i rant...

Hmmm… I rant…I am allowed?

Although, as ever, I have a list of notes to discuss, which has been compiled throughout the past week, I start by the more urgent issue that I currently face…

‘I sit and wonder’, hmm, wheelchair related. I write this, currently trapped at home in my flat, as my powered-wheelchair has died. I have successfully switched to my manual-wheelchair, as I can move about minimally on this (scooting leg powered). I am however trapped inside, and cannot go out in this chair.

Positively, we must face a problem, by looking at the positives. My wheelchair actually died whilst I was in ‘one of my cafés’. I was then very lucky, as I phoned my physiotherapist to warn that I may miss the appointment (in my flat), she managed to collect and push me home from being lost in the extreme, unknown wilderness of ‘my café’! Thank you, very much.

I state ‘my café’, as it is one of the best local, independents, displaying and selling my art.

…and…

The image below depicts the cartoon, which apparently I represent when I wear one of my hats. At first I found this comparison slightly offensive. It is never good to be called a cartoon character. But, if there is one I can handle, it is a sword-wielding feline.

Right, my next note tells everyone of my theory that happiness is so important, to both have, and portray, because ‘happy things happen to happy people’.

Hmmm, although I believe that everything is about contrast and so something is relative to something else, happiness is the ultimate goal. Lifelong improvement is the goal.

When we realise just how ego-centric we are being, we must give happiness to others.

Confused? I think I am. Although there are many many Youtube clips/songs that I could post in relation, the first that enters my head is REM’s ‘Shimy Happy People’. Please don’t worry I refuse to post the video which is ‘over-happy’. I may post another, at the end.

OK, the next note IS wheelchair related. I often complain about being ignored whilst on a busy street, by ‘flyerers’, charity workers, or whoever, BECAUSE I am in a wheelchair. Or seemingly so.

Admittedly I got shocked, when I was called over by a big stall, asking me if I wanted reduced-priced PAINTBALLING! I declined, and laughed to myself as I left. Fair play, I am being considered a ‘normal human being’, but I left thinking that it would only really be possible to man some heavy-artillery, as a wheelchair-user. Hehe hmmmmm…

End of Surbiton High Street…

Apart from unnecessarily saying ‘sorry’ far too much, one of my other habits that I need to be careful about is communicating messages through my eyes. This, besides my hat wearing, is perhaps another reason for the ‘Puss in boots’ comparison/analogy. I have relied heavily on this, awakening from my 6 month sleep. I usually find myself very attracted to a pair of powerful eyes, as I feel that this is the most attractive part of anyone.

To part conclude this week’s post, I refer to my complaint on having a complete reliance on something which can fail (the necessity of a ‘dead’ wheelchair). I will not name names but the company who I have to contact in case I suffer wheelchair failure, are very stress inducing. I bite my lip so hard, as I want to shout out the company name, but I am strong enough to stop myself, as it will be wrong of me.

Finishing, I do not include a song named ‘happy’ but one of which does suggest a positive mood, of forever improvement. 

Accessibility

Accessibility

Hello, I have been wheelchair bound since awakening from my six-month long coma, caused back in October 2006. I am currently offering my services, as I see fit, to KCIL, on a voluntary basis. I write this piece on various issues surrounding accessibility, as I experience things first hand as a wheelchair user, and I want to share with you.

I had my accident at the age of 22, after just having finished my educational pursuits. Following years of hospital and rehabilitation, I moved to live independently in 2010. Since, I have been ‘free’, to discover places that I have wanted to. As long as they are ‘accessible’, I am ok.  

Damn! There’s a catch! Not everywhere is accessible.

Well, I admit that it is only by experiencing accessibility issues first hand, do I become so aware of both the advantages and problems involved. Apart from time at University I have lived all of my life here in Kingston and have become very comfortable with and used to, life in Kingston.

It was in my Rehabilitation Home, in Thames Ditton, that I first learned to tackle accessibility issues, both in the home itself, and more importantly out in ‘the real world’. Once one has learned one’s ability of maneuvering their wheelchair, it really is a case of just practicing moving about, judging gap sizes and your own ability. It soon becomes apparent that if something is not wheelchair accessible, you cannot use it!

Most places/activities/things do have options for a wheelchair. Often, the biggest problem is finding it!

In this Rehab Home, I learnt (or re-learnt, following my injury), the necessity of planning trips or journeys especially involving public transport). If buses or trains were to be used or tested, then one would have to investigate timetables, and plan ahead. Trains and buses run by timetables, and therefore plans can be made. I quickly found that buses are fully accessible. Trains are too, but a station needs to be alerted to provide a ramp and access to and from the train. Timetables need to be checked, and time managed, to allow for access help.

