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A Father, His Son, and a Wheelchair
Fathers typically like to play sports with their sons. They play basketball, baseball, football, and participate in various other sports together. But one father/ son team has taken it to a new level. Dick and his son, Rick, have participated over the years in 229 triathlons, 66 marathons- including 26 Boston Marathons, 212 10K races, 108 5K races, and many other races. They have also biked and ran across the US- 3735 miles- in 45 consecutive days. The accomplishments of this dynamic duo go on and on. But that's only half of the story. You see, Rick Hoyt was born as a quadriplegic with cerebral palsy. He does not have the ability to speak.
When a student in Rick's school was paralyzed, the school held a five mile race to raise money for him. Rick told Dick that he wanted to race. So Dick did race, all the while pushing Rick in his wheelchair. And with that first race, team Hoyt was born. With the help of specially designed wheelchairs, and bikes, Dick competes in races with Rick in tow. For the running part, Dick pushes Rick in a special wheelchair. For the biking part, Rick rides on the handlebars of Dick's bike. And for the swimming part, Dick tows Rick in a raft behind him. Team Hoyt, as they're called, apparently inspire each other. Rick says his dad is his role model. Dick says that it's Rick that inspires him, "the way he just loves sports and competing."
Team Hoyt live in Massachusetts. Dick is retired lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard. Rick works for Boston College in their computer laboratory. They travel together giving motivational speeches across the country. And, of course, they still race.
You can learn more about Team Hoyt at www.teamhoyt.com.
God Can Remember Me
It all started in 1979 in Morocco. Don Schoendorfer and his wife, Laurie, were vacationing there when they saw a sight that would stay with them forever. A disabled woman was pulling herself across a dirt road by her nails. Twenty years later, Don, an MIT graduate, quit his job and teamed up with his friend, William Goodwin, to come up with an alternative to the traditional wheelchair.
What they came up with is basically a "souped- up" version of the white plastic lawn chair that you can get for just a few dollars in any discount store. They added large mountain bike tires and casters and a few misc. parts to come up with their basic design. The cost of each chair is just under $50. They named their organization the Free Wheelchair Mission.
In 2006 the World Health Organization estimated that there are over 65 million people all over the world in need of a wheelchair. Some of these people were probably disabled by malnutrition, disease, or landmines. Don's goal is to provide 20 million free wheelchairs to people in third world countries by 2010.
As I watched the video clip on their web site, tears came to my eyes. Some of these people have been all but written off by their societies. The isolation for some of these disabled people must have been unbearable. But now with their wheelchairs comes mobility and freedom. Not only freedom from their houses and their beds, but freedom from complete dependence on others.
One missionary who is quoted on the Free Wheelchair Mission web site said for most of these people "It's like they're thinking, 'God can remember me'."
To view the Free Wheelchair Mission web site or to donate money, please visit www.free wheelchair mission
Articles by Markay Auen
Wheelchair Accessible Picnic Tables for Every Recreational Facility
When winter comes to an end and all that is beautiful blooms into season there are many anticipations that come to mind. Going to the park is always one outdoor event that I look forward to. I love feeding the ducks with my kids and having a football to toss back and forth. When it’s time to take a break and have a delicious lunch we always look for the perfect spot and the perfect picnic table. I always get excited to eat outdoors with my children and watch them sneak a bite of food for those ever so wandering ducks and geese, they seem to love hovering around you waiting for that next bread crumb.
There have been many times that I would wonder about people that were wheelchair bound. I would look around to see whether they could sit and have a delicious lunch at a picnic table just like my family. Unfortunately I never saw wheelchair accessible picnic tables. What I did notice were accessible ramps for wheelchair bound people, restrooms and automatic door openers but no wheelchair accessible picnic tables.
Wheelchair accessible picnic tables can help facilitate not only those that are wheelchair bound but their families and loved ones as well. I would assume that every state and local park facility would want more visitors to enjoy their environment. Allowing accessible picnic areas should be a consideration for facility operators. Providing wheelchair accessible picnic tables can be an easy process especially since ADA picnic tables come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
There are 8 foot standard ADA picnic tables that allow accessibility on either end of the table. There are 46 inch round or square ADA picnic tables that are made with an attractive thermoplastic finish and a tubular steel understructure. This protective coating is rust, corrosion and scuff resistant. This is of vital importance when you are looking for the best quality and most durable to the outdoors.
Another point to consider is whether you want all your outdoor picnic tables directly out in the sun. Place some accessible picnic tables in the shade for people who may be photosensitive. Sitting in the sun may increase the risk of health issues such as overheating, sunburns or other heat related illnesses. Certain medications or impairments may also increase sun sensitivity that could cause greater illness due to heat.
Provide information showing the location of these accessible areas. Information such as maps, brochures and signage should be placed at the entrances to prevent long searches for the accessible area. Always keep in mind that every individual is different. If you are sensitive to the needs of others you can guarantee a more enjoyable environment and a more visited facility.
Article By Anita Winter
