WHEN THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WHEELCHAIR USER —- ELEVATORS, PARKING SPACES, BATHROOM STALLS, ROLL-IN SHOWERS …. There are technical requirements, of course, when it comes to percentages or how many “accessible” things are provided in public places. For example, in a parking lot for every 25 spaces provided 1 must Van Accessible. For brevity, there are exceptions and more to the standards— check out ada.gov if your curious. What to do if a group of wheelie friends go out and meet for dinner? What to do if we were ever to travel together to a conference/vacation destination—- leg wrestle for which one of the 4 of us gets the roll-in-shower? #gottakeepemseparated #extremesports Who cares, share the shower when you need it, you say? Not that big of a deal waiting for 10 minutes (or more) for the one accessible bathroom stall at the airport, at the restaurant, at anywhere/everywhere? #patienceisavirtue #universaldesign #disabilityawareness #thanks #love I.D – a man in a power wheelchair and a woman in a manual wheelchair, wheel towards one another and meet at a golden elevator door. Both turn and wait for the door with ‘the good, bad and the ugly’ whistle in the background. Joking ensues between them about who will be the one to get on elevator, the man in the power chair says to the woman in the manual chair “go be cripple somewhere else”. Loud laughter by all. #climbing #rockclimbing #enduranceathlete #skiing #mountains #mountainbiking #trailrunning #running #roadbiking #crossfit #yoga #paragliding #outdoors #athlete #diving #spinalcordinjury #spinalcordresearch #paralyzed #science #sports #wilderness #disability
Yo! 👋 It’s me, your host, Quinn Brett. Maybe you are a friend, an acquaintance or stranger from a far dreamland, or perhaps you just to clicked “follow” on this odd societal disconnected connection platform by accident. #whiskeyinfluencer Maybe you do not know how you got here. Or why you are still here at this point! #meneither #anaccidentallife #inanutshell. I climbed big mountains and cliffs across the globe. I traversed alpine ridges with 4 working limbs, and threw down precarious handstands along the way. I swam in alpine lakes, biked, hiked and ran. My identity was tied in movement. In 2017 I took a 100 foot fall while rock climbing mid way up El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. I hit a ledge, bonked my head and broke my back. #andafewotherthings. My brain mostly works #questionable and so does my body #justtheupperhalf —-having damaged my spinal cord at the lowest thoracic vertebrae. (T12–check out my science posts to educate yourself on the nuances to central nervous system damage.) Here we are. 👊🏽 Henna Taylor made a film about my recovery. An Accidental Life will be available for live steaming on July 11th on @appletv and @amazonprime NOW through June 25th you can find it on pre-sale on Apple—- link in my profile. Thanks for caring, sharing and putting up with me all these years. Big thanks @adidasterrex @sealegsmedia @gravitasventures #climbing #rockclimbing #enduranceathlete #skiing #mountains #mountainbiking #trailrunning #running #roadbiking #crossfit #yoga #paragliding #outdoors #athlete #diving #spinalcordinjury #spinalcordresearch #paralyzed #science #sports #wilderness #disability
Flat on my back with a newly anointed #spinalcordinjury I scoured the internet absorbing whatever I could to educate myself, my family, my friends, and in turn the instagram world about SCIs. Like you, I was shocked my quadzillas were no longer able to stomp up hill but the stark reality of not feeling when my bladder was full, now having to stick a finger in my ass to initiate a poop and an incessant burning sensation in my lower half. #neuropathicpain What drugs are you giving me and why? Why did it take 5 days until my spinal stabilization surgery? Why is my whole lower half tingling? Is this really how far we have come in the wheelchair business and overall neurological disorder research? I was confused, angry, disappointed and grasping for educated voices. I found @u2fp — a growing non-profit organization based in my childhood stomping grounds of Minneapolis. They had published a book and I am still AWE struck that although it is FREE on Amazon that it is NOT stock piled at EVERY rehab hospital. Search – “Don’t Call It a Miracle” Download it. Read it. Thanks. 🤙🏼 I found their podcast— The CureCast. Link in my Bio. Start listening, go back to the first episodes to learn about the SCIENCE of what is HAPPENING in my spinal column. You will have a better understanding that my spinal cord IS INDEED NOT completely severed. I have a dime sized bruise that is blocked up with cells that intended to heal and instead created a nasty environment in which signals don’t get across, or do for some on a mixed sort of way. 🪢 I learned, I am not a hopeless cause. I may never run again but fixing my bladder or feeling a hand on my thigh are useful recovery of function research that IS ongoing AND IN HUMAN CLINICAL TRIALS because of U2FP’s extensive work. ❤️ All this to say, I have taken a full-time position as the Development Director with U2FP. I want to amplify our message of restorative function in paralysis through advocacy, education, and support for research. I strongly believe it is not impossible. Every person should have equal access to treatments that will restore health and independence after spinal cord injury. #impossibleisnothing
