Oh, one other thing...maybe set up a chair or two or position yourself near some public seating where people can sit and have a chat so they are not so uncomfortable standing looking down at you. That way they can see you eye-to-eye and have a longer chat.
Wheels2Walking Could bring your girlfriend so people can ask her some things too or someone with different level of SC injury or something. As for the other chair, You could just position yourself near a bench or other place people can sit and chat (so you don’t have to drag another chair around.). I appreciate you are clear spoken and your videos are effortless to watch. You definitely have a talent for public speaking. I really like the idea of semi having another wheelchair around to have someone try out although they might bust their head or something. I worked at Lakeshore Rehab Birmingham for a summer in college and as a new employee, they had all of us in wheelchairs and we had to get in and out of doors and up the hill and do some other things just to give us some idea of what wheelchair users have to go through. Obviously it’s nowhere near because we still had all the muscles in our core but just figuring out how to open doors and keep them open while you go through and shooting a basketball without flipping backwards, Let’s just say there was a lot of physics involved that you don’t think of when you are walking around.
Ohh true. I would feel like I'm "looking down" on that person and that would make me feel like I'm being inadvertently rude. On the same level, if you crouch to get eye level it's like your talking to a kid and no one likes to feel like that.
Tip for next time, upgrade the poster to poster board and add some color. I think people got the begging impression and didn’t read the words. You’re doing good stuff so the more people you can reach the better.
I agree.......the poster board and color would make it look like you're serious, not just trying to get someone's attention to ask for spare change.........you should do mmore of these though man......you're doing cool shit man.....keep it up
my uncle is a quadrapelegic and he has a wheelchair and his shoe game is off the charts he gave away a bunch when he moved but he still has a bunch of nice fuckin pairs
@@Wheels2Walking it actually made me really emotional how giving and open he was and the human exchange you guys had after he realized you were there to start a conversation. I felt so proud of both of you sharing your stories.
I love your sign. I believe wheelchairs are mobile billboards. I use my ad spaces to show people what I want them to see. Mostly positive quotes to read while I dance around town. People are going to stare, might as well give them something to stare at.
I Love that idea! They've come out with a wheel chair Barbie and an amputee Barbie as well as one with vitiligo and dolls with different etnicities! I think it would be Awesome to go to a park and have an open Q & A!
I’m actually surprised at the respectful and thoughtful questions! Good job people. I also struggle(d) with projecting my insecurities onto the public. Honestly most times I’m zooming around them and they’re wrapped up in their own life. You’re so much shorter in a chair that people don’t even see you. It’s still hard though, accepting some people will always see you as “less than”. I don’t even have a fancy chair (basic Tilite ZRA) but I swear people are staring at my chair and not ME. I’ve had older women smile at me and look a little jealous. Lol if everyone knew how much fun wheeling can be, they’d want a chair too. Wheelchair = freedom when you need one. I could do so much more after I got my chair. (To the detriment of my credit card haha jk)
I have a Tilite Areo Z and I love it. I honestly prefer it to my old invacare chair its so much lighter its easier to push when I'm not using my smartdrive if I knew about Tilite 7 years ago when I was getting my third chair I would have
I'm excited to be getting my first ultralight, custom chair in a few months. It'll make SO much difference in what I can do with my day! I'm hoping for a TiLite Aero T, and eventually get a ZRA or TRA in a few years. Even using a beat up depot chair has made a big difference for me, for the last couple of months. I actually enjoyed shopping for the first time ever, recently. I'll have to keep an eye on my credit card. ;-). LOL
When someone asks me if I need help when I am shopping I never turn down the help. Reason for never turning help down is because it makes the person offering the help feel good and makes me feel good for letting them help. It's a win win.
i’m not in a wheelchair but i’m guessing that it’s offensive. it’s like talking to a short person. you look down not crouch like you’re scolding a small child.
Satanlovesmilkk but the thing is if someone is sitting down (disabled or not) and im standing my first instinct would be to bend down to make eye contact easier with them and so that i dont need to ”look down at them”. So it would be a bit silly to consider offensive
Meike Hart I don’t get offended when people been down to talk. I have been in a wheelchair for my entire life. I hope that helps clear things up for you. But unfortunately person is different just like each able-bodied individual is different.
I understand your statement, but, I doubt he'd bat an eye. No one's going to hold a sign like that if they're not 100% serious on answering Any question. Sorry if that takes the fun at his expense away from your comment. I know you were just trying to inject humor on something sensitive to you. The long explanation is this... as I currently understand it. Everyone's different because all SCI injuries are unique. Even most Quadriplegics (also referred to as Tetraplegics in some countries) have Extremely sensitive spots that can trigger that response. The "junk" works just fine for most people with spinal cord injuries, it's just a different approach. Just like anything in life. There are educational videos on UA-cam if you're Really dying to know. I have friends who are living with SCI & have biological families naturally. Its really not a big deal, so I don't understand why that would make Anyone shy away from a potentially Fantastic dating relationship. People just have to adapt and change their approach to intimacy, just as they would if a partner has ED, Diabetes, etc. It's basically just a different part of the nervous system that controls the "salute of the soldier", and adaptive ways to deal with it if need be. Intamacy can be Very pleasurable/intense. As much as if the person Didn't have an SCI. There are about 4 different components to the central nervous system. The part that controls the mens reproductive system may still function, even after a "complete" injury. A womens fertility can be damaged Much more easily, but they can also still conceive naturally... or be adaptive and do AI, etc. I just don't see it as an issue.
4:00 I feel this man's pain. Hurricane Maria was really an eye opening experience for me. Looking around and seeing all this pain and suffering really brought to light how privileged I was to have a home and it really made me appreciate the little things I have. So respect to this man for treating others with respect and love after what he went through.
