Since my journey last summer to Prague, I have kept in contact with my new friends there. I met them while searching for the accessible wheelchair entrance to the subway. I never did find that entrance but, I found a group of people whom I became bonded to through their cause. Erik and Radek were on their way to meet a prominent film documentarian, Tomas Skrdlant. They were making a film on the lack of accessibility in the transportation of Prague. Of course, I had a few comments on the subject, as I had spent the last month in Prague trying to negotiate their transportation system.
I was asked to be a part of this documentary and I wholeheartedly agreed. It was finished and premiered in August. This film was the key to opening up a dialog with politicians in Prague. This problem could no longer be ignored. The Revolution had begun.
I recently saw photos posted by Erik on his Facebook page. It looked like a big demonstration happening in Prague, so I wrote him and inquired about them--and what was going on with the transportation in Prague. The demonstration was about the government giving less money to people with disabilities. He said it was the biggest demonstration ever in Prague. That is an area that they will have to continue to work on.
He also said that the good news was that they had a meeting with the Mayor of Prague and that the metro would be barrier free in ten years--and that they would know easily which metro stops were accessible in five years. This is very good news for the disabled people of Prague.
I hope to return to the city of Prague someday. I want to ride that transportation again with them and enjoy the beauty that Prague has to offer--not just to the nondisabled, but to everybody. Let the revolution continue.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Monday, November 29, 2010
A Reluctant Hero
Since I was born with my disability--I've always fought the notion of being an "inspiration." I thought, just because I work hard to compete or do something an able bodied person does, I don't feel that's inspirational. I'm just out there like everybody else trying to get to the finish line or enjoying sport for the pure love of it. I guess I felt people were acting (maybe unconsciously) condescending --how could a person without the use of their legs possibly run (roll) a marathon, or pedal a bike over the Rocky Mountains? I like to do the unexpected--not to inspire, but to challenge myself. I found new challenges in each sport I undertook.
First in wheelchair track racing to marathoning, recreational wheelchair basketball to a competitive team, handcycling around the neighborhood to summiting 10,000 ft. passes. I always wanted to try to go further, and faster. If I happened to inspire a few people along the way, then so be it--but it was never my goal. However, my job is a teacher--I work hard to inspire the kids to work hard and do their best. Why shouldn't I do it for others?
I guess the inspiration is in the eye of the inspired. I recently got inducted into the Wheelchair and Ambulatory Sports Hall of Fame. It was a great honor for me--a confirmation of my efforts in the sports arena. I got to go to Las Vegas for the ceremony in which I received a trophy but the greatest honor was what I received from the kids in my classroom and at school.
Our music teacher, Steven Nye, puts on wonderful school programs with lots of singing. We had our "Share your Goodwill" assembly the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. We had just finished our canned food drive and coat drive and always had a big assembly to donate our proceeds to the Christian Action Guild. My class was antsy and wiggly--barely able to contain themselves. They were going to be doing a square dance in the assembly--and it was the last day before our 5 days off break for Thanksgiving. I look forward to this program too as the choir practices a lot for this and Steven puts in a great deal of work to put it on. After enjoying many songs and watching the second graders do their much anticipated square dance--an announcement was made that there was a secret surprise. He called all of the second grade classes up again and the third grade up also. There was a projector that was up front that boldly projected the word HERO. Then I was called up. Tears began to fill my eyes as I couldn't believe what was happening. They also called Ken, my husband out of hiding to come and join me up front. The principal announced to the students and parents about my induction to the Wheelchair Sports Hall of Fame. The group around me began to sing the song Hero (the Mariah Carey song) while a power point was shown of me in my various sports throughout the years. I felt so overwhelmed with love. All of a sudden, it was okay to be an inspiration. I had all of these young children with smiles on their faces--beaming at me with admiration. They were proud of me and what I had done. I was proud of them too. I was most amazed that 21 second graders kept this "secret" for over a month! I had no idea of this surprise. They all kept quiet for his special surprise--and what a wonderful surprise it was.
