I had my first solo trip today, went to supermarket. Only needed a few things, so I balanced basket across my knees and had a blast, everyone so helpful and friendly. Thank you for the tips in this video, gave me the confidence to try it out for myself :)
just a tip if you want to use a basket get some sort of strap you can just strap around you and the basket so it wont fall off your lap i have had that happen and its frusterating lol
I absolutely love your channel! I’m in a wheelchair too due to a traumatic brain injury and due to that missing a Chunk of brain but it’s totally fine I wasn’t using it anyway. Your videos have inspired me to go to a concert and be hopeful about life again and live it to the fullest. I love your videos. Please keep making more!
I love what you said that you are trying to be the person you needed when this first happened to you. Thats exactly who I am trying to be even though I'm new to it. I am an ambulatory wheelchair user as well. I work in an elementary school and I have a vision to show the kids that this is not the end to life as I knew it. My chair enables me to be mobile. I tell them when I use my chair I'm not disabled, I am abled!
@@Wheels2Walking I don't know if you have heard of "Think First" but it's a non profit organization. I was a guest speaker that was going to schools in my area and talking to the students about my story. If you think you might be interested you should look it up. I only spoke for one school year than I got really sick and never went back.
I was just telling my husband today that I am so thankful for you and your videos. I too am semi-ambulatory. I can walk short distances but trying to traverse a whole grocery store or something still hurts like Hell. I am in tears with gratitude that you make your videos. Too many times people have seen me stand up to grab something.. Or as I wobble walk to my car, ignorant folks have called me a faker and phony.. I truly appreciate you. Thank you.
Am I talking to my twin? I have basically stopped going out places where I have to walk far. My wheelchair is cheap and not easy to push around so I have pretty much stopped using it. And like you, I get weird looks or comments! The pain is excruciating and I am now in the process of trying to get a custom made wheelchair and hopefully I can just ignore these rude and ignorant people. Its good to know I am not the only one.
In my local store (in Scotland) we have trolleys that attach to the wheelchair with clips onto the front leg /step bars. a lot easier than using a standard shopping cart.
@@Wheels2Walking would be awesome if we did have those cause i really hate using the electric chairs in the store i never used to use them but its just so much faster now and i will just have my bf drop me off at the store he will get the cart thing and put me on it and off i go he hates to shop lol
Ive seen that before i wish & hope it comes to Canada soon it seems so much easier because its not as deep as normal carts an you don't have to switch hands ever other second
Through trial and error with the people I work with I have found that the clip on baskets don’t clip on to all custom built chairs / moulded chairs, they are great for the more standard shaped chairs though
@Callanwolde Wingo never seen them. In which stores? (please tell me. I'm working with disabled and "how do I go into a store? I can't drive me wheelchair and this bloody cart!" Is a very often asked question. (I'm writting in english so other people can understand too(; )
hey man i work for a supermarket and want to tell u find u need some help all you can do is to ask and they can stay with you for the whole shopping trip.
Im a physical therapist. Your channel and these videos are amazing. Helps me want to work harder to help my patients get out into the world and find their strength to rock life. You're such a cool dude.
I love, love, LOVE your channel!!! I've been on wheels for two years. I use a powerchair due to using a manual chair damaging my joints (I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a rare connective tissue disorder). When I first starting using wheels, I really needed a channel like yours (and honestly, I learn from every one of your videos). THANK YOU for being a resource for fellow wheelies in showing all of us that we CAN still LIVE LIFE and don't have to settle for any limitations! Keep on keepin' on, Dude!!! 👍
Dude! this was such a nice comment for you to leave 😊I believe wheelchairs CAN be a source of freedom and that we CAN live full and independent life with one. I didn't learn about EDS until i started this channel. Lots of you guys, POTS, Spina bifida and many more have collectively joined and it's been really great meeting every kind of wheelchair user out there. I'm so grateful that you're watching and enjoying all my videos and getting a lot of value out of them! like i mentioned in my channel trailer, the biggest inspiration for this is the younger version of myself who didn't have any information or role models to look up to. I hope to be the person i needed when i first got hurt.
I’ve been in a chair 17 years. I love what you’re doing man. Keep it up! Can we see a video on your vehicle hand controls? I like seeing people’s setup.
Thanks dude! I haven't made a video about my hand controls yet but i may in the future! follow me on instagram and i'll make a story about them for ya. you're not the first to ask 😁
If you need someone to show the super not cool push/pull type, let me know lol. I'm in process of getting rigged out better, but it costs. Hopefully soon, though!
-Something I noticed and wanted to give you a thumbs up for. When you asked for help, you were polite, said please and thank you. So many people forget that simple courtesy. Thank you for doing this channel.
I can’t thank you enough. This video is EXACTLY what I needed to see. I had such anxiety just anticipating my first grocery trip after my accident. This was so helpful, informative and uplifting. Thank you!
Was using my power chair, in our version of Walmart- was reaching for some painkillers and this woman tries to stifle a scream and says “where is it’s carer?! How can it be allowed in here unsupervised?!!” Umm neither can you, apparently, lady.
Wheels2Walking oooooh yeah, big time. I’m the only chair user in this area (if there is others they are housebound like I am for 300 days a year) but I’ve also had “I want a shot of your hover board, I’ve never seen one with a seat!” And someone felt the need to kiss me, people pat me like I’m a dog, people will work for up to 3 mins or more to purposefully ignore me including looking up at the ceiling and humming quietly while I repeated “excuse me, sir, would you mind letting me get through the door? Excuse me could you move a bit?” (He didn’t move- I flattened his toes twice with 2 wheels in a heavy power chair, he was so determined to ignore me he didn’t even react) I’ve had a woman follow me around the store talking about how people shouldn’t be allowed chairs in the shop because they are annoying to try moving around. I’ve had 2 teen boys laugh hysterically when I tried getting in a really high shop door ( I managed) I turned back and loudly said something very blatant back at them and their faces were priceless. And I’ve had so many you mention regarding crutches and being able to stand and stuff. I’ve had a lot of stuff surrounding Dating too as well as “it’s a shame about the chair, you’d look alright without it, have you tried just being normal?” 😂😂 but to the “Can I have a shot” I say “sure, if I can have a shot of your legs” we just need to try and find humour and educate where we can... I’ve had an idea to offer my MP my power chair and to use it as I would in my area for a day, he promised me dipped kerbs and Stuff so things are a bit easier but I’d really like to show him that 12 steps and a steep slope isn’t wheelchair friendly.
Wheels2Walking ps, thanks for the videos, I fought most my life to stay out of a chair but the time came and your channel has really been helping me see that I can make friends and that everyone who ditched me isn’t everyone I’ll meet, although my boyfriend is awesome about it all and he is the best friend I could ask for. Hope you’re doing ok btw.
I was thinking the same. We have them also in Finland and I was thinking that they have electric scooters for disabled people, why they dont have those carts 🤔
We have them to for independent or accompanied wheelchair users. But also help for shoppers in grocery stores and other places so they get a person from the staff going with them pushing carts (when it's normal carts) and picking unreachable stuff from the shelves.
I wonder, what those thick red carts are made of. Heavy plastic? Plastic around metal or paimted hollow metal structure? Where i live they are fully metallic but the handle
I just want to say thank you for creating and posting all of these videos. Although I am not a wheelchair user, I am becoming an elementary teacher. I want to be prepared to support all my students, especially those with physical disabilities. Thank you for taking time to educate the public!
Could you do a video on how you load your wheelchair in to your car as well as transfere into your car. I now have been in the chair for 4 years. I still struggle with loading my chair into my car without assistance. Thank You for sharing
This video is awesome....I keep a folding hiking stick in my chair when I shop....nothing is out of my reach...just have to catch falling objects to succeed!....Love this channel....Thanks!