I fell 50 foot myself I was paralyzed I can walk now. Mine was not from a parking deck but a tree. And I feel you on so many levels when it comes to pain depression and just getting to the point where you don't give a f*** anymore
I would be interested to know the cultural differences in views of people in wheelchairs. I'm from Australia and seem to come across completely different attitudes here than seem to be the case in USA. I have MS and started walking with an elbow crutch 7 years ago, progressed to 2 crutches on and off about 2 years ago then after a major and sudden flare up in Jan 2019, became a part time electric wheelchair user. My biggest issue to date is that I had only been in my current job for 4 months when I needed to have the discussion with my boss about using a wheelchair at work. She seemed more relaxed about it than me :) They have been fantastically supportive and all colleagues without exception have been great. Couple of things I have experienced though is people walking straight in front of me without seeing me (mostly because they are too busy looking at their phones) and people not seeing me when I pull up at the counter for a coffee - both solved by a horn blast or involuntary yelp from me as I screech to a halt to avoid hitting the phone user. Also notice people quickly dodging out of my way well before I'm in range, to which I smile and reply I'm not that bad a driver. I also came across a taxi driver just before I ended up using the wheelchair. It was a standard taxi and I enquired about wheelchair taxis which started off the conversation of "God will heal you if you pray hard enough"... Unlike USA, religion is pretty well off topic in public in Australia. As in your video, no one here really would walk up to you and ask if you believe in God - unless they had issues. (The only time someone did that to me in public was when he wanted to discuss how God speaks to him through rainbows on his wall at night) I tried to steer to subject off religion when he announced that if I end up in a wheelchair my "life would be over", I would be "useless/worthless and lonely". Somewhat taken aback I politely informed him I work full time, live alone, don't have a carer and am 100% independent and happy as I am. This seemed to shock him - he couldn't understand how someone in a wheelchair could possibly be happy. I asked him if he is any less happy when sitting than standing - stunned silence. Well, that's one way to stop the God conversation :) One interesting experiment would be to have a second empty wheelchair with you when you go out and talk. Offer for people to use the chair to get a feel of what it is like (many would never have seen let alone used one, and believe me when I say most would be very curious). Maybe even set up an obstacle course of a few things you come across (curbs, swerves etc) so they can get a feel of what it is like. Set up somewhere they can try to transfer from chair to seat without standing. This will get conversation going.
There are way more intelligent and thorough reasons to believe in God's existence than those, don't be fooled Also, it's not only people with problems who ask about God, especially if you have a sign that says "Ask me anything"-- it should just be done respectfully. Believers in God can't say your life is worthless in a wheelchair, or any such thing, without major cognitive dissonance. that goes against the whole belief system--that person is holding conflicting viewpoints.
ppl like him need to be appreciated a lot more; everyone’s capable of living life as a “normal” human being and therefore deserve not to be underestimated in their abilities as they can probably do a lot more than ppl with working legs.
You hit everything I was ever asked on the head. I am an incomplete t9 from a doctor messing up a spinal cord stimulator implant. Has been 2 years now and I am also hemiplegic. I still walk like a drunk toddler but it is way better than my complete paralysis I had following the accident. I want to do this now too! It is awesome to see you in here, I have never been angry about my situation and people are always taken back by me laughing and having fun. Plus the shirts I wear make fun of me and that kinda starts conversations too. Sorry this is long, just happy to see someone like me.
Well done! I’ve been in a chair for 20 years now and I’ve definitely had my ups and downs. Unfortunately I’m going through one of those grey/dark periods at that moment. I really appreciate your outlook on life now and how you are creating awareness about folks like us. I will definitely continue to watch your videos while I climb out of this hole I’m in. Keep up the good work!!
Sending you an internet hug. hope you start to improve quickly! check out my UNTOLD story. i share about my hard times and how i managed to get out and the tools i used. could be helpful to you 😊
Dude you can't even imagine how is the life here in Egypt to someone with disability. Is so fu.... Hard as hell and I mean it. That social experiment so cool and I hope try it here in Egypt, all love to you and your team
This is amazing. You deserve a huge platform. You can help. You bring awareness. And maybe confidence in others in similar situations. I cannot relate but feel like we are quite the same.
Great job. I think people want to ask us questions all the time but are afraid of insulting or hurting us. I'm tempted to try this, although this may be perceived as a scam tactic due to the abundance of homeless on our streets in San Francisco.
The point you made about projecting your preconceived ideas about wheelchair users onto others is exactly what I do now! I've been using a chair for about 3 years now and it's only recently that I've started to struggle with other people's perceptions a little. I don't normally care what others think, I get stared at a lot in the gym, but I get on with my workout and people are often surprised. I just wish I didn't care so much about being stared at....
It took me a long time to get to this point. If you imagine they’re thinking positive things instead of negative then it can completely change your attitude about people staring. Check out my “why i use a wheelchair if I can walk” video. Lots of fun humor there. When at they gym my mindset is this. “If they’re gunna stare might as well give them something to stare at” I workout hard and wear bright and fun clothes.
They usually don't do this kind of surveys. Anyway, I strongly recommend looking up Rainer Küschall. He's a Swiss engineer who's been using a wheelchair for ages and basically invented the active wheelchair. He founded a wheelchair company, which now belongs to Invacare. He's R&D Director there. I have one of their wheelchairs and I am absolutely happy with it, and that's because they have engineers who know what they're doing. I think that's as far as it goes, given that every wheelchair user has a different set of demands.
This is really helpful to me, I like to watch a variety of different people online, people who are amputees, people who have various illnesses, etc., and I realized the one stereotype I still needed to get rid of was for people in wheelchairs, so thank you
As someone who’s been in a wheelchair all my life I found myself answering the questions along with you and was blown away that our answers were the same and I’m not the only one
dude you have given a whole new WORLD of motivation! and out look on my life, i have Spina bifida so ive been in a chair my whole life. its in my L4 so i have mobility in my legs so i have drag raced my whole life. i played sled hockey. i would hunt and fish. but once adulthood came it put me in a HUGE funk and i stopped doing everything i love in life and watching you made me realize that its my mindset, not my disability
Wow.... thanks for your courage and openness. I'm 4 years post becoming paralyzed and dependent on a chair. Mine is a power chair due to dexterity issues. If you and your girlfriend/crew make it to Seattle I'd love to meet you. Thanks for putting a bit more hope in my jar!!!😊
This is seriously one of the best things I’ve seen on UA-cam in awhile. Honestly answered a lot of questions I would have had too. Thanks for sharing and being so open!
