Out 'n Aboot

Image Description: Photo of Kae smiling and posing in her power wheelchair at the Toronto Festival of Beer.

Image Description: POV photo of Kae in her power wheelchair, looking down at her legs going up the accessible stage area.

Two weeks ago, I attended my first big outing using my wheelchair. I like to avoid crowded places for both personal and practical reasons but I knew I couldn’t avoid discomfort and continue to miss out on experiences forever. I was both simultaneously excited and nervous but the Toronto Festival of Beer was not only accessible, they provided me accommodations when requested! To feel relief is an understatement. It was refreshing to experience customer service that was actually helpful; they had evidently thought of inclusion while planning this event—and that’s how it should be. I was able to relax and enjoy my time out. It also helped me to attend with people I trusted so I could build the confidence and knowledge I’ll need to navigate my new life on wheels. 

It takes more than just a mobility aid and ramp; it takes a whole damn interconnected support system to aid in one’s transition and evolution with a disability. 

Moreover, I was the only wheelchair user at this event but my main takeaway from this new path of being visibly disabled is it’s teaching me to show up unapologetically. To my disabled friends, don’t be shy. Don’t be ashamed. Go out and take up space because we deserve to have a good time and be as unserious as @tpain ♥️

Image Description: POV of Kae’s hand holding up her TFOB mug, giving cheers with her two companions.

Image Description: Photo of a ADA Cable Cover ramp on the grounds of TFOB.

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