Guest Blogger: Shelly Lowe

The Ms. Wheelchair USA organization has recently named several new state representatives, and a few of them have accepted my invitation to appear as a guest blogger. Shelly Lowe was crowned Ms. Wheelchair West Virginia, and I'm looking forward to meeting her at the national competition in July. I love hearing about girls that enjoy the outdoors- meet Shelly!

• Tell us a little about yourself?

 My name is Jordan Michelle Lowe, but everyone calls me Shelly. I was born July 9, 1993. I am currently 20 years old. I am from a small town in West Virginia called Shinnston. I go to Fairmont State University where I major in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. I am a true country girl. I like to go fishing, hunting, riding down back roads and mudding. I have 2 sisters and 2 brothers, and I am the oldest. I am very optimistic and try to help as many as I can. My favorite colors are lime green and orange. 

• Tell us about your disability?

In April 2011, when I was a Senior in high school, my boyfriend (at the time) and I were coming home from a dirt track race. It was about 1:30 in the morning, and we were both really tired. I fell asleep and was awoken by his screams telling me to hold on. He had fallen asleep, and when he woke up, he cut the wheel too sharp causing the truck to roll. I broke my neck in two places, and as a result, I suffer from a SCI (Spinal Cord Injury). I was diagnosed as being a quadriplegic.

• What is your platform/motto in life?

My motto in life is, “The only handicap one has is themselves.” I live by this every day and try to get others to live by it as well. I don’t like being told what I can and cannot do, especially if it’s because of my disability that they say I can’t do something. We can do anything as long as we set our minds to it.

• What are your favorite activities?

My favorite activities would include inspiring/helping others, hunting, fishing, and riding four wheelers.

• What is something we might not know about you?

I like to sing karaoke with my friends.

• What are your future plans?

My plans for the future include going to WVU to get my masters in Psychology, and then working with adolescents and adults with mental disorders. After that I plan on opening up my own practice to counsel people like myself who have disabilities and need someone to talk to.

• What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome?

The biggest obstacle I had to overcome would have to be this injury and coping with all the friends I have lost and realizing they were never my true friends to begin with. I am still faced with many obstacles because of that, but I wouldn’t change a thing. It has changed my life and has made me a truly better person. God dealt me this hand of cards for a reason, and I am playing them to the best of my ability!

• What is the best advice you would give to someone with a recent injury/diagnosis?

I would tell them that their life isn’t over. It has only just begun. They can still continue to live a normal life and do ANYTHING they set their minds too. Don’t give up! 

My Wheelchair & A Product Review

I used to hate my wheelchair. I think I hated what it represented- the reminder it was of my accident and paralysis. I resented having to use it, and childishly, blamed the hunk of metal itself instead of actually dealing with the emotions behind the bitterness.

That may seem like a strange way to lead in to a product review, but for a long time, I didn't like "chair flair." The bright paint, lights, accessories, etc. that adorned other wheelchairs bothered me. Why would I decorate something I despised? My chairs were black with nothing flashy, different, or exciting.

Now that I am older and so much slightly more mature, I am thankful for my wheelchair. Now, it represents my independence and the freedom I have to do anything I want, regardless of my disability. I appreciate my chair and the partner it has become in my life.

And so, when I ordered my current chair about a year ago, I branched out a little. Addison helped me pick out a few places to add purple accents, and I love how it turned out. It displays my personality without looking like I stumbled into the middle of a paintball war. It's me.

This change in attitude couldn't have come at a better time, because before Christmas, I received a tweet from a company asking if I would be interested in receiving a set of camo spoke covers. I was reluctant at first, but I decided to try them out. And I'm so very glad I did! Not only do they look great, but they protect my hands and nails from spoke damage. I get comments all the time about the covers- the camo is very popular! They are easy to install- just a few velcro straps- and you can wipe them down with a wet rag when they get dirty. I waited to review them until I had time to use them in multiple capacities, including traveling. They have held up wonderfully!