In all of my years of competition I have collected many medals and trophies--but none are as precious as those kids whom I've taught and had the opportunity to inspire. This is where I will truly leave my legacy. My students will leave me knowing they too can achieve their dreams--if they are willing to work hard and never give up. A hero? That's what they said I was--and who's to argue with the 400 students at my school? Okay, so if I have to be labeled an "inspiration" or "Hero" I'm willing to wear it proudly for students.
First in wheelchair track racing to marathoning, recreational wheelchair basketball to a competitive team, handcycling around the neighborhood to summiting 10,000 ft. passes. I always wanted to try to go further, and faster. If I happened to inspire a few people along the way, then so be it--but it was never my goal. However, my job is a teacher--I work hard to inspire the kids to work hard and do their best. Why shouldn't I do it for others?
I guess the inspiration is in the eye of the inspired. I recently got inducted into the Wheelchair and Ambulatory Sports Hall of Fame. It was a great honor for me--a confirmation of my efforts in the sports arena. I got to go to Las Vegas for the ceremony in which I received a trophy but the greatest honor was what I received from the kids in my classroom and at school.
Our music teacher, Steven Nye, puts on wonderful school programs with lots of singing. We had our "Share your Goodwill" assembly the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. We had just finished our canned food drive and coat drive and always had a big assembly to donate our proceeds to the Christian Action Guild. My class was antsy and wiggly--barely able to contain themselves. They were going to be doing a square dance in the assembly--and it was the last day before our 5 days off break for Thanksgiving. I look forward to this program too as the choir practices a lot for this and Steven puts in a great deal of work to put it on. After enjoying many songs and watching the second graders do their much anticipated square dance--an announcement was made that there was a secret surprise. He called all of the second grade classes up again and the third grade up also. There was a projector that was up front that boldly projected the word HERO. Then I was called up. Tears began to fill my eyes as I couldn't believe what was happening. They also called Ken, my husband out of hiding to come and join me up front. The principal announced to the students and parents about my induction to the Wheelchair Sports Hall of Fame. The group around me began to sing the song Hero (the Mariah Carey song) while a power point was shown of me in my various sports throughout the years. I felt so overwhelmed with love. All of a sudden, it was okay to be an inspiration. I had all of these young children with smiles on their faces--beaming at me with admiration. They were proud of me and what I had done. I was proud of them too. I was most amazed that 21 second graders kept this "secret" for over a month! I had no idea of this surprise. They all kept quiet for his special surprise--and what a wonderful surprise it was.
In all of my years of competition I have collected many medals and trophies--but none are as precious as those kids whom I've taught and had the opportunity to inspire. This is where I will truly leave my legacy. My students will leave me knowing they too can achieve their dreams--if they are willing to work hard and never give up. A hero? That's what they said I was--and who's to argue with the 400 students at my school? Okay, so if I have to be labeled an "inspiration" or "Hero" I'm willing to wear it proudly for students.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Hall of Fame--A Look Back
I've been competing in wheelchair sports since I was 17 years old. I got started through Craig Hospital. Joe and Sam took one look at my biceps and said I'd be a good shot putter. That seems like only yesterday. I remember my first meet--the Rocky Mountain Wheelchair Games. I competed in track and field using team wheelchairs. They weren't made for me--but I felt like I was flying around that track.
My first love was track--even though I also completed in field events (shot put, discus, and javelin). Track was so much more flashier--and not too much sitting around. I loved the freedom it gave me to glide around the track. When wheelchair divisions were beginning to open in road races--I wanted to try that too. I did my first marathon--the Denver Marathon, to try and qualify for the Boston Marathon. I ended up getting a flat tire--stopped and fixed it and was still able to qualify to race. My first Boston Marathon was in 1982--it was a thrill I would enjoy four more times. I would get to experience the feeling of winning it in 1983 and 1984. I did over 30 marathons in my career. I did some awesome marathons in Switzerland and Japan--but Boston was my all time favorite. The thrill of climbing Heartbreak Hill with thousands of people yelling in your ears--and lieing to you that it is the last hill is unmatched for races.
In the midst of my wheelchair racing career I headed to the University of Illinois to fine tune my wheelchair basketball. I had played with a women's team here in Denver--but we only lasted one year, taking last place at Nationals that year. My friend Marty Morse talked me into leaving my beloved state--but with the prospect of training with the best and getting my master's degree at a top notch school, I went. I played for Brad Hedrick. He was a great motivational coach. He taught me how to really play--while bribing me with Dairy Queen Blizzards to not foul out. (my nickname was Rambo). I got to feel the thrill of victory in 1986 when the U of I Women's team won Nationals. They would win it many times in the following years.
