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Multotec supports LITTLE EDEN CEO Wheelchair Campaign®
Ernst Maritz, Managing Director of Multotec Wear Linings, reflects on his experience as a Wheelchair Campaign participant.
A few years ago, a friend of mine was involved in an accident and her injuries resulted in the permanent use of a wheelchair. As an adult, her life was forever changed in an unimaginable way. She had to grow accustomed to, and overcome, many challenges and difficulties. She told me that after a few years she got used to the physical challenges and eventually managed to live a normal life.
Taking part in the Little Eden CEO Wheelchair Challenge for a short day gave me a little taste of the physical realities that wheelchair users must contend with. It certainly was not “normal”. The obvious property barriers are applicable to our factory and offices in Pretoria, i.e. narrow passages and doorways, lack of access ramps, toilet access, uneven surfaces and many more. Not being able to get up from the wheelchair for approximately nine hours created some physical discomfort. It made me appreciate my mobility. Being able to get up and go for a walk, took on a different meaning.
Back to my friend – I remember her commenting that the biggest challenge for her was the way people started treating her, a wheelchair-bound person. Some people, even some that she knew before the accident, treated her with pity, as if she was a different person. She appreciated the care and concern, but she did not appreciate the fact that she was spoken to in a different tone (almost childlike) and in some ways, spoken “down” to. She had a successful career and she participated in sports. She was a normal person who led a normal life.
I appreciate the fact that I had the opportunity to partake in this initiative. I am more sensitive to the needs of wheelchair-bound individuals.