There are only two cons to these spoke covers. The first would only apply to manual wheelchairs that have wheels that are removed by a center release button. With the current model of spoke covers, the release button is covered by material. You can slide your hand between the cover and your spokes to access the button, but it takes a little getting used to. I was told that newer models would have a cut-out for the release button.

The second con is that the company that made these covers seems to have disappeared! HB Wheelie Co. is no longer a website, Facebook page, or twitter account. They were a brand new company, so unless they have changed their name, I'm afraid that they may have shut down, which stinks! They had several different sizes and patterns, including a chevron I was going to try. So if you have any information, or can find any trace of the company, please let me know so we can spread the word about these creative wheelchair accessories!

 

Catching Up

I knew this spring would be busy, but I had no idea what was in store. It has been a whirlwind, but in such a good way! I will break down the last few weeks by event to catch everyone up on what has been going on with the Crown & Camo tour.

Ohio/Indiana Trip:

Addison and I traveled to Indiana and Ohio at the end of February for two weeks. This was the first time I have traveled with her by myself, and her first visit to Indiana, where I was born and raised. She did really well, and she definitely had a great time visiting with family and friends, attending my events, and living in a hotel for a while!

We flew in to Ohio where we attended Pastries with the Princesses, a fundraiser for The Dane Foundation. This is the non-profit organization with sponsors the Ms. Wheelchair USA pageant every year. Addison and I had such a great time meeting all of the princesses- she was in heaven! Here are a few pictures from the event:

All of the girls and the princesses during story time at Cinderella's castle.

Addison and Sleeping Beauty

Matching crowns!

We spent the rest of our time in Ohio making appearances and building new relationships with donors and possible sponsors for the pageant. Addison loved hanging out with everyone and did very well with the busy schedule- and eating breakfast in the hotel every morning was definitely a highlight! We love staying at the Staybridge Suites in Stow, Ohio- one of the most accessible hotels I have ever stayed in. The rooms are gorgeous and the staff is incredible!

Breakfast in our hotel room!

Addison's first "Build-a-Bear" experience- this store in the Summit Mall in Akron has been a very generous sponsor of the pageant.

Checking out the trikes at the Rubber City Harley Davidson- I'm thinking I need one in a camo paint scheme...

We headed to Indy for a few more events before heading home. Addison got to spend some quality time with family, and I got to catch up with some old friends. We visited the Indianapolis Children's Museum, which was incredible. I was very honored to have this trip sponsored by two organizations. The first was the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, where I was able to speak and tour the hospital to meet patients and their families. The staff at RHI is doing an outstanding job helping people to become more independent after an injury or diagnosis. The patients and their families were so welcoming, and we met some amazing people!

The second event I spoke at was the first annual Civil Rights Symposium sponsored by the U.S. Attorney's Southern District Office. The conference was held at the Indiana State Police Museum, and I was able to meet a lot of great people making a big difference in Indiana, as well as across the country. I learned so much from the other speakers, and the event made me excited to get home and continue my work in Wyoming.

We had an amazing trip, but we also decided that two weeks is a long time to be away from our favorite guy, so we were definitely glad to get home to Russ.

Somebody got to check out the cockpit on the plane!

Abilities Expo- Atlanta:

In mid-March I took off for the Abilities Expo in Atlanta. These expos are held all across the country throughout the year, and they are an amazing opportunity for people with disabilities to network and learn about all of the newest information, technology, and products- it's like Candyland for people in chairs! We were at our Ms. Wheelchair USA booth for all three days of the expo, and we met a lot of great people, shared information about the pageant, and played with a bunch of awesome toys! :)

Our booth at the expo.

Playing in the Trackmaster track chair.

Impromptu girl talk session!

"Walking" in the Quadriciser

 The amount of technology that is available for people with disabilities had grown by leaps and bounds, but unfortunately, there was little if any of a presence for outdoor activities, specifically hunting. We are hoping to change that at the upcoming expo in the NJ/NY area by providing my "Dream Booth," which would include adaptive equipment specific to hunting. We are currently looking for sponsors for this booth, so if you or someone you know would like to be involved in sharing your adaptive equipment with thousands of consumers with disabilities, please contact me at ashlee.lundvall@gmail.com, or by using the form at the bottom of this page!

