Cruising with the Handicapped

[hn7609]

I had been reading a review of the Magic Trans Atlantic crossing that had degenerated into a bashing of the handicapped and their scooter usage. While some supported scooter usage the majority seemed to resent the “special privileges” that the handicapped were afforded and openly questioned if the people even were handicapped or needed the scooters. One poster took delight in flustering people by challenging them on the nature of their handicap. Is this the attitude of the cruising community or was that thread hijacked by a small vocal minority??

 

I have been diagnosed with Lou Gerhigs disease in the last year. I am now forced to use a wheel chair to travel any distance over 100 yards. To those who think that it is an enjoyable experience to traverse a cruise ship in a wheel chair you are dead wrong. I can’t imagine any able body person who would pass them self off as handicapped in order to scooter around the ship. I can assure you that there is hardly a more humiliating experience than being forced to ride in a wheel chair or scooter. The world is a whole different place when you are suddenly at belly button level with everybody else.

 

I appear to be a normal healthy 6’1” 205 lb person setting in my wheel chair. You might not even think that I have a disability as I can maneuver myself pretty well in it. But please don’t challenge me as to the nature of my disability………it only serves to remind me that I have only a short time left to live, I’m on vacation with my family to try and forget some of the realities of life just like you. Instead could you please help me just a little bit, if you see me stuck could you move a chair out of my way on the Lido so I can get thru or possibly give me a few extra seconds to get on the elevator instead of rushing in around me and filling it up. I’m taking a cruise this Christmas with my wife and children; I expect that it will be my last cruise………I would like for it to be a nice experience for all of us. I don’t want to think that I am spoiling somebody’s vacation just by being on the ship enjoying all of the handicap perks

[slybear]

I hope you have a wonderful cruise & can ignore all the ignorant people!

[kbmeow]

I had been reading a review of the Magic Trans Atlantic crossing that had degenerated into a bashing of the handicapped and their scooter usage. While some supported scooter usage the majority seemed to resent the “special privileges” that the handicapped were afforded and openly questioned if the people even were handicapped or needed the scooters. One poster took delight in flustering people by challenging them on the nature of their handicap. Is this the attitude of the cruising community or was that thread hijacked by a small vocal minority??

 

I have been diagnosed with Lou Gerhigs disease in the last year. I am now forced to use a wheel chair to travel any distance over 100 yards. To those who think that it is an enjoyable experience to traverse a cruise ship in a wheel chair you are dead wrong. I can’t imagine any able body person who would pass them self off as handicapped in order to scooter around the ship. I can assure you that there is hardly a more humiliating experience than being forced to ride in a wheel chair or scooter. The world is a whole different place when you are suddenly at belly button level with everybody else.

 

I appear to be a normal healthy 6’1” 205 lb person setting in my wheel chair. You might not even think that I have a disability as I can maneuver myself pretty well in it. But please don’t challenge me as to the nature of my disability………it only serves to remind me that I have only a short time left to live, I’m on vacation with my family to try and forget some of the realities of life just like you. Instead could you please help me just a little bit, if you see me stuck could you move a chair out of my way on the Lido so I can get thru or possibly give me a few extra seconds to get on the elevator instead of rushing in around me and filling it up. I’m taking a cruise this Christmas with my wife and children; I expect that it will be my last cruise………I would like for it to be a nice experience for all of us. I don’t want to think that I am spoiling somebody’s vacation just by being on the ship enjoying all of the handicap perks

 

Let me start with

I will say I wish you nothing but the best in health and hope that there is a miracle or something that could help you. I hope they find a way to not only extend your life but make it a good life too.

 

 

I was the one who " challenge" people on scooters. And I only challenge them as you put it when they try and cut in line. I want to know why they should be going ahead of me in line. I understand they may or may not have mobility problems but what difference does that make at a show. If I were in line for the restroom I would let them go because I would assume they need more time. But these people I challenge, say nothing when they see my husband is disabled and let it go. Why is that? Because they got called out and I won't let them and normally there " friends" cut. Mind you if I see someone who is getting on a elevator or heading some way I will hold a door or move something to help a person but if a person thinks they can just show up whenever and cut a line into the show or something absolutely not. And you forget I am traveling with someone who is " handicap" And understand the comment is more for the people who drive over toes, drive way to fast, barrel threw people and genuinely do not care about anyone but themselves. They cut everyone onto a elevator and sit in the middle so not many can get in. And they do not care that everyone else has been waiting. Did you see the elevator pictures. People who obviously have no " personal responsibility" have made the ones who really need it look bad. Look there is a new generation that is all about me. And there are many a person who could walk and want to zip around and cut lines and fee important. I will also say it tend to be a younger generation.

