I have severe arthritis in my ankles, knees, and hips due to late stage Lyme disease. (In addition to a host of other symptoms.) Of course, this makes walking a bit difficult.
Of course, I'm also in my late 20's and "look perfectly healthy."
Usually, I walk with a cane, but I do have a manual wheelchair for really bad days.
I think we could write a book on the psychology of how people react to people in a chair as opposed to people using a cane. I've seen so much discussion in this area on the cloak of invisibility that being in a chair seems to give you- how people see you as a great person to stand in front of for shows, walk right in fron of you, and even back into your lap.
On the other hand, I've found that when using a cane, people in general tend to give you a bit more space, hold doors open for you, and generally be more considerate. I really have no theory as to the cause for this- if I'm in my chair, that's when I really need somebody to grab the door. However, anytime consideration and politeness is shown, it's certainly appreciated.
I'm leaving for Disney World tomorrow, I'll have my chair along if needed, but I'm hoping to manage with my cane.
This is, of course, assuming that Hurricane Wilma doesn't blow us all away.
My questions is, in your experience, do CM give the same consideration to cane-walkers as they do to wheelchair-bound? I know most lines are mainstreamed, but in cases where they aren't, such as when there are stairs, wil they let us use the handicapped entrance?
What about the shows- I can't manage steps, if we contact a CM will they help with special seating?
(Wondering the same things about Universal, BTW.)
Thanks for any help!
Of course, I'm also in my late 20's and "look perfectly healthy."
Usually, I walk with a cane, but I do have a manual wheelchair for really bad days.
I think we could write a book on the psychology of how people react to people in a chair as opposed to people using a cane. I've seen so much discussion in this area on the cloak of invisibility that being in a chair seems to give you- how people see you as a great person to stand in front of for shows, walk right in fron of you, and even back into your lap.
On the other hand, I've found that when using a cane, people in general tend to give you a bit more space, hold doors open for you, and generally be more considerate. I really have no theory as to the cause for this- if I'm in my chair, that's when I really need somebody to grab the door. However, anytime consideration and politeness is shown, it's certainly appreciated.
I'm leaving for Disney World tomorrow, I'll have my chair along if needed, but I'm hoping to manage with my cane.
This is, of course, assuming that Hurricane Wilma doesn't blow us all away.
My questions is, in your experience, do CM give the same consideration to cane-walkers as they do to wheelchair-bound? I know most lines are mainstreamed, but in cases where they aren't, such as when there are stairs, wil they let us use the handicapped entrance?
What about the shows- I can't manage steps, if we contact a CM will they help with special seating?
(Wondering the same things about Universal, BTW.)
Thanks for any help!
