Archives for January 2019
Our favorite games we’ve found to be disability friendly.
The rain has finally left us alone...and in its place? Cold. Windy bitter cold. Today the real feel is -5 degrees! I was just contemplating which is worse: loading/unloading wheelchairs in rain or frigid winds. Either way, the best decision seems to be to stay in where it is warm and cozy. It’s perfect weather for games! Besides, we put effort into buying games for Christmas gifts so we should use them! I can’t be the only person who pours over new games each year for winter entertainment. We have picked up some doozies over the years, too. After the success of Pie Face and Boom Boom Balloon, my oldest daughter added Toilet Trouble to our listing of ridiculous choices this year. Disclaimer: I’m not sure any of those are politically correct to play with family or friends affected by cerebral palsy. Spastic reflexes anyone? Further disclaimer: that hasn’t stopped us. It adds to the element of surprise! Watch out for startle reflexes! When the girls were younger I felt their frustration at manipulating game pieces and cards. While we are grateful for Continue Reading
PowerPlay wheelchair hockey: giving it their best shot.
Giving it their best shot There is such a need and desire for people using wheelchairs to play a competitive sport. Beyond that, to be on a team and make new friendships. Philadelphia Flyers Powerplay hockey provides just that. Twice a month our family wakes up, eats a quick breakfast, showers and dress in orange or black Flyers jerseys. Then we hurry to load the van and head about an hour towards Philly or a suburb to enjoy Power chair hockey. And we aren’t even remotely close to coming the furthest. The Power chair hockey team is growing in size and momentum. This is because it has deep roots. In fact, it has been about two decades since the idea was born for Philadelphia PowerPlay hockey: The Philadelphia Flyers PowerPlay was founded as the Philadelphia PowerPlay with the purpose of providing an athletic and social environment for people who use power wheelchairs in their daily lives. While sports such as Challenger’s Baseball, Wheelchair Basketball, and Sled Hockey have been established for some time, there was a need for a competitive sport that Continue Reading
Enjoy expanded Philly Art Reach venues with your ACCESS card!
ACCESS cardholders are partially people enrolled in medical assistance in Pennsylvania . If you are a cardholder PLEASE be sure to take advantage of the Philly Art Reach Program. , The Philly Art Reach Program allows ACCESS members to present their cards to receive discounted admissions. Specifically a $2 entrance to two cultural types of venues: Art Reach Admissions and Art Reach Live Performances. At the time of posting, there are 46 venues that are participating! We have enjoyed MANY of the museums, gardens and historical locations. Some of our favorites have been the Philadelphia Art Museum, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Franklin Institute, the National Constitution Center, multiple walks through the Morris Arboretum and Longwood Gardens. We even stayed somewhat local and visited the Michener Art Museum. Many of these outings were made during the dreary and cold winter months. Just as many were made as a complete family. (Which explains our trip to the Mutter museum. Definitely not my go-to form of entertainment! But it is interesting...and creepy!) The Art Reach Continue Reading
Wheelchair ponchos for the rainy day rescue
It seemed fitting that it rained for our New Years Eve. Amiright? This past year was such a wash out. That was annoying to most people in our community, but for those traveling in wheelchairs, it was downright wearying. It hasn’t just been the dreary weather. It’s also the wet muddy floors. The rain while loading and unloading on the van lift is also no picnic, especially when you’re trying to hold the umbrella at the same time. I am tired of being wet and cold. Keeping my daughters, their electric chairs and myself from getting drenched is nearly impossible. One item we have gotten our money’s worth from is their IKEA ponchos. We bought ours years ago and they are still as good as new. They fold up into a pouch and pack easily for travel and camp. Here is a video showing how to do that properly, but we just shove ours in! The poncho is shaped like a cone so that it fits over much of our daughter’s wheelchair as well as her! It Velcros at the neck to keep the hood secure. Continue Reading
