Quick Question

[Cube128]

Hello,

I just learned that one of my manager's relatives recently purchased a PT for mobility use, not sure what he suffers from. Apparently he used a walker or a cane before, and now he uses the PT whenver possible. I was just wondering how you guys respond to the argument that if somebody is able to stand on a PT, they're not disabled and should be walking, since it's something I've heard time and time again by the Segway haters out there when they post a picture of somebody using a PT inside a store or something.

[bystander]

...I was just wondering how you guys respond to the argument that if somebody is able to stand on a PT, they're not disabled and should be walking, since it's something I've heard time and time again by the Segway haters out there...Just because somebody can stand, doesn't mean they can walk for long. Ask the arguers if they have ever seen someone use a cane, http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/47900-47999/47954-t.gif or a walker. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/92900-92999/92987-t.gif Then point out that among it's other uses, the PT can be used a 21st century cane / walker etc.

Let's see...

Just because somebody has a brain, doesn't mean they can thi...

Not you! Keep that one in reserve for the haters!

[Jus Sumguy]

With me it's standing or laying down. I can't sit for very long at all.

[wwhopper]

And you will see the people who are disabled and either cannot walk or cannot walk long distances, but can stand tall, and would prefer to stand. And using a wheelchair may be an option, but not one that is the most desirable.

There are plenty of people who have mobility issues that are not served by a wheel chair, a walker or a cane.

Just like everything else, disabilities are not black or white, there is a lot of gray areas. There is not one magic solution to all things. I always love it when people (most who have no idea what they are talking about) tell you that things have to be one way or another, and there are not any other options.

[Tarkus]

Hello,

I just learned that one of my manager's relatives recently purchased a PT for mobility use, not sure what he suffers from. Apparently he used a walker or a cane before, and now he uses the PT whenver possible. I was just wondering how you guys respond to the argument that if somebody is able to stand on a PT, they're not disabled and should be walking, since it's something I've heard time and time again by the Segway haters out there when they post a picture of somebody using a PT inside a store or something.


I'm a "Para Walkie" so IO have heard it since day one.
Most times I pay no attention to the "drones" on the street.

Officials get to whole nine yards.

From tome to time somebody will say to me "I need one of those" sarcastically. My reply is "you can have this one, but you get the Spinal Cord Injury that goes with it" !

Always gets a their attention.

Be Big,
Alan

[hellphish]

I'm a "Para Walkie" so IO have heard it since day one.
Most times I pay no attention to the "drones" on the street.

Officials get to whole nine yards.

From tome to time somebody will say to me "I need one of those" sarcastically. My reply is "you can have this one, but you get the Spinal Cord Injury that goes with it" !

Always gets a their attention.

Be Big,
Alan

Maybe they think you fell off your seg and that's how you got the injury? ;)

[GlennO]

Disabled does not equal wheelchair bound. It just means that something doesn't work right.

Some disabilities may be mental - which opens up a whole new world of possibilities!

Glenn

[Tarkus]

Maybe they think you fell off your seg and that's how you got the injury? ;)


LOL.

I must admit that I was once asked how my injury took place and without pause I answered "I fell off a Segway"......

That was good for a laugh with friends but I wouldn't say it publicly, there are those that would take me seriously.

Be Big,
Alan

[Llarry]

My father died in the 1970s, of a terminal condition that included significant effects on his lungs. The last couple of years he was at about 20% of his normal lung capacity, yet the state of Rhode Island would not see fit to issue him a handicapped license plate, since he had not lost a limb (or the use thereof), so he had to park further away from everywhere and walk. During that time, a Segway would have been of great use to him, might have even added a few months to his life...

[IcanGlide]

Yeah, I'm with Tarkus; most times I don't give them a second look. Every now and then I just say "It's a pretty cool ride" and keep on rolling. As I've said before: I don't argue with stupid people. I don't really know what I would say if someone told me that if I could stand then I'm not handicapped; I guess I'll need to come up with something though, it's just a matter of time.

My previous trade was considered a "Stand up" trade, but I sat down most of the time. And unless I take a step, you can't tell there's anything wrong. I don't mind telling anyone what happened, but ding-bats just get ignored.