I missed my home state too much so I headed back to Colorado. I would continue to train and travel to races around the country in the pursuit of making a Paralympic Team. I had been on several US teams but dreamt of the ultimate. I made the Paralympic Team to Seoul Korean in 1988. I secured a decent sponsorship (Coors Light) that helped me with equipment and paid my way there. (in the old days--we had to raise our own money to go and represent our country) It was an awesome experience to just be there--but I was able to medal too. I won three silvers, a bronze and a gold--those would be my last medals in wheelchair track.
Once I retired from track and road racing I thought my competitive fires would die--but they didn't so I found a new sport--handcycling. It was in its infancy--the bikes were not too sleek or light at the time. I had a bike that I rode recreationally but decided to give racing a try when they opened up disabled cycling to handcyles. I did my first race with my parking brake on!! That thrill of racing just stoked my competitive fires again. I competed on several United States handcycling Teams. I raced in Germany and France--and made it to my dream place--Australia. In these places I competed in the time trial and road races.
Once I was adept at handcycling I wanted to push myself further. I had always wanted to try to do the Midnight Sun 7 day stage race in Alaska in my racing chair but feared the amount of time spent in a racer. Through all of my sports career I had been prone to pressure sores which more times than I'd like to say--sidelined me. They opened the race up to handcyles and I did the Ride the Rockies Bicycle tour to see if I could handle the distance and the climbs. I made the tour--but not easily. So I signed up for the Midnight Sun. The beauty and grandeur of Alaska was just breath-taking. The race was everything I thought it would be. It tested me as I raced in the heat, and the pouring rain. I got second place in the race, but was able to win one stage that year. I would return to do it five more times--winning it on my fifth try in 2007. I was really proud of that accomplishment--since it is many days of racing and not just one.
Sports have been a fulfilling part of my life. It has taken me around the world and given me confidence. In my career I rarely won first place--but those times that I did win were sweet. I never took winning for granted because it never came easy. Now that I am being inducted into the Wheelchair Sports Hall of Fame--I don't feel like it's an ending. As long as I am able to peddle, push, stroke, hit, or toss I will. Sports will continue to be an important part of my life.
My first love was track--even though I also completed in field events (shot put, discus, and javelin). Track was so much more flashier--and not too much sitting around. I loved the freedom it gave me to glide around the track. When wheelchair divisions were beginning to open in road races--I wanted to try that too. I did my first marathon--the Denver Marathon, to try and qualify for the Boston Marathon. I ended up getting a flat tire--stopped and fixed it and was still able to qualify to race. My first Boston Marathon was in 1982--it was a thrill I would enjoy four more times. I would get to experience the feeling of winning it in 1983 and 1984. I did over 30 marathons in my career. I did some awesome marathons in Switzerland and Japan--but Boston was my all time favorite. The thrill of climbing Heartbreak Hill with thousands of people yelling in your ears--and lieing to you that it is the last hill is unmatched for races.
In the midst of my wheelchair racing career I headed to the University of Illinois to fine tune my wheelchair basketball. I had played with a women's team here in Denver--but we only lasted one year, taking last place at Nationals that year. My friend Marty Morse talked me into leaving my beloved state--but with the prospect of training with the best and getting my master's degree at a top notch school, I went. I played for Brad Hedrick. He was a great motivational coach. He taught me how to really play--while bribing me with Dairy Queen Blizzards to not foul out. (my nickname was Rambo). I got to feel the thrill of victory in 1986 when the U of I Women's team won Nationals. They would win it many times in the following years.
I missed my home state too much so I headed back to Colorado. I would continue to train and travel to races around the country in the pursuit of making a Paralympic Team. I had been on several US teams but dreamt of the ultimate. I made the Paralympic Team to Seoul Korean in 1988. I secured a decent sponsorship (Coors Light) that helped me with equipment and paid my way there. (in the old days--we had to raise our own money to go and represent our country) It was an awesome experience to just be there--but I was able to medal too. I won three silvers, a bronze and a gold--those would be my last medals in wheelchair track.