Once living independently, I received regular guidance from the RBK ‘Outreach team’. I consider it invaluable, as it encouraged me to discover opportunities in London and have the confidence to visit places alone and tackle accessibility issues, should they occur, alone.

One of the last Outreach sessions regarded using the Underground. It allowed me to experience that it is indeed possible, but only if you stick to using specific stations or specific tube lines. It is a shame but I have found that is wiser (safer maybe), just to forget using the Underground. Accessibility on the ’tube’ is a big problem, that TFL are battling and confronting head-on, still.

I took my biggest ‘step’, psychologically, when I went on holiday to Paris, accompanied by my PA. I feared that the French capital has a reputation for being ‘old’. Therefore I thought that this would dismiss any chances of being wheelchair friendly. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised.

Virtually all pavement corners included ‘dropped-curbs’, indirectly suggesting that the area was setup for use of a wheelchair or buggy. Shops seemed to notify potential customers, whether or not they are accessible. I was in a hotel at the foot of the Montmartre region (slightly awkward, perhaps?). Only a couple of hundred meters away, my attention got drawn into an amazing chocolatier’s. But there was a massive step in, making it inaccessible. As I was leaving, I got called back, shown the ‘wheelchair accessible’ sign. I was then shown their inbuilt, flip-down, ramp.

My holiday was perfected! Good weather, good coffee, and now I could buy very good chocolate! Such a simple device, I remain amazed that this the only time I have seen such, in France or England!

I quickly guessed correctly that the best way of getting around for a wheelchair user, in Paris, is just the same as London. Avoid the underground, plan using buses.

By far the biggest positive rating, of my trip abroad to Paris, easily goes to the wheelchair accessibility on Eurostar. Everything is thought of.

I do not consider Paris to be ‘behind’, I just know how far ‘ahead’ London is. I admit, that as an able-bodied human, you just don’t think of accessibility issues, in the same way as a wheelchair-user. I have been very lucky as I have only been wheelchair dependent for the last six years, but now I see that issues of accessibility, have advanced so far in recent years, and they continue to. Although I live in Kingston, London, and rate our accessibility issues highly with high standards, they can be found everywhere. There is seemingly more and more pressure on everyone everywhere to have an accessible option of high standards. 

Below is an explanation of this brilliant in-built ramp, at 'Jeff de Bruges' chocalatier in Montmartre, Paris. 

Universal Design

Why ‘Universal Design’?

‘Universal design’ and ‘Inclusive design’, are both fashionable phrases  at the moment, that personally I don’t like. “Shock” and ”Horror” I hear you all say.

OK, OK, I am currently a wheelchair user and so therefore very, very grateful for as much ‘universal design’ as possible.

I do, however, think that all ‘good design’ is inclusive. If a product is designed, that cannot be used, or a graphic designed that cannot be understood, then the designer has failed drastically. Things should be designed around potential users. If one is designing specifically for an individual, or only a small group of known users, then fair enough. Fortunately, we live in a modern world, in which medical advancement is ever-continuous. Therefore we are allowing more and more people to live in our ‘designed’ world.

In doing so, we are forever stretching targets further and further ahead. Things are designed for as much use, or as long-a-life, as possible. A ’good design’ can be used by as many people as possible. If the quantity of people is increasing, then we will see more and more designs which are usable, ‘universal’, or, good.    

I have successfully summed up a very basic concept in a very large block of text, above.

I am very fortunate, for a number of reasons, but In relation to this topic, I feel that we are now all living in a society that agrees with the statement that ‘good design is inclusive design’. Able or not, no one likes it when they are faced with a product/graphic, that they cannot understand. If so, the product is rendered useless, obsolete, and becomes waste. In a world in which we regularly face eco-issues, everyone is becoming concerned by eco-sustainability, and waste reduction. We must allow a design to be used. No. Incorrect.

We must design for use.

Inclusive design.

As a design graduate, now disabled and in a wheelchair, I can see problems from both sides. Designers solve problems. A disabled person faces more problems in day-to-day life, than an able-bodied person.

I should be able to both see the problems, and problem-solve. Hehe hmm

A change...

My week's first note...
"oh mummy, can i have a car like that?"

Hehe, hmmm. These are the words uttered to their mother, by a young child, when out shopping, seeing me. I don't know quite how to respond or feel (so i don't at all)! 'Mummy', who probably understands that this 'car' is actually a fundamental wheelchair, but how on earth does a mother explain the issue?
Should i just play along, and get a 'sub-wooffer' and 'go-faster' stripes?
Methinks not.

