Disabilities in Action

When you think of iconic movie stars or television characters of our time, do any have a disability? Well that might soon change. We are starting to see a growing presence of persons with disabilities on the TV and the big screen.

The shows and movies vary from documentaries about the disability to reality shows to television dramas. Three shows feature a regular cast of people with physical disabilities. Most of you will know the first two: Little People, Big World and The Little Couple. Both shows follow the lives of real families with physical disabilities resulting in dwarfism. And although their disabilities play a big role in the shows, they are, at their core, shows about people and relationships and… life. Now you are probably wondering what the third show is. It’s a new series to premiere on June 5 entitled Push Girls. The show follows the lives of four women who live with paralysis in theHollywood area. The show documents the everyday challenges each women face, both physically and mentally. We will definitely be checking this one out!

It’s fabulous to see shows that bring awareness to what it is like to live with a disability. This is a great medium to challenge or change the public perception of persons with disabilities.

And then there are shows that don’t focus on disability. There is simply a character or a person that happens to have a disability. A prime example of this can be seen in the diverse cast of Glee. Artie is a performer in the show choir before he is a young man in a wheelchair. This idea can also be seen in Rolling Around the World with Zach Anner. This funny, charming young man travels the world with a film crew. One episode in and you completely forget the host has Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheelchair. These shows are great because they do something entirely different. They reduce the stigma surrounding physical and mental disabilities and break down stereotypes. As a viewer, you don’t focus on the person’s disability because the show doesn’t.

Recently, a range of industries have begun to embrace accessibility and the media is doing their part by increasing access to images and depictions of persons with disabilities. This is amazing to see and even more exciting to think about a day where this will go from being wonderful to being the norm. Shows and movies will regularly feature people with disabilities because they are, after all, trying to represent and depict the diversity of the real world.

Other examples of persons with disabilities in the media include:

• Young boy with Down syndrome featured in Target ads
• Warner Brothers’ upcoming film about mother and son with autism, Scattered Skills
• Wheelchair ballroom dancing flick, Musical Chairs
• ABC’s Switched at Birth

Do you know of other people with disabilities on the big screen? Love one of the shows we mentioned? Tweet us @mobilityforlife and let us know, hashtag #PWDHollywood

Getting Started with Accessible Minivans

Savaria Side Entry Van

What type of accessible minivan is right for you? Use this checklist to find out and see a few FAQs too.

Choose a side entry conversion if…

• You have a wide driveway or you park on the street
• You want a power assisted ramp
• You want or need driver capabilities for wheelchair passenger
• The wheelchair passenger will be sitting in the front passenger area

Choose a rear entry conversion if…

• You are looking for the most cost-effective solution
• You have limited-space parking (single driveway)
• You would like to have second row ambulatory passengers
• You have a larger wheelchair (ease of access)

How much does an accessible van cost?

The cost can be split into two parts: vehicle cost and conversion cost. The vehicle cost will vary based on individual preferences and whether or not you buy a brand new van. A minivan could range from $15,000 to $60,000. Similarly, depending on the type of conversion and which options you’d like, a conversion may cost anywhere from $16,000 to $27,000.

Can I get my current van converted or do I have to buy an accessible minivan ready-to-go?

You may be able to convert your current van depending on the brand and its condition. The best thing is to call your local conversion dealership or the manufacturer directly and ask them if yours is a model that can be converted.

Are accessible minivans safe for passengers in wheelchairs?

Yes. They are just as safe as traditional minivans. Any reputable converter of wheelchair accessible vans will have performed seat belt tests and crash tests (front, side, and rear impact) to comply with federal safety requirements (FMVSS and CMVSS). You should not be hesitant to ask for a copy of these tests when you are purchasing a vehicle.

When it comes to accessible minivans, there are a lot of options to consider. Take some time to think about your needs today and consider if they may also change in the near future. It is helpful to know what you are looking for and then work to find a vehicle that fits your criteria. And don’t be shy about asking questions. Dealers and manufacturers are there to answer your questions and help you find the right wheelchair accessible minivan for you.

A Stroll in the Park Made Easy

Millennium Park in Chicago, IL. Photo courtesy of Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture.

Countdown to spring: 9 days. Warm weather, budding trees and flowers, squirrels roaming about, birds chirping… you know the rest. With the season fast approaching, local parks are making the move to become accessible, bringing beautiful landscapes and nature to everyone.

In Windsor, Ontario, Lakeside Park has been constantly patching up the stairs that run down the middle of the park. Now the town is hoping to remove them entirely to make the park accessible. The hope is to replace the stairs with a footpath; discussions are still ongoing. Read more about this story here.

Named after the Canadian novel “Beautiful Joe,” Beautiful Joe Park in Meaford, Ontario currently has an extremely steep incline and non-accessible washrooms. The Beautiful Joe Heritage Society is looking to construct accessible public washrooms and install a footbridge that would span the park. Read more about this story here.

If you’d like to learn more about established accessible parks, check out Bowen Park, which has been recognized by the Canadian Institute of Planners as a candidate for the best public space in Canada. You can also take a look at Millennium Park in Chicago, IL.

One example that stood out is the parks of Massachusetts. The Buttonbush Trail at the Cape Cod National Seashore and the Johnny Kelley Trail in Dennis include guide ropes and Braille text. Broadmoor Sanctuary in Natick offers a 1/4-mile handicapped-accessible trail and boardwalk for bird watching. The Department of Conservation and Recreation also hosts accessible hiking programs with mountain wheelchairs, push joggers and lots of rest stops at many state parks.

With the nice weather fast approaching (fingers crossed), Savaria is always excited to hear about parks and outdoor attractions turning to accessible solutions!