About “I hate stairs”
I began this memoir for two reasons. First, I did it for myself. Discussing disability issues has been an interest of mine since college, perhaps before. I enjoy sharing my closest of thoughts with my closest of friends. Though somewhat shy about discussing more personal issues with acquaintances, I found that many parents of children with neuromuscular diseases (and other disabilities) found in me and my brother something they did not always grasp from doctors.
Hope.
These parents found some small bit of comfort in their time of crisis knowing that their children could grow up, live life, and be happy. This, in part, forms the second reason for starting this blog. I believe there are people out there, whether they be parents of disabled children or the children themselves or adults with disabilities, who can relate to my experiences.
So I did it for myself. But I hope I can impart at least some small amount of knowledge and understanding to anyone who decides to join me. Even more, I hope to learn from their experiences as well.
Hi Blake,
I found your site when I was doing a GIS for an ADA committee blurb in the church newsletter. An image of your ‘I Hate Chairs’ logo shirt came up, and I thought it was the greatest thing. This blog is fantastic, and you’re a lucid, pleasant, entertaining writer.
I didn’t even realize how poorly planned our city was until I started riding the bus and, later, having a coworker with a zippy motor chair. The Starbucks they just built near campus here doesn’t even have a ramp! And the sidewalks are a nightmare for us bipeds, let alone people with wheels. Do you have any tips on how to help change this?