While being home bound is hard on the mind, getting out is hard too. It becomes a choice of which hell do you want to endure. It is not until one goes from being a standard issue human being to a differently-abled one that understands the difference. There are many things that a standard issue human being takes for granted. Things like being seen, opening doors, and shopping.
Probably the most infuriating is the feeling of being invisible, because if people saw you then most of the other difficulties experienced would not be so hard. After all if a person sees you while you are riding in a motorized cart you don't have to worry about them moving in a manner that will put them in danger of being hit. Motorized/electric carts can hurt someone badly. My other favorite is they don't see you and are blocking the path; this was irritating when I was not disabled, but now when I am reliant on a cart that has a limited charge? Down right infuriating and not a thing can be done for the most part they just continue to ignore you.
The most limiting obstacle I have encountered is oddly enough doors. To get anywhere you have to open a door at the very least and are expected to close it as well. After all we can't let them bugs in or the A/C out. You would think that doors would be simple to handle, but in reality if you have to manage a walker and a bum leg it is like riding a unicycle with both arms full of fragile items. Some doors are easier than others they only need to have their knob turned and they open. Then you have those with assisted closing mechanisms; those are the worst and almost impossible to open by yourself. Hilariously most bathrooms are armed with assisted closing doors.
I challenge any of you to go to the store and use one of the electric carts; you will learn a lot.
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