Wyoming Outdoorsmen:

A few days after I got back from Atlanta, I was invited to speak at the annual Wyoming Outdoorsmen's Banquet here in Cody. We enjoyed a great prime rib dinner before I took the stage to talk about hunting with a disability and encouraging more women to get involved in the sport. The crowd was gracious and supportive- exactly what I can always count on from my amazing hometown! WYO is a great organization, and they have always been incredibly generous to Wyoming Disabled Hunters over the years! It was a great event, and Russ almost bought me a purple handgun during the auction that followed- maybe a birthday present this fall???

Shepard Symposium:

I was invited to present at the 18th annual Shepard Symposium on Social Justice last weekend on the University of Wyoming campus in Laramie, and Russ was able to travel with me. This trip was sponsored by the student organization Abilities and Wyoming AgrAbility. We filmed an interview in the morning for the Wyoming Signatures series on Wyoming PBS, and enjoyed a meet and greet with the students in the afternoon before I spoke in the final session. Although Abilities is a newer organization, they are already having a huge impact for students with disabilities on the UW campus- I am so looking forward to hearing about their continued efforts to make a difference and impact for the disability community.

If you would like to view my presentation, you can watch the video here- just skip to 1:27:03 for my part of the session.

PVCE Events:

Last Tuesday brought another local opportunity to speak. Powell Valley Community Education and local McDonald's owner Jerry Bank sponsored a presentation at Northwest College where I was able to share my story and hopefully encourage others to maintain a positive attitude when faced with obstacles. This was a very special event for me as I was able to speak in-depth for the first time in Wyoming to a great group of family members, friends, and new friends from the community. I held a Q&A after my talk, and the group was very receptive and curious, which I love. I followed this event with an appearance at the annual Health & Safety Fair yesterday, where I was able to meet tons of awesome folks from the community.

Upcoming:

I have a little break in my schedule before things pick up again in May. I will hopefully be at the NY/NJ Abilities Expo (see above), I will be speaking at the Shoshone Learning Center in Powell, and later in the month Russ and I will be heading down to Cheyenne, Wyoming, to provide an in-service for the Voc Rehab counselors there. I am so thankful for these continued opportunities, and I look forward to updating you all soon about these events!

Being a Wheeling Traveler

I just returned home from a two-week trip to Ohio and Indiana. I will be blogging more about my journey and speaking events in a later post, but the visit reminded me that I had promised to share some of my experiences traveling in a wheelchair. I have done a lot of traveling since my accident, and for the most past, it has always been a pleasant adventure. Unfortunately, when it does go bad, it usually goes really bad. Here are some of the things I have learned along the way to keep traveling and vacationing as accessible and enjoyable as possible.

Airplanes:

Two of the best things to remember when traveling are preparation and communication. This is never more true than when you fly. When you are in a wheelchair, the airline will want to put you on the plane first, either using an aisle chair if you are able to transfer, or by having your aide carry you on to the plane. This allows you to get settled before any other passengers board. I call ahead to let the airline know I am coming, and to let them know that I will need an aisle chair. Your chair goes underneath the plane, and if all goes according to plan, it will be waiting for you at your destination.

Although you are the first to board, you will be the last to deplane. Keep this in mind when dealing with connections. Make sure and give yourself time to wait for the ever elusive aisle chair, make your transfers, use the restroom, and make it to your next gate early so they can load you first. I like to have a 2-hour layover if possible. This allows me plenty of time to do what I need to do in between flights without feeling rushed or worried I will miss my flight.

