''Disabilities do not define a person''

Smiling Lachlan!

I had the pleasure of meeting Lachlan Nicholson, whom was living in a beautiful wooden house tucked away at the end of a road on the mountainside. Born in Waterfall, Durban, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 18 months and his parents were given the prognosis that he would never learn to speak, write, walk or do anything for himself. Now 25 years old, despite the unfavourable prognosis he was given, he is a tattoo collector, loves reading in his spare time, an avid writer and plans to study English literature and film through UNISA. He states his, ‘’biggest challenge is feeling normal as related to the rest of society.’’

Lachlan was a victim of a house robbery back in Durban and as a result became involved in tae kwon do with an instructor in Durban, a little over a year ago. A young man with determination and a challenge on his mind, despite having to use a wheelchair to go about his daily life, decided to take on the form of martial arts that has since changed his life and made him physically stronger.

He considers his biggest achievement in life, ‘’leaving Durban for Cape Town as it is by no means a small feat.’’ Lachlan met Aly while they were both working together as journalists at Media24 in Durban and stayed in contact. He was inspired to come to Cape Town after Aly suggested he visit the beautiful and diverse city for a holiday. Aly, currently working as a paramedic, undertook a home-based care course in order to be fully equipped to take care of Lachlan. Both with journalism backgrounds, they ‘’decided to take on the trip as a project and write about accessibility in the city.’’

He wrote for his blog, The Great Cape Town Odyssey, in the evenings after a days’ quest in the city and surrounding areas about accessibility and their recent activities. The goal of his Cape Town journey and writing about it is to, ‘’push others with disabilities.’’ His favourite adventure in Cape Town was, ‘’visiting the Bay Market in Hout Bay for its diversity.’’ He expresses that he, ‘’hasn’t come across many hurdles in Cape Town, it is doable, and in some instances there might be issues but to deal with it as it comes.’’

Lachlan at Boulders Beach visiting the penguins. 

Lachlan, ‘’would want people to know about those with cerebral palsy that they may look a little a strange but are just people. Take a few minutes to engage with others with the disability and don’t fear saying the wrong thing because you might just miss out on an enlightening conversation.’’

We moved the conversation onto concerns within the disability community and Lachlan shared that his, ‘’concerns for people with disabilities include the lack of infrastructure in the county and that services to the disabled community are a joke.’’

His advice for those that avoid conversations or are scared when meeting people with disabilities is, ‘’saying hello is a good place to start. Treat people like people. Disabilities do not define a person and are usually the most boring aspect of that person.’’

Lachlan wisely shared advice for those with disabilities, ‘’Do not fear. If you are scared of doing something, build up slowly to achieve it. Make small changes every day, so big things won’t seem so big. Slowly prepare yourself. See possibilities, not hurdles.’’

Cory Lee - The accessible traveller

Twelve Apostles, Australia

Cory Lee, a 26-year-old, born in Georgia, USA is a graduate of the University of West Georgia and a keen traveller involved in accessible travel. In October 2016, Cory will be flying to South Africa to join Epic Enabled for an accessible safari trip exploring the famous Kruger National Park and a private game reserve situated in Limpopo.

When just a toddler, Cory was taken to medical professionals for a muscle biopsy after his mother noticed he wasn’t yet walking and struggled with standing up. Diagnosed at the early age of two with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a form of Muscular Dystrophy, his muscles are weaker than the average person. Due to the progression of the disease, his muscles continue to deteriorate and he now makes use of a wheelchair to go about his daily activities.

Adventurous by nature and an avid traveller, he noticed there was not much information online with regards to accessible travel so back in December of 2013 he started Curb Free with Cory Lee. The purpose of his blog is to publish information and accessibility reviews on various cities, attractions, hotels and tours that will make travelling for other wheelchair users hassle free and more of an adventure.

With a following of over 45,000 across his social media sites he states his, ’biggest achievement has been connecting with so many other people through his blog.’ Cory has spoken at various conferences and receives emails from new visitors to his blog often. He loves getting to know his followers and feels the demands of a blog make it all worthwhile when a person has been inspired to travel after reading Curb Free with Cory Lee.

