After I posted the previous blog concerning doors I failed to mention one of the key issues. I seem to do this sometimes. I failed to put in that most people I run into hold the door open for me which is fantastic and very thoughtful. A problem I run into is three fold. Problem number one is to open the door, secondly is to enter and the last part is letting go of the door. Though many may not realize the last step living with my disability I do recognize that step. It is a real hardship to enter into a building after letting go of the door.
To do this I have to pre-plan and coordinate letting go of the door, taking a step and placing my cane. One of the factors I have to consider now that use to be meaningless is the door itself. Though many may not realize it how far the door opens, how heavy it is to open and how fast the door closes are all critical issues to consider. Many times the door opens only about 75 degrees and not 90 meaning it will close a bit faster than normal. Also if the door is heavier and closes quickly means I,or someone like me, must move quickly to get out of the way of a closing door. This may not sound like a big deal, however if there is foot traffic it can impede my trying to enter. If something or someone gets in my path and I have to stop the door may hit me, which has happened, causing me some problems. The message here is realize that if someone has a mobility problem realize for a minute that they may need a bit of help entering the facility or exiting. Bottom line holding the door for the person to completely enter or exit is what is really helpful. Thank you ahead of time.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
First of many new enemies - Doors
The other day as I was approaching the buildings doors a young man stopped and waited for me holding the door open. As I said in the title and an earlier blog, I never knew these things existed before. One of the children said I had to learn a new way of life. Doors use to be a nice safe haven for me. I saw them as a way to get out from the cold, snow or rain. Get into the warmth from a cold winter day or the cool air conditioning on a hot day.
Today doors have an entirely different meaning to me and I am sure many others with movement disabilities. Today when I am approaching a door I have to do numerous things, thoughts and assessments. When approaching the door the first thing I look at is to see how does the door open. Does it push or pull to open. Do I need to push on a separate bar and work a handle? It may seem easy however when you have a cane that leaves only one free hand so if the door requires more than one hand I have an issue. So, holding the door for someone may be a bigger help than you realize.
Now for some thoughts you may not think about. Most doors have some kind of closer unit attached to them which for most means nothing more than the door will close once you are in. If you are a lucky one then you are able to do in one continuous fluid motion entering the building. Unfortunately there are stages for me today that requires some planning. I never thought I would have to think and plan on opening a door. Example would be when opening a door I try to assess how heavy, hard the door will be to open, along with how far does the door open.
Once I get the door open I have to come to a complete stop holding the door open while I try to step inside the building. Once in the building I need to keep the door open so I am sure I have cleared everything and nothing will hit me. Then once I let go of the door I have to in a quick motion grad my cane and attempt to enter the building. See this is where you can help someone besides just holding the door. Give the person some free room to maneuver and enter into the flow of people traffic. My movement is no where near as fast as yours so you have to plan on going around me. In all my days I never thought the simple action of opening a door and entering a building would require planning and effort. Learning a new normal... say tuned next I will talk about air ports.
Today doors have an entirely different meaning to me and I am sure many others with movement disabilities. Today when I am approaching a door I have to do numerous things, thoughts and assessments. When approaching the door the first thing I look at is to see how does the door open. Does it push or pull to open. Do I need to push on a separate bar and work a handle? It may seem easy however when you have a cane that leaves only one free hand so if the door requires more than one hand I have an issue. So, holding the door for someone may be a bigger help than you realize.
Now for some thoughts you may not think about. Most doors have some kind of closer unit attached to them which for most means nothing more than the door will close once you are in. If you are a lucky one then you are able to do in one continuous fluid motion entering the building. Unfortunately there are stages for me today that requires some planning. I never thought I would have to think and plan on opening a door. Example would be when opening a door I try to assess how heavy, hard the door will be to open, along with how far does the door open.
Once I get the door open I have to come to a complete stop holding the door open while I try to step inside the building. Once in the building I need to keep the door open so I am sure I have cleared everything and nothing will hit me. Then once I let go of the door I have to in a quick motion grad my cane and attempt to enter the building. See this is where you can help someone besides just holding the door. Give the person some free room to maneuver and enter into the flow of people traffic. My movement is no where near as fast as yours so you have to plan on going around me. In all my days I never thought the simple action of opening a door and entering a building would require planning and effort. Learning a new normal... say tuned next I will talk about air ports.
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