In 1999 I became disabled at 45 years of age.

A brain stem tumor was found.I was having problems with control of my balance and having vision problems .My balance I thought I was just tired,I was working alot of overtime,My vision I thought oh I need new glasses.I went to visit my oldest daughter and getting out of the car and walking to the house made me dizzy and I fell. My daughter came out and picked me up and said ok that's enough you are going to the doctor.So I did,told him everything that was going on with me and he sent me for an MRI and that's when they found the tumor on my brain stem.They operated and took it out,he told me after the operation I might not hear out my left side and my left arm might be weak. The tumor was on the right side of my brain,he said the right side affects the left side, I thought oh well some I only listen to half of what they say and I'm right handed so my left side didn't bother me.

It wasn't that simple. After the operation,I didn't have a hearing problem.I couldn't walk or talk or write. But with Therapy I learned to walk , talk and write not perfect but enough to get around and to communicate. A wheelchair at first,then a walker. and now a round about scooter.

Issue I

Before my disability I didn't realize the things that were made to make life better and easy for the challenged need to be looked at. The challenged would like to be able to go in a store and buy things. That's why most of us challenged go to malls the doors have access buttons for wheelchairs. So many stores down town we can't get into.They want us to be independent yet they make it impossible. Our Money is good SO LET US IN. Some aisles in stores are so narrow we can't get through displays in the middle of an aisle ,boxes of stuff all over, What I see is no consideration. These stores want to make money but don't realize the challenged are the ones that can afford the time and usually no gas money so they have extra money.

Issue 2

The ramps at sidewalks are steep and bumpy instead of a gradual incline and smooth they have little curbs to go over, Doesn't seem like much,but to a 3 wheel scooter with no shocks or weight, They tip over or do wheelies getting over them, Scary.

Issue 3

To me if the people really want us to have a normal life as possible as we can, Ask a Challenged person before designing things .Yes people are trying but include a disabled person in designing.We know. Please ask ones that are challenged,if the thing you are designing is ok for the challenge.