That's a bit risky for some groceries but I do it all the time with clothes! I take a cloth hanger and lift another hanger (which has the shirt or something I want but too high) with the other end of it and drop it 😁 I am just short heh.. I couldn't reach that top shelf he did in this video and he is in a chair 🙈
I'm watching all your videos :) These are exactly what I've needed. It took me so long to get my chair so I'm still learning a lot of the skills I need to be independent again. I'm like you were - if I see another chair user, I watch them (and often have a conversation) so I can learn how to do stuff. No one thinks about the "little things" like grocery shopping or just regular day to day stuff. I'm very thankful to the people who've helped me along so far and I always try to share what I've learned with others who need it. One thing I haven't been able to figure out yet is how to deal with snow. Where I'm at, we regularly get a few feet of snow at a time and I've been stuck inside way too much this winter. I would love any tips or tricks you may know about getting around in the snow (or bad weather of any kind, I'm always a mess if it rains/snows, even with clothing guards on my chair). You are doing something incredible here, I can't wait to see where you go with your channel and how it grows!
There is a Channel here on TY called wheelsnoheels and she just put a video up about pushing in the snow and i think that could be a great help to you! her name is Gem and she's super sweet! be sure to say hi to her for me 😁
Kari Lucas thank you so much for your kind words and support! Keep your eyes peeled for more videos coming soon. For now, I’m super active on Instagram and you can catch me there 😁
This is awesome! As a SPED teacher, this is really good information and inspiration to all of our kids. I can't wait to show this channel to my students.
this is totally off topic but you have some nice eyes. anyway, I love the fact that you are doing these videos as they really people who are newly in wheelchairs get most if not all of their independence back. Keep up the great work!!!
I really appreciate how specific and in depth all your videos are, you really lay out all there is to know. I'm not usually a wheelchair user but this is so informative it really helps understand wheelchair users better. I think in addition to helping people out when they are learning to function in their wheelchair these kinds of videos are also so good at helping people understand and gain empathy for different ways of living. I am studying to be an industrial designer and I hope to work on adaptive technology, products, and systems when I graduate, and it's so useful to see the nitty gritty of how life can look like for you, and different ways you make it work. I know if I were trying to reintegrate my life after an injury these videos would be so special. Since my health declined it was channels and communities like these that really made me feel better about where I'm at and where my life could go despite my challenges. Thanks so much for doing what you're doing!!
I have a condition I was born with and although I’m stubborn to be as able as possible, it’s inevitable I will end up in a wheelchair within the next 2 or 3 years approx. doctors told me I’d be wheelchair bound by age 30 but I hit 31 in a few months and I’m still rocking my stick or crutches through sheer determination! My disability is non curable but dude, your channel is awesome. It’s like I’m able to learn the tricks and tips before than time comes. Before finding your channel I saw the wheelchair as a negative thing, as though when my body needs a wheelchair its a sign of weakness, but you’ve shown me it’s totally not. I’m on my own journey and I’m blessed. I’m in a lot of pain 24/7 but it has increased over my lifespan, and I couldn’t imagine being in an accident or injury where it’s just like SNAP your now disabled. I’ve had time to adjust, and I adjust to my body worsening as time goes by. We are all so amazing in every way, we all have similar journeys yet so individual and personal. Your channel has made me less afraid of the time when I do use a wheelchair. My occupational therapist has been trying to install a stairlift in my home for a few years, and I’m like DUDE NO, I can do the stairs even if it takes half an hour and a lot of pain. However, doing it myself is great and all, but using the stairs will screw me over for the rest of the day and possibly the following day as it makes my body angry, painful and tired. So, I’m left wondering if I’m perhaps too stubborn for my own good lol! At times I’ve been using crutches out and about and genuinely felt stuck, like I couldn’t go any further, too much for my body, but because I’m too stubborn for a chair I will find somewhere to sit and take a break, then go a bit further and so on. My life would be a hell of a lot easier and more enriched with a chair. My daughter misses out on many trips out with me because I just can’t do it, despite a rigid and regular dedication to my physiotherapy, and I feel like time is flying and I’m missing out on things with her that I can’t get back. I don’t know if I should use a chair, I’m my own worst damn enemy! Lol! I guess time will tell. Apologies for writing loads here, but your channel is awesome and inspires and comforts me allot. Thank you.
buff guys in a wheelchair isn't always a stereotype I having been there know how much of a work out it is to be pushing yourself all-day so those in a manual chair typically have great upper body strength
Awesome video!! I've given your url to my niece, who is a physiotherapist, to give to her patients. Funny thought - you said that everyone should return trolleys in car-parks, but I had a funny thing happen last week. I go to the supermarket myself sometimes (I'm usually only allowed out with a 'companion'), but my daughter's always at home in case I need 'rescuing'. Anyway, last week, I bought slightly too many groceries, and instead of fighting to get them home, I rang her to drive over to the shops and take the stuff home. She turned up in her PJ's so I put the shopping into the back of the car and said 'Go, I'll return the trolley'... Well.... That was fun... Here, in Australia, we have to put a coin (or a token) into the trolley to 'unlock' them, then, to return them, you have to lock your trolley into another one (or the docks). Anyway... I went to return the trolley, but there was only one in the dock, and it was a LONG way in - and my wheelchair didn't fit between the dock-rails!!! I ended up having to do something I hated and dock my trolley to a rogue one someone left in the parking lot to get my coin back :( Thanks, again, for the great channel!
My name is David I'm a newbie I can understand the stores what gets me is when I see kids riding on the electric scooters provided by the store and having a party. Thank you for your videos doing a great job appreciate it
You are not just helping the young or the newly injured. My husband is 68 and just newly diagnosed, injuries have occurred over many years but we did not know until a thoracic incident wiped out his legs a year ago. We were just always told he had a bad back. You have taught us a lot. Kudos
As a fellow wheelchair user I love your videos because your straightforward about things and don’t hold back. As a little tip the other thing that you can do whenever you go to the grocery store is take a backpack and load your groceries into it. I’d like to see you do a video on how to safely get into and out of a bus if the lift is broken on the bus and you really need to get on it . Also one on how to safely use the escalator if the elevator is broken. Keep up the good work and stay positive brother .
I don't have a wheelchair but I commemorate what you are doing. Taking what has happened to you and making it something that can help others. I thank you for stepping up and making a difference in someone's life. Keep up the wonderful work. Continue to bless others.
I'm not in a wheelchair but I'm loving your videos. It really helps put life into prospective and shows how lucky we all are. Very entertaining man and loving the vids. On a side note in Australia we have click and collect and home delivery as an option also?
Here in the Netherlands also, even in small villages like mine. Problem is that if you're living alone, that the delivery costs are pretty high in comparison to your grocery shopping.
This is great! You are doing a great service for those who are learning to have a chair in their lives. My journey was a long slow one so I've had plenty of time to adjust to life as it changes but I found a couple of helpful things today in your video. Blessings on you for your heart for others!
I just recently got a motorized wheelchair, so I'm relearning how to do stuff. It sounds silly, but I had gotten so used to how I did things in a manual chair with my service dog helping me, and this is just new and different all over again. I'll get it, eventually. And this time I'm not being such a jerk to myself lol. I'm watching videos and joined a really cool, supportive, wheelchair user group so I can acclimate better.
I have so much respect for you only after watching 3 videos, it's so good to see you helping others and pushing the disabled ones to not back down, and showing the fortunate of us the life of a disabled person and pushing us to help and not look down on anyone for their looks and conditions. Much love to you sir, i hope the best for you.
America needs what the uk has- special trolleys/carts that clip to wheelchairs. I’m quite short (medical reason) and I sometimes have to ask for help to get things from top shelves.
Have to say that I'm very proud of you and thank you for sharing your life with all of us. I'm not in a wheelchair but I am using a mobility chair. I agree you about shopping on busy days. your right about people being close by and willing to help reach for things that you can't. I shop Sam's Club and so far, there has always been another customer that has asked if I needed help. One day a fella at check-out helped me and he even offered to follow me out and help load the stuff into my truck. I had a lot of stuff. I have a big Sam's cold bag that I keep on my lap, and I added a special collapsible basket to rear of the chair. I fill that first, then hit the cold storage for milk meat and so on. So, all in all you are an inspiration, and I thank you for that.
thanks for sharing your feelings,problems and adaptations. I'm not wheelchair bound but am limited as to how far i can go at one time, Have copd so after about 20 steps, have to stop and rest with each stop lasting longer. Even tho i have O2, if I turn it up enough to be good , it will run out before I can finish shopping. I use the riders too and if really bad day will ask store employee to bring it to my car. These Publix guys here in pensacola are the greatest... I couldn't do my shopping without them. Went to Cracker Barrel and was waiting for a person to back out of HC space when another HC driver dove in ahead of me....had his daughter unload scooter off his car, sits down and drives in. he could have parked anywhere and ridden in, but now i have to walk a lot further. Will have to use my walker to be able to make it all the waly. So frustrating sometimes. What really makes me mad is seeing a person sitting in the car while parked in a HC spot waiting for someone to go in and shop. They could park anywhere then pick them up at the front door. You are an amazing man and i admire your strength and tenacity. I also feel your pain and how you have risen above it to be the best you can. God bless you sir.