Flat on my back with a newly anointed #spinalcordinjury I scoured the internet absorbing whatever I could to educate myself, my family, my friends, and in turn the instagram world about SCIs. Like you, I was shocked my quadzillas were no longer able to stomp up hill but the stark reality of not feeling when my bladder was full, now having to stick a finger in my ass to initiate a poop and an incessant burning sensation in my lower half. #neuropathicpain What drugs are you giving me and why? Why did it take 5 days until my spinal stabilization surgery? Why is my whole lower half tingling? Is this really how far we have come in the wheelchair business and overall neurological disorder research? I was confused, angry, disappointed and grasping for educated voices. I found @u2fp — a growing non-profit organization based in my childhood stomping grounds of Minneapolis. They had published a book and I am still AWE struck that although it is FREE on Amazon that it is NOT stock piled at EVERY rehab hospital. Search – “Don’t Call It a Miracle” Download it. Read it. Thanks. 🤙🏼 I found their podcast— The CureCast. Link in my Bio. Start listening, go back to the first episodes to learn about the SCIENCE of what is HAPPENING in my spinal column. You will have a better understanding that my spinal cord IS INDEED NOT completely severed. I have a dime sized bruise that is blocked up with cells that intended to heal and instead created a nasty environment in which signals don’t get across, or do for some on a mixed sort of way. 🪢 I learned, I am not a hopeless cause. I may never run again but fixing my bladder or feeling a hand on my thigh are useful recovery of function research that IS ongoing AND IN HUMAN CLINICAL TRIALS because of U2FP’s extensive work. ❤️ All this to say, I have taken a full-time position as the Development Director with U2FP. I want to amplify our message of restorative function in paralysis through advocacy, education, and support for research. I strongly believe it is not impossible. Every person should have equal access to treatments that will restore health and independence after spinal cord injury. #impossibleisnothing
Flat on my back with a newly anointed #spinalcordinjury I scoured the internet absorbing whatever I could to educate myself, my family, my friends, and in turn the instagram world about SCIs. Like you, I was shocked my quadzillas were no longer able to stomp up hill but the stark reality of not feeling when my bladder was full, now having to stick a finger in my ass to initiate a poop and an incessant burning sensation in my lower half. #neuropathicpain What drugs are you giving me and why? Why did it take 5 days until my spinal stabilization surgery? Why is my whole lower half tingling? Is this really how far we have come in the wheelchair business and overall neurological disorder research? I was confused, angry, disappointed and grasping for educated voices. I found @u2fp — a growing non-profit organization based in my childhood stomping grounds of Minneapolis. They had published a book and I am still AWE struck that although it is FREE on Amazon that it is NOT stock piled at EVERY rehab hospital. Search – “Don’t Call It a Miracle” Download it. Read it. Thanks. 🤙🏼 I found their podcast— The CureCast. Link in my Bio. Start listening, go back to the first episodes to learn about the SCIENCE of what is HAPPENING in my spinal column. You will have a better understanding that my spinal cord IS INDEED NOT completely severed. I have a dime sized bruise that is blocked up with cells that intended to heal and instead created a nasty environment in which signals don’t get across, or do for some on a mixed sort of way. 🪢 I learned, I am not a hopeless cause. I may never run again but fixing my bladder or feeling a hand on my thigh are useful recovery of function research that IS ongoing AND IN HUMAN CLINICAL TRIALS because of U2FP’s extensive work. ❤️ All this to say, I have taken a full-time position as the Development Director with U2FP. I want to amplify our message of restorative function in paralysis through advocacy, education, and support for research. I strongly believe it is not impossible. Every person should have equal access to treatments that will restore health and independence after spinal cord injury. #impossibleisnothing
