Wheel Talk

With Halloween just behind us, we’re reflecting on how quickly the years seem to pass. As Brittney’s son Jacob celebrates his 18th birthday and makes the transition from childhood into adulthood, it’s a chance to look back, share memories and think about how much life can change in what feels like the blink of an eye.

Fred is back from his travels and despite having an amazing time, there were a few things that brought up some difficult emotions that he thought he'd left behind.

#wheelchairtravel

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Just when you think life is terrible, or things aren’t going to plan, sometimes all you need to do is wait a week. It’s amazing what a little time and perspective can do!This week we’ll discuss Thanksgiving, holiday plans, an update on the woodland path, and whatever else comes up along the way.

Getting older is something everyone has to deal with, but what happens when you’re already living with a disability?We’re talking about aging with a disability: changing bodies, energy levels, independence, relationships, and all the things nobody really prepares you for.Is getting older with a disability actually harder? Or do you simply get better at adapting?

A video of a wheelchair user being refused access to a full bus gets us talking about a much bigger question: where does accessibility end and entitlement begin?

What do people really think when they see someone in a wheelchair?We talk about the assumptions, awkwardness and misconceptions that can come with disability, and what happens when people actually get to know us. Plus, a few stories that prove disability doesn’t always look the way people expect.

Brittney's son was in a serious car accident this week. Fred had his own accident. Life can be unpredictable and change in the blink of an eye. We discuss what it's like to let go of control and enjoy life in the face of risk.

We’ve got a bit to catch up on, including some big changes, an unexpectedly emotional goodbye to some adaptive equipment, the ongoing battle of finding somewhere to put everything, and whatever else comes up along the way.

Today we’re talking about the strange relationship between our online lives and the real world. Does being popular online actually mean anything? Can you outgrow old friendships, and why can people you’ve never met sometimes feel more connected to you than people you see every week? Plus, a completely separate conversation about one of the less glamorous realities of disability: what happens when you accidentally wee yourself at work.

Seven years ago, Fred couldn’t have imagined travelling independently, flying solo, finding communities, getting on stage and doing the things that once thought were impossible.

We also talk honestly about feeling like a burden, and how that feeling doesn’t simply disappear. Sometimes it’s there more, sometimes less, and learning to recognise that is part of the journey.

A lovely, honest conversation about progress, perspective, and remembering to give ourselves some credit for how far we’ve come.