The people that really need the assistance are the ones you never notice. You notice people who try and make everything a advantage and do not care if they cause damage or whose toes they run over. And mind you I have heard the coments and whispers when my husband goes into the pool without his leg. There are 2 types of people, The ones who ask how it happened and are thrilled to him swim and do everything . And the ones who comment about how horrible and is that safe. I do not think they should allow him in the pool what if he feel. That might scare the kids if they see it etc... My least favorite thing is when people have " pity" . That is degrading. I will never pity someone who is sick and needs help. I pity the people who want you to believe they need help when they are just lazy.

I will also say a lot of people now a days do not have the pride you do.

[conchead]

I think most of the bashing was because a lot of scooter usage while cruising appears to be morbidly obese people. Yes, they need the scooters because the get SOB walking short distances, but I think the bashing is because for "most" folks they can try to do something about the obesity but "appear" to choose not to. I'm fully aware I will be flamed for these observations and I'm okay with that. I can take it.

Other reasons are because many of us, myself include, have directly observed scooter folks blatantly scooting full force and anything in their path is just roadkill.

 

On our last cruise some guy ran over my wife's foot, breaking her toenail in half then looked at her like it was her fault. He almost ran her over the next day too.

 

Also, we saw another guy zooming all over the Lido deck at or near top speed. He pulled up to the bar and went to turn and rolled the scooter over on its side.

A couple of people helped him get up along with the scooter. He slowed down the next time he got to the bar..parked it and walked up to the bar to get his drink to go.

Then rode off into the sunset.

[kbmeow]

On our last cruise some guy ran over my wife's foot, breaking her toenail in half then looked at her like it was her fault. He almost ran her over the next day too.

 

Also, we saw another guy zooming all over the Lido deck at or near top speed. He pulled up to the bar and went to turn and rolled the scooter over on its side.

A couple of people helped him get up along with the scooter. He slowed down the next time he got to the bar..parked it and walked up to the bar to get his drink to go.

Then rode off into the sunset.

 

 

I think they need to cap the speed on the boat. I would say the average person walks 3-4 mph when in loligag mode and the scooters should not go faster.

[JoFromFL]

I think most of the bashing was because a lot of scooter usage while cruising appears to be morbidly obese people. Yes, they need the scooters because the get SOB walking short distances, but I think the bashing is because for "most" folks they can try to do something about the obesity but "appear" to choose not to. I'm fully aware I will be flamed for these observations and I'm okay with that. I can take it.

 

Other reasons are because many of us, myself include, have directly observed scooter folks blatantly scooting full force and anything in their path is just roadkill.

 

 

Before I became disabled. I was also irritated at thosse "crazy scooter ladies." Having been in a wheelchair for about a year, and having just come off a cruise, I now understand why people roll "full speed ahead; damn the torpedos!"

 

On my cruise, we had to bring 2 wheelchairs; my electric that I use all the time, and a manual so that we could go ashore and be able to take a taxi in port. Unfortunately, my charger got left in the car and I had to use the manual chair most of the cruise and be pushed around by my husband. I cannot count the number of times we had people jump in front of us while trying to maneuver onto an elevator, over a ramp, or over a bump (like a door jamb but throughout the halls.) Like the OP, you cannot tell by looking at me that I am disabled. But I can barely walk 50 feet because of severe Rheumatoid Arthritis and degeneration of my spine, hips, and other joints. I live in SEVERE chronic pain. Every little bump is excruciating to me. Numerous times I was literally assaulted by running childern who slammed into me in hallways or on deck.

 

When someone jumps in front of us, the sudden stop is painful. It also means that my hubby has to work up momentum again to get over that bump, that sudden start is painful. Every time someone slams into me, or a kid runs into me, or people who are not paying attention bump me, it is painful in a way that you cannot fathom. Beyond that, it is very hard to navigate most areas of the ship. Try getting through a group of tables that are set up to accommodate upright people. You cannot turn sideways to avoid a chair. Try getting through the casino in between slot machines. When someone jumps in front of you, often it is very difficult to adapt and turn to get back into position. For those not able to get out of their wheelchair, they cannot sit at the game tables because they are too high. At most of the bars, If I were not able to stand up, I would not have been seen to place an order.