Cory strongly believes, “the world is too big to stay to stay put in one place” and aims to inspire others to start exploring, while he himself travels as much as possible while still able to do so.

When asked what his concerns are when it comes to disability he stated that since he works in the travel industry, most of his concerns involve accessibility when it comes to travel and the lack of accessibility in various destinations around the world.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Cory says that he, “would love to see airplanes become more wheelchair friendly”, and explains flying as, “such an arduous process for wheelchair users and wheelchairs are often damaged during flight, so many people don’t travel at all for fear of what might happen.” He believes that if it were made possible that, “wheelchair users could remain in their wheelchairs during the flight it would open up a whole new world and be a real game changer.” Cory is hopeful that, “something will be done to improve air travel in the near future.”

Cory’s biggest challenge with regards to his own disability has been, “accepting the changes that come with SMA and the gradual weakening of his muscles.” He was once able to lift his arms up but now has trouble doing so. Cory describes himself as good with adjustment although when seeing himself lose strength he naturally worries but is determined to keep living his life to the fullest by exploring and travelling while still able. He also longs, as so do many other wheelchair users, for people to see beyond the wheelchair and know they are so many things before a wheelchair user.

Australia and Iceland are at a tie for his favourite destinations; Australia because the country has a high standard of accessibility and Iceland because the country holds abundant natural beauty. He adds he is “under the impression that diverse South Africa might become his new favourite when he visits this October.”

Cory is of course eager to see the famous Big Five and is especially interested in seeing elephants and lions as he finds them to be remarkable creatures. As a lover of all animals, he is excited to see all the wildlife that the country has to offer. Cory’s bucket list includes his dream to visit all seven continents on the globe, ride a camel in Egypt, see the Great Wall of China and feel the thrill of skydiving.

When not travelling or working on his accessible travel blog, Cory can be found discovering new restaurants, exploring the outdoors when the weather is warm or watching films and attending the theatre. 

'Disability is not contagious'

Uel Maree

It had started off as any other regular day at a youth outreach camp beside the Berg River, a river which Uel Maree who was 27 at the time had dived into many times before during that summer of 2011.

Uel dived head first with hands out in front of him into the flowing river, hitting his head in the process. He was instantly paralysed and was floating face down in the water for 45 seconds until another leader came to his rescue. He describes an experience of a feeling of peace wash over him. Once he was taken out of the water and laid across the ground, the only physical sensation he felt was that of the African sun hitting his face. He was then airlifted to Milnerton hospital for treatment, where he spent up to 100 days adjusting to his new condition.

Classified as an incomplete C5 tetraplegic, Uel is cared for by his parents in their home set in the picturesque village of Hout Bay. Originally from Durban, now 31 years old, Uel was an avid outdoorsman who loved days at the beach and exploring the surrounding mountains after moving to Cape Town four years before his accident. Naturally one of his biggest concerns was losing his sense of freedom and energetic lifestyle due to the unfortunate accident.

Happy go lucky by nature, once Uel was given the life-changing news that he was paralysed from his shoulders down, he refused to accept the news as his fate, instead focusing his energy on staying positive and working hard to regain any movement possible. He is now able to move his arms though not his hands and fingers quite yet.

Uel in hospital shortly after the accident.

His family, consisting of three sisters and his parents, were left devastated yet remained hopeful that Uel would make a complete recovery someday. The accident served as a test to true friendship, with his friendships remaining intact and unchanged. As a devoted Christian he describes his relationship with God as having grown stronger since the accident and that his faith has never faltered.

Uel expressed that the hardest part about leaving the hospital and coming back home was the realisation that no medical professionals would be around in case of an emergency. He described that it felt peculiar to be back in his parents’ home after having lived without them for seven years.

Over time he has come to understand the new condition of his body, knowing what specific sensations and headaches indicate. He has since become used to spending lengthy periods of time at home, watching movies, series and documentaries with the occasional get together with friends. His dad adapted a microphone stand to have a tablet attached to for which he uses a specially designed finger glove to type messages and claims he is just as fast as anyone else.

