We’ve been back in New York visiting family for the holidays and I’m feeling a little nostalgic. It’s so nice to be surrounded by family and friends and familiar faces and places.
People often ask us why we moved if we love NY so much. There are a few reasons for sure but one of the top three was definitely accessibility.
Yes, there are plenty of people with disabilities living in New York doing just fine. I did it myself for over twenty years, but it’s not ideal to say the least.
Living in a place like Arizona where mostly everything is flat and new makes my life a million times easier. I have countless options as to where to live, work, and go in general.
It was always nice to be invited to the homes of friends and family, but annoying when they have to figure out how to get you up a flight of stairs to the door. I know no one ever minded, but I always did.
Then you finally get in or even go out for dinner or drinks and realize when you’re two martinis deep that there is no way for you to get near or into the bathroom. That didn’t just happen in almost every single house, but many of the public places as well.
I’ve had the amazing opportunity to be carried down flights of stairs by strange men working as bouncers into a bathroom and onto a toilet. I’ve had the pleasure of peeing with the door open while someone made a human wall to block the public view. I’ve been on display in fitting rooms because I NEEDED to try something on and there was no way to fit through a door.
Now that I live in a place that was mostly constructed after ADA laws were passed (or close to it) I have more freedom to do all of these things and more ALL BY MYSELF and in private. Most of my friends’ homes are even pretty level and have wide bathroom doors. It’s pretty awesome. You guys have no idea - you don’t really have to and that’s a good thing.
The weather is another bonus. Winters are rough when you’re on wheels. Its hard to navigate through snow and if you take a look around after a nice snowfall, you’ll notice most people shovel a walking path. That’s cool, most people don’t need much more but guess what? I do. Parking spaces are a bitch too. Even if the handicapped spaces are actually plowed out, the giant piles of snow are usually put in the access way anyway.
The winter before we moved out of New York it snowed over and over again and the temperatures were so low that it never melted. I know I exaggerate a lot but I was basically a prisoner in my home until Spring. It was near impossible to get out and even when I did, getting around was redonkulous.
So even though I miss my family every day and it would be easier with the huge support system we have back home, physically life is just way easier across country.
We weren’t sure moving would be a good idea but nothing is permanent. Change is good and we figured we could always move back. Luckily, it all worked out and if any of our NY peeps ever want some sun and chill time: come visit 😎✌🏼
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