A Date in Braves Country - Megan Escue

A Date in Braves Country

Born and raised in the state of Georgia, I am a die-hard Atlanta Braves fan! GOOO BRAVES!!! I thought what better place to visit on my date than Atlanta’s favorite pass time, Braves Country! Turner Field is vote one of the best ball parks in the country and has many attractions to enjoy while cheering on its home team; Chipper Jones being my favorite attractions! But when enjoying my many years rooting for my home team, I have never taken the time to really understand the physical environment and how accessible it is for individuals with disabilities.




(Crowding?)

 



(Accessibility?)



                                                                              Before going to Turner Field for my date, I decided to do a little research about Turner Field’s handicap accessibility. Based on the Disabled Guest Information portion of their website, I found a list of the field’s accommodations that are offered. The field offers handicap seating with unobstructed views on all levels, which is nice and helps accommodate everyone’s pockets too. Also they have handicap parking available in the Green Lot, located across the street from the field. They also have 2 wheelchair drop off areas, where wheelchair services are available to assist an individual if requested.

 

Turner Field is also equipped with seven elevators and ramps as an alternative to the MANY flights of stairs. The stadium is also equipped with handicap access in the restrooms and at the concession counters.

                                                                                                  

During my visit for my date at Turner Field, I found that the information I previously researched about the accessibility for guest with disabilities to be true. The stadium is a very open area with ample room for moving around making it an ease to move from place to place. The accessibility of the stadium must also help with the comfort level a person with a disability needs to enjoy their experience. The wheelchair seating at Turner Field was very accessible and legible. And as the website stated, it had a great view!

Although offering legibility and accessibility, I found one physical environment concept to be compromised…crowding! I do however believe that this issue was due to it being Chipper Jones night at the stadium. This sold-out, standing room only event did make it more crowded than usual since it was Chipper’s last season. On the other hand, crowding is something that should be understood when going to an event such as this one. The positive aspect that a crowd like this carries is the access to sociality, if you are not wearing the opposing team’s jersey. This assignment has given me a very slight insight on what a person with a disability experiences on a daily basis. It has opened my eyes to a new understanding of my physical environment and how it affects different individuals. Braves Country has always been dear to my southern heart but now it has a whole new look. Turner Field should be proud of their facility and how fans of all types are able to enjoy America’s favorite pass time! (They could consider lowering the concession prices though…can you say EXPENSIVE!!!)

This why we CHOP!!!

Ted & Leslie's Wild Adventure

Leslie Frye
October 18, 2012

          My date's name is Ted, who is from Atlanta, he was one of the fire fighters on scene back when the World Trade Centers were attacked. He saved many lives but ended up losing his leg. I decided to show him around the suburbs of the Kennesaw area in which I reside. I wanted to take him to my favorite areas that I enjoy most. To begin the date, I took him to Kennesaw Mountain National Park where we could have some privacy and get to know each other. After, I took him to my favorite restaurant at the Macaroni Grill. To end the date, we decided to go grab a few drinks at the Red Hare Brewery.

            To begin, I would like to evaluate the dimensions of the environment at Kennesaw Mountain. Wheel chair access to the top of the mountain is nonexistent. However, there is a road available to drive your car or take the bus up to the top. Once at the top there is a platform with benches that overlook the city, there are only stairs to get to the top so we had to stay in the parking lot and enjoy the view from there. Since this is a public venue there was not complete privacy however, we were able to talk and enjoy the view with little interruption. Overall, the comfort of this first part of the date was the least comfortable because of the limited accessibility at the top of the mountain. 

Macaroni grill had a ramp right into the front door to the entrance way. There were well-defined walkways with plenty of width leading to the exits, tables, and restrooms. This gave the restaurant a minimal crowded vibe making Ted feel comfortable within the environment. Although, the doors were not automatic, the service was able to adapt and accommodate for wheelchair entrance by having greeters open the door. Moreover, they were able to simply remove a chair from the table so Ted could have a place to sit. This allowed Ted to feel like he had control of his environment due to the wide-open paths to key areas in the restaurant and comfortable seating during the meal. 

            For our last stop we went to the Red Hare brewery. There was clear and legible parking to which led to an accessible entrance. This environment provided wide-open areas for room to move around and socially interact with others. The only issue we had at the brewery was sampling the brewery beers. The bar was up high to where Ted couldn’t see over the top of the counter and this situation was not very legible on what to do. Ted has a great humorous personality and rolled around to behind the bar and ordered us two drinks. The bartender thought he was witty for doing so and it really broke the ice, when at first I felt uncomfortable, because I wasn’t sure what to do in this specific situation. 

