Dignity of risk - my phrase of the day. It refers to an individuals right to make decisions about how they approach their own life. To grant dignity of risk you must respect the individuals choice to take chances and push barriers, even against your own concerns and comfort.
Disabled people are often discouraged from risky activities, not just physical activities but day-to-day activities like such as travel. This can lead to them living a sheltered and ultimately less fulfilled life.
This came about during a session discussing the social model for Disability - the concept that Disabled people are not the problem and society is disabling by design. I am familiar with much of this concept but there were some real standout moments where I found myself nodding along with the ideologies being discussed.
First things first though - we need to bring Recreational Therapy to the UK… I’m cooking up a plan!
On another more frustrating note, our hire WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle turned up at 6am this morning (despite being booked for 1pm!). As it was illegally parked in a delivery spot we had to move it to the hotel guest parking first thing.
This would have been totally fine if the ramp side passenger door hadn’t rolled off its rails on try one! We had to ask a nearby staff member to help us pop it back in! After moving it we decided to lock up and call the rental company… only now the damn thing wouldn’t lock! The problematic door remained open, regardless of what we did. So pretty much my entire day today was spent dealing with the bloody car! I was on hold to the rental company for over 90 minute in total across what felt like 146 calls! Eventually we were told they would swap out the vehicle at around 1:30pm… 4 hours later our new vehicle actually arrived.
It’s a good job we’re travelling tomorrow, not today. Tomorrow we head North to Flagstaff, I’m looking forward to getting out of the city and seeing a while new part of Arizona. Before heading out I’m visiting the Terrain Hopper USA Factory to see some of their awesome equipment. It’s been a long day but I feel I’m learning a lot, both in and out of education settings. Grand Canyon National Park next!
Ps. Our new best of conference friend bought us a kettle!! We are ever so grateful 😂
Image Description: headlight of the offending vehicle that we just couldn’t seem to get rid of today!
Image Description: Holding up our new kettle!
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