Attending to life in a wheelchair

Attending a university in a wheelchair has been quite the experience so far this semester. I have noticed that students and faculty are very accommodating, although Seton Hill University (SHU) is not the easiest place to get around.

By Jeremy Barrick

Online Editor

Attending a university in a wheelchair has been quite the experience so far this semester. I have noticed that students and faculty are very accommodating, although Seton Hill University (SHU) is not the easiest place to get around.

I have gotten stuck in the elevator in Admin, found it difficult to wheel myself up the hill in order to get to the bookstore and whenever I need to access rooms with double doors. I find that sometimes the one side will be locked and I will have to get up and unlock the top and bottom of the door, which is not the easiest of tasks when one is restricted.

My expectations of attending SHU in a wheelchair did not really end up as I had thought.
For example: I expected parking to be a lot closer, the hills not so steep, and classrooms to be more accommodating for a wheelchair.

I was not diagnosed to be in a wheelchair long; just until I felt better. The pain is slowly going away. Every week, I visit two chiropractors; one for regular adjustments and the other for decompression three times a week, so that one day I will be able to fully walk. Lately, I have been getting around better. The campus is so much more different when I view it while standing. Being constrained to a wheelchair limited my observations. I learned a lot from this whole experience.

The task of moving one foot in front of the other to create a motion seems so simple task, is something I did for a long time until I was unable to actually do it.

My motorcycle accident has really made me think about my future; and I will be more careful from now on. Learning how to maneuver around tough obstacles, and other road atrocities are a few things I will need to focus on.

I commend each and every person who is restricted to a wheelchair because I realize how everyday duties are somewhat hindered from being accomplished. I found out firsthand that simple things like bathing, shopping, dining, attending events, going to classes, and other errands are not that easy as they take some extra effort.

For anyone who is handicapped or has a disability, the person to contact at SHU is Terri Bassi-Cook, she is the Director of Counseling Services, Disability and Health Services.