LOL @1:40 "Living life in a wheelchair is like ADDED steps" Very Punny. I am in a wheelchair myself (From Birth. Spina Bifida & 2 other things I have trouble pronouncing, let alone spelling lol) Just found your vlogs a few days ago & lovin it.
Heeey! Thanks so much for this video. I’m currently in a walking boot and just started PT so I’m in pain more often and today I used the grocery store scooter for the first time. People were super nice. It was helpful to watch this video for the tips and courage to use the wheelchairs/scooters when available and ask for help when I need it. Thanks man!
Thank you for your incredible optimism --being in a wheelchair myself these are great tips and exellent for self confidence . Keep up the good work man! --you are useful not only to society but to yourself first .
I thank you for this video. It's awesome to see that you push your own shopping cart and are just so independent. I know that I've only been in a wheel chair for a year and you have so much more experience than me. I just haven't gotten there yet, lol. You were like skating through the isles. Compared to you, I'm so needy. LOL
Angel Deshotel hahaha yeah you’re right I do have more experience and time in a chair. Just try one new thing each time you go and in a few months you’ll be an expert just like me 😋
Love all your videos! How about doing one on adaptive sports? I’m on the US Adaptive Water Ski Team. Live in Atlanta. We train on Lake Allatoona! Would love to have you at a practice. One of my pet peeves - people who spit on the ground! I don’t want your spit on my hands. Yuck. You could do a whole video on pet peeves. Also - people don’t get the issues with parking. Also - I had a few accessibility issues at Suntrust. Guess who’s now on the Atlanta Braves Accessibility Board? This chick is! Keep up the good work!
I was diagnosed with FSHD 2 muscular dystrophy in 2008. Basically my muscles are wasting away. Where I live the is next to no support for this. Recently I have had to transfer from a walker to a basic wheel chair. I have had a hard time adjusting to this but you videos have help me a lot. I am not as speedy as you because the muscles in my arm are also very weak. Keep on making and helping with your videos. So helpful. Thank you.
See I’m 17 and I use a wheelchair sometimes and the main issue I have is if I’m doing something it (sometimes) looks like I’m struggling with it when I’m not and people either stare or ask if I need help when I don’t. It’s just how I do things. If I need help, I’ll ask you
I don't mind people asking if they can help. It's when they jump in and insist that I get testy. People legit like helping and I don't mind letting them as long as they're polite about it and it is actually helpful. High and low shelves? YES. Doors I can open easily? ehhhh please no, it's easier if they're out of my way.
I have Mild-Angular Scoliosis, and Cronic Leg pain , I may have to use a wheelchair because I might need my right leg amputated and this really gives me so much information Thank you!
2:35 The only flaw in that belief, speaking as a w/c user with OA, is I don't have to leave my chair anywhere inside a grocery store. It's in the trunk of my car, and I'd only use it for shopping if there weren't any available scooter carts. (I use a mobility cane from my car to the entrance that usually have the scooter carts stationed) It's true a w/c can be ripped off from your car. But I've used my chair for 10 yrs., and it's never been stolen. Replaced, rather, when it's suffering wear-n-tear, but never stolen. Also, I paint a filled coffee cup on the back of my w/c. It gives others a smile, and I love coffee. ☕😊
Little tip, I use a large backpack worn backward to shop, there is also a bunjee cord in it. I put it across the back of my neck if necessary to hang more bags. The weight will be on your knees not always your neck. It's just to keep them there
I'm shocked to see that you don't have a bigger following than you do. What youre doing for other people is amazing and I'm really glad youtube recommended me your videos. I am able bodied but I like to be knowledgeable about other people's life experiences and how to be a good ally to other people. Keep up the great content!
Thanks Dude! I'm still 6'8" so I can reach a lot of stuff but I am already practicing sitting on my wheel to get another 4" plus it puts me closer for another couple of inches. Incredibly simple and easy. Keep on truckin on.
I really wish stores would have cart return spaces closer to the handicap spots. I am not in a wheelchair. But I have a handicap placard because I have multiple conditions that make walking distances difficult. In stores with carts, I am able to use the cart for support rather than trying to juggle a walker and a shopping cart. But then I get back to my car and the cart return is halfway across the parking lot. Many days I am not able to return the car then walk unaided back to my car because it is too far. So I push the cart as far out of the way as possible. But if the cart return was closer to the handicap spots, I would not have to do that.
One thing I do that helps me when going shopping is, put the items on my grocery list in order that they have them on the shelves in the store so I don't have to race up and down a hundred times. I always go to the same 3 stores so I have the layout memorized. Also, at check-out, I put the items I want on the bottom of the bag on the belt first and ask the cashier to put them in the bag in that order.
I've been in a chair since 1978. I was 24 years old when i broke my neck in three places in a motorcycle accident. I'm considered a C3, C5, C7, incomplete quad. I tried pushing a cart around the store and found that it didn't work good for me. Long story short, i have arm rest for my chair but i don't use them for arm rests. When i shop, i turn them around backwards and hang one of those re-usable shopping bags like you have listed behind me. I also use a bag on my lap and it's amazing how much you can carry. I might have to make a couple of trips to get everything i need, but that is what works best for me...Love your determination and keep pushing on...
oh dang i never thought of that cause i dont use my arm rests either only if its raining or snowing and i dont wanna get my clothes wet from the wheels
Good advice, I totally do same!! I do have a battery charged chair, so I keep the shopping bags folded in the back pouch, for filling when at register. Then can be hung on back by looping over headrest on back. I no longer drive, it’s public transit or if within reason, I travel home in chair. I use cane or walker at home.
The UK needs carts like that. We have heavy metal carts which are really hard to push. I love that most people are helpful with getting stuff down for me. I have had some people even offer to come round with me and grab all the high stuff! People can be great
i can imagine! the trollies you have there the wheels all spin making it almost impossible to push. whenever i can i always like to bring a friend with me to the store 😁Thats always the best option if i have that available 😋
I am not In a wheelchair but I have severe scoliosis, for a year and a half I had to wear a full back brace which made it really difficult to do certain things. Unfortunately I didn’t wear it as often as I should’ve and now I have two medal rods fusing my spine to be strait. I am fully functioning on my own ... just with a lot of pain. Even though I am not in the same situation as you and many other, this channel is inspirational for any person especially if they have some for of disability. I just started watching you and I already love your videos. Keep it up!
Same, it's very interesting and I'm learning. I only know 1 person in a wheelchair, and that was the guy that came to talk to our school because some 8th graders were speeding with a car and the school found out about it (pls don't ask, they're crazy). I think it was the first time we were all quiet for 45 minutes, cuz usually our limit it 30 min and then everything goes downhill.
So my aunt has SEVERE Rhuematoid Arthritis, she made a valid point, she said word for word “Why isn’t there a cart area for like 2 or 3 carts for the disabled, why should we have to push a cart so far down if we need handicap parking in the firsts place” and I was like “PREACH!!!!!!”
I'm glad I found this channel and video. Shopping is something I hate to do because it seems so much of a burden in my chair, even if I've been dealing with this my entire life. I hadn't thought about using reusable bags but now I'm definitely going to get some.
I also use the self check out to take time to organize my bags, and you're the first person I know that does it too! I live up several flights of stairs (no wheelchair, obviously), so I like to organize my bags so that I can carry them all up in one trip. I'm not sure if this would work in wheelchair, but another tip I use is that I have a 40L hiking backpack that I use for groceries. It holds a lot and lets me have another arm free.