Here are some quick tips when flying with a wheelchair:

• Be in touch with the airline's accessibility department. I always travel with United if possible. I have had great success and satisfaction with them, and I have their disability services department number saved in my phone contacts. I always deal with them directly when I fly, and we love their rewards program through their credit card.
• Be prepared for a full pat-down when going through airport security. They will offer you a private screening if this is embarrassing for you. They will also test your chair as well as thoroughly inspect it, including any bags attached to you chair. I have had instances where this was a very quick process, and other times where I had to remove my shoes, lean from side to side so they could check my cushion, and sit patiently as they scrutinized every nut and bolt on my chair, including crawling underneath it. I actually appreciate the attention to detail when dealing with safety and security, so this has never bothered me,
• Research the airports you will be using. Some smaller airports will require you to use elevators in strange and sometimes hidden locations in order to reach the tarmac to go up the ramp to board the plane. Larger airports may require you to go from one concourse to another that is seemingly miles away- another good reason to have plenty of time between flights. Be prepared to use tramways in some cases. Avoid the moving electric sidewalks if you are not used to them- it's an easy way to flip a manual chair, especially if you are carrying bags that will alter your center of gravity. Don't ask me how I know this.
• Communicate with the airline personnel, especially the ones helping you on and off of the plane. They are usually nervous and will do much better if you make your needs and expectations very clear. Remind everyone you see about an aisle chair, if you require one. These things tend to disappear in airports, and I am often surprised at  how long I wait on a plane by myself after all of the other passengers have gone waiting for an aisle chair to appear. 
• I take my cushion on to the plane with me. It's better for your backside for longer flights. It will put you higher in the seat, so watch your seat belt and the armrests to ensure they don't dig in to your legs. And make sure your seat belt is out from under your cushion before you sit on it.
• Calling ahead also allows the airline to assign you a good seat, preferably in the bulkhead row, which has more legroom and more space for transferring. Just make sure the armrests go up if you will be transferring. I prefer the window seat so that people don't have to crawl over me, so I put all the armrests up and slide over to the window. Also, the bulkhead doesn't always allow for under-seat storage of your carry-on items, so make sure you remove what you need before you let the flight attendant put things in the over-head compartments.
• On shorter flights, I don't use the restrooms on the planes. On longer flights, you can either use a leg bag, or ask that they leave an aisle chair on board the plane so that you can be taken to the restroom in-flight. I have only done this once, on a 9-hour flight to Maui, and it was comical at best. The restrooms are not accessible, but if you are traveling with an aide or companion, they can probably help you make it work. Look for the family bathrooms in the airports.They are very spacious and accessible.
• As far as luggage goes, this will depend on each individual person and their abilities and comfort level. I have found what bags will strap to my chair or that I can handle when traveling alone. In most instances, I have someone drop me at the airport and someone pick me up to help me with luggage. I have done this all independently, and while I made it work, it was tough. Wrestling heavy luggage onto those luggage carts and then pushing the whole mess while in a wheelchair is not on my list of fun things to do, but it is possible.
• Make sure they put a tag on your personal wheelchair and give you the gate-check tag. Be specific about how your chair is to be broken down or left as-is during storage under the plane, especially if you use a power chair. Explain any and all controls, battery switches, moveable parts, etc. 

Buses/Taxis:

I have used buses as shuttles to get to a hotel, as well as larger buses as the primary means of travel. Again, calling ahead is key. Make sure they know you will need a bus with a lift. You would think this would be an obvious need, but don't assume anything.

Taxis are different from city to city. I am able to transfer into a regular taxi and break down my chair, but I prefer the wheel-in taxis where available. When I visit NYC to see my brother and sister, we use the WOW Taxi app to keep track of accessible taxis in the area.

Most cities have accessible public transportation of some kind, but again, do your research on the type of vehicle, accessible stops, access, parking, etc. You can never over-research accessibility, especially on a first-time visit to a city that is not familiar to you.

Rental Cars:

Most major rental car companies have a disability services department that can help you make your reservation. They can tell you what vehicle models are available with hand controls, spinner steering knobs, and other adaptive equipment. If they don't have vans with ramps, they should be able to point you in the right direction of a company that rents out other accessible vehicles, depending on your needs.

Cruise Ships:

I love taking cruises. To me, it is one of the most accessible ways to vacation. I could do an entire blog post on cruises, but I won't. Bottom line- call their disability services department and make sure you get an accessible room on the ship. It will be your safety net to return to when you are in a port that is not exactly ADA compliant.

