I can’t go everywhere my daughter goes – a wheelchair only works in accessible spaces

For disabled parents, the built environment can be inaccessible – but we are showing that there are countless ways to have bodies and mindsWe met K when she was a week old. We were foster parents and not expecting a call about a newborn. Despite becoming her mom with just 12 hours’ notice – we adopted her the next year – my early months with her felt so natural.I had been disabled for six years. While on a hike, I developed dysautonomia, which is secondary to a genetic connective tissue disorder called hEDS [hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome]. I experience a great deal of daily pain and can’t stand for more than a minute or sit upright unsupported for more than five.Her kindergarten classroom. In fact, the entirety of the school she attended for two years.Countless hikes.Multiple preschool tours – so many schools in California, North Carolina and Ontario are up or down stairs.Field trips.Nearly every shop and restaurant in Montreal while on a family vacation.Birthday and holiday parties.Most playgrounds with sand or gravel.In an ambulance, twice. Continue reading...

Apr 15, 2025 - 18:10

I can’t go everywhere my daughter goes – a wheelchair only works in accessible spaces

For disabled parents, the built environment can be inaccessible – but we are showing that there are countless ways to have bodies and minds

We met K when she was a week old. We were foster parents and not expecting a call about a newborn. Despite becoming her mom with just 12 hours’ notice – we adopted her the next year – my early months with her felt so natural.

I had been disabled for six years. While on a hike, I developed dysautonomia, which is secondary to a genetic connective tissue disorder called hEDS [hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome]. I experience a great deal of daily pain and can’t stand for more than a minute or sit upright unsupported for more than five.

Her kindergarten classroom. In fact, the entirety of the school she attended for two years.

Countless hikes.

Multiple preschool tours – so many schools in California, North Carolina and Ontario are up or down stairs.

Field trips.

Nearly every shop and restaurant in Montreal while on a family vacation.

Birthday and holiday parties.

Most playgrounds with sand or gravel.

In an ambulance, twice. Continue reading...