A day at the park

Britanny L

Physical Environment

I had the pleasure of going on a date with Sarah my friends’ sister. She is 14 years old. Sarah is paralyzed from the waist down due to a car accident. I did not realize how hard it would be getting a disable person in and out of the car. Sarah cannot walk so; she has to utilize a wheelchair. Overall we enjoyed our date at Wild Horse Creek Park in Powder Springs GA on October 14, 2013. We had a picnic under the gazebo just to have girl talk. Sarah’s Accessibility was not easy since she is wheel chair bound. Even though she had a rough time moving around the park she kept a positive attitude. I could tell Sarah’s comfort level was not that high because of the landscape of the park. It looked like it was uncomfortable and that she might could of have falling off. While we were going around the park people were very sociable and helpful.  Sarah was very open and eager to talk to anyone that walked passed her. We had privacy under the gazebo while we were eating.. As we went around the park there was no privacy because the park was n a public setting. The park was very nature oriented. The only control she had was when we were eating. But other than us eating there was no control of our environment because it was an open area. People can walk as they please. The park did not involve crowding. If one area gets to pack there are plenty of other area one can go to, so they can still enjoy themselves. There was not any activity at the park but with Sarah being disabled there would have to be clarification if she would be able to or not. An activity does not hinder her ability to enjoy herself. Lastly, adaptability is very assessable at the park. They have wheelchair entrances, restrooms, and parking availability. The park does not need to change it is handicapped accessible.

When something tragic happens to one’s life there is nothing left for them to do but continue to have a positive outlook and learn to accept what has happen to them. I enjoyed this experience. It was an eye opener on how people with disabilities have to plan out accordingly where they are going so they are comfortable and feel independent. Whereas people that are not disable can do whatever they want to. It helps put things in perspective and make you realize how much we take for granted every day. I also realized how blessed I am to be self efficient. Many handicapped individuals need some type of help. When I look at handicapped people I sometimes get sad of their limitations and inconveniences until I see the smiles on their faces as if they’re standing right next to me. They still have joy and they still are human. I now know that people who are handicapped want just as much respect as if they were not disabled and they do not want self pity for their situation.