Flat on my back with a newly anointed #spinalcordinjury I scoured the internet absorbing whatever I could to educate myself, my family, my friends, and in turn the instagram world about SCIs. Like you, I was shocked my quadzillas were no longer able to stomp up hill but the stark reality of not feeling when my bladder was full, now having to stick a finger in my ass to initiate a poop and an incessant burning sensation in my lower half. #neuropathicpain What drugs are you giving me and why? Why did it take 5 days until my spinal stabilization surgery? Why is my whole lower half tingling? Is this really how far we have come in the wheelchair business and overall neurological disorder research? I was confused, angry, disappointed and grasping for educated voices. I found @u2fp — a growing non-profit organization based in my childhood stomping grounds of Minneapolis. They had published a book and I am still AWE struck that although it is FREE on Amazon that it is NOT stock piled at EVERY rehab hospital. Search – “Don’t Call It a Miracle” Download it. Read it. Thanks. 🤙🏼 I found their podcast— The CureCast. Link in my Bio. Start listening, go back to the first episodes to learn about the SCIENCE of what is HAPPENING in my spinal column. You will have a better understanding that my spinal cord IS INDEED NOT completely severed. I have a dime sized bruise that is blocked up with cells that intended to heal and instead created a nasty environment in which signals don’t get across, or do for some on a mixed sort of way. 🪢 I learned, I am not a hopeless cause. I may never run again but fixing my bladder or feeling a hand on my thigh are useful recovery of function research that IS ongoing AND IN HUMAN CLINICAL TRIALS because of U2FP’s extensive work. ❤️ All this to say, I have taken a full-time position as the Development Director with U2FP. I want to amplify our message of restorative function in paralysis through advocacy, education, and support for research. I strongly believe it is not impossible. Every person should have equal access to treatments that will restore health and independence after spinal cord injury. #impossibleisnothing
Flat on my back with a newly anointed #spinalcordinjury I scoured the internet absorbing whatever I could to educate myself, my family, my friends, and in turn the instagram world about SCIs. Like you, I was shocked my quadzillas were no longer able to stomp up hill but the stark reality of not feeling when my bladder was full, now having to stick a finger in my ass to initiate a poop and an incessant burning sensation in my lower half. #neuropathicpain What drugs are you giving me and why? Why did it take 5 days until my spinal stabilization surgery? Why is my whole lower half tingling? Is this really how far we have come in the wheelchair business and overall neurological disorder research? I was confused, angry, disappointed and grasping for educated voices. I found @u2fp — a growing non-profit organization based in my childhood stomping grounds of Minneapolis. They had published a book and I am still AWE struck that although it is FREE on Amazon that it is NOT stock piled at EVERY rehab hospital. Search – “Don’t Call It a Miracle” Download it. Read it. Thanks. 🤙🏼 I found their podcast— The CureCast. Link in my Bio. Start listening, go back to the first episodes to learn about the SCIENCE of what is HAPPENING in my spinal column. You will have a better understanding that my spinal cord IS INDEED NOT completely severed. I have a dime sized bruise that is blocked up with cells that intended to heal and instead created a nasty environment in which signals don’t get across, or do for some on a mixed sort of way. 🪢 I learned, I am not a hopeless cause. I may never run again but fixing my bladder or feeling a hand on my thigh are useful recovery of function research that IS ongoing AND IN HUMAN CLINICAL TRIALS because of U2FP’s extensive work. ❤️ All this to say, I have taken a full-time position as the Development Director with U2FP. I want to amplify our message of restorative function in paralysis through advocacy, education, and support for research. I strongly believe it is not impossible. Every person should have equal access to treatments that will restore health and independence after spinal cord injury. #impossibleisnothing
In 2016, I ran the #r2r2r of the Grand Canyon with a gal pal @chelsea_vanhorn. 6 years ago, I fell rock climbing and broke my back. Paralyzed. #quadzillasgone #identitycrisis Two weeks ago, myself and two fellow paralyzed buddies and 5 of our able-bodied friends hiked the from the south rim to the north rim of the @grandcanyonnps. We also had the gracious support of @adidasterrex and @bannsailer As far as anniversaries go, this one felt like—- well, quintessential me. 🤣 #imeanreally A far-fetched adventure, a dash of trouble, fantastic teamwork and breaking barriers. Not a lot of “woe is me, blame, shame”. I wrote a few years back that I didn’t think I would ever arrive to a place where I am grateful for this life, where I am now WITH a spinal cord injury. That I would absolutely turn back the clock. Yes, that is still true and where would I be? Would I be filled with the purpose I feel now to advocate, educate and raise money for spinal cord research? Look at how far we have come with effort in other realms. #breakthestigma Also, I have established myself as a leader in creating opportunity and changing the atmosphere for people with disabilities to recreate in Wilderness and backcountry settings! #howcoolisthat It feels damn good to be filled with passion, and purpose. To know that my efforts are making the news, buzzing around, tangibly gaining in the @nationalparkservice @yourpubliclands @u.s.forestservice @fish_and_wildlife_ and across city and local governments too! The irony of enduring a spinal cord injury, severe disability and constant pain—- such an awful plight, to finally approach a clearer vision of me. Believe in my worth, my value in work and relationships. It’s been a brutal and beautiful 6 years. Keep plugging onward, I guess. 😉 #impossibleisnothing #love #climbing #rockclimbing #enduranceathlete #skiing #mountains #mountainbiking #trailrunning #running #hiking #crossfit #yoga #paragliding #outdoors #athlete #spinalcordinjury #spinalcordresearch #paralyzed #adaptivehiking #adaptivesports #wilderness #disability