 

One other thing, sure there may be many overweight people who have limited mobility purely because of their weight. Maybe they have control over that, but you do not really know that either. I am much heavier now BECAUSE of my disabilities. Many of the medications I have to take cause weight gain. I also do not have the option of walking or doing simple exercise because it causes further damage to my joints and spine. My doctor's orders stipulate: no bending, stretching, reaching, kneeling, lifting, etc. Yes, I could severely limit my calories to try and overcome the effect of the meds and forced sedentary lifestyle, but I choose to enjoy some of the things I still can.

 

 

I could go on and on. But suffice it to say that many of those "crazies on scooters" have probably had enough of the "crazies on foot" causing them pain, frustration, or just insult. I am not yet at that label me a lunatic level, but it has only been a year or so since I have had to roll through life. Another couple of years dealing with rude, mean, and ignorant people, and I just might buy an airhorn, all terrain tires, a steel front bumper, and install a turbo power booster on my ride. THEN, I will dare people to jump in front of me! :eek:

 

Please folks, try not to make assumptions or be so quick to judge others unless you have walked a mile in their shoes.... or in this case, rolled a mile in their wheels.

[momof3cruisers]

I appear to be a normal healthy 6’1” 205 lb person setting in my wheel chair. You might not even think that I have a disability as I can maneuver myself pretty well in it. But please don’t challenge me as to the nature of my disability………it only serves to remind me that I have only a short time left to live, I’m on vacation with my family to try and forget some of the realities of life just like you. Instead could you please help me just a little bit, if you see me stuck could you move a chair out of my way on the Lido so I can get thru or possibly give me a few extra seconds to get on the elevator instead of rushing in around me and filling it up. I’m taking a cruise this Christmas with my wife and children; I expect that it will be my last cruise………I would like for it to be a nice experience for all of us. I don’t want to think that I am spoiling somebody’s vacation just by being on the ship enjoying all of the handicap perks

this is beautifully stated.

 

I have to use a scooter to vacation with my family in some places. I think I will be okay on the cruise as I can take it easy whenever I need to. I have MS and I am also overweight. I cannot get too hot and I am in pain at all times. Therefore excercise is not much of a solution. So, I would like to remind those of you who see heavy people using a scooter that the weight may very well have to do with the reason they use the scooter and not the other way around.

 

I do try to be extremely cautious but you would be surprised at how invisible you become when you are sitting while others are able to stand.

[jmcancruise]

hn7609... First let me say I am truly sorry that you have to deal with this disease. May you have a wonderful cruise. How about we all just give each other a little more kindness. Slow down a little, hold the door for someone, offer assistance, wait your turn etc. etc. Bottom line is that none of us truly knows what goes on behind the doors of peoples lives, and we should not be quick to judge. Be nice people.

[skylock]

I am still limping with pain almost two months after being run over by a scooter on my last cruise.

 

It was not the first time I was ran over but it was the worst. It happened the second day too. I could barely walk by the time the cruise was over.

 

Fair warning, stay away from me if you are on a scooter. I will not allow myself to be injured by one again.

 

My right to stay mobile far exceeds any rights you think you may have.

[Cjlovestocruise]

OP -

I just got off the ship today and while there were many scooters on board most, not all, but most people (walkers and rollers) were all getting alone well.

I am also disabled, and I too look perfectly healthy but am unable to walk very far. I am also over weight and like another poster said sometimes its the meds or the seditary lifestyle that you are forsed into that causes the weight gain.

 

Enjoy your cruise. FYI my daughter is a home health aid for a man that has ALS - he was diagnosed 14 years ago!!! So you never know.

[crusinpsychRN]

There are those in scooters who have no manners just as there are people not in scooters with no manners.

 

Some in scooters have manners just as some people do.

 

People would stop suddenly right in the main walkway blocking everyone especially on Lido.

 

Just like in the grocery store. People block the whole aisle like they are the only people in the store. Amazing.

[DFW Airwolf]

I am still limping with pain almost two months after being run over by a scooter on my last cruise.

 

It was not the first time I was ran over but it was the worst. It happened the second day too. I could barely walk by the time the cruise was over.

 

Fair warning, stay away from me if you are on a scooter. I will not allow myself to be injured by one again.

 

My right to stay mobile far exceeds any rights you think you may have.