Smiley Uel, with his wheelchair.

When asked what he felt was important for people to understand about those with disabilities, he stated that, ‘’disability is not contagious.’’ He strongly believes that able-bodied people should be educated on how to interact with those with disabilities and that children should be taught from a young age about how to deal with people affected by disabilities.

Uel, an ex KTV presenter, has given numerous talks to teenagers and church goers, and attended fundraisers to talk about his personal struggle with disability in the hope of instilling knowledge and awareness. He aims to raise awareness about disability in rural areas and wants to get medical aid regulations with regards to disability changed as well as the import duty on wheelchairs lessened.

He jokingly replied, ‘’don’t dive into muddy water,’’ when asked what advice he would give to other people about the situation. Uel urges others that find themselves suddenly paralysed to, ‘’take it slow and realise that they might be in it for the long haul, don’t focus on the can’t rather focus on what can be done.’’

Ambitious and keen to get involved within the disability sector, Uel recently got involved with Accomable, a site dedicated to listing accessible properties, for which he scouts out accessible accommodation around the globe. A gofundme page has been set up in Uels’ name with the goal of raising funds for an accessible vehicle. Being 6.2 ft, it is a struggle and potential risk to load Uel into a standard car.

‘’But whatever may come,’’ Uel is adamant he is ready for it. And as he so wisely says; ‘’Through my accident I have realised that today is all we’ve really got. We aren’t promised tomorrow so let’s make today count.’’

We can all learn a thing or two through the adversities, daily struggles and determination to live life to the fullest from those dealing with disabilities. 

Sara is no different to able-bodied people

Sara at the start of her
safari adventure.

I met Sara on the unforgettable Epic safari tour last month. Read about the amazing experience here.

She has been married to her husband of 14 years, fun loving Andrew and they both decided they wanted to experience an African adventure. To me, Sara is a young spirited, friendly and caring women with a sparkle in her eyes. She reminds me of what a British granny would be like, who loves a good cuppa tea.

Sara described Andrew, as her constant rock and support and the one who has encouraged her to travel. She lovingly told me how without him, her life would not be so adventurous.

Since April 1991 Sara has been right leg amputee. She was experiencing extreme pain in her left leg that led to a hospital trip. After an x-ray was done, blood clots showed up as the reason for the gruelling pain. However even though it was her left leg that was infected with the blood clots, she was soon   booked in for an amputation of her right leg, as that was the leg slowly being poisoned.

She told me that at first she didn't experience many emotions as she was just happy that the pain was gone, as well as being dosed up on morphine. A couple days after the operation the shock hit her of what she had lost, describing ‘’the shock as horrendous.’’ She had to undergo another further 2 operations because of complications.

I asked Sara how her life changed after the operation, she explained that, ‘’life changed dramatically.’’ Sara was in the hospital for a dreary 11 weeks, apart from regular physiotherapy not much was going on. Her first trip out was also the first time it hit her that she wasn't going to be able bodied like before. At the festival she described, that people treated her as though she had lost her brain and not her leg. Many times people would speak to her carer instead of her. This understandably made Sara feel frustrated and she admitted a little angry.

Sara and a cheetah.

The day she left hospital she defines as the day she woke up to the fact that life would be totally changed. She was now reliant on other people to take her to places. Her daughter Jo, who had luckily finished University at the time, was able to move in and help her out. Sara says that without her help and love, she would have not got through it.

The love and support from family and friends got her through the emotional time of coming to terms with her limb loss. Sara’s employers also offered her immense support; during her 9 months off of work, her employers kept in touch and visited. Her first day back on the job she was welcomed back to work with pretty flowers and a welcome back banner. She described the staff that she worked with as all very supportive, and tells me how they jokingly told her, that if she wasn't nice to them they would take away her walking sticks away and abandon her 5 floors up! ‘’They were a load of jokers but it was the best way of dealing with the situation,’’ she positively explained.

She says that she didn't have to make any special adjustments to her new life. After being back at work for a few months she was promoted and given a company car that had been adapted just for her! Her new job also brought exciting perks of travelling around the UK and Europe.