In 2016, I ran the #r2r2r of the Grand Canyon with a gal pal @chelsea_vanhorn. 6 years ago, I fell rock climbing and broke my back. Paralyzed. #quadzillasgone #identitycrisis Two weeks ago, myself and two fellow paralyzed buddies and 5 of our able-bodied friends hiked the from the south rim to the north rim of the @grandcanyonnps. We also had the gracious support of @adidasterrex and @bannsailer As far as anniversaries go, this one felt like—- well, quintessential me. 🤣 #imeanreally A far-fetched adventure, a dash of trouble, fantastic teamwork and breaking barriers. Not a lot of “woe is me, blame, shame”. I wrote a few years back that I didn’t think I would ever arrive to a place where I am grateful for this life, where I am now WITH a spinal cord injury. That I would absolutely turn back the clock. Yes, that is still true and where would I be? Would I be filled with the purpose I feel now to advocate, educate and raise money for spinal cord research? Look at how far we have come with effort in other realms. #breakthestigma Also, I have established myself as a leader in creating opportunity and changing the atmosphere for people with disabilities to recreate in Wilderness and backcountry settings! #howcoolisthat It feels damn good to be filled with passion, and purpose. To know that my efforts are making the news, buzzing around, tangibly gaining in the @nationalparkservice @yourpubliclands @u.s.forestservice @fish_and_wildlife_ and across city and local governments too! The irony of enduring a spinal cord injury, severe disability and constant pain—- such an awful plight, to finally approach a clearer vision of me. Believe in my worth, my value in work and relationships. It’s been a brutal and beautiful 6 years. Keep plugging onward, I guess. 😉 #impossibleisnothing #love #climbing #rockclimbing #enduranceathlete #skiing #mountains #mountainbiking #trailrunning #running #hiking #crossfit #yoga #paragliding #outdoors #athlete #spinalcordinjury #spinalcordresearch #paralyzed #adaptivehiking #adaptivesports #wilderness #disability
In 2016, I ran the #r2r2r of the Grand Canyon with a gal pal @chelsea_vanhorn. 6 years ago, I fell rock climbing and broke my back. Paralyzed. #quadzillasgone #identitycrisis Two weeks ago, myself and two fellow paralyzed buddies and 5 of our able-bodied friends hiked the from the south rim to the north rim of the @grandcanyonnps. We also had the gracious support of @adidasterrex and @bannsailer As far as anniversaries go, this one felt like—- well, quintessential me. 🤣 #imeanreally A far-fetched adventure, a dash of trouble, fantastic teamwork and breaking barriers. Not a lot of “woe is me, blame, shame”. I wrote a few years back that I didn’t think I would ever arrive to a place where I am grateful for this life, where I am now WITH a spinal cord injury. That I would absolutely turn back the clock. Yes, that is still true and where would I be? Would I be filled with the purpose I feel now to advocate, educate and raise money for spinal cord research? Look at how far we have come with effort in other realms. #breakthestigma Also, I have established myself as a leader in creating opportunity and changing the atmosphere for people with disabilities to recreate in Wilderness and backcountry settings! #howcoolisthat It feels damn good to be filled with passion, and purpose. To know that my efforts are making the news, buzzing around, tangibly gaining in the @nationalparkservice @yourpubliclands @u.s.forestservice @fish_and_wildlife_ and across city and local governments too! The irony of enduring a spinal cord injury, severe disability and constant pain—- such an awful plight, to finally approach a clearer vision of me. Believe in my worth, my value in work and relationships. It’s been a brutal and beautiful 6 years. Keep plugging onward, I guess. 😉 #impossibleisnothing #love #climbing #rockclimbing #enduranceathlete #skiing #mountains #mountainbiking #trailrunning #running #hiking #crossfit #yoga #paragliding #outdoors #athlete #spinalcordinjury #spinalcordresearch #paralyzed #adaptivehiking #adaptivesports #wilderness #disability