            Overall the date went very well and during the times of discomfort we were able to adapt and overcome within the environments we visited. However, I was disappointed in the limited boundaries provided at Kennesaw Mountain. I wish there was more wheelchair accesses so we could have explored the top of the mountain some more. Macaroni grill made up for what it lacked in its physical environment by providing staff to assist Ted in anyway possible. Lastly, Red Hare was a great place to relax and meet new people while still feeling comfortable within the open environment. 

One small step for man, one giant leap for Nate by Charles Lamondo

Last week was my best friend Nate's birthday and I had decided to treat him to an adventure worth telling. I didn't want to ruin the surprise so i came over unannounced and kidnapped him, so to speak. When I was planning the celebratory events it was imperative to keep in mind that he was still a bit shaken from the crash even though it had been two years. Going from being able to use his legs then suddenly not, really took a tole on his reality, which is understandable considering he's hindered by both his disability and his environment wherever he goes. With all that in mind his birthday was going to be a very special experience. 

Being his best friend, I thought i would be able to convince his wife to allow me to use their van for the trek. Completely wheelchair accessible with a mechanical wheelchair lift in the side as well as wheelchair locks within the inside this would have made for smooth sailing.

 However, she was using it at the time so we piled into my noticeably smaller Toyota Camry. This was less accessible because we had to separate him from his chair to get him into the car. This was something we had grown accustom to so there was no doubt that the chair would fit into my trunk, something that can cause a problem with some cars.*Accesability*

The day was already made for me when i saw his face once we pulled into our destination, The NASA Space Center. 

The complex was huge as an understatement but luckily they were very accommodating and drove by NASA cart to where the magic happens, the control room.

  Now, we may have been biased because we're total space nerds but when we took the deep breath that is the NASA control room with all it's giant screen showing the earth and obvious friction in the room as everyone worked towards a common goal there was no doubt we felt a part of something big. In this room history has been made time and time again! *Meaning* 

Here was a place where physical abilities meant nothing, you don't need to be able to walk to command a mars rover! This is all done virtually even the launch itself is a sleugh of buttons, calculations and timing. I could practically hear the gears grinding in Nate's head.

After we spent some time in the control room they took us to change into our suits, this is the moment he realized what was really happening! No excitement was taken away by our inability to understand the suits themselves.

Although most body suits of the sort are simple there is a lot of steps to the space suit! We had to ask for help from one of the employees because we didn't even know where to start! *legibility* It was mores so difficult for Nate considering he had to do this all laying down. But suiting up is a very partner oriented activity there are many things to check over for each other, especially since the suit is our source of life out there! In the end I needed Nate's help just as much as he needed mine.

The moment had finally come, time to board the ship! We took an elevator to the top of the ship. Getting in was very difficult because the ship was on it's back and thus we were traversing on the walls. We had to have a couple men carry Nate into his seat so that he could strap in.

We weren't piloting sadly, so we took the seats behind the pilots, and the countdown began. Once the rockets started it was deafening! The entire structure was shaking and moving. The pull as we moved up forced our bodies backwards into the seats. This was a moment we would never forget! *sensory stimulation*

After we got into space we began to settle in.  Now, the space ship is no doubt an instrument for travel and keeping the fine balance of environment for us to survive so it comes to no surprise that luxury is not really a huge thought when creating a ship.Each room and area on the ship had a specific purpose with particular instruments and gauges. *comfort* There was no doubt that despite the level of fun involved this was a place of work. 

The hallways and rooms were cramped to say the least. When we slept it was in small single cots strapped to the wall. *crowding* At times it was stifling but with so much going on one was easily distracted. One can imagine how little privacy there is on board the ship. *Privacy* With so little space between everyone it's hard to find alone time. For the most part there aren't windows either so that makes everyone feel a bit more confined. However, when Nate and I took the time to stare into space and look at earth it was if nothing else existed. Even in the smallest window made space look as vast as it ever was. 

The lack of gravity played  huge role in Nates experience. Traversing the ship became so much easier for him. Using his arms he pulled himself from room to room with ease. Yet again we were in an environment where his disability was lessened. I think having no gravity was Nate's favorite part of the voyage!