I’ve noticed shopping carts where I’m from have 4 caster wheels where as the ones in the vid have locked back wheels. Having all caster wheels makes it a lot harder to push
Great vid! I have a walking disability and I actually like it when the cart is left beside the handicapped spot. Otherwise, I need to take my walker to the carts, pull one out, walk it back to my car to put my walker away (or else put it on the cart as I shop). My other option is to take the walker inside and leave it at the service desk while I use a manual wc or scooter (if available). If a cart is left by the handicap spot, I consider it a great day, lol. :D
Something that really helps be both for using large shopping baskets that can’t be on lap, or large reusable bags (like I use for laundry) or just bringing my luggage when traveling: Caddy luggage holders! Just one little foldable plastic thing on each side of your chair just above the footrest, doesn’t take much space at all and doesn’t really add any weight, but when you need to bring something more easily or just want to change your pressure a bit, fold the luggage holders down and voila, you have a great space for that pesky basket, laundry bag or luggage, or just a place to rest your feet a bit to change position while sitting. I’ve had my Caddy holders for 6 months now and I don’t know how I managed for 5,5 years without them lol Now I can finally use those large shopping baskets with wheels under that are too inconvenient to hold and propel with as they get too heavy, and I have a place to that bag or suitcase you’d normally try to balance on your lap or between your feet. I can still have to have a bag between my feet at times (happened this afternoon) but it happens less now than before, which for sure helps my sore hips, and for someone who can’t use their legs it can for sure help to have somewhere to put things on their chair as they can’t just hold things in place with their feet like I do. Such a simple thing that really does make a huge difference in everyday life
It really does help a lot! It’s been a game changer for when I visit shops that don’t have regular baskets that can be put on my lap, and for me using a cart is just too heavy as they’re made out of metal here and usually very heavy to move and steer, especially outside the shop. So basket on lap is my best way of shopping, but now I also have the option of using the larger baskets that don’t fit on my lap and that people would normally drag behind them, those large baskets are rather too heavy and having to bend down to the ground all the time is a nightmare, and they’re also heavy if doing the one hand drive while holding the basket. The shop in my Instagram post only have those huge baskets or metal carts, so I used to be very limited to putting things on my lap or almost break my back with one of the baskets. Now I just put it on the luggage holders and roll around freely without back pain. I’ve been commenting the baskets to the shop many times and cashiers agree with me, but they’re speaking for deaf ears when they bring it up to their superiors. I probably should make a formal complaint about accessibility but oh well. That shop isn’t even a grocery store but more of a shop where you can get hygiene products, cleaning products and some household items and so on. There’s also many other shops lacking small lap-friendly baskets, so then it’s amazing to have the option to just put a big basket on my holders on the chair. I really use the holders a lot more than I thought I would considering I’m no longer traveling on a regular basis like I used to
I do my grocery shopping on my mobility scooter. I have fabric bags with handles long enough to go over the head rest of the seat (they are strong enough to hold over 10kg, too), and as I do my shopping, I put it in the bags. When I get to the checkout, I tend to use one with someone working there, and I put my bags on the counter and pull the sides down so it's easy for them to see what's in the bag. Then I hang them off the back of the seat and ride home.
I can also use the scooter to help me reach up high, I'm only 4'10" on my feet as it is. There is a town here in Australia called Longreach. I do not come from Longreach (my arms are short like the rest of me)
I usually shop by myself but my aunt went with me today as I had an extra long list. She got her stuff also but she was there to get all the things on the top and bottom shelves plus grab the things out of the freezer for me. She said she felt like She didn’t help much and I told her if I had to do it myself it would have taken me over an hour and with her help it only took about 35 minutes. Not having to reach up or down or brace myself to get up to the top shelf really cut the time down. Without her I would have had to do two trips to the checkout to get everything I needed(been home bound for two weeks). I am lucky that my immobility is progressive so I am slowly having to adjust and was not caused by an accident like so many others who wake up to a completely new way of life. Also living in a small community there is family nearby and everyone knows what everyone may need in the way of a helping hand.
Just discovered you yesterday by chance. I've been in a wheelchair my whole life (spina bifida). Ive done the sitting on the wheel move to grab top shelf items but I also take a grabber tool in to shop to grab those things on top shelves. Only time I may need to ask for help is if it is a heavier item that would be safer NOT to use the grabber tool. Also, AMEN on putting away your cart!!! I ALWAYS put mine up, rain/shine, hot/cold! As you said, if we can do it, able-bodied can!
I totally understand the fear of having to leave your chair. I have a cable lock that I put through both wheels and the frame . Shopping is one of my least favourite activities but supermarkets have great floors for skidding around and having fun with the kids.
I had my first solo trip today, went to supermarket. Only needed a few things, so I balanced basket across my knees and had a blast, everyone so helpful and friendly. Thank you for the tips in this video, gave me the confidence to try it out for myself :)
AHHHHH!!!! THAT MAKES ME SO HAPPY!
just a tip if you want to use a basket get some sort of strap you can just strap around you and the basket so it wont fall off your lap i have had that happen and its frusterating lol
I absolutely love your channel! I’m in a wheelchair too due to a traumatic brain injury and due to that missing a Chunk of brain but it’s totally fine I wasn’t using it anyway. Your videos have inspired me to go to a concert and be hopeful about life again and live it to the fullest. I love your videos. Please keep making more!
I love what you said that you are trying to be the person you needed when this first happened to you. Thats exactly who I am trying to be even though I'm new to it. I am an ambulatory wheelchair user as well.
I work in an elementary school and I have a vision to show the kids that this is not the end to life as I knew it. My chair enables me to be mobile. I tell them when I use my chair I'm not disabled, I am abled!
what a great message to share with children! Keep up the good work and they will have a new perception on disability for life 😁
@@Wheels2Walking I don't know if you have heard of "Think First" but it's a non profit organization. I was a guest speaker that was going to schools in my area and talking to the students about my story. If you think you might be interested you should look it up. I only spoke for one school year than I got really sick and never went back.
I was just telling my husband today that I am so thankful for you and your videos. I too am semi-ambulatory. I can walk short distances but trying to traverse a whole grocery store or something still hurts like Hell. I am in tears with gratitude that you make your videos. Too many times people have seen me stand up to grab something.. Or as I wobble walk to my car, ignorant folks have called me a faker and phony..
I truly appreciate you. Thank you.
Jenn Mclane Keep on going Jenn! I believe in your capabilities to strive on living with a wheelchair. You got this and you are abled!!!
Am I talking to my twin? I have basically stopped going out places where I have to walk far. My wheelchair is cheap and not easy to push around so I have pretty much stopped using it. And like you, I get weird looks or comments! The pain is excruciating and I am now in the process of trying to get a custom made wheelchair and hopefully I can just ignore these rude and ignorant people. Its good to know I am not the only one.
In my local store (in Scotland) we have trolleys that attach to the wheelchair with clips onto the front leg /step bars. a lot easier than using a standard shopping cart.
I’ve heard about those. We don’t have them here in the US :/
@@Wheels2Walking would be awesome if we did have those cause i really hate using the electric chairs in the store i never used to use them but its just so much faster now and i will just have my bf drop me off at the store he will get the cart thing and put me on it and off i go he hates to shop lol
Wheels2Walking I’ve seen those clip on carts in target.
Those things are a pain. I help my mother who uses a wheelchair and they do t fit any of her chairs, not exactly one size fits all as they seem.
Does seem to depend on shop as well in Scotland. But I think all the major ones do?
I’m not even handicap, this stuff is just so interesting.
Same😂
Same
Same
I hope you never have to find out what it's like. Appreciate your legs, and please, go for a walk for me, or have a dance for me.
@Caleigh Dadey Mine's a progressive disease, it's going to keep getting worse.
In England (and maybe other places) we have baskets that clip onto the front of your wheelchair, it's pretty neat
Ive seen that before i wish & hope it comes to Canada soon it seems so much easier because its not as deep as normal carts an you don't have to switch hands ever other second
Same
Through trial and error with the people I work with I have found that the clip on baskets don’t clip on to all custom built chairs / moulded chairs, they are great for the more standard shaped chairs though
Theo Strong If you are referring to Tesco they are awful. They damage your chair and are near impossible to push round corners.
