Community Building Tip: Car-Free

[ysabetwordsmith]

For my current set of tips, I'm using the list "101 Small Ways You Can Improve Your City.

44. Organize a local car-free day. Every September 22 cities around the world participate in a global Car-Free Day, showcasing the possibilities of a more progressive commute and the advantages of walkable streets and biking infrastructure. Want to be inspired? Check out 14 beautiful car-free cities.

Regrettably, neither of the sites seemed to say anything about accessibility.  Now if you're blind, not worrying about getting run over by a car could be a great thing.  But for anyone with mobility issues, more often than not "car-free" might as well be "on the Moon."  And it's not like we don't have solutions for that, I just didn't see anyone advertising things like palanquins for places where wheelchairs can't easily go.  So if you're lobbying for car-free areas, remember to make them accessible to everyone.  Even normally able-bodied people can be screwed the moment they break a foot, get pregnant, or have a baby carriage to push.

Comments

Thoughts

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> Chiming in re: the palanquin thing, not all wheelchair users can ride in a palanquin or on a Talking Horse. <<

True, but this depends greatly on your equipment. Adaptive saddles are available for a variety of conditions, some even somewhat adjustable, meaning that they enable most people who can sit up to ride. (Now, describing to the Talking Horse and the dwarven crafter why you want, say, a high back and a saddlehorn on the side of the saddle might be a bit complicated...)

A palanquin is exceptional because the platform can be equipped either for seated or recumbent travel. If someone can't sit up, or can only sit up partway, this is a much nicer way to travel than on an exposed stretcher -- palanquins customarily have curtains you can close for privacy. Imagine being able to recline in privacy while someone narrates the booths as they pass. You want to shop at the art booth, so your porters put the palanquin on its legs, open the curtains, and direct the vendor to attend you. If you want sustenance, menus can be fetched for your delectation and someone sent to obtain your order. \o/ We used to have these options, and then most places quit. But a few less-developed nations still have them.

>> At minimum, you'd need to be able to disconnect from the chair, transfer or skip any medical devices, and sit/balance decently well, [tho a specialised palanquin or saddle with seatbaks or straps might work.] <<

I agree that medical hardware greatly complicates matters. If you have attachments that connect to the wheelchair, then any substitute conveyance must also support them in order to be feasible. In this case I recommend a professional accessibility consultant.

>>You may also need a way to transfer the chair from A to B as well - easyish with a foldable manual, difficulty-up-to-fiendish with a mechanical.<<

Often true. Transferability varies, though. Some sporty wheelchairs are a bitch to get in and out of, while some electrics have extremely convenient foldaway arms, dropdown backs, etc.

Note another feature of highly accessible places: transfer boards! You see these little plank seatlets in playground equipment, bathrooms, changing rooms, etc. that are designed for easy shifting from wheelchair to somewhere else. I tell people to watch for those as visible clues to inclusivity.

>>A relative (funtionally quadraligic, mechanical chair, and I think an extra breathing gadget) was on a trip, and the group was going to a restaurant on a boat. "Yes, we are wheelchair accesable!" by which they meant 'we can carry the person across the gangplank, and then carry the folded chair across as well.' Relative and their subgroup ate elsewhere, large group stayed.<<

Gyah. Not good as the sole option.

It can work as one of several options though. There's a big outdoor amphitheater in Bluehill with stone seats, and it's old so no ramps. Mobility-impaired folks have two options: 1) first dibs on the top/back row so they don't have to deal with the stairs at all or 2) ride the hoist down and sit in the front below the stairs. It is much the same as most indoor theaters, aside from the hoist used to deposit heavy equipment in the performance area.

>>I've also seen a scenario where transporting a wheelchair/mechanical scooter amounted to 'find some strong men to shove it in a van (no ramp) then do the same in reverse at the destination.' In that case, the person could transfer theirself and sit in regular seats, assuming they [seats] were the right height.<<

One or more big strong bodies can resolve a lot of limitations! These should be freely available at events, resorts, parks, etc. to maximize accessibility. You also want at least one geek, a good toolkit, and a box of scraps. These additions will solve a lot of challenges that brute force alone will not. This is one of the few positions truly suited to the unique talents of a musclegeek. :D

>> Factor in that carrying people/extra gear is /hard/ - soldiers carry about on avg. 30 pounds, I've heard of hunter-gatherers carrying up to about 70 pounds. (Respectivly, the weight of a three-year-old and a ten-year old.) <<

Soldiers and Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan routinely carry between 60 and 100 pounds of gear including body armor, weapons and batteries. The heavy loads shouldered over months of duty contribute to the chronic pain suffered by soldiers like Spc. Joseph Chroniger, who deployed to Iraq in 2007.