I tried so hard to listen to what you what you were saying, but got soo distracted people watching. So much going on around you, as someone that is mostly housebound I loved seeing that. Someone even walked by in a pair of hareem pants that I have! Great video, I can't believe people actually came up and talked to you, I would be too shy.
I love your channel so much. I have a rare disease and have been in a wheelchair for three years. I'm actually working on walking again and sharing videos here. I think it's so important to allow people to ask questions and understand. Thank you
Bro. Great video. Do more of these. I’d love to see one in Atlanta. I would think southern folks would definitely ask different questions. Keep up the good work man. You’re killin it!
Thank you very for the opportunity to talk you (crew) on behalf the other people around the world who are struggling right now at this minute... I meet this lady she was crying because the frustration on her situation and your words help me to talk to her with some encouragement words and don’t quit ever in life... On the video I was saying **when I lost everything back in my island Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 ** Español Les deseo mucho éxito en tus proyectos y me dio orgullo haber sido parte de preguntas que nadie se atreve hablar y se que ayudará a otros que pasen situaciones parecidas.... GOOD LUCK!🍀👍🏻
Hey bro! Thanks for being a part of the video! The part where you offered me money even when you didn’t have anything was something super special. It touched the hearts of a lot of people 😊
@weldinpadilla thanks..sorry for using the chair word...when I was the peer mentor program director at a major spinal rehabilitation hospital years ago.we used the C word...
Thank you for your videos. I've learned so much from you, but the most important thing is self acceptance. You've helped me approach my future with less fear and more optimism. Thanks!
This comment makes me so happy! One of my biggest goals is to empower wheelchair users to love themselves and love their chair! This comment let’s me know I’m on the right track 😊
@@Wheels2Walking thank you! And yes you are on the right track! I'm transitioning to using a wheelchair part time now and you've helped me see that I can still live a great life no matter what. You've also helped me feel more comfortable with both walking and needing a device to get around more easily. Your videos are so relevant and helpful. I can't thank you enough for what you've done for me!
I have not been able to walk for 3 or 4 years. I’m in chronic pain 24/7 I’m going to be getting a pain pump in a couple days. I get depressed and have a low self esteem I was at the doctor yesterday for a physical and while waiting in the waiting room this little boy about 6 years old came up to me and smiled out of no where he gave me a hug. I thought it was sweet it made my day.
It's great that you did this! When I first became a paraplegic I hated going into public areas because so many people STARED. It was terrible and kind of scary. People might stare now but I don't notice it as much as I used to. If they do though, now I think it's misinformation rather than negatively like you say here.
This is the first time I've come across your channel and you are wowowowing amazing your intro with you at the gym is so cool and this video was really interesting
Thanks for sharing this and opening yourself up to help people see past your chair and for answering questions that lots of people don't know how to ask. Keep rocking on!
personnally, i truly appreciate the videos you make. i am now on a wheelchair for one year thanks to a progressive ms. your advices sounds really useful for my life right now. see you richard and good luck!!
*"The Highest obstacle is not the physical disability, but the attitude of people in the society."* - Teacher Kru Ice Teacher Kru Ice is from Thailand. He is a blind man that is passionate and appreciates the honor of being an educator.
Do you ever get a sore neck, I am short so i get a sore neck looking up at tall people so I imagine that is worse when in a chair, or do people attempt to get on your level, is that patronizing. (Sorry for the mess of a question)
not really. but if i do ill roll near another chair or bench as to say "have a seat" lol. i don't mind a squat or knee at all! i find that actually super sweet.
I love how everyone is on here giving you "tips" however I highly doubt they have the balls big enough to be as vulnerable as you were in this moment. Kudos to you dude. 🙌
Not sure how this showed up in my feed today, but glad it did! I have MS, and I can still gimp around. Feel sad a lot that I can't run anymore, or do what I "used" to do. My (now)18 year old and I have always loved just going to the mall and walking around. I stopped doing that with her last year, as I would tire out and have to sit on a bench somewhere. She bought me a wheelchair (with my credit card!), and we've had a BLAST spending days shopping and sightseeing again! She loves pushing me and having me right with her again. I'm getting used to the stares of others. Some jump out of the way and some are extra nice. One young teen was absolutely terrified of me. I guess she thought I could be contagious :) I wanted to cough real loud in her direction, but, I resisted the urge! The best thing about the chair, in the mall, is the people running after you at all the kiosks, NEVER approach us. It's definitely a sales deterrent! Thank you!
So happy she went and got you a chair so you can enjoy yourselves! I would have coughed lol! Yes! People moving and the kiosk people leaving you alone are the best!
Ok, If it rains, how do you keep your hands from getting dirty?. I'm designing a lever instead of having to rotate the wheel bar. For a kid at my sons school, he doesn't know it yet though.
Hey dude, you are an amazing, very inspiring man! It's is so much fun and also educational to watch your great content. I just tripped over your channel by watching "WHY I USE A WHEELCHAIR IF I CAN WALK ", watched almost all your vids in a row now. It's great to see your spirit of motivation... that is very thrilling to me! Thank's for your effort you put into this channel! And is so impressive what you have become and created for yourself after your accident - your self motivation is just amazing. Greetings from Germany
Hi, I just came across your videos today and I love your energy and how open you are. I don't use a wheelchair, but I'm a student nurse in the UK. I've had a couple of patients that use wheelchairs independently, for example, they lost mobility in their legs and now need a wheelchair to get around by themselves. Your videos have given me some things to think about, so thank you. I have a question that I'd be grateful for your thoughts on. When I come across a patient who has become dependent on a wheelchair due to injury or illness and they're in the stage of being angry and feeling like their life is over and no one understands, what is the best thing I can do for them as their nurse? What helped you when you were in that position?
They’re right. No one understands. Affirm them in that belief. Anger is a part of coping, I suggest checking out my “how to cope with sci” video. Then when they say their life is over agree again. Their old life is. However, they have a new life now that can be awesome if they choose it to be. It can literally be designed however they want! They will have objections and that’s ok. Show them evidence. Videos on UA-cam and pics and vids on Instagram are super helpful. Perhaps a peer mentor if they have that available. Hope this is helpful!
