[music]
My name is Mary Allison and I live a pretty awesome life.
I have a wonderful husband, fulfilling job, and have even traveled the world as an elite athlete.
But people are still flabbergasted when they realize I can drive a car and do my own grocery shopping.
Sure, my disability might change the way I do things, but it never diminishes my independence of level of success.
I've created a system to conquer this world.... one I'd like to share with you.
It might look different to the average eye, but who wants to be average?
This is me. And this is how I navigate my life.
The ADA and other advocacy groups have done so much over the past 20 years to create a more accessible nation
for all Americans. But as far as we've come, we still have a long way to go.
There are still places that are inaccessible or the accessibility just doesn't make sense.
No one should avoid a friend's house or not go on a walk because the environment isn't accessible.
Let me share a few tricks of my trade with you so you can hop, pop, and jump your way wherever you please.
When you received your first chair, it probably came equipped with some glamorous anti-tip bars.
These were important as you were getting used to your disability and finding your balance in your chair.
But anti-tip bars should not be a permanent fixture on your chair.
Anti-tip bars can prevent you from doing a lot of useful skills in your chair.
They can also limit the elusive crowd pleaser: the wheelie.
While most people think the wheelie is just a fun dance move, it's actually one of the most important
and practical chair skills to learn.
Now let me be honest, it might be a little nerve wracking the first time you take off your anti-tip bars.
Popping down a curb or a couple of steps could be terrifying.
So, if you're feeling a little uneasy, practice all of these skills on a set of mats in a gym
or in front of a couch or a soft surface at home.
Ask a friend or a cute guy or gal to spot you
if you accidentally fall, they'll be there to catch you.
The important thing to remember is that all of these skills are individual to you the chair user.
Feel free to make personal modifications that make you feel more comfortable.
Because the more comfortable you feel using your chair, the easier it's gonna be to get around.
When you attempt to pop a wheelie, first place your hands at about 11 o'clock on your wheels.
With your arms slightly bent, take one quick push forward raising your front castors off of the ground.
If you're unable to easily raise your castors from the ground, take a pull backward before popping up forward.
Practice this skill several times so you feel comfortable going all the way back into a full wheelie.
When you pop into a full wheelie, your arms will remain slightly bent and you hands will move to about 1 o'clock on your wheels.
Take time to find your balance point and center of gravity. Balance is different for everyone, depending
on your level of function and your chair configuration.
As your front castors are raised from the floor, you may need to lean forward a bit to redistribute your weight.
If you begin to fall forward, take a quick push forward to compensate,
and if you begin to fall backward, take a quick pull backward to compensate.
Once you have mastered the wheelie in a stationary position, practice pushing in the wheelie position.
When pushing in a wheelie position, it's important to keep your hands on your wheels with each push.
Start with your hands at 11 o'clock, push to 1, then slide your hands back on your wheels and repeat.
Just like a stationary wheelie, if you begin to fall forward take a quick push forward. And if you fall backward,
take a quick push backward. Practice pushing forward, backward, and in circles.
Mastering these skills will make it much easier to maneuver around outdoor or uneven terrain.
like grass, sidewalks, speed bumps, or even steep ramps.
Thanks for watching!
My name is Mary Allison and I live a pretty awesome life...
I have a wonderful husband, fulfilling job- [unidentified noise....]
When descending a- [laughs] -I'm loosing it. Ok.
Or... slevelofsuccss. Ok, it's gonna be a long day.
Are we all supposed to be..?
Yeah. Are we all supposed to be in it?
[laughs] (off screen) We're gonna do that again.
[groans] (off screen) Awww come on guys...
I will not make it in the blooper reel. [laughs]
Point forward... do that little dance move where you point.
[laughs]
Oh!
Cliff is like MERRR. [laughs]
When descending a curb backwards, roll your reaor- HAAAAA
Roll your rear wheels?! Your back wheels, I gotta say back wheels.
(off screen) You just make things so difficult for yourself! Roll your rear wheels!
Applying- While aprying pressure.. While applying pressure.
Practice Pushing- ugh, Lord!
it's like... you can only type that. You surely can't say it!