 

 

I too have been ASSAULTED by these Scooter Tramps. One of the last time, I actually pulled the person out of the scooter as I struggled to get up after they jad knocked me to the ground. I also file ASSAULT CHARGES against them & they ended up paying me a nice settlement.

 

The big problem with these things is the same as people who go out & buy Big RVs & think they can drive them like they do their family sedan. It takes training & practice to use these things. And when you dont kinow what you are doing you are a Danger to others (And we arent going to takie it anymore)

[kbmeow]

I too have been ASSAULTED by these Scooter Tramps. One of the last time, I actually pulled the person out of the scooter as I struggled to get up after they jad knocked me to the ground. I also file ASSAULT CHARGES against them & they ended up paying me a nice settlement.

 

The big problem with these things is the same as people who go out & buy Big RVs & think they can drive them like they do their family sedan. It takes training & practice to use these things. And when you dont kinow what you are doing you are a Danger to others (And we arent going to takie it anymore)

Did you file the charges on the ship? How did that work did carnival give you there info?

[skylock]

I too have been ASSAULTED by these Scooter Tramps. One of the last time, I actually pulled the person out of the scooter as I struggled to get up after they jad knocked me to the ground. I also file ASSAULT CHARGES against them & they ended up paying me a nice settlement.

 

The big problem with these things is the same as people who go out & buy Big RVs & think they can drive them like they do their family sedan. It takes training & practice to use these things. And when you dont kinow what you are doing you are a Danger to others (And we arent going to takie it anymore)

 

That is what happened to me. The old man did not know what he was doing and got the controlls mixed up. Next thing I know, I am run over from behind. Luckily after he had hit me he let go of the controls or I guess he would have completely ran over me.

 

If I knew then how long it was going to take to get better, I would have filed charges too. I think this may be what has to start happening. It was my second time but the first was just over the toe of my shoe getting the ends of my toes. It was painful, but got better pretty fast. That time the old lady got confused on the controls too.

[kbmeow]

That is what happened to me. The old man did not know what he was doing and got the controlls mixed up. Next thing I know, I am run over from behind. Luckily after he had hit me he let go of the controls or I guess he would have completely ran over me.

 

If I knew then how long it was going to take to get better, I would have filed charges too. I think this may be what has to start happening. It was my second time but the first was just over the toe of my shoe getting the ends of my toes. It was painful, but got better pretty fast. That time the old lady got confused on the controls too.

 

thread jacking but. is that the stig in your sig?

[skylock]

thread jacking but. is that the stig in your sig?

 

Yeah, but that is sacked Stig. New Stig hasn't gone on vacation yet.

[kbmeow]

Yeah, but that is sacked Stig. New Stig hasn't gone on vacation yet.

 

I really think they should have changed the color and done a blue stig next. We are hoping they come out with the tickets to the news season soon. They normally are filming the first week of jan and we will be in london then

[SardisGrandma]

I am in total shock at the inconsiderate self appointed judges. What on earth does being obese have to do with anything? So what if obesity was their only handicap? ( unlikely) I cruised with my friend who is obese. She as others have said has other medical issues but I can assure you none of us enjoyed the stares or whispers. Not to mention we missed the show ever night except the last night. We'd leave the dining room, after we had to wait for healthy ppl to finish because they wouldnt move their chairs. Then we would sit at the elevator forever!! Every time we slowly started to enter ppl ran ahead of us. I counted 8 elevators leaving before we could get one. The last night we got on cuz myself & other friends jumped in elevator & loudly said no I'm sorry but we were here first!!

I dont expect special treatment for handicapped people. ( Although I cant understand someone who doesnt want to extend common coutesy to someone less fortunate) But i certainly dont think someone healthy should stand back & say to themselves... C'mon we can beat her shes helpless! Or shes just fat. Its her own fault, lets treat her like she has no feelings & show others what a jerk we are !!

[skylock]

I really think they should have changed the color and done a blue stig next. We are hoping they come out with the tickets to the news season soon. They normally are filming the first week of jan and we will be in london then

 

 

White Stig is too well known, but you better get your name on the list for tickets. They are doing it differently now since there was a 19 yr waiting list before. Good Luck.

 

I doubt I could attend a taping now that I have been run over by that handicapped person. My leg hurts too much.