Once I retired from track and road racing I thought my competitive fires would die--but they didn't so I found a new sport--handcycling. It was in its infancy--the bikes were not too sleek or light at the time. I had a bike that I rode recreationally but decided to give racing a try when they opened up disabled cycling to handcyles. I did my first race with my parking brake on!! That thrill of racing just stoked my competitive fires again. I competed on several United States handcycling Teams. I raced in Germany and France--and made it to my dream place--Australia. In these places I competed in the time trial and road races.
Once I was adept at handcycling I wanted to push myself further. I had always wanted to try to do the Midnight Sun 7 day stage race in Alaska in my racing chair but feared the amount of time spent in a racer. Through all of my sports career I had been prone to pressure sores which more times than I'd like to say--sidelined me. They opened the race up to handcyles and I did the Ride the Rockies Bicycle tour to see if I could handle the distance and the climbs. I made the tour--but not easily. So I signed up for the Midnight Sun. The beauty and grandeur of Alaska was just breath-taking. The race was everything I thought it would be. It tested me as I raced in the heat, and the pouring rain. I got second place in the race, but was able to win one stage that year. I would return to do it five more times--winning it on my fifth try in 2007. I was really proud of that accomplishment--since it is many days of racing and not just one.
Sports have been a fulfilling part of my life. It has taken me around the world and given me confidence. In my career I rarely won first place--but those times that I did win were sweet. I never took winning for granted because it never came easy. Now that I am being inducted into the Wheelchair Sports Hall of Fame--I don't feel like it's an ending. As long as I am able to peddle, push, stroke, hit, or toss I will. Sports will continue to be an important part of my life.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
The Prague Post - Opinion - No way forward
The Prague Post - Opinion - No way forward
This was the editorial that I wrote as a result of my month long stay in Prague. It was a learning experience--one that I will never forget.
This was the editorial that I wrote as a result of my month long stay in Prague. It was a learning experience--one that I will never forget.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Reflection
I was so upset to see that my blog was deleted. It carried my month long roller coaster of emotions and experiences that occurred in Prague. I Blogged instead of writing in my journal so I had no other detailed account of it except for my memories. I am glad after appealing with blogger that they restored it. Even though I am no longer in Prague I would like to post my ideas and thoughts on various things. I might even give some previews of some writing pieces to get feedback on. So, if you're still up for it I would love for you to continue to follow me.
I've been home awhile now and have had time to really reflect on my experiences with travel, friends and being in Prague. I hadn't traveled internationally in quite a few years. It was more difficult than I had remembered. Traveling by myself was okay--I could do it, but it would have been more enjoyable with someone else. I never felt in danger or anything--the airline assistants were more than helpful. Sitting on the plane without being able to get up was killer. Gone are the days when I could wrangle a seat with an empty one next to it and stretch out my short body over the two seats and actually get some sleep. No, they pack the plane full. The fact that the airlines had a policy that would not allow for me to have my own chair during a long lay-over was distressing. I hadn't encountered this before and was willing to fight to have this right.
On this adventure I made some memorable friends. They were there for me when I shared my frustrations with the accessibility issues in Prague. We hung out and really got to know one another in a fairly short amount of time. My friend Kate was there to encourage (and help) me write and submit an op/ed to the Prague Post sharing my frustrations with the lack of accessibility in Prague. The friends I met who were from Prague (Erik, Radek, Jakub, Tomas) were a blessing. Before, I had such a deep sorrow for the disabled people of Prague and their situation. After I met them I saw that there were people who care. They were trying to do something about the accessibility of their city. I was honored to be able to try and help them in any way I could. Being asked to be in their documentary was so ironic. Our paths just happened to cross on that day--at that certain time. It was like it was meant to be.