@Callanwolde Wingo never seen them. In which stores? (please tell me. I'm working with disabled and "how do I go into a store? I can't drive me wheelchair and this bloody cart!" Is a very often asked question.
(I'm writting in english so other people can understand too(; )
hey man i work for a supermarket and want to tell u find u need some help all you can do is to ask and they can stay with you for the whole shopping trip.
In my country they don't I have to take someone with me
This would be although pretty common in Germany.
hank 1985 00:42
Same here in Australia, if you ask at the service desk, they will send someone around with you who will even take your trolley out to the car!
this depends on the store you go to
I am brand new to my chair and so overwhelmed as to how to have my independence and I have found your videos so very helpful! Thank you!!
Im a physical therapist. Your channel and these videos are amazing. Helps me want to work harder to help my patients get out into the world and find their strength to rock life. You're such a cool dude.
I love, love, LOVE your channel!!! I've been on wheels for two years. I use a powerchair due to using a manual chair damaging my joints (I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a rare connective tissue disorder). When I first starting using wheels, I really needed a channel like yours (and honestly, I learn from every one of your videos). THANK YOU for being a resource for fellow wheelies in showing all of us that we CAN still LIVE LIFE and don't have to settle for any limitations! Keep on keepin' on, Dude!!! 👍
Dude! this was such a nice comment for you to leave 😊I believe wheelchairs CAN be a source of freedom and that we CAN live full and independent life with one.
I didn't learn about EDS until i started this channel. Lots of you guys, POTS, Spina bifida and many more have collectively joined and it's been really great meeting every kind of wheelchair user out there. I'm so grateful that you're watching and enjoying all my videos and getting a lot of value out of them!
like i mentioned in my channel trailer, the biggest inspiration for this is the younger version of myself who didn't have any information or role models to look up to. I hope to be the person i needed when i first got hurt.
I’ve been in a chair 17 years. I love what you’re doing man. Keep it up! Can we see a video on your vehicle hand controls? I like seeing people’s setup.
Thanks dude! I haven't made a video about my hand controls yet but i may in the future! follow me on instagram and i'll make a story about them for ya. you're not the first to ask 😁
If you need someone to show the super not cool push/pull type, let me know lol.
I'm in process of getting rigged out better, but it costs. Hopefully soon, though!
-Something I noticed and wanted to give you a thumbs up for. When you asked for help, you were polite, said please and thank you. So many people forget that simple courtesy. Thank you for doing this channel.
That target lady looked at you like what the heck why is he talking to his self 😂
I can’t thank you enough. This video is EXACTLY what I needed to see. I had such anxiety just anticipating my first grocery trip after my accident. This was so helpful, informative and uplifting. Thank you!
Was using my power chair, in our version of Walmart- was reaching for some painkillers and this woman tries to stifle a scream and says “where is it’s carer?! How can it be allowed in here unsupervised?!!” Umm neither can you, apparently, lady.
Omg wow. “It’s” like you’re not even human. People man 🤦🏻♂️ #abledsareweird
Wheels2Walking oooooh yeah, big time. I’m the only chair user in this area (if there is others they are housebound like I am for 300 days a year) but I’ve also had “I want a shot of your hover board, I’ve never seen one with a seat!” And someone felt the need to kiss me, people pat me like I’m a dog, people will work for up to 3 mins or more to purposefully ignore me including looking up at the ceiling and humming quietly while I repeated “excuse me, sir, would you mind letting me get through the door? Excuse me could you move a bit?” (He didn’t move- I flattened his toes twice with 2 wheels in a heavy power chair, he was so determined to ignore me he didn’t even react) I’ve had a woman follow me around the store talking about how people shouldn’t be allowed chairs in the shop because they are annoying to try moving around. I’ve had 2 teen boys laugh hysterically when I tried getting in a really high shop door ( I managed) I turned back and loudly said something very blatant back at them and their faces were priceless. And I’ve had so many you mention regarding crutches and being able to stand and stuff. I’ve had a lot of stuff surrounding Dating too as well as “it’s a shame about the chair, you’d look alright without it, have you tried just being normal?” 😂😂 but to the “Can I have a shot” I say “sure, if I can have a shot of your legs” we just need to try and find humour and educate where we can... I’ve had an idea to offer my MP my power chair and to use it as I would in my area for a day, he promised me dipped kerbs and Stuff so things are a bit easier but I’d really like to show him that 12 steps and a steep slope isn’t wheelchair friendly.
Wheels2Walking ps, thanks for the videos, I fought most my life to stay out of a chair but the time came and your channel has really been helping me see that I can make friends and that everyone who ditched me isn’t everyone I’ll meet, although my boyfriend is awesome about it all and he is the best friend I could ask for. Hope you’re doing ok btw.
Wow, it sounds like she needs someone with her to stop her from saying horrible things to strangers.
“It” god, fuck people like that
3:42 in the UK we have trolleys that clip to your wheelchair
oh wow that would be so awesome
I was thinking the same. We have them also in Finland and I was thinking that they have electric scooters for disabled people, why they dont have those carts 🤔
We have them to for independent or accompanied wheelchair users. But also help for shoppers in grocery stores and other places so they get a person from the staff going with them pushing carts (when it's normal carts) and picking unreachable stuff from the shelves.
We have them here in the Netherlands also. Very practical I think.
I wonder, what those thick red carts are made of. Heavy plastic? Plastic around metal or paimted hollow metal structure?
Where i live they are fully metallic but the handle
I absolutely love your Channel I'm so glad I found it I wasn't even looking it just popped up. I feel so good when I watch you.
I’m not in a wheel chair nor have I ever been but you are 100% my favorite RUclips. Have a blessed day if you see this.
I just want to say thank you for creating and posting all of these videos. Although I am not a wheelchair user, I am becoming an elementary teacher. I want to be prepared to support all my students, especially those with physical disabilities. Thank you for taking time to educate the public!
I am an 11 year old and a part time wheelchair user. If you have any questions about making your class room more accessible, feel free to ask.
Omg thank you. I literally thought my life was over. You’re a true inspiration. You showed me there’s a way I now have hope
Could you do a video on how you load your wheelchair in to your car as well as transfere into your car.
I now have been in the chair for 4 years. I still struggle with loading my chair into my car without assistance.
Thank You for sharing
He can now walk a little, so he just steps out of the Wheelchair, pack it into the trunk and walk into the car like everyone does.
Me too I'm paraplegic then 2016 I'm not independent at all
Wheelsnoheels did a video on it, I would recommend you go check it out!
This video is awesome....I keep a folding hiking stick in my chair when I shop....nothing is out of my reach...just have to catch falling objects to succeed!....Love this channel....Thanks!
Thats a pretty clever idea!
That's a bit risky for some groceries but I do it all the time with clothes! I take a cloth hanger and lift another hanger (which has the shirt or something I want but too high) with the other end of it and drop it 😁 I am just short heh.. I couldn't reach that top shelf he did in this video and he is in a chair 🙈
I'm watching all your videos :) These are exactly what I've needed. It took me so long to get my chair so I'm still learning a lot of the skills I need to be independent again. I'm like you were - if I see another chair user, I watch them (and often have a conversation) so I can learn how to do stuff. No one thinks about the "little things" like grocery shopping or just regular day to day stuff. I'm very thankful to the people who've helped me along so far and I always try to share what I've learned with others who need it.
One thing I haven't been able to figure out yet is how to deal with snow. Where I'm at, we regularly get a few feet of snow at a time and I've been stuck inside way too much this winter. I would love any tips or tricks you may know about getting around in the snow (or bad weather of any kind, I'm always a mess if it rains/snows, even with clothing guards on my chair).
You are doing something incredible here, I can't wait to see where you go with your channel and how it grows!
There is a Channel here on TY called wheelsnoheels and she just put a video up about pushing in the snow and i think that could be a great help to you! her name is Gem and she's super sweet! be sure to say hi to her for me 😁
I loved Gem too! I feel like I need Learners Plate on my chair lol
@@kimwilliams3026 hahaha that would be funny
Love your charisma and your personality and your mission for your channel. Great video!