One of my main 'problems', that I have already explained on this blog, was experienced earlier in the week. I refuse to names and attribute blame. I realise that I am possibly quite unusual as a wheelchair user, as i am desperate for independence. Maybe elderly wheelchair users are very grateful to be pushed around. 

However 

 Do Not Attempt to push me, unless I ask!!

One, it has no effect (unless placed in 'manual mode', therefore I would know).

Two, tell me if you want supreme control

Three, I will reverse into you behind, making you look foolish.

OK, I've got that off my chest.

As you may have noticed, I have updated the logo to this blog. Well, completely changed it, incorporating the 'PG symbol'. I realise that it will vary on clarity, depending on your viewing  device. As designed on a 21" 1920x1080, it should be viewed at its best on anything the same, or bigger. I think.

I have been recommended viewing 'the undateables' by various people, to watch and follow on television. Fair enough, I may have shown similar feelings as in the show, I would be considered by many to be in the same position. I AM in a wheelchair...

And....

No, wrong. I am just as individual as the next person, and won't be classed as 'one of them'. Forgive me please, I welcome anyone's help, but I remember very well from being a patient just out-of-coma, being told by nurses and doctors in the hospital that everyone is different. All patients are different. Everyone's brain is unique, not identical. Everyone's accident varies. Therefore outcomes will always be different.

As you may have noticed, the logo/link for Thames Valley Housing Association, has been removed, as I finished my time of voluntary work there, this week. I will not be naming names, but I want to give a big big 'thank you' to everyone involved. Special. I wanted to say 'goodbye' to someone (a friend), but I didn't get to see them all day.Then , my faith in fate was confirmed as I bumped into them randomly, on leaving. They had helped set up the whole work placement before starting, thank you.  

Valentines day (last day at TVHA) seemed to be quite fateful, as one other thing which happened, was that some of 'my art', is now being displayed, and sold in a local cafe.

The Press Room, Surbiton. Very very good coffee!

Above, 'A', The Press Room

Below, two of my three pieces on display

Whilst, sat opposite my pictures, in the cafe, feeling pleased with myself, I found myself miming along to the music being played in the cafe. Unsurprisingly, I knew every word.

  

Not depressing in one  moment, I felt on top of the world. 

So, erm, nice weather today, wasn't it? I was making my trip down the river towards Kingston (previously photographed in the snow). I noted that if you always ensure that you always think positively, seemingly, nothing is 'bad'. Only by looking back on things, assessing, you notice 'bad' . Therefore we should always try to live as close to the present as possible. Living in the future, you will always encounter problems. Live in the past, you will see the bad things that have happened. Live for now. Present 'life' can be good.

OK, I have just reread that last paragraph, controversial it maybe. But hey.

old..

...

Can fill the Clock End...

Five figures!
I am delighted as this past week saw the total page-view counter turn over ten thousand. 
Yay.
Fortunately, I have deselected myself, as i am the author, i do not count myself (that would be cheating and everyone knows what i think ...).

I was able to capture the 9999th, and then missed the big one, but captured the next...

10,000. Hmmm, right, the only way of my little brain understanding this large number was simple.

Highbury 

Clock  End - 6000

East Stand - 9000

blog pageviews - 10,000

West Stand - 11,000

North Bank - 12, 500

OK, enough trumpet blowing. I have few notes to talk about this week, so I revert to a few 'old notes'.

Shuffled music. Hmmm, as people will know, I can talk for years about this issue. So, I won't. I just have to face the sad facts of life. People (me included), rarely listen to an album by an artist. It seems that people will own an album but rarely listen to it from start to finish. Times change, and i am getting old. Maybe I am wrong, I hope that i am, but doubt it.

I confirm to myself that I am most definitely a cycling enthusiast, still, when I get excited seeing a new or previously unseen bicycle helmet. Don't laugh, I love them (perhaps I should do so even more now, but hey). Trek and Specialized  rule the main market of virtually the whole bicycle industry, and, to be fair they do what they do very well. I see that their products have been styled very well, which is why i get confused finding still so many cyclists without a helmet. These products have developed so intensely, over the past decade, it is a shame to see the good designs go to waste and not be being used.

The other week, I stopped, looked back at this narrow pavement gap, that I chose to negotiate. I obviously got through, as I was reviewing it. I told myself off, as there was a much wider route , just easily to its left. I noted that I realised I had been stupid, but had CHOSEN the tighter route. I excused myself, telling myself that 'sometimes everyone prefers the tougher path'. Do I?

It is a far too deep psychological issue to discuss here. hmmmm.