Now that I'm home I have to deal with the "aftermath" of my adventure. While jumping down curbs and off trams, pushing over cobblestones I developed a pressure sore. It didn't get better as I stayed there. It was impossible to stay off of it all of the time while I was there and I lacked the will power to do it. I made the best of it--still participating in school and the other activities as I could and resting more than I wanted to. I have been to the doctor and luckily I haven't developed an infection. I am giving a shot to trying to heal it but my patience with that has its limits. It's hard to lay down a month and then find out it won't heal--to me that's time wasted. I will make a decision soon about surgery. The doctor said it wouldn't be as involved as the ones I've had in the past and the recovery would be shorter. (It has usually been at least a two month ordeal) School starts in nine days and that weighs heavily on my mind also. The beginning of the year is such an important bonding time with your class--and it hurts me to think I am most likely to miss that. I guess I will find out in the next week or so what my path will be.
In looking back on my choices--I'm not sure I can say it was worth it. I enjoyed the writing classes and I hope it will improve my writing but the fact that my life and livelihood are in jeopardy makes me think twice. There are a lot of "ifs" that I think about. What if I had only stayed the two week session? What if I had used my more protective cushion? What if I had never gone to Prague in the first place? These questions circle my mind--but you can't change the past. I look toward the future. It's difficult when it's clouded with such worry. I am a strong person--that's why I was able to get through what I did. I know I will be able to get through this also.
I guess I'm now onto my next "adventure." I'm afraid my views and sights will not be grand--but my frustrations and concerns will be.
I've been home awhile now and have had time to really reflect on my experiences with travel, friends and being in Prague. I hadn't traveled internationally in quite a few years. It was more difficult than I had remembered. Traveling by myself was okay--I could do it, but it would have been more enjoyable with someone else. I never felt in danger or anything--the airline assistants were more than helpful. Sitting on the plane without being able to get up was killer. Gone are the days when I could wrangle a seat with an empty one next to it and stretch out my short body over the two seats and actually get some sleep. No, they pack the plane full. The fact that the airlines had a policy that would not allow for me to have my own chair during a long lay-over was distressing. I hadn't encountered this before and was willing to fight to have this right.
On this adventure I made some memorable friends. They were there for me when I shared my frustrations with the accessibility issues in Prague. We hung out and really got to know one another in a fairly short amount of time. My friend Kate was there to encourage (and help) me write and submit an op/ed to the Prague Post sharing my frustrations with the lack of accessibility in Prague. The friends I met who were from Prague (Erik, Radek, Jakub, Tomas) were a blessing. Before, I had such a deep sorrow for the disabled people of Prague and their situation. After I met them I saw that there were people who care. They were trying to do something about the accessibility of their city. I was honored to be able to try and help them in any way I could. Being asked to be in their documentary was so ironic. Our paths just happened to cross on that day--at that certain time. It was like it was meant to be.
Now that I'm home I have to deal with the "aftermath" of my adventure. While jumping down curbs and off trams, pushing over cobblestones I developed a pressure sore. It didn't get better as I stayed there. It was impossible to stay off of it all of the time while I was there and I lacked the will power to do it. I made the best of it--still participating in school and the other activities as I could and resting more than I wanted to. I have been to the doctor and luckily I haven't developed an infection. I am giving a shot to trying to heal it but my patience with that has its limits. It's hard to lay down a month and then find out it won't heal--to me that's time wasted. I will make a decision soon about surgery. The doctor said it wouldn't be as involved as the ones I've had in the past and the recovery would be shorter. (It has usually been at least a two month ordeal) School starts in nine days and that weighs heavily on my mind also. The beginning of the year is such an important bonding time with your class--and it hurts me to think I am most likely to miss that. I guess I will find out in the next week or so what my path will be.
In looking back on my choices--I'm not sure I can say it was worth it. I enjoyed the writing classes and I hope it will improve my writing but the fact that my life and livelihood are in jeopardy makes me think twice. There are a lot of "ifs" that I think about. What if I had only stayed the two week session? What if I had used my more protective cushion? What if I had never gone to Prague in the first place? These questions circle my mind--but you can't change the past. I look toward the future. It's difficult when it's clouded with such worry. I am a strong person--that's why I was able to get through what I did. I know I will be able to get through this also.
