So glad you asked!

I’ve learned SO MUCH in four years, both good and bad, about humanity and accessibility (or lack thereof…).

If you’re new here: I’ve had issues with my right leg since a car accident in 1997, and I became an amputee four years ago. I write about what it’s actually like to live in this body, in this world, with the equipment, the logistics, and the people.

June 9, 2026 marked four years since my amputation. Fourth ampuversary. Still a weird word. Still using it.

Accessibility: The Obstacle Course Nobody Signed Up For

Becoming a part time wheelchair user has taught me more about access than I ever learned while I was still mostly walking.

And yes, I know. I haven’t had full use of my right leg since 1997. I was getting around fairly okay. But using a wheelchair, even part time, is a different kind of reality check.

It’s issues with obvious stuff, like:

• Doors
• Ramps
• Bathrooms
• Parking

Then the stuff that people forget also counts:

• Curbs
• Pool decks
• Tight spaces
• Heavy doors
• “Accessible routes” that only count as accessible if you have extra time and extra patience
• Slow people who stop directly in the only passable path (one of my personal faves)

And four years in, I don’t just notice accessibility now. I notice how fast one little barrier can turn into a whole situation (and occassionally a viral Tik Tok).

Prosthetics: Expensive, Useful, and Occasionally a Menace

Then there’s the prosthesis side of it. These metal arms and legs are EXPENSIVE in a way that still feels insane.

And then there’s the constant figuring out what I can do, what I can’t do, and what I can do but will regret later (and really REALLY make future me mad).

Roller coasters are a great example. Sometimes the answer is simply no. Not because I’m delicate. Because physics. (A titanium leg flying through the air at 90mph will not ‘softly’ hit anyone – or any thing.)

Four years in, I’ve gotten better at saying no faster, without negotiating with myself first. For the most part…

People: The Best Part and the Worst Part

The human side, though, has been the most memorable part for me.

For example, when I was trying to figure out the community pool, I had questions about what I could do with my leg and what accessibility features they actually had.

They told me about the pool lift. They offered to bring chairs over so I’d have a place to put my stuff. They even offered to put my leg and supplies in the office so it wouldn’t get too wet or “walk away.”

And when I’m there, they actually check in with me without making it weird.The staff has been super kind, helpful, and normal about it. No pity. No weirdness. Just people being decent.

I love that about some humans. They’re genuinely great.

Some are not…but that’s for another post…

My Four Year Journey

Four years in, the biggest lesson is that access isn’t rare, it’s constant, and people can make it easier or harder in about five seconds.

But I’m looking forward to what comes next, what I’ll learn, and who I’ll get to connect with along the way.

If you’re new here, welcome! If you have questions, leave a comment. If I don’t have the answer, we’ll figure it out together.

Here’s a question for you: Where have you run into the most “accessible, technically” nonsense lately?