In 2016, I ran the #r2r2r of the Grand Canyon with a gal pal @chelsea_vanhorn. 6 years ago, I fell rock climbing and broke my back. Paralyzed. #quadzillasgone #identitycrisis Two weeks ago, myself and two fellow paralyzed buddies and 5 of our able-bodied friends hiked the from the south rim to the north rim of the @grandcanyonnps. We also had the gracious support of @adidasterrex and @bannsailer As far as anniversaries go, this one felt like—- well, quintessential me. 🤣 #imeanreally A far-fetched adventure, a dash of trouble, fantastic teamwork and breaking barriers. Not a lot of “woe is me, blame, shame”. I wrote a few years back that I didn’t think I would ever arrive to a place where I am grateful for this life, where I am now WITH a spinal cord injury. That I would absolutely turn back the clock. Yes, that is still true and where would I be? Would I be filled with the purpose I feel now to advocate, educate and raise money for spinal cord research? Look at how far we have come with effort in other realms. #breakthestigma Also, I have established myself as a leader in creating opportunity and changing the atmosphere for people with disabilities to recreate in Wilderness and backcountry settings! #howcoolisthat It feels damn good to be filled with passion, and purpose. To know that my efforts are making the news, buzzing around, tangibly gaining in the @nationalparkservice @yourpubliclands @u.s.forestservice @fish_and_wildlife_ and across city and local governments too! The irony of enduring a spinal cord injury, severe disability and constant pain—- such an awful plight, to finally approach a clearer vision of me. Believe in my worth, my value in work and relationships. It’s been a brutal and beautiful 6 years. Keep plugging onward, I guess. 😉 #impossibleisnothing #love #climbing #rockclimbing #enduranceathlete #skiing #mountains #mountainbiking #trailrunning #running #hiking #crossfit #yoga #paragliding #outdoors #athlete #spinalcordinjury #spinalcordresearch #paralyzed #adaptivehiking #adaptivesports #wilderness #disability
In 2016, I ran the #r2r2r of the Grand Canyon with a gal pal @chelsea_vanhorn. 6 years ago, I fell rock climbing and broke my back. Paralyzed. #quadzillasgone #identitycrisis Two weeks ago, myself and two fellow paralyzed buddies and 5 of our able-bodied friends hiked the from the south rim to the north rim of the @grandcanyonnps. We also had the gracious support of @adidasterrex and @bannsailer As far as anniversaries go, this one felt like—- well, quintessential me. 🤣 #imeanreally A far-fetched adventure, a dash of trouble, fantastic teamwork and breaking barriers. Not a lot of “woe is me, blame, shame”. I wrote a few years back that I didn’t think I would ever arrive to a place where I am grateful for this life, where I am now WITH a spinal cord injury. That I would absolutely turn back the clock. Yes, that is still true and where would I be? Would I be filled with the purpose I feel now to advocate, educate and raise money for spinal cord research? Look at how far we have come with effort in other realms. #breakthestigma Also, I have established myself as a leader in creating opportunity and changing the atmosphere for people with disabilities to recreate in Wilderness and backcountry settings! #howcoolisthat It feels damn good to be filled with passion, and purpose. To know that my efforts are making the news, buzzing around, tangibly gaining in the @nationalparkservice @yourpubliclands @u.s.forestservice @fish_and_wildlife_ and across city and local governments too! The irony of enduring a spinal cord injury, severe disability and constant pain—- such an awful plight, to finally approach a clearer vision of me. Believe in my worth, my value in work and relationships. It’s been a brutal and beautiful 6 years. Keep plugging onward, I guess. 😉 #impossibleisnothing #love #climbing #rockclimbing #enduranceathlete #skiing #mountains #mountainbiking #trailrunning #running #hiking #crossfit #yoga #paragliding #outdoors #athlete #spinalcordinjury #spinalcordresearch #paralyzed #adaptivehiking #adaptivesports #wilderness #disability
In 2016, I ran the #r2r2r of the Grand Canyon with a gal pal @chelsea_vanhorn. 6 years ago, I fell rock climbing and broke my back. Paralyzed. #quadzillasgone #identitycrisis Two weeks ago, myself and two fellow paralyzed buddies and 5 of our able-bodied friends hiked the from the south rim to the north rim of the @grandcanyonnps. We also had the gracious support of @adidasterrex and @bannsailer As far as anniversaries go, this one felt like—- well, quintessential me. 🤣 #imeanreally A far-fetched adventure, a dash of trouble, fantastic teamwork and breaking barriers. Not a lot of “woe is me, blame, shame”. I wrote a few years back that I didn’t think I would ever arrive to a place where I am grateful for this life, where I am now WITH a spinal cord injury. That I would absolutely turn back the clock. Yes, that is still true and where would I be? Would I be filled with the purpose I feel now to advocate, educate and raise money for spinal cord research? Look at how far we have come with effort in other realms. #breakthestigma Also, I have established myself as a leader in creating opportunity and changing the atmosphere for people with disabilities to recreate in Wilderness and backcountry settings! #howcoolisthat It feels damn good to be filled with passion, and purpose. To know that my efforts are making the news, buzzing around, tangibly gaining in the @nationalparkservice @yourpubliclands @u.s.forestservice @fish_and_wildlife_ and across city and local governments too! The irony of enduring a spinal cord injury, severe disability and constant pain—- such an awful plight, to finally approach a clearer vision of me. Believe in my worth, my value in work and relationships. It’s been a brutal and beautiful 6 years. Keep plugging onward, I guess. 😉 #impossibleisnothing #love #climbing #rockclimbing #enduranceathlete #skiing #mountains #mountainbiking #trailrunning #running #hiking #crossfit #yoga #paragliding #outdoors #athlete #spinalcordinjury #spinalcordresearch #paralyzed #adaptivehiking #adaptivesports #wilderness #disability