I guess I'm now onto my next "adventure." I'm afraid my views and sights will not be grand--but my frustrations and concerns will be.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Home Sweet Home
My trip home was a marathon. After packing late on Friday night after our closing party, I was ready to go by 9:00 to be picked up by Petr. He was going to take me on the bus to the airport. My flight wasn't until 12:15 so you'd think that would be plenty of time. I didn't see Petr and it was 9:10--so somehow I schlepped my bags down to the lobby. (one is a really heavy thing with wheels, and no easy feat to move) I was bound and determined to get home if I had to get to the airport myself. I saw Petr in the lobby--he thought I was on the 3rd floor and I'm on the 4th. So I checked out and we walked the few blocks to the bus stop for the airport. Prague's last slap in the face (or so I thought it was) was that we had to wait another 20 minutes for an accessible bus to take. When it arrived it was so jam packed with people and their luggage, I didn't think I would be able to get on. I forced myself on.
It was about a 20 minute ride to the airport. Petr said that was plenty of time, not to worry. When we got to British Airways my jaw dropped when I saw the long line of people waiting to get checked in for the flight. We found the end and waited....and waited. It took about 25 minutes to get to the check in. Once there I asked for a gate tag (a tag that tells people to bring the chair up to the the cabin and not to baggage so it can be used when you have a lay-over) for my wheelchair. I was told that it wasn't the policy of BA to allow this. I would have to use their chairs (which has small wheels and needs to be pushed by someone) for my two and a half hour lay-over I had in London. I was less that pleased with this--okay, I got mad and started asking why. I decided that I would just ask again at the gate to see if it was possible. Once I said good bye to Petr and headed to the gate I was astounded by another huge line waiting to get through security. I jumped in line there and it took another 25 or 30 minutes there. I barely had 5 or 10 minutes before they were going to start to board me. The crew did say they would try and take my chair on board but since it didn't fold up, they weren't sure. I showed them how the wheels popped off easily. I was happy that at the end of my two hour flight from Prague to London I did have my chair to use.
I got to move around freely--but didn't really seem to have too much time there before I had to board the plane for Denver. I again had to fight to get my chair at the gate instead of having it sent to baggage claim. I really think I need to write to British airways and get them to change their policy. They need to know that denying a wheelchair user their chair is akin to denying someone their legs. Why should we have to sit in a small room waiting hours and hours--relying on them to take you to the bathroom or anywhere? I guess they don't see the indignity in that. The crew, again was very gracious about trying to get the chair put on board. The flight seemed to take forever! Almost twelve hours of sitting and not moving about is pretty excruciating. I did get the bulkhead seat so it didn't feel as claustrophobic as my flight there did. When we finally touched down in Denver, I was so happy. I think I felt the same relief and happiness when returning home from Switzerland after 911 happened. I wanted to kiss the ground.
When I headed to customs I saw a long line of people waiting--but being back in America, there was a special line for the disabled and I got to go to the front and get checked right away. (what a country!) So I grabbed my luggage and headed out to wait for Ken to pick me up. I was so happy to see him--I'd really missed him and our dogs. My dogs practically knocked me out of my chair when I got home. Ken had the house all decorated with welcome home signs and balloons. I felt very welcomed!! He also had a special menu made out for me and other special touches to show me how much he had missed me.
As Ken drove us home I looked at my state with new eyes. I saw the curb cuts, and ramps and the smooth roads. I am so grateful to live in a country where it is so accessible. I will never take that for granted ever again. Czech-ing out. Cau.
It was about a 20 minute ride to the airport. Petr said that was plenty of time, not to worry. When we got to British Airways my jaw dropped when I saw the long line of people waiting to get checked in for the flight. We found the end and waited....and waited. It took about 25 minutes to get to the check in. Once there I asked for a gate tag (a tag that tells people to bring the chair up to the the cabin and not to baggage so it can be used when you have a lay-over) for my wheelchair. I was told that it wasn't the policy of BA to allow this. I would have to use their chairs (which has small wheels and needs to be pushed by someone) for my two and a half hour lay-over I had in London. I was less that pleased with this--okay, I got mad and started asking why. I decided that I would just ask again at the gate to see if it was possible. Once I said good bye to Petr and headed to the gate I was astounded by another huge line waiting to get through security. I jumped in line there and it took another 25 or 30 minutes there. I barely had 5 or 10 minutes before they were going to start to board me. The crew did say they would try and take my chair on board but since it didn't fold up, they weren't sure. I showed them how the wheels popped off easily. I was happy that at the end of my two hour flight from Prague to London I did have my chair to use.