Sara shares her advice as, ‘’anyone who suffers a similar fate has to accept that life will be different but when one door shut another opens. There are so many opportunities for disabled people to join in these days. Sport can be rewarding and travel is so very easy with all the companies geared up to dealing with disabilities. At the end of the day we are no different to able bodied people.’’

Sara and Andrew in Cape Town.

‘’Don’t be afraid, just go out there and live life to the full.’’ – Sara Marshall

Claudia the MS warrior - Part 2

Claudia ready to swim.

Claudia who enjoys spending time with family and friends, just hanging out, eating scrumptious food and chatting has developed a positive outlook since been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She loves swimming and recently took up body boarding which she describes as ''the best fun!'' For her, one activity a day is enough as she needs to be balanced in finding time to rest.

She enlightened that, ''probably the biggest lesson I learned from MS is to ask for help. I was frightfully stubborn and independent before the diagnosis. You can’t fix this on your own. I rely on the help of friends, family and medical experts daily.'' Claudia further explained that she, ''always wanted to do things at full throttle. I realize now that this is not sustainable or healthy. This is another lesson…moderation.''

''I used to get frustrated when I couldn't join in a run up the mountain or a cycle along the coast, but what is the point when MS is out of your control?'' she wisely says. ''This is cheesy but you just have to focus on the things you can do, not the things you can’t.''

She still battles with being told what is best for her but continues to work on that.

Claudia truly believes that a cure will be found within her lifetime. There is a lot of research being done in Europe and in the US. She is confident they will reach a breakthrough.

''Medication is expensive and not everyone has access to it, but that is another story,'' she told me.

I learnt from Claudia that there is no guarantee that the current medication will help manage the disease but it all that MS suffers have. Claudia’s views are that ''There are many theories about the cause of MS and there are few that believe they have the cure for MS.''

Her advice for those who have been diagnosed with MS is to, ''know there are people and resources out there to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, listen to your body and don’t be too hard on yourself. Adjusting is a journey, there are lessons to be learnt that society might not agree with. You need to know yourself better than anyone. Fear will hold you back so just be brave, believe and accept in your ability. If you get knocked back because of the MS, learn from it, use it and move forward.''

As said before, ''How you confront MS is a very personal battle!''

Claudia with a doggy friend.

Claudia the MS warrior - Part 1

Claudia loves to swim!

Diagnosed back in 2011 with the incurable Multiple Sclerosis, Claudia Dieckmann shares her warrior story. She has Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis, there are 2 other types being Primary Progressive and Progressing Relapsing. Claudia has fortunately not had a relapse since 2012, and has an injection every second day called interferon with which in itself has some side effects hampering her daily life.

 

''I feel torn as a diagnosis of MS is never welcome but without it I would not have changed the life course I was on. It is the MS diagnosis that put a huge stop sign in my way. MS has given me renewed focus on priorities in life and to appreciate all the small things,'' Claudia positively explained to me.

She began to see double but put it down to being stressed, tired and overworked. However she did go to her GP who sent her to an eye specialist who then sent her to hospital for a MRI and a lumber puncture she described as ''ouch!''

They suspected MS but they can’t diagnose on first occurrence. She was sent home off work for 5 weeks to recover. After returning to work she felt better but not a 100% and relapsed shortly afterwards. Losing feeling in her right hand, right arm and right hand side of her face, she rushed back to the neurologist. She was then given a definite diagnosis of MS and at that moment she knew life would never be the same again.

She said to me with some humour that ''I am fortunate to be in a position to manage my symptoms in a way that is not unlike the life of a house car. Sleeping and eating take up the majority of my day.''

Claudia never knew what MS was until diagnosed with it herself. She went home and Google was her first port of call for more information on the condition that would attack her central nervous system. ''The internet is full of doom and gloom but there is access to other MS warriors who are positive. Support from the MS society and the internet can offer a wealth of information,''’ she told me.

Her feelings continue to be mixed regarding MS. She said ''I feel this will always be the case. I accept that I have MS, I get frustrated, sad, and angry…everyday has its challenges. Life with MS is easier with the help of others.''