Kari Lucas thank you so much for your kind words and support! Keep your eyes peeled for more videos coming soon. For now, I’m super active on Instagram and you can catch me there 😁
This is awesome! As a SPED teacher, this is really good information and inspiration to all of our kids. I can't wait to show this channel to my students.
this is totally off topic but you have some nice eyes.
anyway, I love the fact that you are doing these videos as they really people who are newly in wheelchairs get most if not all of their independence back. Keep up the great work!!!
I really appreciate how specific and in depth all your videos are, you really lay out all there is to know. I'm not usually a wheelchair user but this is so informative it really helps understand wheelchair users better. I think in addition to helping people out when they are learning to function in their wheelchair these kinds of videos are also so good at helping people understand and gain empathy for different ways of living.
I am studying to be an industrial designer and I hope to work on adaptive technology, products, and systems when I graduate, and it's so useful to see the nitty gritty of how life can look like for you, and different ways you make it work. I know if I were trying to reintegrate my life after an injury these videos would be so special. Since my health declined it was channels and communities like these that really made me feel better about where I'm at and where my life could go despite my challenges. Thanks so much for doing what you're doing!!
I laughed SO hard when you got out the store and went over all the bumps!! 😂 Literally what I deal with going in and out of my workplace every time.
I have a condition I was born with and although I’m stubborn to be as able as possible, it’s inevitable I will end up in a wheelchair within the next 2 or 3 years approx. doctors told me I’d be wheelchair bound by age 30 but I hit 31 in a few months and I’m still rocking my stick or crutches through sheer determination! My disability is non curable but dude, your channel is awesome. It’s like I’m able to learn the tricks and tips before than time comes. Before finding your channel I saw the wheelchair as a negative thing, as though when my body needs a wheelchair its a sign of weakness, but you’ve shown me it’s totally not. I’m on my own journey and I’m blessed. I’m in a lot of pain 24/7 but it has increased over my lifespan, and I couldn’t imagine being in an accident or injury where it’s just like SNAP your now disabled. I’ve had time to adjust, and I adjust to my body worsening as time goes by. We are all so amazing in every way, we all have similar journeys yet so individual and personal. Your channel has made me less afraid of the time when I do use a wheelchair. My occupational therapist has been trying to install a stairlift in my home for a few years, and I’m like DUDE NO, I can do the stairs even if it takes half an hour and a lot of pain. However, doing it myself is great and all, but using the stairs will screw me over for the rest of the day and possibly the following day as it makes my body angry, painful and tired. So, I’m left wondering if I’m perhaps too stubborn for my own good lol! At times I’ve been using crutches out and about and genuinely felt stuck, like I couldn’t go any further, too much for my body, but because I’m too stubborn for a chair I will find somewhere to sit and take a break, then go a bit further and so on. My life would be a hell of a lot easier and more enriched with a chair. My daughter misses out on many trips out with me because I just can’t do it, despite a rigid and regular dedication to my physiotherapy, and I feel like time is flying and I’m missing out on things with her that I can’t get back. I don’t know if I should use a chair, I’m my own worst damn enemy! Lol! I guess time will tell. Apologies for writing loads here, but your channel is awesome and inspires and comforts me allot. Thank you.
Hi i just started watching your i really impress by you,I've been a wheelchair for 24yrs due gun violence keep up the great work and god bless bye🙏🏾🙏🏾
I’m a new wheelchair user and your channel has helped me in SO MANY ways. You truly are such an awesome guide! Keep up the amazing work :)
buff guys in a wheelchair isn't always a stereotype I having been there know how much of a work out it is to be pushing yourself all-day so those in a manual chair typically have great upper body strength
Awesome video!!
I've given your url to my niece, who is a physiotherapist, to give to her patients.
Funny thought - you said that everyone should return trolleys in car-parks, but I had a funny thing happen last week. I go to the supermarket myself sometimes (I'm usually only allowed out with a 'companion'), but my daughter's always at home in case I need 'rescuing'.
Anyway, last week, I bought slightly too many groceries, and instead of fighting to get them home, I rang her to drive over to the shops and take the stuff home. She turned up in her PJ's so I put the shopping into the back of the car and said 'Go, I'll return the trolley'... Well.... That was fun... Here, in Australia, we have to put a coin (or a token) into the trolley to 'unlock' them, then, to return them, you have to lock your trolley into another one (or the docks). Anyway... I went to return the trolley, but there was only one in the dock, and it was a LONG way in - and my wheelchair didn't fit between the dock-rails!!! I ended up having to do something I hated and dock my trolley to a rogue one someone left in the parking lot to get my coin back :(
Thanks, again, for the great channel!
My name is David I'm a newbie I can understand the stores what gets me is when I see kids riding on the electric scooters provided by the store and having a party. Thank you for your videos doing a great job appreciate it
You are not just helping the young or the newly injured. My husband is 68 and just newly diagnosed, injuries have occurred over many years but we did not know until a thoracic incident wiped out his legs a year ago. We were just always told he had a bad back. You have taught us a lot. Kudos
The weirdest part of this whole video is the fact that he’s grocery shopping at Target.
yes no groceries in Target here in Australia
@just a random youtuber still alive 😊
@just a random youtuber no more fires :) just recovery for the towns and wildlife . where are you?
I too use a wheelchair, walker, and cane, depending on where i go and you have helped learn a lot!
As a fellow wheelchair user I love your videos because your straightforward about things and don’t hold back. As a little tip the other thing that you can do whenever you go to the grocery store is take a backpack and load your groceries into it.
I’d like to see you do a video on how to safely get into and out of a bus if the lift is broken on the bus and you really need to get on it . Also one on how to safely use the escalator if the elevator is broken.
Keep up the good work and stay positive brother .
I don't have a wheelchair but I commemorate what you are doing. Taking what has happened to you and making it something that can help others. I thank you for stepping up and making a difference in someone's life. Keep up the wonderful work. Continue to bless others.
I'm not in a wheelchair but I'm loving your videos. It really helps put life into prospective and shows how lucky we all are. Very entertaining man and loving the vids.
On a side note in Australia we have click and collect and home delivery as an option also?
Here in the Netherlands also, even in small villages like mine. Problem is that if you're living alone, that the delivery costs are pretty high in comparison to your grocery shopping.
I know this is late but man are you an absolute inspiration to others. Your perseverance is truly inspiring and just so pure
This is great! You are doing a great service for those who are learning to have a chair in their lives. My journey was a long slow one so I've had plenty of time to adjust to life as it changes but I found a couple of helpful things today in your video. Blessings on you for your heart for others!
This is so helpful I’m fairly new full time wheelchair user six months. I might try going to the store myself! Thanks
This has been really helpful. Thank you for your channel and what you're teaching and tips you're passing on. I'm new to wheelchair use.
I so super appreciate this. I have struggled a LOT with shopping and carts. I know that seems dumb, but I have.
Thanks much!
RuntOfThePack890 carts can sometimes be heavy so if a store has smaller carts I use those or baskets with wheels.
I use a plastic laundry basket. Not those tall ones. Long to sit on your lap but not really tall.
I just recently got a motorized wheelchair, so I'm relearning how to do stuff. It sounds silly, but I had gotten so used to how I did things in a manual chair with my service dog helping me, and this is just new and different all over again. I'll get it, eventually.
And this time I'm not being such a jerk to myself lol. I'm watching videos and joined a really cool, supportive, wheelchair user group so I can acclimate better.
Thank you for this video. I’m new to the wheelchair, bought mine yesterday. Trying hard to be brave and find the positive in its use.
You’re so welcome! You’re in the right place 😁 jump on my Instagram for even more if you run out of videos here 😁
Your attitude and your sharing of tips is incredibly helpful to me! Thanks so much!!
I have so much respect for you only after watching 3 videos, it's so good to see you helping others and pushing the disabled ones to not back down, and showing the fortunate of us the life of a disabled person and pushing us to help and not look down on anyone for their looks and conditions.
Much love to you sir, i hope the best for you.
