1

If this is real...First, you could start by "reaching out" to local wheelchair users. They're not exactly as scarce as whooping cranes (which is why I have doubts about your post). Then, you can travel locally in a wheelchair--no need to go cross-country when you've got Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, and Phoenix as nearby possibilities. You could also do some Web searching to find the nearest wheelchair basketball team/league and ask if you could play with them. There may be some legal issues in terms of getting a disability hang tag for a vehicle if you don't already have one as a result of your CP. Furthermore, hang tag abuse can be fined in some jurisdictions--in an era of cell phone cameras and video recorders, are you ready to keep up the wheelchair act at all times? A travel buddy should be last on your priority list.

2

I think this is an appalling idea. Why would you even consider it. Really bad taste. If you're not wheelchair bound, then you cannot experience what they experience.

Edited by: joe552

3

I don't know if OP is trolling, but the idea has been done for documentaries in several contexts. The two that I have personally watched were a documentary in which White's and Black 's were 'painted' to blend into each others communities and see how the others live, and several beautiful newscasters who wore morbidly obese fat suits to see how others interact with them.

Contrary to being in bad taste, it opened the eyes of those people involved and let them see how different the situation was from there preconceived notions and therefore made them more understanding of the others, situations. Like gawkabout, I had a wheelchair bound friend. She HATED how so many people would talk differently to her(possibly down to her) than they would to ambulatory people.

Old Native American proverd Joe552: "Don't judge any man until you have walked two moons in his moccasins"

4

viaggero, I'd respectfully disagree. If the OP were to occupy parking spots, toilets, etc. that he or she does not need to use, such behavior would be completely inappropriate. People who must rely on wheelchairs or scooters for mobility do not have the option of playing able-bodied for the day while the OP indulges in a personal experiment. There are already documented disabled parking problems in some cities (able-bodied people borrow Grandma's car and tag), which is why I mentioned hang tag abuse.

5

nrclibn

"People who must rely on wheelchairs or scooters for mobility do not have the option of playing able-bodied for the day while the OP indulges in a personal experiment."

American Sign Language is taught at many high schools these days to hearing people. The deaf don't get the option of learning our languages - so. Once a month, my colleagues who teach it have a silent dinner for their students and with deaf people. The reason is so the students can TRULY appreciate what it is like to be deaf.

The OP neither has to break the law nor inconvenience the truly disabled. When parking, he can park in the back (as happens to disabled people when their slots are full), he can use one person restrooms or wear "Depends" when he needs to relieve himself, etc. and still get a better first hand understanding than you or I have.

Personally I wouldn't do it but I don't find his scientific study as offense as you and Joe do - especially if he gets feedback from within that community.

6

Piss yourself a couple of times during the trip if you want the complete experience.

7

Never judge a man till you've walked a mile in his shoes.
Then you'll be far away from him.
And you'll have more shoes.

Edited by: emd_two on Mar 6, 2013 8:53 PM