Trick or Treating is getting a lot of attention this year as people decide how to go about it safely. Honestly, it was always complicated for some of us. I never knew more about the accessibility of our neighborhood until we started taking the girls out for Halloween in their wheelchairs. Rocket ship Wheelchair cover I may be late to the game here, but I just discovered that Target offers some ready-to-to Wheelchair costumes. This would have relieved some of the stress for us, so I thought I'd pass it along. (I can't be the only one that takes it on the day before...or can I?) I see they are currently taking 20 percent off once in the cart. Pirate costume for wheelchairs Looks like Disney got in on the act, too! They are advertising new markdowns: Cinderella wheelchair costume Enjoy! And share a photo in the comments if you have a great Wheelchair costume idea! Continue Reading
How we are surviving the quarantine…so far.
There are reasons this site is called Wheel Life Adventures. Our girls haven't sat still a day in their lives. They were born feisty and stayed that way. Some people like to say it has worked to their benefit. It has certainly kept us on our toes...and on the move. First, some background. The girls have cerebral palsy as a result of prematurity. They were born at 30 weeks and struggled to breathe with immature lungs. The lack of oxygen to the outermost parts of their brains caused the loss of those cells. That can result in varying types and degrees of cerebral palsy. The fact that they are twins did not cause the similar cerebral palsy. In fact, doctors were surprised how similar they stayed as they developed. While they are not exactly the same, they do have a lot in common. I am not sure which was harder for us to swallow, the loss of motor coordination (they both drive power wheelchairs) or the slowly revealed struggle to read and write. Obviously there is a whole lot more to their stories, but the current status is that our girls like to have plans, Continue Reading
5 things items we love for accessible travel to add to your wish list
I have discovered a few things in our travel life that we rely on. Some we have had forever and some are relatively new to us. Some of the links in this article are "affiliate links" and should you click on an affiliate link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. (The price of the item is the same whether or not it is an affiliate link.) I only recommend products or services I find beneficial.By using the affiliate links, you are helping support our Website-thanks for your support. But the thing they have in common is that I don't want to leave home without them! One thing I stumbled upon last year as we packed for our Texas vacation to San Antonio and Morgan's Wonderland. (Part of the trip excitement is the planning and prep work.) So as we browsed through travel accessories we discovered infinity scarves with hidden pockets. We knew right away that they're winners due to their multiple functions. They have the practical application of hanging on the wheelchairs for quick wipe ups AND allow us to stash hotel keys, tickets, cash or Continue Reading
Simple strategies to show kindness and inclusion to families affected by disability.
When I read the viral Facebook post about the letter a family affected by disability received, I felt sick. (More on that HERE) In fact, it took me right back to opening a letter addressed to us. Additionally, that Facebook family from Newark Delaware has heard from countless others who have also been on the receiving end. I also know others. We all know about Facebook bullying and flaming, but apparently old school letters are still in production. Plus, they can be left anonymously. Cowards. Families affected by disability are already generally hyper aware of being in the spotlight. They don't need someone to enlighten them. When our two were still little we lived in a house on a corner...first one in a cul-de-sac development. The bus needed to park at the end of the driveway and load them up with the stop sign arm out. ONE AT A TIME. Believe me, I felt the pain of that for anyone who mis-timed their departure for work and had to wait once the stop sign unfolded. Each new bus driver would receive my pleas to let people pass the bus on our relatively quiet 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
Living on wheelchair time all through the year
I recently read an article at Key ministries by Sandra Peoples Here. In it the author relayed her thoughts about feeling embarrassed over not meeting the expectations of others. This is especially true when she navigates the holidays with her child with autism. It was just what I needed. For me, it's not just the holidays! I get embarrassed all year long when we arrive on "wheelchair time". When you have two extra bodies to dress, including orthotics and invisaligns, fix the hair (forget the make-up...unless we are running on time, then we can add that and get back to being late), help with eating, bundle up, load the van via the lift...twice, and hook the tie downs you have what we call wheelchair time. See what I did there? I felt like I had to explain and justify why we run late. Then I feel embarrassed as I hear myself explaining how it happened. One time I arrived just BEFORE a graduation ceremony was about to begin. That means everyone was dressed fancy-ish, fed, unloaded and in their places. I felt a tap on my shoulder with a whispered "glad you could join us" and Continue Reading
