A Spiritually Enlightening Online Magazine.     March Theme: "In Touch"     Volume 1 Issue 3     ISSN# 1708-3265

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Illuminations Aleesha Stephenson About the Cover Stephanie Pui-Mun Law In Touch with Reality Lynne Gordon-Mündel Who are the Real Survivors? David Suzuki PhD Trial by Wheelchair Shona Steele Staying In Touch (through Massage) Jyotsna Tummalapalli EFT and Your Pet Dr. Jean Hofve DVM How To Communicate with Animals Dawn Baumann Brunke Spend More Time in the Twilight Zone Robert Moss My First Tarot Experience Aleesha Stephenson Aunty Nasty Nasturtium Blackwitt Walk Your Talk Aleesha Stephenson Magik'ly Speaking… Elizabeth Abernathy Cherishing the Earth Toria Betson Meditate a Moment Featuring: David Reber Tao of... Tira Brandon-Evans CH FS Poetic License Our diverse group of talent The Envelope, Please... A Profile Featuring: Tira Brandon-Evans Animal Voices Dawn Baumann Brunke The Green and Burning Tree Tira Brandon-Evans Goddess Getaways Whole Woman Retreats Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards Chief Archie Fire Lame Deer Mantegna Tarot Redesigned by Atanas Atanassov Triple Goddess Isha Lerner Morgan Greer Bill F. Greer, Lloyd Morgan

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International Day of People with a Disability

Each year, Australia celebrates the United Nation's International Day of People with a Disability. The event commemorates the achievements of, and contributions made by, people who have a disability; and also aims to raise awareness of disability issues in the general community.

Why take the challenge?

Disabilities should never be taken lightly, as no one is immune to being disabled through misadventure, accident or illness. To "walk a mile in someone else's shoes" (although certainly a misplaced metaphor in this case) is not only a challenge but also a privilege. I have always admired people who attend work with a disability. These people carry out their expected duties - and they do it while coping with challenges most of us can only imagine, thus earning their place in the workforce and remaining independent.

As a bus commuter, I used to save a seat for a fellow passenger, who was partially paralysed after a hang-gliding accident. He gets around without a chair, but not easily, and converses by using a small typing machine with paper tape. People with disabilities are extremely brave; they fight adversity and move on, in a life dramatically changed and more difficult.

I know of a young woman who hand-walks herself up the bus steps then hauls the folded chair up the steps after her; she doesn't accept help, preferring self sufficiency. I also have a friend in England who is in a wheelchair. She went through pain management therapy so she could stand for a short time at her wedding.

I've had quite a bit of experience pushing wheelchairs for elderly family members who cannot walk for one reason or another; and to be honest, losing the use of my legs is one of my worst nightmares, second only to losing my eyesight.

Taking the "Trial by Wheelchair Challenge" was about recognising those around us who have to live with the challenge, every day, for the rest of their lives. For me personally, it was about facing demons as well, resolving to appreciate the mobility I have, improve on it, and not take it for granted. Looking after what we have is important, as it's so easily lost.

24th Nov 2003 Wheelchair Confined for a Day

The day started just after 0700 hours, and I failed the first challenge because a tilting path beat me - the chair insisted on going with gravity. I came with a friend, so she gave me a push. I got into the building. Opening doors outward seemed like it would be easier than trying to push, but actually it seemed about the same; you still have to use the chair to hold or push the door. Manoeuvring on carpet is like pushing uphill, no fun at all.

• 09:50: The most common reaction so far is, "What have you done to yourself?" I am relieved people are actually asking. No adverse comments or negativity, people are just curious. Access to our printers etc. wasn't a problem, as they're on low counters and the walkways through the area are negotiable.
• 10:40: Went out for coffee. Making my own would have proved dangerous, as the sink is too high. It dawned on me on the way out - if the chair had both drive/steering wheels, there is no way it would have fit through the door - I simply could not have come into my workplace! I've noticed I am using muscles in my buttocks which might not be working if I had a disability. This could be much harder.
• 12:00: Everything takes longer to get to, so I had to set out sooner to make the arranged meeting time of 12:30 for lunch. I went via the disabled toilet and found the door was just as difficult as all the others I had encountered during the morning. The disabled ramps were great, I found I could reach a rail with each hand to help manoeuvre down. The tires on the chair I got are worn, providing no traction, and going uphill has its own hazards; drainage areas and loss of traction are both scary. The ATM I used was fine for height but a wheelchair provided no security for the PIN. At this point I hate carpet. I'm very glad I took the time to work my upper body at the gym before accepting this challenge, my hands are strong, and it's definitely made a difference.
• 15:40: To the bathroom again - it's harder to get in than out.
• 1600 hours: The trial period is over, and it's time to turn in the wheelchair. I'm going out for the last time today and am really looking forward to walking to the car once I'm down the ramp. I am glad to have taken part in the challenge and now have even more admiration for those who live and work under these constraints!

As a result of the wheelchair challenge I took part in at work, anyone who is confined to a wheelchair and applies for a job here now has a better-than-fair chance of being considered.

Before the challenge, the belief was our area wasn't wheelchair-accessible. I determinedly proved them wrong, so now there is another area willing to give 'wheelies' an equal opportunity.

Hopefully they will do something about those toilet doors!

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