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Crips v. Bloods |
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July 20th, 2010 by BridalBuds
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Have I mentioned that my amazingly talented, wonderful, a-sister-to-me, MOH is also a Crip?
Rapdict
No silly! That’s a gang!
She’s a Crip which is Muscular Dystrophy Camp slang for a Cripple… someone in a wheelchair. She’s the best person I have ever met (okay she ties with the Cherry Dude) and I forget that everyone notices the big huge wheelchair.
Personal Photo of MOH in her Wedding-Decked-Out-Wheelchair
But to me it’s sort of second nature. I have driven MOH around since I was 16 and could drive her minivan with Father approval. Because for obvious reasons, she couldn’t ride in my car!
Source
Ok it’s not that cool… it’s a forest green minivan with a somewhat-big-obnoxious ramp that takes forever to come down and honestly how can you make that look cool? Meh!
This brings me to my point…. Ladies if you have a member of your bridal party or a guest who happens to be in a wheelchair (power or otherwise) make sure to compile a list of handicapable questions! Here’s what I asked at each meeting:
Source + Edited in Paint by me
At the Venue:
Me: (As I stared at some stairs leading into the chapel- OMFG) There are stairs- how can we get people in wheelchairs into the Chapel?
Them: Oh, no worries, we can move the potted tree there- it blocks the ramp that comes directly up to the Chapel.
Me: (PHEW That was close)
Source + Edited in Paint by me
Me: (As I peered at a 5 inch step up to the altar in a VERY small Chapel) Um, do you have a ramp or something we can use for someone in the bridal party who is in a wheelchair?
Them: Unfortunately no, but I can give you the dimensions.
Me to FI: Ok, looks like we’re building a ramp!
At the Hotel:
Me: Now I like the Suites we’ll have as part of our “block” but are any handicap accessible and can I see it? (Tip for any brides dealing with handicap rooms- take a peek and make sure your friend in a power chair REALLY can get around).
Them: Sure! Let me show you this one…
Me: Perfect! Lots of room and it looks like a big bathroom that’s helpful!
Personal Photo
At the Florist:
What you didn’t think there would be wheelchair related questions here?!
Me: Ok, now my MOH happens to be in a wheelchair and she’s rather petite so I’d like a small bouquet so she can still “roll” up the aisle with one hand. And of course no bridesmaid bouquets can be bigger than hers.
Them: Done.
Phew that was a bit of a workout, but I wanted to compile a list of the BIG questions I asked. I hope this helps any brides in a similar situation. Any questions you asked that I didn’t? Does anyone else have a person who happens to be in a wheelchair in their bridal party or on their guest list?
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Categories: Archived, Nontraditional |
3 Comments |
July 20th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
You are so awesome for this post. We had a lot of the same considerations due to my father-in-law, who sometimes uses a chair or a cane to get around. Having been on crutches not too long ago myself, it is crazy how many venues have accessibility issues! I’m glad you can make it work for your adorable MOH.
July 20th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Plumeria Blossom, thanks so much! I think it’s something that we can often overlook, especially if the person is very close to us as we are used to making accommodations. But I found it was really important to be upfront about accessibility since there was no other option, my Maid of Honor HAD to be there.
)
July 20th, 2010 at 11:53 pm
Having close relatives who use all, wheelchairs,walkers and canes, I’m used to asking the accessibility questions. I knew Lilac Dude was a keeper when he beat me to the questions last time!
I’m glad that your venue/vendors are workable with the issue of accessibility.