[Umbarger]

People on scooters are an issue. I take offense sometimes because my mom (a stroke victim) uses a scooter. However, my mom has been using a scooter daily for the past 10 years and owns her scooter. She is very experienced. She has never hit anyone but many people have hit her. Once she was parked in the atrium area against a wall. The scooter was turned off. A able bodied cruiser just wasn't looking where she was going and backed/walked right into her. Then the woman told my mom "you hit me" My mom told her...I wasn't moving! My scooter isn't even on. How could I have hit you? The woman left continuing to think it was my mom's fault. Then we have had people practically crawl over my mom at the elevator so they could get in before her. We have to wait for several elevators even though we were in line way before many of the able bodied cruisers. My mom uses a small travel scooter so it is not very large but it still takes more room than a standing person. But believe me my mom would absolutely love to use the stairs.......if she could.

 

We have also encountered rude and inexperienced people on scooters and they tend to give ALL scooter users a bad name. Not only do they feel entitled, I think they rent their scooters and are not experienced enough to be using them. My mom is extremely slim but many scooter users are obese and can't walk long distances. Renting a scooter once or twice a year is not enough experience to be put on a cruise ship in small, crowded spaces with literally hundreds of other people. Not only is it dangerous for them but for others.

 

Just don't lump us all together. Just because one scooter user hits people or is rude doesn't mean ALL scooter users are that way. So don't hate my mom just because she uses a scooter. Sit down and talk to her, you may be surprised at how sweet and friendly she is and not at all like you thought she might be because she is a dreaded scooter user.

__________________

[skylock]

People on scooters are an issue. I take offense sometimes because my mom (a stroke victim) uses a scooter. However, my mom has been using a scooter daily for the past 10 years and owns her scooter. She is very experienced. She has never hit anyone but many people have hit her. Once she was parked in the atrium area against a wall. The scooter was turned off. A able bodied cruiser just wasn't looking where she was going and backed/walked right into her. Then the woman told my mom "you hit me" My mom told her...I wasn't moving! My scooter isn't even on. How could I have hit you? The woman left continuing to think it was my mom's fault. Then we have had people practically crawl over my mom at the elevator so they could get in before her. We have to wait for several elevators even though we were in line way before many of the able bodied cruisers. My mom uses a small travel scooter so it is not very large but it still takes more room than a standing person. But believe me my mom would absolutely love to use the stairs.......if she could.

 

We have also encountered rude and inexperienced people on scooters and they tend to give ALL scooter users a bad name. Not only do they feel entitled, I think they rent their scooters and are not experienced enough to be using them. My mom is extremely slim but many scooter users are obese and can't walk long distances. Renting a scooter once or twice a year is not enough experience to be put on a cruise ship in small, crowded spaces with literally hundreds of other people. Not only is it dangerous for them but for others.

 

Just don't lump us all together. Just because one scooter user hits people or is rude doesn't mean ALL scooter users are that way. So don't hate my mom just because she uses a scooter. Sit down and talk to her, you may be surprised at how sweet and friendly she is and not at all like you thought she might be because she is a dreaded scooter user.

__________________

 

I know what you are saying, but you can not tell by just looking if a person knows how to operate the thing, therefore, I will operate on the word of caution from now on.

 

I was hit by someone I didn't even see or hear. I was standing where I was supposed to be. If I had been standing in the lane of travel I would accept some of the blame both times.

 

Look at it like this. If every time you walked down the street you were bitten by a dog or saw someone else bitten, how long would it be before you started walking with a club of some kind. Most dogs do not bite, but you can't always tell by looking which ones will. Would you want to take the chance after 2 bites already?

 

I am sure if you sat down with the two people that have run me over you would find them sweet/nice people too, but that doesn't mean they can drive a scooter.

[scooterpopsnana]

I think most of the bashing was because a lot of scooter usage while cruising appears to be morbidly obese people. Yes, they need the scooters because the get SOB walking short distances, but I think the bashing is because for "most" folks they can try to do something about the obesity but "appear" to choose not to. I'm fully aware I will be flamed for these observations and I'm okay with that. I can take it.

 

Other reasons are because many of us, myself include, have directly observed scooter folks blatantly scooting full force and anything in their path is just roadkill.

 

 

I am not going to bash...I am however, going to educate. I use a scooter, have had to do so for over 5 years. I am a cancer patient who has some heart damage related to chemo and have difficulty breathing. I am also obese, believe me, this is not by choice. I have gained over 100 pounds related to my medications. Sounds strange, doesn't it. If you research medications people have to take for cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, etc, you will see some can cause extreme weight gains. My husband was diagnosed with A-fib last year and his med has caused him to have a 50 pound weight gain.