Many jobs require workers to lift 50 pounds, and anyone who can't is effectively disabled and not allowed into those jobs. Factory, retail, construction, and warehouse work are most notorious for this but some restaurants do it too.

>> A couch potato from civilization, an older person or a child won't be able to carry that much weight any distance (i.e. on a hiking trail, or up a long flight of stairs). <<

That's what porters are for! Many developing nations still have them.

L-America has dwindled to a few tattered remnants like bellhops at hotels. Who are surprised when we summon a cart, load and unload it ourselves often filling the whole thing with gear, and then tip the bellhop generously for fetching and pushing the cart itself.

>> Most of the people I know with limited ability are my size or bigger, and moving them any great distane without a car is pretty much going to require either a car, a wheeled conveyance + decent road, or a h*** of a lot of help. (A litter might require 8-10 people, the number may go up if the trip is long as there are other issues.) <<

On a long trip, you need at least 2 extra bearers; and for a heavy load, you need a complete second team; so they can swap out. In a midladen palanquin it doesn't matter who swaps, but in an offset load you put the fresh bearers on the heavier handles, unless you're swapping the whole team at once.

>>The point of my rambling, is that (for example) a blanket 'no wheels on the beach/trail, no exceptions' might cause avoidable hassle; and that should be considered when applying the rule.<<

Prevailingly true, but consider the nature of the trail. Some types of trail really can't handle wheel traffic. They may be too rugged for most travelers to wheel over (as opposed to Simon, who hauls ass over large tree roots and then has Tolli heave the chair over fallen trees) or too fragile such that wheels would damage the trail where shoes do not.

This is why many beaches and parks have a boardwalk and/or beach chairs with special wheels that people can borrow. The amphibious kind with PVC framing and balloon wheels can even go from sand to surf.

Solutions exist, and humans are nothing if not ingenious with tools. It just takes noticing and caring to put those solutions into practice.

Re: Thoughts

[(Anonymous)]

>>True, but this depends greatly on your equipment.<<

I know such equipment /exists/, but that's about it.

Its more...people can't slap a one-size-fits-solution on thus and say 'yay, fixed!'

>>A palanquin is exceptional because the platform can be equipped either for seated or recumbent travel. <<

I actually did not know this; palanquins are not local to my area and my first mental image is the palanquins Azula and Zuko use in ATLA, which are a sit-upright-no-chair style.

Also, semirelated, I recall the cover of this book* had a picture of a stretcher with a sunshade (designed for longish transport where cars might not be an option.)
*https://www.amazon.com/Where-There-No-Doctor-Handbook/dp/0942364155/ref=asc_df_0942364155/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312425492373&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10869302303791239345&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003787&hvtargid=pla-488339970850&psc=1#immersive-view_1602394071625

>>Transferability varies, though.<<

That is a consideration, but I was also thinking of moving the /equipment/, not just the person.

I think I recall a conversation I once had with someone who drove her wheelchair-bound grandmother around, but was running into problems because the sporty car didn't have a lot of room to put the folded-up wheelchair. And you kind of need the wheelchair to get around at the store...

I myself have tied a folded wheelchair to a bike rack. (Doesn't do much good to drive someone home if their gear stays at the office.)

I know someone else for whom 'spend the night' involves a variety of machines and mechanical contraptions; conveying these via anything but car (or possibly covered wagon) would be nigh-impossible/impractical.

>>It can work as one of several options though. <<

This story taught me two things:

1) Clarify /every single exhausting non-standard requirement/ when you travel. /Do not/ allow yourself to be dismissed or patronized. (Also, a list* is very helpful.)
*List may include door widths, height of the gap under the bed (I am not kidding), layout of handicapped parking (some people need extra space to unload from a wheelchair van with a ramp)...

2) If a customer/client asks about wheelchair-accessable, or nut-free, or whatever /clarify that you ate taliking about the same thing/.

>>These should be freely available at events, resorts, parks, etc. to maximize accessibility. <<

The artsy fair at my college did this as standard; students got volunteer hours for carrying the setup stuff and vendors were very impressed. (I also went around in historical costume one year. Fun times...)

>>Many jobs require workers to lift 50 pounds, ... <<

Lifting once, easy. Lifting repeatedly, or carrying a distance, very hard.

>>L-America has dwindled to a few tattered remnants like bellhops at hotels. <<

I was concerned that 'muscle power' would once again translate to 'Relatives will do it for free. Not my problem.'

I have no expectation that L-America will start hiring hiking porters.* (To be fair, some airports seem to do a decent job, but I suspect their gofers have several different jobs instead of being exclusively porters.)

