Me and My Segway Against The World

I am a mother, a wife, a teacher and a friend. Unfortunately, I am also disabled. The acquisition of a Segway transporter, though, has given me a new role: advocate with attitude.

I have the neurodegenerative disorder spastic paraparesis, which causes weakness and stiffness in the leg muscles. In other words, I walk funny. The Segway is a personal transportation device that uses a gyroscope to balance the rider. We are a perfect match.

I've used many aids to get around through the years -- a handicap placard, for example, and then a cane -- that labeled me as handicapped in my mind. Little did I know that, for years, people were wondering what was wrong with me, as these aids signified a true medical condition. Later, I sucked up my pride and tried a seated scooter. I couldn't see or reach items on tall shelves, the devices were awkward, and people looked right over me unless my truck of a cart got in their way.

Then I bought a Segway. Suddenly, I was reunited with activities I had thought were history: shopping at malls and walking to class with students, to name a few. I attracted attention everywhere I went. Curious stares at my legs were replaced with "wows." Pity was replaced with envy.

I love looking cool rather than disabled. However, my Segway does set me up for regular confrontations with officials. I've been escorted off the premises of the King of Prussia Mall in Pennsylvania, threatened with detainment at Honolulu International Airport and refused entry to the National Gallery of Art. The use of a Segway as a medical device is still not legally recognized. This exemption from the Americans With Disabilities Act brings a challenge each time I "walk" on federal property. Just last year, the Hale Koa (military) Hotel refused to allow my use of it while staying there. Disney World will grant me entrance with an installed seat, but if I try to enter standing up, I'm not quite handicapped enough.

Imagine what would happen if more of us flaunted our disabilities by using Segways: people rising out of their scooter seats and trading in their walkers to see our national parks, view a Picasso or shake Mickey Mouse's hand. Would an envious able-bodied population soon face discrimination for wanting to look cool at such places, too? What would those who feel sorry for us do with their pity? It's much harder to look down on someone when she is standing up.

-- Ellen O'Ryon

Fairfax Station