In 2016, I ran the #r2r2r of the Grand Canyon with a gal pal @chelsea_vanhorn. 6 years ago, I fell rock climbing and broke my back. Paralyzed. #quadzillasgone #identitycrisis Two weeks ago, myself and two fellow paralyzed buddies and 5 of our able-bodied friends hiked the from the south rim to the north rim of the @grandcanyonnps. We also had the gracious support of @adidasterrex and @bannsailer As far as anniversaries go, this one felt like—- well, quintessential me. 🤣 #imeanreally A far-fetched adventure, a dash of trouble, fantastic teamwork and breaking barriers. Not a lot of “woe is me, blame, shame”. I wrote a few years back that I didn’t think I would ever arrive to a place where I am grateful for this life, where I am now WITH a spinal cord injury. That I would absolutely turn back the clock. Yes, that is still true and where would I be? Would I be filled with the purpose I feel now to advocate, educate and raise money for spinal cord research? Look at how far we have come with effort in other realms. #breakthestigma Also, I have established myself as a leader in creating opportunity and changing the atmosphere for people with disabilities to recreate in Wilderness and backcountry settings! #howcoolisthat It feels damn good to be filled with passion, and purpose. To know that my efforts are making the news, buzzing around, tangibly gaining in the @nationalparkservice @yourpubliclands @u.s.forestservice @fish_and_wildlife_ and across city and local governments too! The irony of enduring a spinal cord injury, severe disability and constant pain—- such an awful plight, to finally approach a clearer vision of me. Believe in my worth, my value in work and relationships. It’s been a brutal and beautiful 6 years. Keep plugging onward, I guess. 😉 #impossibleisnothing #love #climbing #rockclimbing #enduranceathlete #skiing #mountains #mountainbiking #trailrunning #running #hiking #crossfit #yoga #paragliding #outdoors #athlete #spinalcordinjury #spinalcordresearch #paralyzed #adaptivehiking #adaptivesports #wilderness #disability
In 2016, I ran the #r2r2r of the Grand Canyon with a gal pal @chelsea_vanhorn. 6 years ago, I fell rock climbing and broke my back. Paralyzed. #quadzillasgone #identitycrisis Two weeks ago, myself and two fellow paralyzed buddies and 5 of our able-bodied friends hiked the from the south rim to the north rim of the @grandcanyonnps. We also had the gracious support of @adidasterrex and @bannsailer As far as anniversaries go, this one felt like—- well, quintessential me. 🤣 #imeanreally A far-fetched adventure, a dash of trouble, fantastic teamwork and breaking barriers. Not a lot of “woe is me, blame, shame”. I wrote a few years back that I didn’t think I would ever arrive to a place where I am grateful for this life, where I am now WITH a spinal cord injury. That I would absolutely turn back the clock. Yes, that is still true and where would I be? Would I be filled with the purpose I feel now to advocate, educate and raise money for spinal cord research? Look at how far we have come with effort in other realms. #breakthestigma Also, I have established myself as a leader in creating opportunity and changing the atmosphere for people with disabilities to recreate in Wilderness and backcountry settings! #howcoolisthat It feels damn good to be filled with passion, and purpose. To know that my efforts are making the news, buzzing around, tangibly gaining in the @nationalparkservice @yourpubliclands @u.s.forestservice @fish_and_wildlife_ and across city and local governments too! The irony of enduring a spinal cord injury, severe disability and constant pain—- such an awful plight, to finally approach a clearer vision of me. Believe in my worth, my value in work and relationships. It’s been a brutal and beautiful 6 years. Keep plugging onward, I guess. 😉 #impossibleisnothing #love #climbing #rockclimbing #enduranceathlete #skiing #mountains #mountainbiking #trailrunning #running #hiking #crossfit #yoga #paragliding #outdoors #athlete #spinalcordinjury #spinalcordresearch #paralyzed #adaptivehiking #adaptivesports #wilderness #disability