The trip to the moon took  three days and three hours so we had plenty of time to spend with the astronauts. *sociality* Each night at dinner Nate drilled them with every question he had ever had about space and space travel. Floating in air eating his liquid peas Nate was on top of the world. It was as if his disability was nonexistent. He didn't have to worry about chairs or if his wheelchair would fit under the table. No, here he felt just how he should, equal. 

Finally the day had come to land on the moon. Even though this is the biggest moment of our lives so far I know the trip alone was worth it for Nate. It reminded him that nothing is impossible something i think he's been needing to understand since the wreck.

The Concert Date

The Concert Date

October 18, 2012

Rosanne Hill

The physical environment very much affects the human behavior. This is a dream date. I once knew someone however who taught me a lot about physical disabilities and life. Below is a picture of a family and guy similar to my date.

There was a lot of sensory stimulation with our date. It involved taste, touch, feeling, hearing and sight. It was a great experience for him but definitely for me. I had never experienced the fact that one’s physical ability had nothing to do with how one reacts. He was very intelligent, was humorous and funny, had good manners, presented with no behavior problems, and wore pressed clothes. He is very conscious of his health and was thankful that his only disability was from the waist down. My date talked about this venture months afterward.

We researched Atlanta restaurants and events because we had been interested in city life activity. My date had a handicap accessible van and always a fully charged power chair. So we were ready in that department. He many times expresses that he wished he could drive and often. He, however, always had someone to drive it for him. We found out that Coldplay was going to have a concert at the Philips Arena. That we thought would be pretty cool to attend. We checked into the accessibility factors and they were right there just waiting for us. The Arena we found had Guest Services Representatives at all of their events. They would help us to our seats, which were lower level row seats. Right Up Front! They get refreshments for you too. They have assistive devices free of charge, and sign interpreters for those with hearing disabilities. Our reservations needed to be 30 days in advance and guess what? We had exactly that much time left to get tickets! Totally awesome he said. Available accessible parking spaces were on site as well. See below what we found on parking spaces. We ordered our tickets Right Then online. The chart showing our seats are pictured below. There also were Arena Food & Beverage restaurants. The one we picked out was the RED which is a new restaurant. We tried out the centrality located show kitchen and enjoyed the excitement of the chefs preparing meals. The restaurant is pictured below along with their menu. We had interaction this evening!

Privacy we had prior to leaving his apartment which he had always had prior to any activity into the community. He goes out in the community to volunteer which he calls his job and also to take college courses with the help of his tutor. We also had private time to talk in the van on the way to the restaurant about his job and how college went this week which we went to prior to the concert. He generally has not much privacy since he needs assistance with daily living activities. We found not a lot of privacy at the restaurant and particularly at the concert there wasn’t much of it. There was also restricted mobility in the restaurant. Crowding was experienced at the concert. He expressed no stress with the environmental crowding and therefore no behaviors. When we were in the crowd we mostly just watched them and he noted things to me that were funny to him.

Parking spaces we used are below.

The van below is his accessible van.

His quality of life experience was established when he was young. He was always human and his sociality inhibited his efforts to try to care for others even though he himself required assistance. Any time someone else speaks to him it gives him confidence and acceptance in society so that is when he readjusts himself in his power chair and sits up straight. Yes, he is part of society.

His family is always in touch with him and even though he made most of his decisions on his own they are there if he needed their help. He is very polite and always says “thank you” also. He has disabilities but it doesn’t stop him from taking control and being independent and social as he would be and the person he was before he became unable to do everything a guy normally does. He loves life period!

We finished eating, visited the restrooms and went to the concert. He was able to help himself in the restroom. We got there early to avoid the crowd and to watch the Arena fill up. It also gave us some privacy for talking about our experience at the RED.  We had our Xylonbands ready!

Coldplay - Paradise - Philips Arena - Atlanta, GA - July 2, 2012 - YouTube

 With his accessible van he pushes the control buttons and lift platform himself as he did when we started out when we arrived at the van. He adjusted the chair into the van. I safely snapped him in as well as locked his wheelchair wheels into place. We are on our way back to his apartment.

Adaptability we saw in many areas for those with physical disabilities. The handicap parking areas, restrooms adapted for those with handicaps, the RED and the Arena. At all locations if we needed anything staff were able to assist with adapting for our comfort.

He was tired on the way back napping in his power chair and slept late the next morning.