What's the old saying, I'm not going to dignify that question with an answer?

Frank

[cmonkey]

If I feel the question is unwarranted, as in an ignorant jab at people on Segways.... ( 'What's the matter can't you walk?" )

My current favorite smartass response is:

"Sure, but ever since I lost my little brother and 2/3 of my lung capacity in a chrismas tree fire, I get a little winded after a while"

I just love the deviant pathological lying side of myself :D

[Jus Sumguy]

What about a stiff punch in the nose? And laughing at them after you do it?

"Ouch.....that's gotta hurt man. BwaaaHaHaaaaaaa." Glide away...

-

[cmonkey]

What about a stiff punch in the nose? And laughing at them after you do it?

"Ouch.....that's gotta hurt man. BwaaaHaHaaaaaaa." Glide away...

-


I'd never get away with it.... I'm too easy to pick out in a line up.... It was him! the guy on the segway!:D

I'd rather laugh at them first, then poke em in the brain.
Ya never know, the other cell might actually fire!

Or you could alway ask them...
Is the other sentence you know, "would like fries with that?"

Join me for a night glide from Balboa Pier to Newport Pier. You'll be sure to get the chance to sharpen your wit on at least one silly tourist.

I got a whole list of comebacks I'm building.

[Tarkus]

Yeah, I'm with Tarkus; most times I don't give them a second look. Every now and then I just say "It's a pretty cool ride" and keep on rolling. As I've said before: I don't argue with stupid people. I don't really know what I would say if someone told me that if I could stand then I'm not handicapped; I guess I'll need to come up with something though, it's just a matter of time.

My previous trade was considered a "Stand up" trade, but I sat down most of the time. And unless I take a step, you can't tell there's anything wrong. I don't mind telling anyone what happened, but ding-bats just get ignored.

What's the old saying, I'm not going to dignify that question with an answer?

Frank

Frank,

Thats the question/statement that gets me almost every time.
My answer now is a simple, sarcastic "CALL A COP!"

Be Big,
Alan

[IcanGlide]

After thinking about for a while, I think what I'll do is park the Segway, unstrap my walking stick, walk over to him so he can see, then ask "Do you have any more intelligence you want to show off today?" Then climb back on my wheels and glide away.

Frank

[Eric Payne]

I've lived in heart failure for the better part of a decade - in fact, September 15th marked my eighth year in CHF. So far, I've beaten the odds; I wasn't expected to live past the age of five, then CHF at 40, and here it is, 8 years later.

Overall, I look "healthy" to the average person, I guess, as I get questioned about my disability, a lot (even though, for a disabled person, Segways are allowed everywhere a wheelchair is allowed in AZ, I still display my handicapped placard when using the bus, or in a building, with Gilligan). I've finally gotten, well, a little bit rude with my response... I look them in the eye and say a variation of:

"Do you have a healthy heart? Good! Tell you what, we'll cut it out of you, you can give it to me, and I'll GIVE you the Segway along with my old heart, and then YOU can put up with people who walk up to a complete stranger and say: 'So what the heck's wrong with you, anyway?'"

Eric Payne
Glendale, AZ

[gracefuli]

Hi Cube128- As you can see, you've hit a "hot Button" for most of us. "Not all disabilities are visible" (and handicaps are limitations set by others and belong only in horse racing.)

[Jus Sumguy]

...people who walk up to a complete stranger and say: 'So what the heck's wrong with you, anyway?'"
Eric Payne
Glendale, AZ

"Well, that would be personal medical information. But I can tell you, having this excellent contrast, what is not wrong with me.

I don't suffer from a Visigothic need to pugilistically attack strangers, using a first grade arsenal. Three letters buddy, G.E.D." http://forums.segwaychat.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

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[KSagal]

"Well, that would be personal medical information. But I can tell you, having this excellent contrast, what is not wrong with me.

I don't suffer from a Visigothic need to pugilistically attack strangers, using a first grade arsenal. Three letters buddy, G.E.D." http://forums.segwaychat.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

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Touche'

I really like this response, but feel it not likely to appeal to the likely recipient. There may be an occasional introspecive cat-caller, but they are fairly rare...