Hotels:

You would think that most hotels would have the accessibility thing figured out by now, but you would be surprised at how many "accessible" rooms I have booked that I had to use a rolling office chair in order to get in to the bathroom. When in doubt, ask for specific room dimensions and door widths. It sounds crazy, but sometimes it is the only way to ensure access.

Also, specifically request a shower chair, hand shower, or a roll-in shower if needed- every hotel will be different. And well before you take that first shower, make sure the shower head is either pointed where you need it, or pulled down far enough to where you can reach the hand shower portion. I can't tell you how many shower heads I have had to whack with a shampoo bottle or curling iron when I forgot to ask that it be adjusted. And don't pull too hard on the hoses of the hand showers that double as full shower heads. Those suckers are heavy and slippery, and drop from the sky like boulders.

This is in no way a complete guide to traveling in a wheelchair, but I hope it sheds some light on a sometimes scary endeavor. I love to travel, but I do try to make it easier on myself by doing the hard work ahead of time. As always, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below, message me below, or email me at ashlee.lundvall@gmail.com.

I will be back next week with my first official product review, as well as an update on my last trip and my upcoming trip to the Abilities Expo in Atlanta. Exciting times ahead!

Guest Blogger: Dianna Warren

The first thing that you notice about Dianna is her smile- it can literally light up an entire room! She was a volunteer at the pageant last summer, and she did an amazing job offering support and guidance throughout the week. I was totally out of my comfort zone and had no idea what to expect, and she made me feel so comfortable and confident as the week progressed.

Diana has been married for 35 years- what a testimony in the world today! Last fall, she won the Ms. Wheelchair USA Ohio pageant and will be representing her state in the upcoming national pageant in July. I know she is going to do a great job- she has already proven she is a great advocate for the disability community! Meet Dianna!

Dianna and her husband, Howard, after she won the Ms. Wheelchair USA Ohio pageant

• Tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Dianna Warren, I am 53 years old. I will be 54 in May. I am from Canton, Ohio. I have one brother and one sister- I am the oldest. I graduated from McKinley High School in 1979, then I got married in August 1979. We dated for 3 years before we got married and now it is going on 35 years (time goes by fast)! I like working as a customer service representative, and I am currently looking for work. I’m a very determined individual. I also have a very positive attitude which I speak a lot about, as well as having a lot of faith.

• Tell us about your disability?

 I was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at the age of six. It is a form of Muscular Dystrophy. It’s a genetic disorder affecting the motor neurons where muscles lack the SMN protein, thus causing a poor connection between my nerves and muscles. My muscles don’t receive nerve signals as strong as they should and they don’t get used to their full potential, causing them to atrophy.

• What is your platform/motto in life?

My platform is on Myths and Facts about People with Disabilities, I never really thought of myself as a stereotype. In fact, I think of myself as a pretty typical American woman, with a wonderful family and many opportunities. Everyone at one time or another might find themselves fighting a stereotype and people with disabilities are no exception. Many stereotypical barriers begin with attitudes. Attitudes are often rooted in misinformation and misunderstanding about what it’s like to live with a disability. I believe people can help remove barriers and change attitudes by accepting people with disabilities as individuals, capable of the same needs and feelings as you. I believe I can make a difference in how the world views individuals with disabilities.

• What are your favorite activities?

I absolutely enjoy bowling. I have been a secretary / treasurer for a bowling league for people with different disabilities for 27 years. I am proud to say that I carry a 150 average. I enjoy camping- it is relaxing and a time to spend with family and friends while enjoying a good camp fire. I love to play Bingo! I also enjoy traveling, especially where it is warm because I love the beach and swimming. I love getting out and meeting people and different groups and speaking and sharing my life and experiences with others- I love to inspire others. I also like country music and going to concerts. I enjoy volunteering and doing fundraising. 

• What is something we might not know about you?

Let’s see… I was inducted into the Canton Women’s Hall of Fame for all of my accomplishments and community services. I did some modeling for a clothing store. I belong to the Ohio wheelchair sports which I won gold medals in bowling, power wheelchair racing and obstacle course. I have won a lot of awards.  And I like to gamble (for fun).

• What are your future plans?

