Disabilities suck. Living with one doesn’t have to. Or so I’ve learned as FSH muscular dystrophy started to seriously impact my life on all levels.
Just a few years ago I was hiking mountains, teaching yoga, and writing a book on yoga philosophy called Shakespeare’s Yoga. Today, however, I require full-time assistance with most daily activities i.e. bathing, eating, and dressing, etc.
For someone who was once independent and hyper-efficient, the rapidly progressing interdependence became increasingly depressing. (And believe me I still have my days.) I suddenly felt useless and a burden to those around me. The only place I felt freedom from the physical and mental shackles that I now perceived I was to carry for the rest of my life was whilst riding on my candy apple red mobility scooter. Able-bodied enough to venture out on my own for a good hour and a half, my red scooter quickly became a life-enhancing mobility device of the highest order, maybe even a lifesaver.
Soon, my loving husband, Lou Cassella, researched paved bike trails so together we could explore more of the great outdoors with him by my side on his road bike.
The more we explored the world with the requirements of a limited mobility participant, the more we began to see the need for more accessible travel for everyone, not just the differently abled. Some of the places we’ve been have wowed us, the ADA accessibility at Zion National Park for example. Other spots show definite need for improvement.
Red Scooter Diaries is inspired by our adventures and observations. Our mission is to encourage those with disabilities to keep going, to get outside, to explore the world, and to move forward with a full life. To that end, Lou and I are intensely active access advocates, working with corporate entities and legislators for ADA upgrades where they’re needed most. And with success!
Together let’s raise the bar on accessibility for everyone.
Beep, beep!