I have noted that 'I am trying and failing to balance my life'. I was quite depressed when noting this. I did not know whether I could prolong this lack of a full-time profession/friends/girlfriend, balanced with maintaining physiotherapy (therapy/return/recovery) etc. The more i dwell on this issue, I realise how well I am doing  in the situation, but obviously I am forced to realise that this is my life during 'it's peak'. I always try and ensure that i finish by realising how lucky i am to be here having these issues. Hmmmmmmmm.

... Back to today. I have been meeting two girls from the Graphic Design course at Kingston  University, who have are currently assigned on a project by 'Fixperts'. Perhaps obviously, as the name suggests, the company is a design company regularly focussing on User-Centred-Design. Experts at fixing problems.

http://fixperts.org

Below is a graphic that I submitted to them, to be used within the project.

    

As per usual, I am providing a link to a group that I discovered (through a friend). I liked it so much, I bought (downloaded), the whole album straight away! Ultraista (below), and Radiohead share key aide Nigel Godrich.

 

PICTURES...

I forgot to include a couple of pictures

  A cappucino depicting a swan, by The Press Room, Surbiton

?

Sunset by the riverside, looking north towards Hampton Court.

I'm not addicted, I just drink a lot...

...of coffee.

Right, friday it is, but i type this post earlier, in the afternoon, I am not accompanied by usual hit of caffeine. We shall see what the effects are. I start 'early' because i have a lot of notes to type about this week, you lucky, lucky folk.

First note refers to my 'wheelchair issue'. I am, and always have been in strong support of public transport. To start with I want to offer praise for London Transport, as I know that they consider cases of 'disabled accessibility', very importantly. Thank you. Therefore, when there are issues that force me to 'note', they stand out. I am such a regular user of London Buses, I have become an experienced user of 'the ramp'. Usually, a bus will stop after being hailed. The ramp will then shoot out (slowly), onto the pavement, allowing me to board the bus. Usually, as very rarely it fails, and the bus leaves. I am left to wait for another, should it fail.
Today I was in a rush, and forced to miss the bus. I was asked by the driver to wait for another as it already had 3 buggies, on board. Three! I had no choice.

I am left exasperated as i take the above photo (of the sign which is displayed on every bus). Fair enough, TFL  are asking the general public to consider wheelchair users. However they are not making rules, and not telling people what is going to happen. TFL have done their bit, but the truth is not everyone obeys. Hmmm.

I have made a note owning up to feeling the negative effects of coffee. Fair play, caffeine is a mighty fine stimulant, and without it people can notice negative effects. I have always claimed that whilst I enjoy it, I have never felt these negatives. Monday, it was, and unusually i drunk coffee in the morning. I had quite a lot. Carried it on, through midday,then stopped, as i knew that i had reached 4 shots-worth, by mid afternoon (a lot, for me). I then felt like another at about 5pm, but i restrained myself as i wanted to prove that i could. I got desperate  by 6, 'nope'. 7pm, i changed focus to dinner, but i really felt the need. Then, as usual, i had a coffee after dinner. I felt better immediately, which disappointed me (was i addicted?). Hmmm. I have not felt like this since and claim that it must have been a side-affect to the botox treatment i had last week (medical/physical).

Very slowly, I am reading the autobiography of Danish superstar/ex-cyclist/SaxoBank team manager, Bjarne Riis. One of the many self-confessed ex dopers, but he manages to explain the very simple attraction to cycling on page 2.

"As a rider, I used to spend hours in the saddle on training rides going through any problems I had in my head, coming up with solutions and forming plans to deal with it all."
  
Aside, obviously, from the physical activity, I enjoyed this and it is this which I am now forced to find in different ways. Oh, how i miss cycling!

I followed the professional sport very closely, and it is because of this that I feel very little pain when hearing all of the doping confessions. I never raced professionally, but I read a lot and followed the sport so closely.

I was never a fan of Mr Armstrong, as a cyclist. There he was, parading, arrogantly around his seven TDFs. Endless accusation, but forever denial. I couldn't stand him. To me, he denied but it was obvious that the whole thing was corrupt, including him. The truth always wins. 

He made his 'coming clean' quite smartly. Fair play to him, it can't have been nice, after living a fake life. For me, nothing has changed, he always was a cheat. Everyone was, he was the best at it. It is an endurance sport, and therefore deeply troubled. What we  should gain from Lance is the lesson 'if you are going to cheat, cheat well. The truth will always win.'

By admitting, he is just proving that he is human.

Unrelated to Mr Armstrong, but 

A link well worth a visit:

Charitable Musings