Water Accessibility

I never learned how to swim when I was younger.

Although I love going to pools, lakes, oceans, and beaches, typically when visiting any of these water venues I’m limited to just putting my feet in the water. The only time I can go into a body of water is when someone carries me or walks me out.

This circumstance deems to be true for many with disabilities. Due to the fact we must rely on others to enjoy water fun, I believe we sometimes miss out.

Imagine my excitement when I learned that one of my favorite amusement parks now offers, water wheelchairs. Kings Island amusement park, which is in Mason, OH has now went to my top ten Ohio list when it comes to inclusion. Evidently, they seen a need and did something about it.

OMG! Water Wheelchair, where have you been all my life!

Do you know what a game changer water wheelchair is? Probably not, so let me tell you.

No longer will a person with a disability have to be sidelined at the water park while everyone else is enjoying the water.

Now, people with disabilities who need water assistance to enjoy the water can kick back and float around in a water wheelchair. This mobility piece of equipment is very important because it promotes inclusion.

As I always stress, I want all that life has to offer. When it comes to community inclusion often people with disabilities are left out. Two reasons my community are generally left out of participating in the community are attitudinal and accessibility barriers.

Attitudinal barriers stem from people believing people with disabilities don’t belong or have no self-worth. Then there’s accessibility barriers that stop physical access to either going somewhere or being able to do what we want to do that’s accessible to everyone without disabilities.

Unfortunately, I have experienced both barriers and they can really leave you in a bad headspace if you let them.

No matter if people want to admit it or not, they really know when their establishment isn’t accessible. I truly believe they just hope no one will say anything or no one will ever come that will require an accommodation.

I’m not sure how Kings Island came about this change and frankly, I don’t care. The fact that I’ll be able to go and enjoy the water park at the amusement park is what I care about.

It’s cool to give businesses kudos when they make accessibility work, but I believe they should be doing this anyway. I’m just saying.