Have you ever wanted to tour around Chicago but stopped every time because you were afraid of too many attractions being inaccessible to wheelchairs? Have you wanted to see the beautiful architecture and magnificent museums that are spread throughout the Windy City but instead stayed home because you were terrified that there wouldn't be ramps leading to the front door? Well, I used to have the same fears. I thought, "I truly am blessed to have the use of both of my legs every time I take a trip into the city." But then, tragedy struck!
We began our trip by catching the blue line train into Chicago and then getting on a bus and riding over to the Museum of Science and Industry. At first I was afraid the public transportation would be an issue with the wheelchair but a good number of train stops have elevators to get from the ticketing area to the platform. Getting onto the train there is a bit of a bump up but nothing too bad. The bus was even better since the buses in Chicago can actually lower the door to the same level as the sidewalk you are getting off of.
Upon arriving at the museum, Don and I had to go a different route from our housemates so that I could get down to the main entrance. We eventually found our way over and met up with everyone again and entered into the museum free of charge for being Illinois residents!
Inside the museum, we met up with our friend Jonas, who is a BVSer in Chicago, and explored the wonders the museum had to offer us which were conveniently placed at a level at which a person sitting down could appreciate them. We got to do things like:
Then we took a short hike over to one of my personal favorites, Millennium Park. During our last visit to Chicago, Carol and I splashed around in the Giant Faces Fountain.
I tried to do that this time but was told by some lady in a neon green vest to keep objects out of the fountain. Evidently, a wheelchair counts as an object but peoples' shoes don't.
So we headed off to go visit the big reflective bean thing. You know the one I mean.
During a particularly heated tennis match against Don and Cat, I rolled my ankle and became dependent on crutches for mobility. Sadly, this was a mere 4 days before our planned outing into Chicago as a house. Not wanting to have to walk around all day on crutches in such a big city, we began asking around and luckily the Brethren offices happened to have a wheelchair that they were willing to let us use for the day. And so, we ended up touring the handicap friendly parts of Chicago.
Tested and approved by a real person in a wheelchair!
We began our trip by catching the blue line train into Chicago and then getting on a bus and riding over to the Museum of Science and Industry. At first I was afraid the public transportation would be an issue with the wheelchair but a good number of train stops have elevators to get from the ticketing area to the platform. Getting onto the train there is a bit of a bump up but nothing too bad. The bus was even better since the buses in Chicago can actually lower the door to the same level as the sidewalk you are getting off of.
CTA handicap friendliness rating = 4 out of 5 stars
Where science comes to be cool and terrify!
Create tornadoes
Like playing God but smaller and a lot easier
Have crazy raves in front of red walls
Imagine a solid pounding bass beat right now
Have relaxation battles
He with the most inactive brain wins!
And stand in a tube with 80 mph winds
And then the tube takes a picture of you
Museum of Science and Industry handicap friendliness rating = 4.5 out of 5 stars
After the Museum of Science and Industry, we waited outside for a bus that to this day I'm pretty sure is just an urban legend before walking to a different bus stop and heading to Lake Michigan.
Where you can charter a water taxi for only $7 per person!
First time you see this, don't be surprised when the faces start spitting at you
This was taken just before "The Man" told me "No."
This one
There are three steps to get up to the area where the bean is but the only wheelchair ramps are way on the outskirts so we opted to just lift the wheelchair as I hopped up. We met up with one of Rachel's friends in the area, Jordan, and proceeded to take wacky pictures in the bean's reflective surface just like the tourists we are.
We then enjoyed a nice dinner in the park and some socializing. Carol and I decided to go for a walk and just as we were getting back, all of the spokes on the front left wheel on my chair completely disintegrated!
You aren't doing your job right!
Millennium Park handicap friendliness rating = 1 out 5 stars
Seriously, this place hates wheelchairs!
Luckily, I've got some terrific housemates who pushed me all the way back to the train station to head home, even though it is pretty tough to make a three-wheeled wheelchair work properly. Seriously, it took three of us all working in unison to do it right. Despite all the problems in the park, it was a good day. The sidewalks are in piss poor condition for wheelchairs but this city itself caters to a handicap person's needs.
Chicago's overall handicap friendliness rating = 4 out 5 stars
All in all, Chicago is a great city to explore whether your mode of transport be bipedal in nature or you more prefer to roll along. Plus you get some awesome pictures out of it.
Thanks Cat for letting me use your pictures!
Peace,
Jeremy
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