Claudia looking strong in Camps Bay.

No longer able to work, with a background in Events planning and management, Claudia’s MS condition has had an impact on her day to day life. She is able to do volunteer work though for the National Sea Rescue Institute as an administrator and with Shine helping kinds to read and write. She feels as though, ''the value from the community and the self-worth in doing something meaningful has been so beneficial to helping with the MS.''

MS makes her very tired so she sleeps in the afternoon everyday day, despite the physical symptoms she finds this in itself is very limiting.

I asked her how she copes with having MS on both a physical and emotional level, and these are her approaches to coping.  

She swims to cope physically. Being in the water makes her ''feel alive and unrestricted again. The weightless, cool and energizing environment is best.'' Claudia was once a sports enthusiast but now she can only swim because of MS. ''Sleep is also vital and getting enough rest is key in my management plan,'' along with ''regular massages with a sports massage therapist which really help to rid my body of toxins, fix aches and pains, stretch out and relax,'' She explained. She used to focus a lot on eating the right diet but has since eased up on being what she called ''pedantic about diet'' and said it is a lot less stressful not to be. She does however ''eat well but moderation and knowledge is the central focus. If I want that slice of cake, I will have it. So diet can be physically beneficial but emotionally damaging. The choice is yours.''

Standing with her father, mother, brother and sister-in law.

Emotionally she does not cope on her own. She openly talks to loved ones about how she is feeling instead of just pretending and putting on a brave face. ''Let it out and don’t let it fester.'' Claudia expresses that she sought out help and ''saw psychologists in the beginning but it was frustrating as I was being overwhelmed by MS and felt general psychology was not helping me cope. This is an ongoing process and I am keeping my eyes and ears open for the right person, as I know there is benefit to be found in their expert advice as well as objective observations.''

''How you confront MS is a very personal battle,'' she wisely shares.

There will be an interesting part 2 to Claudia, a MS warrior’s journey with Multiple Sclerosis. 

Kim's ''New World'' from the outside - Part 5

Lovely, Kaylin

This is the final chapter of Kim’s New World for our blog, but her life story still holds many more chapters. 

Kaylin takes us through her concerns for her mother’s future, how their mother-daughter relationship has evolved and advice for others going through a similar experience. 

Do you have any concerns for your mothers' future? 

Finance will always be a concern, adequate healthcare is always costly no matter which way you look at it. To live off a R1650 government disability grant is extremely tough to say the least, especially when that barely covers the basic items she needs for each month.

My mom’s health is my main concern; people in wheelchairs have problems that fully able people don’t, such as: circulation issues, chronic urinary tract infections, kidney problems and the risk of ‘the dreaded pressure sores.’

Any of these things could put her into hospital for an extended period of time which is never a nice thought.

Has the accident changed your relationship with your mother?

My mother’s accident has definitely changed our relationship for the better. Growing up I didn’t really appreciate my mother and all the things she did for us when we were younger. I know it sounds cliché but her accident made me realise how fragile life it and how much you take people closest to you for granted.

I am a grateful that I get to help my mother after all she has done for me. I would not be where I am today and with my medical degree if not for my mother’s support, so for this nothing I do could come close to the thanks I have towards her.

She is by far the most amazing woman I know – her strength, love and hope makes her who she is.

As a daughter of a wheelchair user, what advice would you give to other people in the same situation?

Having a loved one in a wheelchair is extremely challenging at times, for both parties.

It’s very difficult for children, partners, spouse and family to see their loved ones in a position such as my mother’s but don’t ever unload negative feelings such as anger or sadness towards the affected person.

Unfortunately this has been challenging for my 3 younger siblings, I think they are all still young and look at it from a different point of view. This doesn't make things any easier.

Kims' 4 kids. 

Be considerate – put yourself in the affected persons' position always.

Take each day as it comes and try not think too far ahead, it will only add unnecessary stress to your life.

You need to be more accommodating, there are always ways of doing things and it may not be conventional but so what? There is a solution to every problem.