In 2016, I ran the #r2r2r of the Grand Canyon with a gal pal @chelsea_vanhorn. 6 years ago, I fell rock climbing and broke my back. Paralyzed. #quadzillasgone #identitycrisis Two weeks ago, myself and two fellow paralyzed buddies and 5 of our able-bodied friends hiked the from the south rim to the north rim of the @grandcanyonnps. We also had the gracious support of @adidasterrex and @bannsailer As far as anniversaries go, this one felt like—- well, quintessential me. 🤣 #imeanreally A far-fetched adventure, a dash of trouble, fantastic teamwork and breaking barriers. Not a lot of “woe is me, blame, shame”. I wrote a few years back that I didn’t think I would ever arrive to a place where I am grateful for this life, where I am now WITH a spinal cord injury. That I would absolutely turn back the clock. Yes, that is still true and where would I be? Would I be filled with the purpose I feel now to advocate, educate and raise money for spinal cord research? Look at how far we have come with effort in other realms. #breakthestigma Also, I have established myself as a leader in creating opportunity and changing the atmosphere for people with disabilities to recreate in Wilderness and backcountry settings! #howcoolisthat It feels damn good to be filled with passion, and purpose. To know that my efforts are making the news, buzzing around, tangibly gaining in the @nationalparkservice @yourpubliclands @u.s.forestservice @fish_and_wildlife_ and across city and local governments too! The irony of enduring a spinal cord injury, severe disability and constant pain—- such an awful plight, to finally approach a clearer vision of me. Believe in my worth, my value in work and relationships. It’s been a brutal and beautiful 6 years. Keep plugging onward, I guess. 😉 #impossibleisnothing #love #climbing #rockclimbing #enduranceathlete #skiing #mountains #mountainbiking #trailrunning #running #hiking #crossfit #yoga #paragliding #outdoors #athlete #spinalcordinjury #spinalcordresearch #paralyzed #adaptivehiking #adaptivesports #wilderness #disability
In 2016, I ran the #r2r2r of the Grand Canyon with a gal pal @chelsea_vanhorn. 6 years ago, I fell rock climbing and broke my back. Paralyzed. #quadzillasgone #identitycrisis Two weeks ago, myself and two fellow paralyzed buddies and 5 of our able-bodied friends hiked the from the south rim to the north rim of the @grandcanyonnps. We also had the gracious support of @adidasterrex and @bannsailer As far as anniversaries go, this one felt like—- well, quintessential me. 🤣 #imeanreally A far-fetched adventure, a dash of trouble, fantastic teamwork and breaking barriers. Not a lot of “woe is me, blame, shame”. I wrote a few years back that I didn’t think I would ever arrive to a place where I am grateful for this life, where I am now WITH a spinal cord injury. That I would absolutely turn back the clock. Yes, that is still true and where would I be? Would I be filled with the purpose I feel now to advocate, educate and raise money for spinal cord research? Look at how far we have come with effort in other realms. #breakthestigma Also, I have established myself as a leader in creating opportunity and changing the atmosphere for people with disabilities to recreate in Wilderness and backcountry settings! #howcoolisthat It feels damn good to be filled with passion, and purpose. To know that my efforts are making the news, buzzing around, tangibly gaining in the @nationalparkservice @yourpubliclands @u.s.forestservice @fish_and_wildlife_ and across city and local governments too! The irony of enduring a spinal cord injury, severe disability and constant pain—- such an awful plight, to finally approach a clearer vision of me. Believe in my worth, my value in work and relationships. It’s been a brutal and beautiful 6 years. Keep plugging onward, I guess. 😉 #impossibleisnothing #love #climbing #rockclimbing #enduranceathlete #skiing #mountains #mountainbiking #trailrunning #running #hiking #crossfit #yoga #paragliding #outdoors #athlete #spinalcordinjury #spinalcordresearch #paralyzed #adaptivehiking #adaptivesports #wilderness #disability
I have been desiring to golf a lot more recently but actually finding a place with the equipment is a barrier. Recently I reserved a tee time in Phoenix, AZ one month in advance at a golf club that had previously provided adaptive equipment. One month in advance because this one piece of equipment is shared, or no one knows what it is, or where it is etc. 😤 Two days before our tee time, my mom called to reconfirm. They said, nope, they didn’t have the equipment, talked to the wrong person, needed to call the local adaptive center to book it. We had done that also a month ago, and they told us they didn’t loan their equipment out. When we called back the two days before, they said they indeed loan their equipment out but needed advance notice. Infuriating. 🤬 All that to say, my new friend Pam here in Denver has been working hard to provide equal opportunities @denverparksrec golf courses. She has relationships with @craighospital and folks with disabilities who use this equipment. She has sourced current equipment and is slated to receive 3-4 new adaptive golf carts this spring. I went golfing with her yesterday with less than a weeks notice. She and her staff helped fit the equipment, and even spent hours prior making sure it was adjusted, working, charged, and ready! Incredible. 🤗 Legally, Title III of the ADA requires that business that serve the public can not discriminate against customers with disabilities, and must provide reasonable access… this not exhaustive list — * Inns, hotels, and motels * Restaurants and bars * Bakeries and grocery stores * Hardware stores or any sales/retail outlet * Banks * Laundromats/dry cleaners * Accountants/lawyers’ offices * Health care providers’ offices * Public transportation * Recreation venues ⛳️🪂🏸 * Schools * Social service centers * Gyms🏋🏽♀️🤸🏿♀️🧘🏼🏊♂️🧗🏽♀️ Golf courses need to provide adaptive equipment. Pools need ramps or lifts. Rental car companies need hand controls etc. My experience no matter how many phone calls, emails and advance notice I give is — communication, information and legal compliance is unclear, inconsistent and disregarded. #worksmarternotharder #somanystoriestotell
