Wheelchair Simulation Analysis Paper

Irvin Charles

Penn State University

Social Reaction
Even after maneuvering around in the wheelchair for about an hour I was still having trouble
getting used to being in a wheelchair. It was at that point a very generous woman offered me
some assistance getting into a building which I declined. I probably would have accepted her
offer, but prior to the simulation I told myself I would try my best I order to complete the
wheelchair simulation on my own. Even with a kind smile and modest rejection to her assistance
she caught a vague attitude that I noticed. She said, “Ok” and just hurried along without double
checking or even making sure I accomplished the task. Not that she even owed anything to me; it
was apparent she felt some type of way for extended her hand out to me and me declining. I
think she felt some form of embarrassment or something of that nature even though we were the
only two people in the vicinity. All I could do was just think to myself people do not want to
help out like that so when they do they expect their help to be accepted and appreciated. A few
minutes later, I had a similar encounter trying to get through another door inside the building.
This woman asked if I needed assistance which I also felt the need to decline, even though she
asked me so nicely. And on top of that she had a certain tone to her voice that stirred me the
wrong way. It was as though she was talking down to me like I was a little kid being asked what
they wanted to eat or being entertained in a parental way. All her words were very high pitched
and she started to bend down in an attempt to level with me. Noticing all these indicators only
made me a little more upset than I already was dealing with this door that had no handicapped
automatic doors. However, as soon as I described the simulation to her everything involving her
demeanor and tone of voice completely changed. She went back to a straight up posture and her
voice returned to what I believe to be her normal tone. This just showed me how people think
those who are in wheelchairs need to be talked down to or treated differently simply because of
their situation. Once I got back on the main roads of campus I could not help but notice everyone
look up from their phones just to make eye contact with me then quickly divert their eyes. Either
they saved themselves from looking in my direction all together or they tried to keep the staring
to a minimum. My only reasoning behind this would be not trying to make me or they feel
uncomfortable which in turn just made that awkward feeling greater. Those moments makes you
realize how much pressure there is for the people with disabilities who use wheelchairs to
maneuver through campus. If you ask me it is a terrible way to go about being a student here
especially when all we ever want to feel is inclusion. Elevators can be very nerve racking and
shows the nature of people. I say this because I experienced people literally wait until the next
elevator even if there was more than enough room just to avoid having to offer some help. Either
that or people would almost speed walk off the elevator so they could avoid all forms of contact
with me in general. This was one of the most aggravating experiences because what if something
happened and I really needed some assistance with something? Regardless, it would not have
required that much effort on their part no matter what task I asked of them.
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Environmental Barriers
I feel that this is may be one of the most frustrating hurdles people in wheelchairs are forced to
endure every day of their lives. For starters it may seem to most of us that elevators have plenty
of room and appear to be relatively easy to use, however this is not always the case. Sometimes
in a wheelchair the doors of the elevator may shut before you get there, moving around once
inside the elevator is not as easy as one might think and if it is crowded you could run over
someone’s foot or bump into them, which can cause embarrassment and even a sense of
helplessness. The biggest barrier that I encountered as a result of using a wheelchair was getting
from one place to the next. Like I stated earlier it is very important to “plan accordingly” for
inclement weather, road blockage and extreme physical exertion. The constant strain on the
upper body and urge to just get up and walk began gnawing at me, so I can only imagine how
those who live by the wheelchair feel internally. I had the realization that challenges such as
these are not even a thought that cross most of our minds as we live our day to day life nor do
they interfere with them. As if that is not enough social and mental barriers are also present. For
example during my journey down Curtain Road I received numerous glances and stares which
left me feeling a bit uncomfortable. It was also apparent that people were trying to avoid
conversation with me or just avoid me period. It is easy to see how someone with a disability
might feel excluded from society. In the same manner, it was easy to see how this could also be
emotionally damaging over the course of someone’s life. Personally, if I used a wheelchair to get
around on a daily basis I would think long and hard before doing anything due to all of the
barriers that are presented with even the simplest of tasks. This is a terrible way to have to go
about doing things in your own community but given the circumstances and how people feel as
though they should react to them is the reason why there are those distinct barriers that exist
today.

Ethical Consideration
I believe if people took the simulation seriously then it would not be seen as such towards others
therefore, it should not appear as misleading. If those around do somehow realize that the person
participating in the simulation is not physically disabled this may cause them to alter their
actions. Considering, the purpose of the simulation is to see how others tend to treat those with
disabilities; it is best when they cannot distinguish the difference between someone doing a
simulation and someone who is actually disabled. This will produce a more realistic
environment, which will provide a better idea of what it is like to live with a disability. I think
people with disabilities could raise the question whether or not those participating in the
simulation take it seriously. A lot of people are aware of the wheelchair simulation because of
friends who took the course or simply word of mouth. Therefore, they may feel that some
participants are just doing it for the grade and the grade alone. If the people involved with the
simulation take it seriously and want to understand what it is like to live with a disability or even
want to eventually help facilitate inclusion I do not feel as though someone with a disability
would mind. If the actions became apparent or even shared with them if they inquire exactly why
the wheelchair is being used then there is justification. Having to go about deceiving people
ended up being more of a challenge than I thought it would be. I ended up explaining the purpose
of the wheelchair on numerous occasions because I left it was only right being in situations with
people who were staring and inquiring about it. I felt guilty. I believed this was not something to
play with due to the hardships that are seriously endured by the people with disabilities. I
personally feel that knowing the condition is not permanent can limit the reality of the disability
WHEELCHAIR SIMULATION ANALYSIS PAPER 2

taking away from the overall experience. I believe there are some personal requirements that this
simulation asks of the participants that were not brought up in the instructions. The participant
should not only be mature enough, but mentally prepared for such an experience. I completely
understand that people who have a permanent disability did not have a choice and that weighs
heavy on the heart. If someone views this as a joke they could potentially act inappropriately and
misrepresent those who actually do have a disability resulting in a lot of unwanted tension.