I remember one day my mother wanted her hair dyed but alas her wheelchair would not fit through the bathroom door, instead we sat her on the bed in front of a massive bucket, lots and lots of black bags and towels (covering my white carpets!). Looking like a scene out of CSI we got things done. Yes it may have taken 2 hours instead of 30 minutes but we managed.

Kaylin's 21st with Kim. 

Always encourage the wheelchair user to what is easier for them not what is labelled as 'the norm.' We ended up putting a spare bed in our lounge so when the family spends time together my mom can lie down and relax. It looked very strange to visitors but now it’s normal to us.

It’s very scary but you aren’t the only one feeling that way, you learn together and its team work.We came out being the toughest mother and daughter team around!

November 2010 …….. can this really be possible? So 2011 is around the corner already!

Judging from our November Kruger Park clients’ comments, it seems they were able to forget how fast time moves these days, leave their regular lives behind, and soak up every bit of their Bush holiday.

Ruud, Roos & Nine from Holland wrote: “This was a very, very cool vacation we all liked it. You are really in the bush and very close to the animals. And Alfie and other people are very good in explaining a lot of things about the animals. We learnt a lot. We also like the houses were we slept. A really African interior and it was wheelchair friendly. And the food was really nice! Alfie cooks fantastically and he helps you a lot.

In 3 words: A GREAT HOLIDAY!!!”

It’s so wonderful when clients enjoy the Wildlife during the tour – it’s not too often one sees Wild Dog and Hyena with their cubs, a real treat. 

Sandra & Keith from the UK said: “Tour Highlights: for both of us meeting and interacting with the cheetahs was amazing!

The whole tour start to finish was brilliant. Alfie is a great tour guide and the way he deals with the handicapped members of the group is fantastic.

The Kruger Park game drives were great. We saw Wild-dog, Lions, Elephants, White Rhino, Warthogs, a Lion with kill, Hyena with cubs, Giraffe, Buffalo, and the list goes on……

The second part of the tour at Tshukudu, where we spent the time on game drives, interacting with different animals like the cheetahs and a tour to see the leopard and lion which was amazing.

Tshukudu camp itself is a beautiful place.   *EXCELLENT* ”

Alfie’s food is very popular according to the clients, so we see him as the Bush Chef of note …..as Debbie & Colin from the UK write:

“Highlights: Spending time with such lovely people and see so much amazing wildlife.

We have been on some wonderful holidays but nothing compares to this. The whole system worked perfectly, from the minute we were met a the airport, the welcome, the accommodation, the wildlife we saw, the places we visited and the wonderful people we met and hopefully will stay in touch with long after the holiday ends. The most amazing encounters with king cheetah, caracal and lion at such close range will stay with us for ever. Alfie was so organized & efficient and his food was great.”

The maxim of “If you think you can’t do it, think again” has to be the most rewarding feedback, Margaret & Wendy from the UK tell us:  “Highlights: Everything, animals, staff, fantastic experience, great bunch of travellers.

Whatever your disability you can do everything on this holiday beyond your wildest dreams. If you think you can’t do it, think again. If you aren’t disabled it is an inspirational holiday!”

Jan & Hanneke from Holland write: “Highlights: An elephant pushing over a tree, a baby elephant almost entering Tshukudu coming to check out me in my wheelchair

Just a short notice to tell you guys we are back in Holland.

Jan is very busy making your movie from the guesthouse. It will take a few days before he is finished. I am busy writing on my Blog (http://vakantie-gehandicapten.blogspot.com/) about our experience and have mentioned your name and both your websites.

We have had a perfect holiday. We loved South Africa and being with you guys. To see how you run tours and the guesthouse. Everyone has his own way of doing things but you take the effort to make guests feel at ease and at home. You do a hell of a job. So thank you very much for this perfect stay in South Africa.

In case you would like stay with us in the future just let us know. You are welcome at all times. And we like to meet you guys again in the future wherever this will be.

Regards, Hanneke and Jan”

What a lovely mix of travellers together on our November trip – Thank you all for enjoying Epic Enabled’s & Epic Guesthouse’s hospitality