To get a part time job from my home and continue to inspire people. I am always thinking of new adventures.

• What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome?

I don’t feel like I have had to overcome anything because I have lived all my life with a disability. You know how to get over the barriers, and with a positive attitude and a wonderful husband and family, you can overcome just about everything. 

• What is the best advice you would give to someone with a recent injury/diagnosis?

Don’t give up! Everyone has a purpose in life. You will have good days and bad days, but everyone does- you have to believe in yourself and have faith. The most important thing is to have a positive attitude- that is what will get you through everything in life.

• Anything else you would like to share?

I am so honored to have won the title of Ms. Wheelchair Ohio and to be able to represent my state for individuals with disabilities. I am so thankful for the Ms. Wheelchair USA Pageant- it has helped me so much with feeling glamorous and building up more and more confidence about myself. It is an opportunity to meet so many wonderful and inspiring women. I truly love having Ms. Wheelchair USA being part of my family!

Dianna was an amazing volunteer during the 2013 pageant. She will be competing for Ms. Wheelchair USA at the 2014 pageant in July!

Guest Blogger: Jake Winlow

Even though I've only know Jake for a few years, I feel like I've known him forever. Both he and his parents are some of the most genuine, down-to-earth people I have ever met. Throw in the awesome beard (eat your heart out, Duck Dynasty!), and his love for the outdoors, and it's easy to see why I enjoy hanging out with Jake. He and his Dad, Charlie, have rigged up some pretty great equipment over the years to allow Jake to continue to enjoy accessible outdoor recreation, which just so happens to be my passion, so I am really excited to not only introduce you to my friend, but also to share with you some of the pictures he sent me of his awesome four-wheeler and his hunting set-up. Meet Jake!

Jake and his parents, Charlie & Pat

• Tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Jacob Winlow.  I am 29 years old and I was born in Riverton, Wyoming.  Throughout my life I’ve lived in Alaska, North Dakota, and finally returned right back here to Wyoming.

• Tell us about your disability?

I was involved in a single vehicle rollover accident near Williston, North Dakota on August, 8 2009.  During the accident my head hit the roof of the passenger compartment causing the C6 vertebra to slide on C7, “kinking” my spinal cord.

• What is your platform/motto in life?

My motto in life, hmm that’s a tough one.  No one has ever asked me that.  I’m pretty certain of one thing though, I don’t have a platform in life.  That just sounds way too involved for me.  I guess my motto can best be summed up by the Arthur C. Clarke quote:  “The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible”.  I just try to always push myself a little harder or a little further whenever I do something.

• What are your favorite activities?

My favorite activities include four wheeling, hunting, camping, watching hockey, and just relaxing in front of the computer.  I went hunting for both deer and elk in the fall of 2013.  The elk hunt was in the Hyattville, Wyoming area and was made possible by the Wyoming Disabled Hunters.  The deer hunt took place on a neighbor’s farm near my house.  

Sweet ride!

Jake elk hunting in Hyattville, Wyoming

 

• What is something we might not know about you?

During my time in Alaska I was an avid archer.  I took first place statewide in my age group in multiple competitions throughout the last few years I lived there.

• What are your future plans?

My future plans are pretty simple at this point.  I plan to stay in Wyoming, try to stay healthy and continue doing the things I enjoy.  I’m always working to improve upon my physical limitations whether it be with adaptive equipment or exercise and physical therapy.

• What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome?

The biggest obstacle I have had to overcome is without a doubt my loss of independence and the fact that I must now rely on others to help me with things I once did on my own.  I work hard to try to become as independent as possible and will continue to do so, but I realize there are many things I simply can not do without assistance.

• What is the best advice you would give to someone with a recent injury/diagnosis?

I know the phrase is probably over used in these type of situations, but in all honesty my best advice is, “It gets better.”  I know I got tired of hearing it sometimes after my accident, but when I look back on those days it is certainly true.

• Anything else you would like to share?

No, I think that’s about it.  Thank you, Ashlee, for the opportunity to be a guest blogger.  


P.S.- It's Jake's birthday on the 29th. Happy early birthday, Jake!!!