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Old Jun 30, 2006, 02:40 PM
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Christina86 Christina86 is offline
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Member Since: Feb 2006
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 19,686
Ho hum... Can I say everything?

No, not that bad. Okay, in all of my entire life (all almost 20 years of it) ...

Cons:
* Strange looks. And never-ending questions (which can be good or bad)
* Sitting for long periods can make you very sore and stiff
* Accessibility. Or lack therof. Even with being able to "pop" over bumps and curbs and the like, I still can't go up and down stairs in it! (Well, tried with some help on an escalator... don't try it, its SCARY!)
* Expensive. With any wheelchair, its not just the original payment for it, its also a LOT of maintenance.
* Weight. Most wheelchairs weigh a lot and are hard to lift (mine is not, its a new model, made of lightweight titanium ... making it more expensive, but I can lift it over my head!)
* Folding ability (storage, or tranportation). Some fold better than others and can be placed in small trunks. Some (like electric wheelchairs) can't be taken apart, and therefore can't be stored in pieces anywhere. Or its just a really lousy design and a lot of effort to take apart (like mine).
* Parking. I don't have a parking permit (then again, I don't drive yet... haven't gone for my license) but my parents could have one. (the last one got lost and never replaced) But it really doesn't matter since all accessible parking areas are always full. I'd like to remind people that its ILLEGAL to park in a handicapped spot unless the person who the license is addressed to is IN the vehicle!
* Did I mention the strange looks and the never-ending "help" and support from well-meaning strangers? (I'm only slightly bitter, honest!)
* Discrimination. Being turned away from jobs (even when very qualified) because people don't like the wheelchair. Also other types, but I'm not going on a rant.

Pros:
*Ability to "run over" people who are meanies and blame it on faulty breaks (I've done it once or twice, but they deserved it honest.)
*Perks. Special treatment to do some stuff or get places.
* Tax benefits. Also financial assistance.

I know there's more, but this is all I can think of right now. I'll come back to it!
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