Ava's Day OUT of School :-)
By: Megan Meier

Every six year old girl loves to be taken out of school and pampered to the fullest extent, right?? Well, I decided to take my dear friend's daughter out for some fun on a beautiful October day.  Although Ava is not disabled, I imagined her being in a wheelchair, and the obstacles we would both face being on together on this special day. 

 

After her mom checked her out of school for the day, we started the day off at her "most favoritist"spot, Kani Japanese Steakhouse in Woodstock, for lunch.  We then went to Barnes and Nobles in Kennesaw, because her homework was to buy an interesting book to read to her teacher.  After book shopping, we ventured across the street to Party City for Halloween costume shopping (Ava was thrilled with this idea).

 



Accessibility: Kani House was difficult to enter, as there were three sets of doors to open, and there was no ramp to assist Ava.  Once inside Kani, it was very open and spacious.  It was easily accessible and the hallways were large enough to fit crowds and wheelchairs.  Another point of access was the seating.  The seating was circled around the hot top with eight chairs surrounding the stove, so it was easy to move them in order for Ava to fit. 
When we arrived at Barnes and Noble, it was easier to enter than Kani House, although we still had a little trouble, as there were two sets of doors and a slight hill.  Ava needed a little assistance.  Once inside, the aisles were quite narrow, but we managed to make it to the back to the kids section.  At Party City, the accessibility was the best.  The doors were huge and opened automatically.  Once inside, it was very spacious and there was a lot of room to move around the store.  We stayed in one area for the most part, so we only saw the costume side, but it was very spacious considering it can be hectic so close to Halloween.

 

 

 

Comfort: Kani House was the most comfortable, I am sure it had to do with the fact we were starving and it's Ava's favorite restaurant.  She ordered her own meal: steak (medium, haha), fried rice, salad with ranch, soup, and a special treat, COKE!  The cook/entertainer was fantastic! He flipped the egg into his hat and made an onion volcano, Ava enjoyed it thoroughly.  The restaurant was open and inviting, making the environment comforting for all.  Barnes and Nobles is always calming.  Once we entered it was a quiet and serene, perfect for book browsing.  Though the hallways were narrow, it was still so inviting and pleasant.  The children's area especially, as Ava was having a field day! It is very kid friendly and the displays are nurturing and intriguing for all as well.  Party city was awesome! Ava had so much fun laughing and giggling at all the goofy Halloween stuff. 

 

 

 

 



Control: At all three locations on our date, we weren't able to convey much control.  I attributed that to the fact they are established venues, and not meant to elude privacy or much personal space.  Our table at Kani was not full and there were four open chairs, enabling us to have more personal space than if the table was packed.  Barnes and Noble was probably the most personal and private.  We were able to find a little nook in the corner of the children's space, and read together.  Although Ava and I were "alone" in the corner, there was still some distracting traffic.  Party City was the least personal, but still very fun.  We were amongst many other people looking for Halloween costumes, making the environment uncontrolled and not private.

 

 

 

Crowding: Kani House was not crowded at all, as it was 11:30am.  We sat immediately and ate peacefully without loud noises or interruptions.  It was easy for Ava to go before the lunch rush as that would be far more crowded.  Barnes and Nobles was busy, but not bustling.  People were sitting in the magazine sections, enjoying coffee and Starbucks, and even sitting on the floor browsing the selection.  Party City was a similar situation, people were looking and there was traffic, but it wasn't too much and Ava was not getting overwhelmed.  The wall of costumes made an easy display because everyone was able to look from a distance without any crowding. 

 







 

 

Meaning: Kani House had the most meaning, as it was authentically designed in Japanese decor.  The outside does not do its justice, as inside is very beautiful.  I know Kani holds a lot of meaning for Ava because every year we go here for her birthday.  She loves the show the chefs put on for her, especially the huge fire when they begin the meal with the smiley face.  Barnes and Noble does not necessarily have meaning, but reading means alot to Ava so finding a special book for her to take back to school was important for us both.

 



 

 

 

Privacy: As previously stated, we lacked privacy at every location, yet Barnes and Noble was the most private for us.  We also had a private dining experience at Kani House with only one other couple on the opposite end of the table.

 

 

 

 

Sensory Stimulation: Every location had intense sensory stimulation for Ava and I.  Kani house obviously had the sense of smell, sight, sound, touch, and sound.  The walls were decorated with amazing decor, the smell of food preparation filled the room, and the sounds of chefs beginning to cook were filling the room.  Ava and I were very excited! Barnes and Noble triggered a calming sense and made us both feel very comfortable.  The sense of sight was the strongest, as we both were overwhelmed with the amount of shelves full of books.  Party city was loud but exciting.  We entered knowing it would be more hectic than the last two spots on our date.  The different Halloween stuff on the walls made us laugh and sometimes cringe at the sight.  Ava thoroughly enjoyed all the crazy costumes and awesome wigs.

 

 

(Ava did not want to photographed in her costume, but her mom decided she would show us how accessible the fitting rooms at Party City were).

 

 

Sociality: Every place Ava and I went to inspired and facilitated both of us to interact with all different types of people.  We interacted with the chef who took a particular liking to Ava (she is adorable) and he made her laugh hysterically with all his little tricks.  Ava is a very personable and loving child, and loves being fun and playful.  Barnes and Noble inhibited us slightly, as it has a library feel and silence is encouraged, yet we still engaged with others positively and even the cashier took a particular liking to Ava,as Ava talked to her as if she knew her all her life.  She tends to do that wherever we go :-) Party city was very sociable as we were interacting with other customers and laughing at costumes, and asking workers to retrieve costumes for us. 

 

 

 

 

Overall, this was a very interesting experience and I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it.  I have never thought in the capacity it made me think and how people with various disabilities have so many difficulties with things we take for granted on a daily basis.  It has made me more aware of places that offer easy access and places that do not even consider those that may be in wheelchairs.