patricia@who2lifeprocess.co.uk

My latest adventure, as you can see, is being dis-abled enough to qualify for a mobility shopping scooter in Asda!  As this is the first time I've had the opportunity to drive one of these, which are common in Llandudno... the geriatric capital of North Wales... I think its worth commemorating with a blog on mobility! I trust no-one has an objection to this description of the place where I am very happy to live, but the fact is that the flatness of the town is ideal for disabled and elderly visitors who throng the main street in wheelchairs and mobilty scooters.
This form of transport is great freedom for those, myself inclded at the present, who are no longer able to walk far, cycle or even drive, although there are those killjoys who complain in the local press about the 'danger' of being mown down by over-enthusiastic users!  These are no doubt the same persons who refuse to allow cyclists on the long, broad and generally empty expanse of Promenade, seeing danger in every pair of wheels! 
I realise I'm beginning to sound like a grumpy old woman and I can certainly identify with anyone who complains about the attitude of able-bodied people who seem to be oblivious to those making their way through crowds just below eyelevel.  In negotiating my way through Asda, carefully avoiding bumping into others, I was constantly blocked by clumps (or chumps) of shoppers who appeared to see me, but didn't move out of my way. It was as if they were looking through me... as if I were a mirage... and I certainly began to feel invisible... stopped in the middle of an aisle as people flowed by me unconsciously, like a stream around an immobile rock. With Julie walking ahead of me there was no problem... they could see her ok!
Actually, my tactic was to raise myvoice in a cheery salute... 'Watch out... can't find my hooter!'  and 'Hello... coming through', which usually had the desired effect although even this sometimes fell on deaf ears.
It was a very interesting experience that I hope to repeat on a hired scooter to go around town when the weather improves! Then I'll find the lack of dropped curbs and other hazards that face wheeled users, as I know from caring for disabled people some years ago! Watch this space!!