I think most of us are single on our own accord. When my mess started I was too distracted with making sure I didn't die that I didn't really process the physical changes that happened to my body. Now that I have more time to think about it I am nowhere near okay enough with myself to date anyone right now. You really have to learn to love yourself again. You kind of have to learn to be yourself again and what yourself even IS. I have changed so much since before my diagnosis both mentally and physically. That is what's hardest for me right now.. Just learning who I even am anymore.
It's really incredible you're giving people a chance to educate themselves in something that usually they would feel uncomfortable doing. Keep it up man :)
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Oh, one other thing...maybe set up a chair or two or position yourself near some public seating where people can sit and have a chat so they are not so uncomfortable standing looking down at you. That way they can see you eye-to-eye and have a longer chat.
These are great ideas! Thanks for them. When I do more AMA videos in different places I’ll be interesting to see what perceptions people have.
Wheels2Walking
Could bring your girlfriend so people can ask her some things too or someone with different level of SC injury or something.
As for the other chair, You could just position yourself near a bench or other place people can sit and chat (so you don’t have to drag another chair around.). I appreciate you are clear spoken and your videos are effortless to watch. You definitely have a talent for public speaking.
I really like the idea of semi having another wheelchair around to have someone try out although they might bust their head or something.
I worked at Lakeshore Rehab Birmingham for a summer in college and as a new employee, they had all of us in wheelchairs and we had to get in and out of doors and up the hill and do some other things just to give us some idea of what wheelchair users have to go through. Obviously it’s nowhere near because we still had all the muscles in our core but just figuring out how to open doors and keep them open while you go through and shooting a basketball without flipping backwards, Let’s just say there was a lot of physics involved that you don’t think of when you are walking around.
Ohh true. I would feel like I'm "looking down" on that person and that would make me feel like I'm being inadvertently rude. On the same level, if you crouch to get eye level it's like your talking to a kid and no one likes to feel like that.
I would love to see a experiment like that. Let people try a wheelchair... would be even better to let politicians try a wheelchair for a day.
@@christoffer1973 Gov. Of Texas
Tip for next time, upgrade the poster to poster board and add some color. I think people got the begging impression and didn’t read the words. You’re doing good stuff so the more people you can reach the better.
Thanks for the tip!
I agree.......the poster board and color would make it look like you're serious, not just trying to get someone's attention to ask for spare change.........you should do mmore of these though man......you're doing cool shit man.....keep it up
I Argue With People on UA-cam no he doesn’t...
People don't read too 😂😂😂
its good to stop the people that would actually stop if he was begging, if that makes sense
Notice the guy who tried to give him money also blocked the sunlight as the conversation went on his truly a nice human being
Shit I didn't notice that.. it's the little things that tells the most imo :)
nice guy :)
he is a nice human 😊
He’s*
5:01
here’s a thought: being crippled let’s you have a better shoe game because you can’t get them creased or dirty since you’re not walking
Emo Hank Hill fuck man 😂😂😂 dudes don't got no chill
100% I use a wheelchairs and not only that you can wear shoes that aren't great for walking in like platforms all day 😂
@@piercetheskye_4508 I never even thought of that 😦
my uncle is a quadrapelegic and he has a wheelchair and his shoe game is off the charts
he gave away a bunch when he moved but he still has a bunch of nice fuckin pairs
Hej hej monica
The dude that tried to offer you money😂 his heart was in the right place, but man 😒
Definitely in the right place. I thought i was sweet that even though he didn't have anything he was still willing to share what he had with me.
@@Wheels2Walking it actually made me really emotional how giving and open he was and the human exchange you guys had after he realized you were there to start a conversation. I felt so proud of both of you sharing your stories.
He probably didn't read the sign, he just saw a dude with a permanent marker made sign and thought they may be asking for help.
@@Wheels2Walking That is how us Puerto Ricans are. We are a very give the shirt off our back people. Although our social calibration is a bit off lol
@@mr.nobody9697 👍
This man is so intimidating i feel he could beat me up on his wheelchair
Edit: Thanks for the gold kind stranger!
that is just not right keep your distance?
Sara Strong the man was making a joke
Miguel Castillo just climb up the stairs
Jk this is bad that was so messed up
Joe Swanson
@@billychilly4740 are you actually that dense you can't read two inches to the right
3:44 ‘ if I see someone with a disability which is different than mine, I would be interested.’
A guy on a wheelchair passes by the background
Itshenry 2006 facts lmao
I mean that dude has only one leg so I think you can guess what his disability is
Just scrolling for thos comment
I THOUGHT THE EXACT SAME THING!!!!
Itshenry 2006 that’s what i was thinking 😂
6:43 haters on their way to leave a dislike
LMAO
😂😂
They are ableist 😊
No ones gonna talk about the clown with a backpack? At 6:43
Shush man! He’s having a bad day just let him go on...
I didn't see that part so I thought you called a random dude a clown lol
wtf i didn’t even notice the clown lmaooo
I thought you were talking shit about someone and when i checked it was actually a fucking clown wtf😂
ibra4mufc i don’t talk shit about people
Wait... Underground parking lots that you can just fall 50 feet into whillst Jogging?! America! What is this?!
Only 1 of those in my city
@@sleei793 what's it like? just a big hole next to the pavement or something?
Ja hebben we niet in Europa he lmao
@@nikoo2 ja
I live in America and I have no idea what this is lol
Weird question... do other people in wheelchair do the _‘jeep wave’_ to each other?
Yes. 😂
I love this question so much it makes me happy 😭😭
What’s a Jeep wave?
Crazy Cooconuts here you go m.ua-cam.com/video/Pq1iJLQQox8/v-deo.html
Gianni Van den Bosch
Yes I’ve seen it
like molly burke said, “getting a disability doesn’t change you, it changes how you do things.” all you have to do is adapt, your life isn’t over
I didn't see that vid of hers yet. But this helped alot. Im getting a chair soon and needed this
*i love when he was talking about other people with disabilities, a wheelchair user went past them*
I was going to say that
@@weldinpadilla Lol
"I'm the only guy that can skip leg day" bruv, I was all smiles lol warm heart
I love your sign. I believe wheelchairs are mobile billboards. I use my ad spaces to show people what I want them to see. Mostly positive quotes to read while I dance around town. People are going to stare, might as well give them something to stare at.