I got to move around freely--but didn't really seem to have too much time there before I had to board the plane for Denver. I again had to fight to get my chair at the gate instead of having it sent to baggage claim. I really think I need to write to British airways and get them to change their policy. They need to know that denying a wheelchair user their chair is akin to denying someone their legs. Why should we have to sit in a small room waiting hours and hours--relying on them to take you to the bathroom or anywhere? I guess they don't see the indignity in that. The crew, again was very gracious about trying to get the chair put on board. The flight seemed to take forever! Almost twelve hours of sitting and not moving about is pretty excruciating. I did get the bulkhead seat so it didn't feel as claustrophobic as my flight there did. When we finally touched down in Denver, I was so happy. I think I felt the same relief and happiness when returning home from Switzerland after 911 happened. I wanted to kiss the ground.
When I headed to customs I saw a long line of people waiting--but being back in America, there was a special line for the disabled and I got to go to the front and get checked right away. (what a country!) So I grabbed my luggage and headed out to wait for Ken to pick me up. I was so happy to see him--I'd really missed him and our dogs. My dogs practically knocked me out of my chair when I got home. Ken had the house all decorated with welcome home signs and balloons. I felt very welcomed!! He also had a special menu made out for me and other special touches to show me how much he had missed me.
As Ken drove us home I looked at my state with new eyes. I saw the curb cuts, and ramps and the smooth roads. I am so grateful to live in a country where it is so accessible. I will never take that for granted ever again. Czech-ing out. Cau.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Heading for Home
I spent my last day here in Prague in a wonderful place. A place that gave me hope for the disabled of Prague. Erik (the guy Kate and I met yesterday) met us at the University and took us to Vysehrad. There we went to a facility that was remodeled and very accessible. It was a school for the disabled. It had a living area for people who were attending the school. Of course, they are on break so I didn't get to see any kids, but I met some very involved and very caring people who worked there. There was a program there Asistence, that helps people get jobs and personal assistants to help them.
We met the director of the documentary, Tomas Skrdlant. He set up his camera for the interview that he had asked us to be a part of in a pretty park right by the school. He had a very gentle manner and was so easy to talk to. We spent over an hour talking and filming the interviews. He even interviewed Kate. Then we saw the school together and the we all sat down and had coffee. During the interview I met another guy named Jakub, who has cerebral Palsey that also works for this program. We talked quite awhile about our experiences. This is what I had been longing for. I had really wanted to connect with the disabled world here in Prague and now--when my time is over, I meet these interesting people. We lingered with our conversations not really wanting it to end. I learned a lot on this excursion. I learned that there is a group of people who are trying to change things. Things are going slow--but they are hoping for faster progress. By making this documentary about the accessibility of Prague, they hope to persuade the elected officials of the city to take notice. I'm just a stranger in a strange land--and didn't really know what I was "stumbling" into when I came here. When I saw the lack of accessibility and barriers everywhere, I felt a strong urge to want to help. I had no idea that I would be able to. I did write my editorial for the Prague Post (an english newspaper published weekly here in Prague) and hope to send it in. It will be a great honor for me if I do indeed help them make a difference.
After spending the time at the school Erik took Kate and I around the area. It was the sight for the oldest castle in Prague. (but the castle is no longer there) It had a beautiful park that had some nice vistas of the city. We spent time meandering around just enjoying the greenery. I've really missed the nature of Colorado. It's hard to see any grass or trees in Prague unless you happen across some nooks--and there might be a lovely little park right in the city. This park was huge. There was also an old church that was beautiful. We went into the cemetery there and I was astonished at the gravestones there. It was so unique. I got to see the grave sight of the composer Dvorak. I was told all the important people of Prague are buried there. I would have loved to spend more time there and really see it but our time was limited. We had to get back for our closing party.