We had such a wonderful date that we have made another date. We are going to hear Dr. David Jeremiah later in the month. He presents with Turning Point ministers “An evening with Dr. David Jeremiah” also at the Arena.

Joey Webster's Date

In early October, I invited my friend Joe to come out to eat to Chili’s with me. Joe used to be a student at Kennesaw State who was enrolled in the special needs program here. He took two classes per semester and graduated from his program in two years. I met Joe through my church because he is very outgoing and loves meeting new people wherever he goes. I picked him up around 6 o’clock from his house in Canton and we drove to the closest Chili’s. For 22 year old Joe, this Chili’s was very accessible for him now because earlier this year, he passed his driver’s test, and could drive to Chili’s any time he wanted. We walked in and were seated right away because the restaurant was not very crowded. A nice hostess who did not realize that Joe had a mental disability seated us, and at the time we arrived, the activity within the restaurant was somewhat calm. However some servers on the opposite side of the restaurant seemed to be more rushed than our server. We realized the reason the servers on the other side of the restaurant seemed busier than our own was because the restaurant had adapted to the need of a larger group, and the server in that section was dealing with more guests, even though she only has one party. They rearranged several tables to fit a group of about 15 guests, so even though our server had three tables, the other server had more guests. The way Chili’s had assigned servers to sections was very controlled and very efficient in accommodating the guests. It was very comfortable for both of us because we were sitting in a booth, which we both agree is the most pleasant to sit on for an extended period of time. The booth we sat in was a high-back booth, so we had a great conversation in the privacy and exclusivity of our own space. The menu provided us with great visual sensory stimulations with the detailed pictures of different items served. The aromas of freshly cooked seafood, baked potatoes, and hot desserts were also very stimulating scents. The music was peaceful and calming, and the food was delicious! At the end of the meal Joe asked me to use his money to pay for his own meal because he has a hard time counting money. We left on full, satisfied stomachs and went bowling at Brunswick Zone where Joe, with the bumpers up, absolutely dominated my score. He claimed to have never bowled before, but I jokingly hassled him with the idea that he must have been in a professional bowling league at some point. He responded back with, "Yea, I beat my dad every time he and I go bowling." Oh Joe. I dropped him back off at home around ten o’clock, and then drove home with a smile on my face, pleased to have been able to connect with a friend I hadn’t seen in a while. 

Hillary Ackerman

My Date with Gary :)

Because I was not able to go on a date with an actual disabled person, I had to imagine what it would be like. At the end of my favorite movie, ‘Remember the Titans’, the star football player gets into a car accident and is paralyzed from the waist down and has to spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. I have used Gary as my imaginary disabled date.The way I looked at it, our date needed to be super fun and enjoyable for Gary.  I decided to really think about his interests and pick places where he would have the best time.

Gary and I went to an intramural flag football game!! Gary may not be able to play the sport he once loved so much, but he definitely still enjoys watching it. He can still use his arms, so during halftime we got to go out onto the field and throw the ball around with some friends! We were all laughing and joking and we all had a great time doing this!

When it was time to eat, I decided that it would be best to eat at my apartment. That way it would be a quiet environment, I could cook whatever he wanted, and he would feel comfortable with the surroundings. We ended up having turkey sandwiches, Scooby-Doo fruit snacks, and chips. We made a little picnic out on my porch because the weather was absolutely beautiful.

ACCESSIBLILTY: When we got to the fields, it was very easy to park because the facility offers four handicap spaces right in the front of the building. A ramp is available to get onto the fields which made it super easy for Gary in his wheelchair. The fields do not have doors, so we didn’t have to think about having to fit his wheelchair through a door. The grass was a little bit tricky because the grass is very uneven, but with my help we managed to get to the flat area in no time at all! When we got to my apartment, it was a breeze because it is on the first floor so it wasn’t challenging at all for Gary to get inside. No stairs or elevators needed! My kitchen table was a slight problem because it is very high off the ground, so Gary could not reach. This is when we had the great idea to make the picnic on the porch! Other than that, the date was very accessible for Gary’s wheelchair.

COMFORT: I think that the date was pretty comfortable for both of us. At the game, Gary didn’t have to worry about being a sore-thumb in his wheelchair because there weren’t really any obstacles for him to overcome. Also, since we were around our friends, it made it really easy to forget about anything that would normally be uncomfortable had we been by ourselves.