America needs what the uk has- special trolleys/carts that clip to wheelchairs.
I’m quite short (medical reason) and I sometimes have to ask for help to get things from top shelves.
Have to say that I'm very proud of you and thank you for sharing your life with all of us. I'm not in a wheelchair but I am using a mobility chair. I agree you about shopping on busy days. your right about people being close by and willing to help reach for things that you can't. I shop Sam's Club and so far, there has always been another customer that has asked if I needed help. One day a fella at check-out helped me and he even offered to follow me out and help load the stuff into my truck. I had a lot of stuff. I have a big Sam's cold bag that I keep on my lap, and I added a special collapsible basket to rear of the chair. I fill that first, then hit the cold storage for milk meat and so on. So, all in all you are an inspiration, and I thank you for that.
thanks for sharing your feelings,problems and adaptations. I'm not wheelchair bound but am limited as to how far i can go at one time, Have copd so after about 20 steps, have to stop and rest with each stop lasting longer. Even tho i have O2, if I turn it up enough to be good , it will run out before I can finish shopping. I use the riders too and if really bad day will ask store employee to bring it to my car. These Publix guys here in pensacola are the greatest... I couldn't do my shopping without them.
Went to Cracker Barrel and was waiting for a person to back out of HC space when another HC driver dove in ahead of me....had his daughter unload scooter off his car, sits down and drives in. he could have parked anywhere and ridden in, but now i have to walk a lot further. Will have to use my walker to be able to make it all the waly. So frustrating sometimes. What really makes me mad is seeing a person sitting in the car while parked in a HC spot waiting for someone to go in and shop. They could park anywhere then pick them up at the front door.
You are an amazing man and i admire your strength and tenacity. I also feel your pain and how you have risen above it to be the best you can. God bless you sir.
LOL @1:40 "Living life in a wheelchair is like ADDED steps" Very Punny. I am in a wheelchair myself (From Birth. Spina Bifida & 2 other things I have trouble pronouncing, let alone spelling lol)
Just found your vlogs a few days ago & lovin it.
Heeey! Thanks so much for this video. I’m currently in a walking boot and just started PT so I’m in pain more often and today I used the grocery store scooter for the first time. People were super nice. It was helpful to watch this video for the tips and courage to use the wheelchairs/scooters when available and ask for help when I need it. Thanks man!
Receiving my wheels tomorrow and have been trying to figure out how this will work. This is a tremendous help. Thank you!
LIKE A BOSS! That was super helpful and useful. Thank you!
Atypical Dandelion you’re welcome! Stay tuned for more 😁
Thank you for your incredible optimism --being in a wheelchair myself these are great tips and exellent for self confidence . Keep up the good work man! --you are useful not only to society but to yourself first .
I thank you for this video. It's awesome to see that you push your own shopping cart and are just so independent. I know that I've only been in a wheel chair for a year and you have so much more experience than me. I just haven't gotten there yet, lol. You were like skating through the isles. Compared to you, I'm so needy. LOL
Angel Deshotel hahaha yeah you’re right I do have more experience and time in a chair. Just try one new thing each time you go and in a few months you’ll be an expert just like me 😋
Thank you for your video it gives me more info a positive perspective of using my wheelchair
Love all your videos! How about doing one on adaptive sports? I’m on the US Adaptive Water Ski Team. Live in Atlanta. We train on Lake Allatoona! Would love to have you at a practice.
One of my pet peeves - people who spit on the ground! I don’t want your spit on my hands. Yuck. You could do a whole video on pet peeves. Also - people don’t get the issues with parking.
Also - I had a few accessibility issues at Suntrust. Guess who’s now on the Atlanta Braves Accessibility Board? This chick is!
Keep up the good work!
Janet P omg did forget to reply to this! Yes I’d love that! Send me an email at support@wheels2walking.com
I was diagnosed with FSHD 2 muscular dystrophy in 2008. Basically my muscles are wasting away. Where I live the is next to no support for this. Recently I have had to transfer from a walker to a basic wheel chair. I have had a hard time adjusting to this but you videos have help me a lot. I am not as speedy as you because the muscles in my arm are also very weak. Keep on making and helping with your videos. So helpful. Thank you.
You know the channel "Squirmy and Grubs"?
You know the channel "Squirmy and Grubs"?
3:55 BRAVO! that's legit harder than it looks! Also (5:16) I find that people want you to ask them for help - it makes them feel good about themselves
See I’m 17 and I use a wheelchair sometimes and the main issue I have is if I’m doing something it (sometimes) looks like I’m struggling with it when I’m not and people either stare or ask if I need help when I don’t. It’s just how I do things. If I need help, I’ll ask you
I don't mind people asking if they can help. It's when they jump in and insist that I get testy. People legit like helping and I don't mind letting them as long as they're polite about it and it is actually helpful. High and low shelves? YES. Doors I can open easily? ehhhh please no, it's easier if they're out of my way.
I have Mild-Angular Scoliosis, and Cronic Leg pain , I may have to use a wheelchair because I might need my right leg amputated and this really gives me so much information Thank you!
2:35 The only flaw in that belief, speaking as a w/c user with OA, is I don't have to leave my chair anywhere inside a grocery store. It's in the trunk of my car, and I'd only use it for shopping if there weren't any available scooter carts. (I use a mobility cane from my car to the entrance that usually have the scooter carts stationed)
It's true a w/c can be ripped off from your car. But I've used my chair for 10 yrs., and it's never been stolen. Replaced, rather, when it's suffering wear-n-tear, but never stolen.
Also, I paint a filled coffee cup on the back of my w/c. It gives others a smile, and I love coffee. ☕😊
Little tip, I use a large backpack worn backward to shop, there is also a bunjee cord in it. I put it across the back of my neck if necessary to hang more bags. The weight will be on your knees not always your neck. It's just to keep them there
I'm shocked to see that you don't have a bigger following than you do. What youre doing for other people is amazing and I'm really glad youtube recommended me your videos. I am able bodied but I like to be knowledgeable about other people's life experiences and how to be a good ally to other people. Keep up the great content!
I am a new amputee learning to re-navigate the world, and this channel has been a huge inspiration and motivato. Thank you for this content.
I'm new to wheelchair life. Thanks for the help!
Thanks Dude! I'm still 6'8" so I can reach a lot of stuff but I am already practicing sitting on my wheel to get another 4" plus it puts me closer for another couple of inches. Incredibly simple and easy. Keep on truckin on.
Amazing video! Love your brightly colored shopping bags too :)
I really wish stores would have cart return spaces closer to the handicap spots. I am not in a wheelchair. But I have a handicap placard because I have multiple conditions that make walking distances difficult. In stores with carts, I am able to use the cart for support rather than trying to juggle a walker and a shopping cart. But then I get back to my car and the cart return is halfway across the parking lot.
Many days I am not able to return the car then walk unaided back to my car because it is too far. So I push the cart as far out of the way as possible. But if the cart return was closer to the handicap spots, I would not have to do that.
One thing I do that helps me when going shopping is, put the items on my grocery list in order that they have them on the shelves in the store so I don't have to race up and down a hundred times. I always go to the same 3 stores so I have the layout memorized. Also, at check-out, I put the items I want on the bottom of the bag on the belt first and ask the cashier to put them in the bag in that order.
This is huge. HUGE! Stuff like this is life changing for people and this guy’s a fucking HERO for doing this.
Your videos are so helpful & inspiring! Keep up the wonderful work❤️
I've been in a chair since 1978. I was 24 years old when i broke my neck in three places in a motorcycle accident. I'm considered a C3, C5, C7, incomplete quad. I tried pushing a cart around the store and found that it didn't work good for me. Long story short, i have arm rest for my chair but i don't use them for arm rests. When i shop, i turn them around backwards and hang one of those re-usable shopping bags like you have listed behind me. I also use a bag on my lap and it's amazing how much you can carry. I might have to make a couple of trips to get everything i need, but that is what works best for me...Love your determination and keep pushing on...