"People are going to stare, might as well give them something to stare at". i love that!
You’re awesome
At like 4 mins someone else came past in a wheel chair 😂 I was just waiting for him to come over
Summa-Jo Bradley same
3:44
Me too
Damn it, no one asked him about his sex life.... That would be one of the questions I'd ask. Most of them asked very common, simple questions.
ikr
koolkkkjk
Riding guys
@@HoloScope ?
@@_BLUU_ you know she rides him
While listening to him talk, I was watching the doggies and the people go by. Interesting area for people watching. Good questions and answers!
So did you notice the clown at around 6:36 ?
Because I sure didn't 😂
I didn't but that's funny!
Would definitely love to see more of these!!
Ya bro. i think i kids edition would be hilarious. set up outside a park or something to see what people ask.
I Love that idea!
They've come out with a wheel chair Barbie and an amputee Barbie as well as one with vitiligo and dolls with different etnicities!
I think it would be Awesome to go to a park and have an open Q & A!
@@Wheels2Walkingare you going to meet and greets in the future
I’m actually surprised at the respectful and thoughtful questions! Good job people. I also struggle(d) with projecting my insecurities onto the public. Honestly most times I’m zooming around them and they’re wrapped up in their own life. You’re so much shorter in a chair that people don’t even see you. It’s still hard though, accepting some people will always see you as “less than”. I don’t even have a fancy chair (basic Tilite ZRA) but I swear people are staring at my chair and not ME. I’ve had older women smile at me and look a little jealous. Lol if everyone knew how much fun wheeling can be, they’d want a chair too. Wheelchair = freedom when you need one. I could do so much more after I got my chair. (To the detriment of my credit card haha jk)
I have a Tilite Areo Z and I love it. I honestly prefer it to my old invacare chair its so much lighter its easier to push when I'm not using my smartdrive if I knew about Tilite 7 years ago when I was getting my third chair I would have
I agree! the questions were really good! i was equally surprised.
I'm excited to be getting my first ultralight, custom chair in a few months. It'll make SO much difference in what I can do with my day! I'm hoping for a TiLite Aero T, and eventually get a ZRA or TRA in a few years. Even using a beat up depot chair has made a big difference for me, for the last couple of months. I actually enjoyed shopping for the first time ever, recently. I'll have to keep an eye on my credit card. ;-). LOL
I'm in a wheelchair and you've inspired me to maybe do something like this myself.
You definitely should! I lot of other wheelies have done it as well!
Do it show insight and spread awareness
@@Wheels2WalkingI will make a UA-cam channel and do the same thing
When someone asks me if I need help when I am shopping I never turn down the help. Reason for never turning help down is because it makes the person offering the help feel good and makes me feel good for letting them help. It's a win win.
I like where this channel is going 🤘
Thanks man! me too 😁
If people bend down when talking to you, is that nice or offensive?
i’m not in a wheelchair but i’m guessing that it’s offensive. it’s like talking to a short person. you look down not crouch like you’re scolding a small child.
Satanlovesmilkk but the thing is if someone is sitting down (disabled or not) and im standing my first instinct would be to bend down to make eye contact easier with them and so that i dont need to ”look down at them”. So it would be a bit silly to consider offensive
Meike Hart I don’t get offended when people been down to talk. I have been in a wheelchair for my entire life. I hope that helps clear things up for you. But unfortunately person is different just like each able-bodied individual is different.
@@vaporwavedog in a conversation looking down it's nessecary because it's nice to look someone in the eyes or atleast towards him and not above him
@@asokatargaryen6368 ok, so it depends on the person and what they prefer?
Woah, thank you so much for featuring me at 6:44 dude, that was really nice of you!
How did I miss that
I'm genuinely curious as to why this video has dislikes. 🤔
Chartedd missclicks or jelly people
I can't tell you how many time i misclick the button sometimes.
It's Australians tryna like dw
They might not have literally disliked the video, but they just didn't want more videos like this in their recommended¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Jolyn Jacobs-Garza that means you didnt like, or you want more, and disliking isnt the way
I be waiting for someone to ask him if his junk can work .
I understand your statement, but, I doubt he'd bat an eye. No one's going to hold a sign like that if they're not 100% serious on answering Any question. Sorry if that takes the fun at his expense away from your comment. I know you were just trying to inject humor on something sensitive to you.
The long explanation is this... as I currently understand it.
Everyone's different because
all SCI injuries are unique.
Even most Quadriplegics (also referred to as Tetraplegics in some countries) have Extremely sensitive spots that can trigger that response.
The "junk" works just fine for most people with spinal cord injuries, it's just a different approach.
Just like anything in life. There are educational videos on UA-cam if you're Really dying to know.
I have friends who are living with SCI & have biological families naturally.
Its really not a big deal, so I don't understand why that would make Anyone shy away from a potentially Fantastic dating relationship.
People just have to adapt and change their approach to intimacy, just as they would if a partner has ED, Diabetes, etc.
It's basically just a different part of the nervous system that controls the "salute of the soldier", and adaptive ways to deal with it if need be. Intamacy can be Very pleasurable/intense. As much as if the person Didn't have an SCI.
There are about 4 different components to the central nervous system. The part that controls the mens reproductive system may still function, even after a "complete" injury.
A womens fertility can be damaged Much more easily, but they can also still conceive naturally... or be adaptive and do AI, etc.
I just don't see it as an issue.
the Skip leg day had me laughing 🤣 I really like your video's
They had some good questions!
They really did! It was quite the surprise 😁
@@Wheels2Walkingwhat other things have you been asked that you didn’t put in your video
4:00 I feel this man's pain. Hurricane Maria was really an eye opening experience for me. Looking around and seeing all this pain and suffering really brought to light how privileged I was to have a home and it really made me appreciate the little things I have. So respect to this man for treating others with respect and love after what he went through.
you answered the questions perfectly and so detailed and you did a awesome job!
I fell 50 foot myself I was paralyzed I can walk now. Mine was not from a parking deck but a tree. And I feel you on so many levels when it comes to pain depression and just getting to the point where you don't give a f*** anymore
Glad you are able to walk again!
