as medications and traditional therapies have failed. Time was another challenge I faced and still do. I have less of it, it seems. Everything from getting dressed, bathing, even something as simple as taking out the trash requires more time. I had always been on time for scheduled appointments. It wasn’t until I got injured that I became routinely late for them due to taking too long to get ready, having to use the restroom beforehand, forgetting a catheter or trying to find a place to park. I usually leave myself plenty of time but sometimes things happen and run a little long. Keeping relationships was by far the most difficult. It wasn’t long before the chair weeded out the users and shallow people. The wheelchair has a stigma to it that suggests helplessness and an inability to do things. I myself am quite the opposite; I rarely ask for help and pride myself in making gadgets to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Your family, as well as your true friends, will always be there for physical and moral support.
WHEEL WORLD NEWS
September 2018
10
My daily activities changed as well. I went from installing commercial and industrial signage to taking care of and watching out for my body and learning. I went back to school in pursuit of my Associates Degree in Paralegal studies, since I wouldn’t be installing signs anymore. I graduated in 2016 with honors and went to work for a law firm in Phoenix. I soon realized that I was unable to commit to 40 hours a week due to my need for therapy, constant pain and spastic legs. Now my days are spent stretching, standing (in a standing frame), making sure I eat right, mentoring others in similar situations and inventing things to help improve lives of the disadvantaged.