Been working two jobs I love (@u2fp and @dovetail_trails_consulting). I am exceptionally passionate about my work and fortunate to have cultivated these opportunities after my injury. Back in the early #spinalcordinjury days, I felt useless, unsure, depressed and pure hopelessness that anything good could come from loosing my identity, community shift, loss of the use of my legs, not feeling when I have to pee or poop and constant nerve pain. #shouldimentionorgasm #micdrop #notimetoshave #priorities I am grateful for re-finding purpose. I am grateful for my community. I am grateful for you all following along and learning, asking questions, and contributing to my work via volunteer hours, reading and further educating yourselves on SCI and adaptive recreation and straight up donations to these exceptional organizations/causes. #love #gratitude #community #education #thankyou #climbing #rockclimbing #skiing #mountains #mountainbiking #trailrunning #running #roadbiking #crossfit #paragliding #outdoors #athlete #diving #spinalcordresearch #paralyzed #science #sports #wilderness #disability
I know it’s inspiring when “we” (people with disabilities) do things independently and all 🤭—— I wish I could rationalize paying for an entourage #oronekindandhandsome to escort me everywhere #pcasareunreliable #momisbusy #theyshouldntbeouranswer #accessibility #autonomymatters Nor do I have the time or want to continue carving out hours in my day to make all the extra phone calls and emails to likely uninformed staff, or into- the- unanswered -ether- to inquire if the seats are padded, the entrance has a threshold or steps, if the bathroom is “accessible, only to find out after all the extra inquiries that upon arrival there are indeed steps, steep ramps, difficult or ungraspable door knobs and faucets, heavily weighted doors in a stoop, bathroom doors that are too narrow or the door hinges swing inward in the bathroom stall—- etc etc etc. #publicpeeing #notadacompliant Are we choosing to NOT fix a problem because we don’t see the absent community and therefore they MUST not want or have any desire to be in that space? Or—- perhaps it is that the community is not seen because it is exhausting to navigate a world that is still so unaccommodating #exhausted #chickenortheegg #disabilityawareness #mobilitydisability #wheelchair Edit: there is an elevator but you have to go through locked business doors (employee open from inside) to get down. Inside the ramp is steep. Solo solution is for call the establishment and wait. 💩🥶😩 ID: brunette woman on a cold winter evening taking a selfie video of a long run of stairs that lead down to basement level bar establishment. She uses a manual wheelchair—-
Taking full advantage of my designated piggy backers #dpb to round out some rugged adventures these days. #gratitude #assslapsarethenewhug #spinalcordinjury #paralyzed. The view where the trail ended at Delicate Arch, was amazing. The ability to be carried and pose down under the delicate arch was an added bonus. Our work, our passion for adventure/Wilderness experiences, and educating in both Wilderness and Accessibility law do not mean we advocate for the trail to alter a landscape by paving it or —-etching steps and sidewalks, god forbid we do that to allow greater access. #cynical @dovetail_trails_consulting leads the way, educating on small changes land managers can make, assisting to open these iconic and treasured outdoor experiences in a more universal way. We all like a little adventure and to push our limits — most include ways that are not as intrusive or carving steps into a sandstone slabs #moveaboulderorthree #natureprovides #johnottotenacity Spectrum of opportunity! iD- a selfie view of a brunette woman wearing a hat getting piggy backed by a blond woman on a sandstone slab with very blue skies. The video is a quick Ian around showing the iconic delicate arch in arches National park. Other images include trail and handcycle hiking photos on the sandstone trail. #climbing #rockclimbing #enduranceathlete #skiing #mountains #mountainbiking #trailrunning #running #roadbiking #crossfit #yoga #paragliding #outdoors #athlete #diving #sports #wilderness #disability #accessibility #adaptiverecreation
6 years ago. More words and reflection later. Traveling back from the annual “Alive Day” extravaganza. #adaptivehiking #lemonade #r2r #climbing #rockclimbing #enduranceathlete #skiing #mountains #mountainbiking #trailrunning #running #roadbiking #crossfit #yoga #paragliding #outdoors #athlete #diving #spinalcordinjury #spinalcordresearch #paralyzed #science #sports #wilderness #disability