I would be interested to know the cultural differences in views of people in wheelchairs. I'm from Australia and seem to come across completely different attitudes here than seem to be the case in USA.
I have MS and started walking with an elbow crutch 7 years ago, progressed to 2 crutches on and off about 2 years ago then after a major and sudden flare up in Jan 2019, became a part time electric wheelchair user.
My biggest issue to date is that I had only been in my current job for 4 months when I needed to have the discussion with my boss about using a wheelchair at work. She seemed more relaxed about it than me :) They have been fantastically supportive and all colleagues without exception have been great.
Couple of things I have experienced though is people walking straight in front of me without seeing me (mostly because they are too busy looking at their phones) and people not seeing me when I pull up at the counter for a coffee - both solved by a horn blast or involuntary yelp from me as I screech to a halt to avoid hitting the phone user.
Also notice people quickly dodging out of my way well before I'm in range, to which I smile and reply I'm not that bad a driver.
I also came across a taxi driver just before I ended up using the wheelchair. It was a standard taxi and I enquired about wheelchair taxis which started off the conversation of "God will heal you if you pray hard enough"...
Unlike USA, religion is pretty well off topic in public in Australia. As in your video, no one here really would walk up to you and ask if you believe in God - unless they had issues. (The only time someone did that to me in public was when he wanted to discuss how God speaks to him through rainbows on his wall at night)
I tried to steer to subject off religion when he announced that if I end up in a wheelchair my "life would be over", I would be "useless/worthless and lonely". Somewhat taken aback I politely informed him I work full time, live alone, don't have a carer and am 100% independent and happy as I am. This seemed to shock him - he couldn't understand how someone in a wheelchair could possibly be happy. I asked him if he is any less happy when sitting than standing - stunned silence. Well, that's one way to stop the God conversation :)
One interesting experiment would be to have a second empty wheelchair with you when you go out and talk. Offer for people to use the chair to get a feel of what it is like (many would never have seen let alone used one, and believe me when I say most would be very curious). Maybe even set up an obstacle course of a few things you come across (curbs, swerves etc) so they can get a feel of what it is like. Set up somewhere they can try to transfer from chair to seat without standing. This will get conversation going.
I like your humor. 😂😂😂
How people react when you say that you are not bad driver?
Lmaooo I died when I read the rainbow thing 😂🤣
There are way more intelligent and thorough reasons to believe in God's existence than those, don't be fooled
Also, it's not only people with problems who ask about God, especially if you have a sign that says "Ask me anything"-- it should just be done respectfully.
Believers in God can't say your life is worthless in a wheelchair, or any such thing, without major cognitive dissonance. that goes against the whole belief system--that person is holding conflicting viewpoints.
Wheelchair user with cerebral palsy. You’re so brave dude. I’m glad you gave people the opportunity to ask you questions.
"You never know when everything can go" casually snaps
THANOS WHEELCHAIR
I’ve been a paraplegic now for over 10 years. I wish I felt as positive about it as you Rich!
I like how this channel is full of positivity and that has clearly reflected on the comments. 😃
Finally a UA-cam channel where someone doesn’t talk badly about being in a wheelchair
ppl like him need to be appreciated a lot more; everyone’s capable of living life as a “normal” human being and therefore deserve not to be underestimated in their abilities as they can probably do a lot more than ppl with working legs.
I thought he was gonna get up and say something like "oh no no, you ask questions about wheelchairs, my legs are fine I just needed a rest"
You hit everything I was ever asked on the head. I am an incomplete t9 from a doctor messing up a spinal cord stimulator implant. Has been 2 years now and I am also hemiplegic. I still walk like a drunk toddler but it is way better than my complete paralysis I had following the accident. I want to do this now too! It is awesome to see you in here, I have never been angry about my situation and people are always taken back by me laughing and having fun. Plus the shirts I wear make fun of me and that kinda starts conversations too. Sorry this is long, just happy to see someone like me.
A person in a wheelchair is just a person who does stuff in weelchaor
Also a person who is really strong and amazing
I love how open are about your reality and clearing up some misconception about people in wheelchairs.
Well done!
I’ve been in a chair for 20 years now and I’ve definitely had my ups and downs.
Unfortunately I’m going through one of those grey/dark periods at that moment.
I really appreciate your outlook on life now and how you are creating awareness about folks like us.
I will definitely continue to watch your videos while I climb out of this hole I’m in.
Keep up the good work!!
Sending you an internet hug. hope you start to improve quickly! check out my UNTOLD story. i share about my hard times and how i managed to get out and the tools i used. could be helpful to you 😊
Dude you can't even imagine how is the life here in Egypt to someone with disability. Is so fu.... Hard as hell and I mean it.
That social experiment so cool and I hope try it here in Egypt, all love to you and your team
You are a strong man and hopefully Egypt will make some changes for people with disabilities!
Im from Honduras. And people in wheelchairs are treated like garbage there they don’t even bother putting at least ramp
Awesome very brave putting yourself out there
🙏🏻
Was that supposed to be nice or ableist
This is amazing. You deserve a huge platform. You can help. You bring awareness. And maybe confidence in others in similar situations. I cannot relate but feel like we are quite the same.
Great job. I think people want to ask us questions all the time but are afraid of insulting or hurting us. I'm tempted to try this, although this may be perceived as a scam tactic due to the abundance of homeless on our streets in San Francisco.
Worth a shot you never know!
The point you made about projecting your preconceived ideas about wheelchair users onto others is exactly what I do now! I've been using a chair for about 3 years now and it's only recently that I've started to struggle with other people's perceptions a little. I don't normally care what others think, I get stared at a lot in the gym, but I get on with my workout and people are often surprised. I just wish I didn't care so much about being stared at....
It took me a long time to get to this point. If you imagine they’re thinking positive things instead of negative then it can completely change your attitude about people staring. Check out my “why i use a wheelchair if I can walk” video. Lots of fun humor there. When at they gym my mindset is this. “If they’re gunna stare might as well give them something to stare at” I workout hard and wear bright and fun clothes.
I have a question. Have ever an engineer ask you about your opinion about how to improve wheelchairs?
