Re-learning Mobility: For Life and Fun

Let’s face it, Americans like being entertained. And nothing is more entertaining that an outing at the movies. Big screen, superior sound quality and these new 3D glasses, which really do work, go a long way to maximize ‘viewing pleasure’. Also, I, for one have never gone to the movies without getting a bag of popcorn. If ever I had an addiction, it was popcorn at the movies. I don’t think I have ever seen a movie without popcorn, but getting there, well now, that is another story.

I was also addicted to being mobile, as I was always on the go. Mobility is an item that I for one took for granted. As a guy who made his living traveling by plane, train or automobile – many times all on the same day, not being mobile was never a thought.

Nowadays, life is much different. No complaints, mind you, but there is a level of homework I need to do before I venture out. For example, everyone in our home was off for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and we decided to go to the movies. Sounds like fun, right? But it is not the easiest task mind you, as there is some preparation required.

The first thing to consider and prepare for is the layout. We went to AMC Theaters by Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, a nice theater, but the ramps leave something to be desired. The ramp on the side where most people enter the theatre is very steep. So for anyone who may need to use a wheelchair, you may experience quite a workout. Also, if someone is pushing it, the task will require someone with some strength, especially coming out and going steeply downhill. The other entrance has a better incline/decline and no, I did not measure them, but the feel of them is something I can tell and go by. I was able to walk up the one by the entrance, but may have needed a walker if I came back down because of the ramp’s pitch.

We brought a walker, but I did not need it as I am very mobile now, and that proved to be a good thing, since right after we paid we found out that the actual theater where our movie was playing was at the farthest end of the complex. My therapist would have been proud. But there were stairs, which is a real problem in my world. I can do stairs, but need someone to help. Fortunately as I got closer I saw there was a carpeted ramp for me to use, which was not difficult to navigate.

As a bi-lateral amputee I try not to walk in the dark. Walking into a theater we should have brought a small flashlight, but we kept the door open for a minute and sat off to the side, up top.

Walking on two prosthetics in the dark while going downhill is not what I would call a good hair day.

What was noticeable were areas for people who use wheelchairs, as the theatre has sections at the top on each side where someone could be positioned with ease.

As president of a support group – Self Help Amputee Group - I emphasize therapy, the self-help portion of our name does present its own level of importance. One reason is that with practice, getting yourself mobile or in shape to enjoy mobility will lend itself to real world situations, like being able to go to the movies. This then leads to even more enjoyable opportunities to be realized.

Mobility takes on such a wide breadth of avenues, yes, pun intended. From communication, which includes phone/text, Internet connection, the ability to travel, both long-distances and locally just getting out of the house, there are a multitude of options available to many of us. As we go through the next few weeks I will address some of them and will look forward to your feedback.

Next week, I will take a look back while moving forward as it will be four years since all of ‘this’ happened to me.