*Hmm... in-a-group porters might be a good job for immigrants who don't speak much of the local language. You wouldn't neccesarily need to be chatty, just strong and decently up-to-date on local 'polite deference to the customer' ettiquite. If you can get one person who us decently billingual (teenager at first job, maybe?) all the better!

>>Prevailingly true, but consider the nature of the trail. <<

Just as you can't assume everyone on the trail can walk, or walk for long distances, one shouldn't assume that every trail can be wheeled on.

Mindful consideration of your specific circumstances is needed!

How much damage will wheels or motor vehicles cause? What are the safety issues, both for and aginst? How many people who want to use the trail will be unable to with XYZ restrictions? Is there any way to reduce that last number without increasing damage or reducing safety?

Then pick the most workable solution, which could be anything from vehicle tours to video walks to palanquins. :)

Re: Thoughts

[ysabetwordsmith]

>>I know such equipment /exists/, but that's about it.<<

Saddle with a high back and belt in tooled leather

Basically a wheelchair seat turned into a saddle

Dressage jumping saddle with thigh stirrups, because who says missing legs mean you can't climb on a giant animal and fly over walls

And of course if you can't spread your legs very far, you will want a good old-fashioned sidesaddle

I'm rather intrigued by clever adaptive equipment.

>> Its more...people can't slap a one-size-fits-solution on thus and say 'yay, fixed!' <<

True of many people, alas.

>> I actually did not know this; palanquins are not local to my area and my first mental image is the palanquins Azula and Zuko use in ATLA, which are a sit-upright-no-chair style.<<

They are not common in my area either. However, various styles exist...

Basically a chair in a wheelless carriage, carried by 2 porters

An open chair version for weddings, looks like all the groomsmen are trying to get a hand on those poles

Bride and groom sitting together, looks like 8 porters

Larger chairless version for sitting with your legs straight, looks like 6 porters

Queen Hetepheres' Sedan Chair

A flat bed palanquin without the usual cushions or curtains so you can see its structure

This child has stretched out and fallen asleep amidst a fancy religious procession

I was surprised to see how solid they were. Mostly I had seen palanquins with curtains like this.

They're just a lot more fun and festive than a wheelchair or the stretcher on the back of a golf cart ambulance, you know?

>>Also, semirelated, I recall the cover of this book* had a picture of a stretcher with a sunshade (designed for longish transport where cars might not be an option.)<<

Very clever.

>>That is a consideration, but I was also thinking of moving the /equipment/, not just the person.<<

Also true. In that case, consider a cart, a carry pole, or a pack animal. A wheelbarrow works if you have the 2-wheel version, but a 1-wheel version is tippy. I've also seen people hauled in a wheelbarrow or garden cart.

>>I think I recall a conversation I once had with someone who drove her wheelchair-bound grandmother around, but was running into problems because the sporty car didn't have a lot of room to put the folded-up wheelchair. <<

Yeah, that's challenging.

>> And you kind of need the wheelchair to get around at the store... <<

Depends on the store or other facility. Wal-Mart and Sam's Club have electric wheelchairs for shoppers with a basket attached. I think they have some manuals too. Medical facilities usually have some. It's becoming more common for beaches to have outdoor ones, but that varies. Adaptive dance studios or sport centers usually have sport wheelchairs. So if transporting the chair is bothersome, check around -- you can save hassle by going places that have their own wheelchairs to borrow.

>>I myself have tied a folded wheelchair to a bike rack. (Doesn't do much good to drive someone home if their gear stays at the office.) <<

Good solution.

>>I know someone else for whom 'spend the night' involves a variety of machines and mechanical contraptions; conveying these via anything but car (or possibly covered wagon) would be nigh-impossible/impractical.<<

Yeah, that would be very limiting.

Re: Thoughts

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> 1) Clarify /every single exhausting non-standard requirement/ when you travel. <<

Good idea.

>> /Do not/ allow yourself to be dismissed or patronized. <<

Good luck with that. Nobody's obligated to help you, and if you annoy them may simply hang up.

>> (Also, a list* is very helpful.)
*List may include door widths, height of the gap under the bed (I am not kidding), layout of handicapped parking (some people need extra space to unload from a wheelchair van with a ramp)... <<

I have offered to carry a yardstick through my house to check clearance width. The door just has one wide step and then step up to the threshold, so getting even an electric wheelchair up is no trouble as long as we have a couple other folks to help pop the wheels up and push.

But I generally just ask, "What accommodations do you need?" Most common one has been either a chair or limiting the stand-up time in rituals, which is easily done.

>>The artsy fair at my college did this as standard; students got volunteer hours for carrying the setup stuff and vendors were very impressed. (I also went around in historical costume one year. Fun times...) <<

That is so awesome.