PRIVACY: Obviously, during the football game there wasn’t much privacy because we were at a public event. Once we got back to my house though, we had all the privacy we wanted. I had asked my roommates to find something to occupy their time with for a couple hours while I had Gary over. We were able to talk to each other and really get to know each other without any distractions. 

SPACIOUSITY/CROWDING: The whole date was actual very spacious. On the football field, Gary was able to wheel around wherever he pleased. When we got back to my house, it obviously was much smaller of a space but it still wasn’t that hard for him to move around.

SOCIALITY: I think that our date had just right balance when it came to a social aspect. At the football game, we got to be around people and see how each other interacted with friends. There were also people working the games that we got to talk to. At the house, it was just us so we got to talk on a more intimate level.

MEANING: This date meant a lot. It really challenged me to think about another person’s needs more than my own. Seeing how Gary has to adapt to the world around him, made me realize how easy most people have it and the things they take for granted in their everyday lives. I think that for our next date I will take him out to a more public place, such as the aquarium, but I will just do my research first and make sure that it will be accessible and comfortable for Gary. J

Melissa Whelan and Alex Take on Fernbank in a Very Planned Way

This past weekend I went on a date with Alex who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Due to the nature of Asperger’s, Alex usually has a very scheduled week and enjoys little variation in any plan. In order to accommodate this, we had to plan this date two weeks in advance to ease into the idea that his routine would be disrupted for a day. In order to keep him as calm and relaxed as possible we planned to do a variety of things that were very familiar to him. Alex enjoys studying and learning about different cultures from around the globe and Fernbank Museum has an exhibit called Reflections of Culture that I thought he would enjoy. After we experienced Fernbank we went to grab a bite at Rolly Poly just down the street. Every Saturday, Alex enjoys a pesto chicken sandwich from the sandwich shop, so I thought he would enjoy sticking to his favorite Saturday cuisine. After dinner I thought we could enjoy some gelato because of Alex’s extreme interest in other cultures so we ventured to Paolo’s Gelato Italiano. The following post details how we adapted the date to accommodate a fun time while respecting how Asperger’s affects Alex.

Accessibility

At the Fernbank we were able to easily move through the exhibit. They use very open floor space to exhibit many different cultures which helped put Alex at ease. He does not enjoy closed off spaces and likes to be able to see exit signs wherever he is. The museum has exit signs and directions to exits on several walls throughout the exhibit. This allowed more time for Alex to look at the different displays because he felt at ease. Walking through the museum was also very good for him. Alex likes to count his steps and be able to carry a notebook to record his steps. Fernbank allowed him to bring in his notebook for recording notes and he made sure to count each step between exhibits. 

 The large walkway towards the doors at Fernbank, allowed Alex to choose his own way to walk up to the door. He does not like to be forced to choose a path and likes to create his own.

Activity

Fernbank displayed many beautiful headpieces from several of Alex’s favorite cultures. He was better than the museum tour guide because he explained each and every piece and the meaning behind those pieces. He also felt compelled to record a lot of details in his journal that he brought along. After we finished with the exhibit we were able to walk through other parts of the museum but made sure to avoid the children’s area because Alex does not like over stimulation and children can be quite loud and over stimulating.

 

Adaptability

When we got to Rolly Poly, the table that Alex usually sits at was dirty. I quickly saw that it was starting to make him upset because he always sits at the same table and did not like the idea of switching to a new one. I asked an employee if I could clear it, and instead the employee took care of it.

Comfort

Once we had our sandwiches and Alex was seated at his favorite table, he was able to discuss his favorite parts of the exhibit. The reason why Alex liked this table was because it allowed him to see the exit.

  

Control

The employees thankfully were understanding when Alex went on a slight rant about his table and he was still able to express his frustration. He understood that the restaurant is not his and has to serve others as well.

Crowding

The only place that presented an issue of cramped space was Paolo’s Gelato. The building was very crowded and you end up standing pretty close to others while waiting to order. Alex did not like this part so he asked for a menu and walked outside to read it.

Meaning

Alex really enjoyed the thought behind getting gelato because he really enjoys the Italian culture. For him it felt as a real life appreciation for Italy.

Sensory Stimulation

The place that had the most applicable stimulation for Alex was the museum exhibit. This is because of his fascination with worldly cultures he felt as though he was being stimulated and enjoyed being able to experience the exhibit.