They usually don't do this kind of surveys. Anyway, I strongly recommend looking up Rainer Küschall. He's a Swiss engineer who's been using a wheelchair for ages and basically invented the active wheelchair. He founded a wheelchair company, which now belongs to Invacare. He's R&D Director there. I have one of their wheelchairs and I am absolutely happy with it, and that's because they have engineers who know what they're doing. I think that's as far as it goes, given that every wheelchair user has a different set of demands.
@@Zwendrian .
Just checking to see how may people mentioned 8:19 😂😂😂
What about 6:44? No one mentioned that but me
@@kingconflict9022 nahhhh, there are some other comments that also mentioned that
@Cristina Vasilciuc oh I didn’t see them
I searching comment from it 😂😅
@@kingconflict9022 - there are so many comments about that...
Question: Would you ever customise your wheelchair, example comfier seat or spray paint a different colour?
Yea he should take that bitch to los santos customs
b i e n n i a l nah fuck that take it to bennys
LEDs on his wheels!!!!
@@h0rcrux774LED Christmas lights on the wheels of my wheelchair 😅
This is really helpful to me, I like to watch a variety of different people online, people who are amputees, people who have various illnesses, etc., and I realized the one stereotype I still needed to get rid of was for people in wheelchairs, so thank you
BAD ASS VID BRO. Keep it up . I see ALOT of success with this in your future my friend ✊🏽
Thanks bro! we're just getting started and already taking off. its so exciting!
As someone who’s been in a wheelchair all my life I found myself answering the questions along with you and was blown away that our answers were the same and I’m not the only one
Dude that’s awesome! Amazing how similar lives a lot of us have.
How do you not have way more subscribers?!? This is pro level video quality!
Because people in wheelchairs like myself are quote “not worthy to get clout.”
dude you have given a whole new WORLD of motivation! and out look on my life, i have Spina bifida so ive been in a chair my whole life. its in my L4 so i have mobility in my legs so i have drag raced my whole life. i played sled hockey. i would hunt and fish. but once adulthood came it put me in a HUGE funk and i stopped doing everything i love in life and watching you made me realize that its my mindset, not my disability
Wow.... thanks for your courage and openness. I'm 4 years post becoming paralyzed and dependent on a chair. Mine is a power chair due to dexterity issues. If you and your girlfriend/crew make it to Seattle I'd love to meet you. Thanks for putting a bit more hope in my jar!!!😊
thanks for your kind words! if we are every that way you'll be sure to know.
@@Wheels2Walkingdo a meet and greet in Charlotte, NC we have a whole ton of people in wheelchairs down
Keep smiling brother... Sending love from Malaysia 🇲🇾❤❤❤
Oh yeah... This is gonna be a big one
BIG CHUNGUS
This is seriously one of the best things I’ve seen on UA-cam in awhile. Honestly answered a lot of questions I would have had too. Thanks for sharing and being so open!
Andy L He has another one too. Ask Me Anything episode 2.
So good .
I tried so hard to listen to what you what you were saying, but got soo distracted people watching. So much going on around you, as someone that is mostly housebound I loved seeing that. Someone even walked by in a pair of hareem pants that I have! Great video, I can't believe people actually came up and talked to you, I would be too shy.
The people watching was so great!
I love your channel so much. I have a rare disease and have been in a wheelchair for three years. I'm actually working on walking again and sharing videos here. I think it's so important to allow people to ask questions and understand. Thank you
Bro. Great video. Do more of these. I’d love to see one in Atlanta. I would think southern folks would definitely ask different questions. Keep up the good work man. You’re killin it!
Thanks Kim! I bet they most definitely would!
Thank you very for the opportunity to talk you (crew) on behalf the other people around the world who are struggling right now at this minute...
I meet this lady she was crying because the frustration on her situation and your words help me to talk to her with some encouragement words and don’t quit ever in life...
On the video I was saying **when I lost everything back in my island Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 **
Español
Les deseo mucho éxito en tus proyectos y me dio orgullo haber sido parte de preguntas que nadie se atreve hablar y se que ayudará a otros que pasen situaciones parecidas....
GOOD LUCK!🍀👍🏻
Hey bro! Thanks for being a part of the video! The part where you offered me money even when you didn’t have anything was something super special. It touched the hearts of a lot of people 😊
thats a cool idea... yes people are curious...but most feel uncomfortable asking...helps you to...good job :)
I think that don’t want to ask questions that might offend someone in a wheelchair
@@weldinpadilla True also.....how to break the ice with a conversation.....with a chair person
@@dlbrittain1976 instead of saying chair person you should say ♿️ user
@weldinpadilla thanks..sorry for using the chair word...when I was the peer mentor program director at a major spinal rehabilitation hospital years ago.we used the C word...
@@dlbrittain1976 it’s ok but it’s a lot more respectful to say ♿️ user
Thank you for your videos. I've learned so much from you, but the most important thing is self acceptance. You've helped me approach my future with less fear and more optimism. Thanks!
This comment makes me so happy! One of my biggest goals is to empower wheelchair users to love themselves and love their chair! This comment let’s me know I’m on the right track 😊
@@Wheels2Walking thank you! And yes you are on the right track! I'm transitioning to using a wheelchair part time now and you've helped me see that I can still live a great life no matter what. You've also helped me feel more comfortable with both walking and needing a device to get around more easily. Your videos are so relevant and helpful. I can't thank you enough for what you've done for me!
There aren’t words to express how good this makes me feel. GO YOU! I’m so grateful that my videos can help you achieve your full potential 😊
Loved listening to your perspective and insight. Thank you for being an inspiration.
I fucking love you man thank you for this video, I wish you many blessings
Thankyou for being open you are a very good guy.
You’re so welcome Caroline! 😊
I kind of want to do something like this after watching you do it
You should!
@@Wheels2Walking me too. Good thing my hometown Charlotte, NC has a whole ton of wheelchair users
I have not been able to walk for 3 or 4 years. I’m in chronic pain 24/7
I’m going to be getting a pain pump in a couple days. I get depressed and have a low self esteem
I was at the doctor yesterday for a physical and while waiting in the waiting room this little boy about 6 years old came up to me and smiled out of no where he gave me a hug.
I thought it was sweet it made my day.