We were a little late in getting to the party because we had to wait for an accessible bus to get us to where the party was. I hadn't eaten since breakfast so I was hungry. I couldn't resist heading to McDonald's that was across from the bus stop. We had over 30 minutes to wait--so in we went. I was so amused by the "McWalk" window they had on the outside. There were no drive thru's. This window (which looked a little like a drive thru--but no speakers) you just walked up to and ordered your food and got it outside of the restaurant. I got a photo of it and will post it on FB later. Erik said that McDonalds always had accessible restaurants and bathrooms. He said that they often hired disabled people to work there also. (way to go Micky D's)
We did finally make it to the party and got to visit with all of our new old friends. Everyone wanted to hear about the interview and how it went. I am going to be sad to be leaving the people I have met. Hana, the in country coordinator has worked so hard to get me here and help me when the times were tough. My workshop group is a close group and I hope to keep in contact with many of them. With my new friends at Asistence I hope to keep in touch with as I find out when the documentary will be aired and if there is anything more I can do to help.
It's been an adventure. Maybe not what I had expected--but still full of challenges, fun and meeting new people. I'm not sure that I will be returning to Prague anytime soon. Perhaps when that "revolution" for the disabled occurs I will come back to celebrate it with them. Prague sort of made up its indifference to me today but putting those new people in my life. I guess I can forgive--but I will never forget.
We met the director of the documentary, Tomas Skrdlant. He set up his camera for the interview that he had asked us to be a part of in a pretty park right by the school. He had a very gentle manner and was so easy to talk to. We spent over an hour talking and filming the interviews. He even interviewed Kate. Then we saw the school together and the we all sat down and had coffee. During the interview I met another guy named Jakub, who has cerebral Palsey that also works for this program. We talked quite awhile about our experiences. This is what I had been longing for. I had really wanted to connect with the disabled world here in Prague and now--when my time is over, I meet these interesting people. We lingered with our conversations not really wanting it to end. I learned a lot on this excursion. I learned that there is a group of people who are trying to change things. Things are going slow--but they are hoping for faster progress. By making this documentary about the accessibility of Prague, they hope to persuade the elected officials of the city to take notice. I'm just a stranger in a strange land--and didn't really know what I was "stumbling" into when I came here. When I saw the lack of accessibility and barriers everywhere, I felt a strong urge to want to help. I had no idea that I would be able to. I did write my editorial for the Prague Post (an english newspaper published weekly here in Prague) and hope to send it in. It will be a great honor for me if I do indeed help them make a difference.
After spending the time at the school Erik took Kate and I around the area. It was the sight for the oldest castle in Prague. (but the castle is no longer there) It had a beautiful park that had some nice vistas of the city. We spent time meandering around just enjoying the greenery. I've really missed the nature of Colorado. It's hard to see any grass or trees in Prague unless you happen across some nooks--and there might be a lovely little park right in the city. This park was huge. There was also an old church that was beautiful. We went into the cemetery there and I was astonished at the gravestones there. It was so unique. I got to see the grave sight of the composer Dvorak. I was told all the important people of Prague are buried there. I would have loved to spend more time there and really see it but our time was limited. We had to get back for our closing party.
We were a little late in getting to the party because we had to wait for an accessible bus to get us to where the party was. I hadn't eaten since breakfast so I was hungry. I couldn't resist heading to McDonald's that was across from the bus stop. We had over 30 minutes to wait--so in we went. I was so amused by the "McWalk" window they had on the outside. There were no drive thru's. This window (which looked a little like a drive thru--but no speakers) you just walked up to and ordered your food and got it outside of the restaurant. I got a photo of it and will post it on FB later. Erik said that McDonalds always had accessible restaurants and bathrooms. He said that they often hired disabled people to work there also. (way to go Micky D's)
We did finally make it to the party and got to visit with all of our new old friends. Everyone wanted to hear about the interview and how it went. I am going to be sad to be leaving the people I have met. Hana, the in country coordinator has worked so hard to get me here and help me when the times were tough. My workshop group is a close group and I hope to keep in contact with many of them. With my new friends at Asistence I hope to keep in touch with as I find out when the documentary will be aired and if there is anything more I can do to help.
It's been an adventure. Maybe not what I had expected--but still full of challenges, fun and meeting new people. I'm not sure that I will be returning to Prague anytime soon. Perhaps when that "revolution" for the disabled occurs I will come back to celebrate it with them. Prague sort of made up its indifference to me today but putting those new people in my life. I guess I can forgive--but I will never forget.
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