Genius idea! great solution for someone like yourself
oh dang i never thought of that cause i dont use my arm rests either only if its raining or snowing and i dont wanna get my clothes wet from the wheels
I always put the same flat big bag on my lap in a basket and hang a Ikea cooler bag on the back of my chair
Good advice, I totally do same!! I do have a battery charged chair, so I keep the shopping bags folded in the back pouch, for filling when at register. Then can be hung on back by looping over headrest on back. I no longer drive, it’s public transit or if within reason, I travel home in chair. I use cane or walker at home.
In the uk 🇬🇧 we have trolleys which clip to the front of your chair and you can borrow a normal wheelchair too xx
I’m the same as you love my lower part of my spine was Broken,I love watching you xxxxxx 💕
The UK needs carts like that.
We have heavy metal carts which are really hard to push.
I love that most people are helpful with getting stuff down for me. I have had some people even offer to come round with me and grab all the high stuff!
People can be great
i can imagine! the trollies you have there the wheels all spin making it almost impossible to push. whenever i can i always like to bring a friend with me to the store 😁Thats always the best option if i have that available 😋
But we have delivery services.
Some places in here in the uk have wheelchair trolleys, that connect onto the chair so that you are able to push the chair with both hands
I am not In a wheelchair but I have severe scoliosis, for a year and a half I had to wear a full back brace which made it really difficult to do certain things. Unfortunately I didn’t wear it as often as I should’ve and now I have two medal rods fusing my spine to be strait. I am fully functioning on my own ... just with a lot of pain. Even though I am not in the same situation as you and many other, this channel is inspirational for any person especially if they have some for of disability. I just started watching you and I already love your videos. Keep it up!
Thank you for the tips in this video, gave me the confidence to try it out for myself.
Great video, with very good ideas how to do the shopping. Thanks. Wish you all the best in 2020. Best wishes from Jan from Norway
I don't use a wheelchair, I don't know anyone that uses a wheelchair. Why am I binging your videos?
Same, it's very interesting and I'm learning. I only know 1 person in a wheelchair, and that was the guy that came to talk to our school because some 8th graders were speeding with a car and the school found out about it (pls don't ask, they're crazy). I think it was the first time we were all quiet for 45 minutes, cuz usually our limit it 30 min and then everything goes downhill.
So my aunt has SEVERE Rhuematoid Arthritis, she made a valid point, she said word for word “Why isn’t there a cart area for like 2 or 3 carts for the disabled, why should we have to push a cart so far down if we need handicap parking in the firsts place” and I was like “PREACH!!!!!!”
I'm glad I found this channel and video. Shopping is something I hate to do because it seems so much of a burden in my chair, even if I've been dealing with this my entire life. I hadn't thought about using reusable bags but now I'm definitely going to get some.
I’m so glad you found it too! I use new better bags now. They’re linked in the description!
@@Wheels2Walking Will definitely check them out.
Thanks for doing these videos , I'm learning how to live life again being in a wheelchair. John Campos from San Diego California
thanks for all the tips and info. Very helpful
Very cool. I’m a c3 incomplete quad. Starting to get my hands back. Fighting every day for independence. Thanks for your videos.
I also use the self check out to take time to organize my bags, and you're the first person I know that does it too! I live up several flights of stairs (no wheelchair, obviously), so I like to organize my bags so that I can carry them all up in one trip. I'm not sure if this would work in wheelchair, but another tip I use is that I have a 40L hiking backpack that I use for groceries. It holds a lot and lets me have another arm free.
I’ve noticed shopping carts where I’m from have 4 caster wheels where as the ones in the vid have locked back wheels. Having all caster wheels makes it a lot harder to push
Yes! Having 4 castors would be close to impossible. Here we have the back wheels locked.
9:05 you're welcome
In the end I found myself with a big smile on my face. Love your channel
Great vid! I have a walking disability and I actually like it when the cart is left beside the handicapped spot. Otherwise, I need to take my walker to the carts, pull one out, walk it back to my car to put my walker away (or else put it on the cart as I shop). My other option is to take the walker inside and leave it at the service desk while I use a manual wc or scooter (if available). If a cart is left by the handicap spot, I consider it a great day, lol. :D
Something that really helps be both for using large shopping baskets that can’t be on lap, or large reusable bags (like I use for laundry) or just bringing my luggage when traveling: Caddy luggage holders! Just one little foldable plastic thing on each side of your chair just above the footrest, doesn’t take much space at all and doesn’t really add any weight, but when you need to bring something more easily or just want to change your pressure a bit, fold the luggage holders down and voila, you have a great space for that pesky basket, laundry bag or luggage, or just a place to rest your feet a bit to change position while sitting. I’ve had my Caddy holders for 6 months now and I don’t know how I managed for 5,5 years without them lol Now I can finally use those large shopping baskets with wheels under that are too inconvenient to hold and propel with as they get too heavy, and I have a place to that bag or suitcase you’d normally try to balance on your lap or between your feet. I can still have to have a bag between my feet at times (happened this afternoon) but it happens less now than before, which for sure helps my sore hips, and for someone who can’t use their legs it can for sure help to have somewhere to put things on their chair as they can’t just hold things in place with their feet like I do. Such a simple thing that really does make a huge difference in everyday life
Saw your tag on instagram! I’ve seen stuff like that before and never bothered to get any. They’re that big of a game changer?
It really does help a lot! It’s been a game changer for when I visit shops that don’t have regular baskets that can be put on my lap, and for me using a cart is just too heavy as they’re made out of metal here and usually very heavy to move and steer, especially outside the shop. So basket on lap is my best way of shopping, but now I also have the option of using the larger baskets that don’t fit on my lap and that people would normally drag behind them, those large baskets are rather too heavy and having to bend down to the ground all the time is a nightmare, and they’re also heavy if doing the one hand drive while holding the basket. The shop in my Instagram post only have those huge baskets or metal carts, so I used to be very limited to putting things on my lap or almost break my back with one of the baskets. Now I just put it on the luggage holders and roll around freely without back pain. I’ve been commenting the baskets to the shop many times and cashiers agree with me, but they’re speaking for deaf ears when they bring it up to their superiors. I probably should make a formal complaint about accessibility but oh well. That shop isn’t even a grocery store but more of a shop where you can get hygiene products, cleaning products and some household items and so on. There’s also many other shops lacking small lap-friendly baskets, so then it’s amazing to have the option to just put a big basket on my holders on the chair. I really use the holders a lot more than I thought I would considering I’m no longer traveling on a regular basis like I used to
I do my grocery shopping on my mobility scooter. I have fabric bags with handles long enough to go over the head rest of the seat (they are strong enough to hold over 10kg, too), and as I do my shopping, I put it in the bags. When I get to the checkout, I tend to use one with someone working there, and I put my bags on the counter and pull the sides down so it's easy for them to see what's in the bag. Then I hang them off the back of the seat and ride home.
I can also use the scooter to help me reach up high, I'm only 4'10" on my feet as it is. There is a town here in Australia called Longreach. I do not come from Longreach (my arms are short like the rest of me)
I usually shop by myself but my aunt went with me today as I had an extra long list. She got her stuff also but she was there to get all the things on the top and bottom shelves plus grab the things out of the freezer for me. She said she felt like She didn’t help much and I told her if I had to do it myself it would have taken me over an hour and with her help it only took about 35 minutes. Not having to reach up or down or brace myself to get up to the top shelf really cut the time down. Without her I would have had to do two trips to the checkout to get everything I needed(been home bound for two weeks). I am lucky that my immobility is progressive so I am slowly having to adjust and was not caused by an accident like so many others who wake up to a completely new way of life. Also living in a small community there is family nearby and everyone knows what everyone may need in the way of a helping hand.
Just discovered you yesterday by chance. I've been in a wheelchair my whole life (spina bifida). Ive done the sitting on the wheel move to grab top shelf items but I also take a grabber tool in to shop to grab those things on top shelves. Only time I may need to ask for help is if it is a heavier item that would be safer NOT to use the grabber tool. Also, AMEN on putting away your cart!!! I ALWAYS put mine up, rain/shine, hot/cold! As you said, if we can do it, able-bodied can!
I totally understand the fear of having to leave your chair. I have a cable lock that I put through both wheels and the frame . Shopping is one of my least favourite activities but supermarkets have great floors for skidding around and having fun with the kids.