 

Please know that I do not break in line, I was raised to respect people. I also wait until the line for the elevator has cleared before boarding. I really would like to see Carnival be more equipped with ramps for scooters.

 

Now, with that being said, please do not judge someone on a scooter if they have not hit you with it, broke in line, or disrespected you in some way.

 

I wish everyday of my life that I did not have to live this life, unable to work, unable to clean or cook and unable to go anywhere without the assistance of my husband. Please help me enjoy the one chance I get each year for some pleasure.

 

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

[scooterpopsnana]

Before I became disabled. I was also irritated at thosse "crazy scooter ladies." Having been in a wheelchair for about a year, and having just come off a cruise, I now understand why people roll "full speed ahead; damn the torpedos!"

 

On my cruise, we had to bring 2 wheelchairs; my electric that I use all the time, and a manual so that we could go ashore and be able to take a taxi in port. Unfortunately, my charger got left in the car and I had to use the manual chair most of the cruise and be pushed around by my husband. I cannot count the number of times we had people jump in front of us while trying to maneuver onto an elevator, over a ramp, or over a bump (like a door jamb but throughout the halls.) Like the OP, you cannot tell by looking at me that I am disabled. But I can barely walk 50 feet because of severe Rheumatoid Arthritis and degeneration of my spine, hips, and other joints. I live in SEVERE chronic pain. Every little bump is excruciating to me. Numerous times I was literally assaulted by running childern who slammed into me in hallways or on deck.

 

When someone jumps in front of us, the sudden stop is painful. It also means that my hubby has to work up momentum again to get over that bump, that sudden start is painful. Every time someone slams into me, or a kid runs into me, or people who are not paying attention bump me, it is painful in a way that you cannot fathom. Beyond that, it is very hard to navigate most areas of the ship. Try getting through a group of tables that are set up to accommodate upright people. You cannot turn sideways to avoid a chair. Try getting through the casino in between slot machines. When someone jumps in front of you, often it is very difficult to adapt and turn to get back into position. For those not able to get out of their wheelchair, they cannot sit at the game tables because they are too high. At most of the bars, If I were not able to stand up, I would not have been seen to place an order.

 

One other thing, sure there may be many overweight people who have limited mobility purely because of their weight. Maybe they have control over that, but you do not really know that either. I am much heavier now BECAUSE of my disabilities. Many of the medications I have to take cause weight gain. I also do not have the option of walking or doing simple exercise because it causes further damage to my joints and spine. My doctor's orders stipulate: no bending, stretching, reaching, kneeling, lifting, etc. Yes, I could severely limit my calories to try and overcome the effect of the meds and forced sedentary lifestyle, but I choose to enjoy some of the things I still can.

 

 

I could go on and on. But suffice it to say that many of those "crazies on scooters" have probably had enough of the "crazies on foot" causing them pain, frustration, or just insult. I am not yet at that label me a lunatic level, but it has only been a year or so since I have had to roll through life. Another couple of years dealing with rude, mean, and ignorant people, and I just might buy an airhorn, all terrain tires, a steel front bumper, and install a turbo power booster on my ride. THEN, I will dare people to jump in front of me! :eek:

 

Please folks, try not to make assumptions or be so quick to judge others unless you have walked a mile in their shoes.... or in this case, rolled a mile in their wheels.

 

I should have read this before I posted my comment regarding meds. I agree wholeheartedly with all you have said. I did not comment on my arthritis and DDD in my comment, only my cancer. I will say, one of my cancer meds causes osteoporosis and I must take precautions with all movements. I know exactly what you are saying about the bumps and jarring as well as the momentum. Thanks for posting this.

[DFW Airwolf]

People on scooters are an issue. I take offense sometimes because my mom (a stroke victim) uses a scooter. However, my mom has been using a scooter daily for the past 10 years and owns her scooter. She is very experienced. She has never hit anyone but many people have hit her. Once she was parked in the atrium area against a wall. The scooter was turned off. A able bodied cruiser just wasn't looking where she was going and backed/walked right into her. Then the woman told my mom "you hit me" My mom told her...I wasn't moving! My scooter isn't even on. How could I have hit you? The woman left continuing to think it was my mom's fault. Then we have had people practically crawl over my mom at the elevator so they could get in before her. We have to wait for several elevators even though we were in line way before many of the able bodied cruisers. My mom uses a small travel scooter so it is not very large but it still takes more room than a standing person. But believe me my mom would absolutely love to use the stairs.......if she could.

