From climbing to cycling – yes, I can do that

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An hour ago

Stacey Samuel O’Brien

I am a physically disabled TT citizen living in the USA. When I travel, I use an electric scooter. In the US, I feel comfortable venturing out on my own because I’m confident that I’ll get by in most cases without any problems. Unfortunately, when I get home I’m not so confident because, with the exception of the airport, disabled people seem to be an overlooked subset of the population.

People with disabilities can lead full, independent lives, but sometimes we need certain accommodations and support from the public. As a society, we must recognize that our disabled population should not be written off just because they may function differently.

Starting from the top, legislation goes a long way toward ensuring inclusivity. Laws that require certain protections for people with disabilities in public and/or the workplace, such as standardized accessibility of buildings, can drive necessary changes in TT. Disability laws can also benefit members of other vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and children.

I appreciate that some changes have been made with disabled people in mind (such as adding curbs to some sidewalks), but there is so much more that can and should be done. Understandably, neither legislation nor infrastructure changes will happen overnight, so there are small but impactful changes that can be made by businesses and the general public in the meantime.

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Companies can provide sensitivity training and empower employees to exercise good judgment in situations that may be outside the norm.

Empathy and compassion are two important qualities that can ensure a positive interaction with people with disabilities, but knowledge and information are also crucial. Employers, social groups and advocacy groups should actively communicate recommendations and best practices so that the general public understands how to deal with disabled people they encounter.

At a grassroots level, most of my experiences with the public have shown me that we as a society have made great strides in the treatment of the disabled.

But I was lucky. Not everyone can say their interactions are supportive or empathetic.

It is important to understand that if you want to help a disabled person, you are not expected to know exactly what to do or how to help. First of all, you need to ask the person if he wants to be helped, and then listen to his answer about how he can help.

It’s equally important not to make assumptions about what help they need. And always treat disabled people with dignity and respect, just as you would like to be treated.

I share my stories as someone living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in hopes of inspiring other people with disabilities and those struggling with adversity and to show that while it’s different for everyone, it What matters is finding ways to continue doing the things that bring us joy in life, albeit in a different way. It’s certainly okay and inevitable to have bad days, but I think the key is to not let the bad days become all-consuming and to find positive ways to deal with them. This contributes immensely to being successful in the situations we find ourselves in.

Six years ago, on a whim, I called a climbing gym in my neighborhood and asked if they offered anything handicapped accessible.

Surprisingly, I was referred to Catalyst Sports. Catalyst is a nonprofit sports organization with multiple offices in the Southeastern United States focused exclusively on providing adaptive sports programs for people with physical disabilities. The group meets every Wednesday evening in the gym and as a result I have become an enthusiastic, adaptable climber. Occasionally I also ride my bike with them.

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The interesting thing about my climbing is that I wanted to try it many years ago, before my disability, but never tried it. I now climb weekly and meeting the other climbers and volunteers who help us is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding activities I take part in. These days, my disability inspires me in many ways.

When you’re dealing with adversity or a disability, life changes, but it doesn’t have to stop. I’m lucky; I have found ways to continue doing most of the things that bring me joy (I travel easily, I come home for Carnival and enjoy it), even though MS and my physical limitations have slowed me down significantly.

It would be great if my colleagues at TT could definitely say the same. I would like to see a TT that cares and embraces all of its citizens. A TT where everyone, regardless of ability, can flourish, prosper and contribute to society.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system.

In MS, the body’s white blood cells attack the protective covering of the nerve fibers. When nerve fibers become exposed, electrical messages are no longer transmitted effectively between different parts of the body and the brain. MS can cause sensory, cognitive, digestive and muscle problems.

It is a degenerative disease for which there is no cure.

Editor’s Note: This is the final installment in a limited series of columns exploring the challenges faced by people with disabilities and the support services available.