>>Lifting once, easy. Lifting repeatedly, or carrying a distance, very hard.<<

It means lifting easily, like lifting 50-pound bags of flour to stock a shelf. O_O

>>I was concerned that 'muscle power' would once again translate to 'Relatives will do it for free. Not my problem.'<<

Friends or relatives often do such things, but there is no guarantee they will be abled either. Frex, retirees often travel in groups and may not have enough muscle for heaving a chair over obstacles. Preferably, an event should have porters available.

>> *Hmm... in-a-group porters might be a good job for immigrants who don't speak much of the local language. You wouldn't neccesarily need to be chatty, just strong and decently up-to-date on local 'polite deference to the customer' ettiquite. If you can get one person who us decently billingual (teenager at first job, maybe?) all the better!<<

Brilliant, and saved for future reference. It would suit the Rutledge thread very well.

>>Just as you can't assume everyone on the trail can walk, or walk for long distances, one shouldn't assume that every trail can be wheeled on.

Mindful consideration of your specific circumstances is needed!<<

Well reasoned.

>>How much damage will wheels or motor vehicles cause? What are the safety issues, both for and aginst? How many people who want to use the trail will be unable to with XYZ restrictions? Is there any way to reduce that last number without increasing damage or reducing safety?<<

Especially, consider these issues in building new trails. Can you make plenty of mileage accessible, without reducing everyone to wide paved paths? A variety of challenge levels is desirable.

>> Then pick the most workable solution, which could be anything from vehicle tours to video walks to palanquins. :) <<

Yeah, virtual tours are VERY popular in Terramagne. We've seen Haruko jogging with a headcam, for instance. It's also common for a sighted, immobile person to pair with a blind, mobile person -- the blind person goes places while wearing a camera, the immobile person gets to see exciting things without dragging their body around and they can describe things so the blind person enjoys more and has an easy time navigating. Win-win!

Re: Thoughts

[(Anonymous)]

Hmmm...I wonder if Kenzie, the Undertaker, or the centaurs would ever want to be taught to do therapy riding.

>>Good luck with that. Nobody's obligated to help you, and if you annoy them may simply hang up.<<

As a former customer service associate, I have two ideas that might mitigate (but not neccesarily eliminate) the issue:

1) Be nice to the person. Stay calm, thank them for their patience, explain that you know this may be a complicated or unusual request. If they are nice or helpful, compliment them on that.

Even if most of the people are unhelpful jerks, the one nice one might know who you should call to complain, or what competitors might have better services - and they're more likely to tell you that stuff if you are 'Annoyed but polite' vs yelling 'You're all scam artists! Angrish!'.

(A couple of times, I've ephasized those customer service surveys when a customer complains about a policy and I agree with them.)

2) Call or visit at a slow time when possible. And you can ask, too: "I need to ask about [topic], and it might take awhile. Is now a good time? No? When should I call back and who should I ask for?" (CSAs may get blamed for ignoring customers event to attend aanother customer, so a half-hour phone call is best done at non-rush times.)

I mean, it still might not work, but from the other side of the counter, it maybe ups the odds?

And I'm pretty sure that some of the akwardness is the person going '****, I don't know what to do, or how to find out what I should do' in their internal monologue.

>>That is so awesome.<<

We never had to carry people, but the middle-aged to older vendors apprecited the help with tents, handmade wooden furniture, and the like.

And I got talking to some interesting people. One former student told me how they'd taken over a campus building for three days to protest sexist rules (curfews & no pants, I think.) The guys in the protest added a demand to be able to buy beer on campus. LOL.

>>Friends or relatives often do such things, but there is no guarantee they will be abled either. <<

Exactly! Plus it is kind of exhausting (and aggravating) to have to lug several hundred pounds of gear on a /family vacation/.

>>Frex, retirees often travel in groups and may not have enough muscle for heaving a chair over obstacles. <<

My surviving grandparent and I traveled together when I was in my late teens. I was dubbed a 'good traveling companion,' as I carried the luggage, don't argue about the scheduling, and keept an eye out for other odds and ends (loose cobblestones, stampeding schoolchildren) that may require assistance.

>>Brilliant, and saved for future reference. It would suit the Rutledge thread very well.<<

Thank you! I look forward to reading it!

I think you already have a wilderness parks idea in one story...

...and I imagine if it works it could actually be a very common pattern in T-America, especially as they have more multilingual people.

This could actually be generalized to any 'labor' group - store, stockers, moving crews, construction crews, cleaning services...

Even a gravedigging crew! (I knew someone whose job was to dig graves, set up for funerals, & occasionally get signatures. Honestly, more 'politely hovering in the background' than actual talking.) Have 2-3 people on the 'cemetary crew' for maintenence and stuff, and as long as someone (maybe even the offsite boss, or paperwork person) can translate, you're good.