb as you exit the escalator and use the momentum of the escalator to carry you on your way.
Going down an escalator is very similar to going up an escalator.
When going down an escalator, make sure that you enter the escalator backwards.
Place your back wheels on one step and your front wheels on the step in front.
As the stairs begin to increase in size, you will be reclined into your wheelie position.
Find your balance and then place your hands on the hand rails.
When you reach the bottom of the escalator, check your shoulders and watch for the lip as you exit.
Take one strong pull backward over the lip and then you're on your way.
When you are learning these escalator skills or if you're just a little nervous.
Have a friend or family member stand behind you as you ride up and down the escalator.
They can apply a little bit of pressure to the back of your chair, securing you in place,
Or they can just be there for peace of mind.
As much as I love my wheelchair, it sure does kill my lateral movement.
I mean... my electric slide?
It's not very good.
But there is a way you can jump your chair laterally, so you can get in and out of tight situations.
If you're in a crowded restaurant and need to turn a tight corner, position your chair in the direction you wish to go.
Then place both hands on your wheels and pull up quickly and forcefully on your chair.
As you pull up on your wheels, shift your weight in the direction that you wish to go.
This technique can be used in bathroom stalls or elevators.
Basically anywhere where you don't have a lot of room and a small turning radius.
I pride myself on my independence.
But there are times when a curb is just too high or a doorway too narrow.
In these situations, I might get out of my chair to navigate the scene or I might ask for help.
But asking for help is normally my last option for two reasons.
One: everywhere I go, people will always stop and ask me if I need help.
Now I realize they are just trying to be nice, but I also realize that many Americans have a misconception
that people with disabilities need extra help. Normally when someone asks me if I need help,
I will politely say no thank you but then show them the adaptation that I have made.
My hope is that the person won't feel embarrassed and they will also learn how capable people with disabilities can be.
Secondly, receiving help from a stranger can be dangerous to you and the person helping you.
The last thing you want is an injury to occur.
If a building is clearly inaccessible, your best option is to call the facility and let them know that the facility is inaccessible.
Ask if there is an alternate entry or alternate option for service.
Most of the time, if a building is inaccessible then it is not in compliance with ADA laws.
Ask the owner if they are aware of ADA code.
I have found that if you approach the person with a positive attitude,
they'll be much more willing to help and be accommodating.
If the business is still unwilling to be accommodating, then I would politely take my business elsewhere.
You also have the option of filing an ADA complaint with the Department of Justice.
I'm a planner at heart. I'm always thinking about the next step and what is required to make that step.
Perhaps it's because I have a disability or maybe it's just my nature.
But there are also moments when I want to be spontaneous and go on an adventure.
The more independent I am in my chair, the less I have to think and the more I can just do.
And don't forget, those chair skills... can turn into some pretty killer dance moves!
Thanks for watching!
[buzzing] ..... can you hear that? or no?
like grass... [laughs]
[mimics herself] like grass!
like grass... [laughs]
Hopping up curbs, while not as scary, can still be difficult depending on the siztheof-
Secondly, receiving help from a tranger- from a tranger... ok.
[laughs]