That dudes fake offwhite belt killed me🤣🤣💀💀
It's great that you did this! When I first became a paraplegic I hated going into public areas because so many people STARED. It was terrible and kind of scary. People might stare now but I don't notice it as much as I used to. If they do though, now I think it's misinformation rather than negatively like you say here.
This is the first time I've come across your channel and you are wowowowing amazing your intro with you at the gym is so cool and this video was really interesting
Impressive
First time I see a UA-cam channel that doesn’t talk trash about being in a wheelchair
Thanks for sharing this and opening yourself up to help people see past your chair and for answering questions that lots of people don't know how to ask. Keep rocking on!
"I didnt know how strong I was, until being strong was my only option"
personnally, i truly appreciate the videos you make. i am now on a wheelchair for one year thanks to a progressive ms. your advices sounds really useful for my life right now. see you richard and good luck!!
*"The Highest obstacle is not the physical disability, but the attitude of people in the society."*
- Teacher Kru Ice
Teacher Kru Ice is from Thailand. He is a blind man that is passionate and appreciates the honor of being an educator.
Fax
I use a wheelchair part time and it's so hard because nobody understands. This is so inspiring. I want to do this!!!! Much love! ❤❤❤
You should! have you seen my "Why i use a wheelchair if i can walk video"?
I have thank you for spreading awareness for all people in wheelchairs!
Do you ever get a sore neck, I am short so i get a sore neck looking up at tall people so I imagine that is worse when in a chair, or do people attempt to get on your level, is that patronizing.
(Sorry for the mess of a question)
not really. but if i do ill roll near another chair or bench as to say "have a seat" lol. i don't mind a squat or knee at all! i find that actually super sweet.
@@Wheels2WalkingI get back pain from sitting in my wheelchair all day
This was actually an amazing video I could watch a compilation for hours
8:51 dam she got A whole bakery full of cake 😍
T H I C C
I love how everyone is on here giving you "tips" however I highly doubt they have the balls big enough to be as vulnerable as you were in this moment. Kudos to you dude. 🙌
My producer and I say this all the time. It’s like, hey people in the comments... go make your own videos if you don’t like mine.
6:42
Me: What the....?
Lol it was the people walking around not anything he was saying! Btw, you truly turned a negative into a positive!
You’re really pretty
Hannah Banana some guy skateboarding barefoot, a fucking clown walking by
what the actual fuck hahaha
God bless you times a million 💙 thank you so much for informing others ! Love this! ❤️
You deserve more subs my dude
That’s because us people in wheelchairs aren’t clout worthy according to UA-cam
Not sure how this showed up in my feed today, but glad it did! I have MS, and I can still gimp around. Feel sad a lot that I can't run anymore, or do what I "used" to do. My (now)18 year old and I have always loved just going to the mall and walking around. I stopped doing that with her last year, as I would tire out and have to sit on a bench somewhere. She bought me a wheelchair (with my credit card!), and we've had a BLAST spending days shopping and sightseeing again! She loves pushing me and having me right with her again.
I'm getting used to the stares of others. Some jump out of the way and some are extra nice. One young teen was absolutely terrified of me. I guess she thought I could be contagious :) I wanted to cough real loud in her direction, but, I resisted the urge!
The best thing about the chair, in the mall, is the people running after you at all the kiosks, NEVER approach us. It's definitely a sales deterrent!
Thank you!
So happy she went and got you a chair so you can enjoy yourselves!
I would have coughed lol!
Yes! People moving and the kiosk people leaving you alone are the best!
8:15 - holy mother of THICCNESS
Quality content man. We need more people like you around.
Fax
Ok, If it rains, how do you keep your hands from getting dirty?. I'm designing a lever instead of having to rotate the wheel bar. For a kid at my sons school, he doesn't know it yet though.
Hey dude, you are an amazing, very inspiring man! It's is so much fun and also educational to watch your great content. I just tripped over your channel by watching "WHY I USE A WHEELCHAIR IF I CAN WALK
", watched almost all your vids in a row now.
It's great to see your spirit of motivation... that is very thrilling to me! Thank's for your effort you put into this channel! And is so impressive what you have become and created for yourself after your accident - your self motivation is just amazing.
Greetings from Germany
Hi, I just came across your videos today and I love your energy and how open you are. I don't use a wheelchair, but I'm a student nurse in the UK. I've had a couple of patients that use wheelchairs independently, for example, they lost mobility in their legs and now need a wheelchair to get around by themselves. Your videos have given me some things to think about, so thank you. I have a question that I'd be grateful for your thoughts on. When I come across a patient who has become dependent on a wheelchair due to injury or illness and they're in the stage of being angry and feeling like their life is over and no one understands, what is the best thing I can do for them as their nurse? What helped you when you were in that position?
They’re right. No one understands. Affirm them in that belief. Anger is a part of coping, I suggest checking out my “how to cope with sci” video. Then when they say their life is over agree again. Their old life is. However, they have a new life now that can be awesome if they choose it to be. It can literally be designed however they want! They will have objections and that’s ok. Show them evidence. Videos on UA-cam and pics and vids on Instagram are super helpful. Perhaps a peer mentor if they have that available.
Hope this is helpful!
I think most of us are single on our own accord. When my mess started I was too distracted with making sure I didn't die that I didn't really process the physical changes that happened to my body. Now that I have more time to think about it I am nowhere near okay enough with myself to date anyone right now. You really have to learn to love yourself again. You kind of have to learn to be yourself again and what yourself even IS. I have changed so much since before my diagnosis both mentally and physically. That is what's hardest for me right now.. Just learning who I even am anymore.
3:46 as that wheelchair goes by okln the left he talks about guys with a different disability as mine I might be curious
I saw that part
So, UA-cam recommendations you finally did it good
My people's 🇵🇷🇵🇷 🌊 we feel disrespected when we offer something and ppl say no hahaha
Love that a man in a wheelchair came by too
Yes
You remind me of “Yes theory”, oddly enough they also live in Venice
It's really incredible you're giving people a chance to educate themselves in something that usually they would feel uncomfortable doing. Keep it up man :)
4:31 "What about the girls" and then like 9 girls walk on screen 😂
Im a wheelchair user and I can’t get girls off of me but I don’t mind at all