 

We have also encountered rude and inexperienced people on scooters and they tend to give ALL scooter users a bad name. Not only do they feel entitled, I think they rent their scooters and are not experienced enough to be using them. My mom is extremely slim but many scooter users are obese and can't walk long distances. Renting a scooter once or twice a year is not enough experience to be put on a cruise ship in small, crowded spaces with literally hundreds of other people. Not only is it dangerous for them but for others.

 

Just don't lump us all together. Just because one scooter user hits people or is rude doesn't mean ALL scooter users are that way. So don't hate my mom just because she uses a scooter. Sit down and talk to her, you may be surprised at how sweet and friendly she is and not at all like you thought she might be because she is a dreaded scooter user.

__________________

 

 

People here seem to think I bash ALL scooter users. 1. That isnt true. I am with you & BASH the scooter trash that dont know how use them or respect others around them. I use a cane at times (Have had to use a scooter once or twice) and will definetly BASH all the RUDE, INCOSIDERATE able bodied people as well as those that are disabled that are the same way.

 

2. I watch for scooters the same when I walk. I dont have my nose up in the air like some people it seems. I keep it more pointed downward where I can see where I am stepping. Because of this I will slow down if needed to walk around a scooter in front of me if needed. But dont run up behind me in your Mach 5 scooter & expect me to move aside for you. I dont ask others to let me around them unless they are completly stopped or such. So if I am moving too slowly, go around me like everyone else. (I will do the same to you if I overtake you)

 

3. I know many Obese people are that way because of Meds they take. I have seen many Friends & Loved ones go from 120# little hotties to 260# Morbidly Obese because of the side effects of their meds. And then when they are forunate sometimes to get off them, they lose most of that weight. The ones I cant stand are the ones who walk in fine from the parking lot & flop down in the store scooter. They have no real issue other than Laziness. (I apologize to anyone if there is something else wrong with you other than what I described) Walking has always been one of the best exercises for the Heart & losing weight. So to ride when you should be walking is what I have against these people. If you are in PAIN from walking because of a hidden condition, I also apologize to you. These are what these things are for.

 

Anyway, as others have stated. There are Good & Bad on both sides. I say CONFRON the BAD no matter what. If people rush the elevators, use a blocker person. By the same time if a Scooter tries to bully their way, stand your ground & say NO. Bullies dont like confrontation & I am good at confronting others when they try to bully me.

[firerunner]

I too have been ASSAULTED by these Scooter Tramps.

 

Scooters tramps????? Old Man????

 

Well let me tell you about those two legged TRAMPS I have run into. And those miserable old "My right to stay mobile far exceeds any rights you think you may have."

 

Sitting watching a show and those TWO LEGGED TRAMPS, trip over me and fell into MY LAP and then yell at ME for being in there way?? Or they TAKE one of the FIVE accessible seats available to me and I have to get an USHER to remove them, or the last cruise (inspiration) and Ohh I didnt see you sitting there minding your own business as I bump into you and spill my drink all over you.

 

Or how about I get into the elevator FIRST and those TWO LEGGED miserable "MY RIGHTS mean more to me then YOU" ladies pack around me and the SLIGHTEST moment of my chair results in me running over their litte itty bitty toes..and of course it is MY fault regardless that I was in the elevator FIRST and THEIR rights and THEIR getting to their place means more then me being able to move so they RAM me into the elevator then yell at me cause I hit THEIR toes.

 

 

 

Disgusting

 

I am in a wheelchair and one of the politest people you will meet but I have never seen such disregard for those less fortunate then I have on THIS thread. Calling them scooter tramps and old men and YOUR RIGHTS omg YOUR RIGHTS. I cannot believe that the mods even allowed you to call HUMANS, PEOPLE, tramps and old men.

 

Kindness and politeness to mankind mean more to ME then MY right. Obviously you have different beliefs.

 

Wheelchair people are not perfect, nor are elderly people and you two poster just showed us how IMPERFECT abled bodies are.

 

But fortunately the good FAR outweigh people like you.

 

Go ahead and call them scooter tramps or "old man" and be sure to assert your rights, makes you all look..so good.