JustWrite

by Glenda Watson Hyatt

A few weeks ago, my aunt and uncle were over for pizza, and my uncle mentioned his church now has a website. I jokingly asked, "Is it accessible?" He responded emphatically, "Of course it is! It is online!"

Unfortunately, no, it is not quite that simple. Having a website online does not necessarily mean it is accessible to everyone. Individuals’ capabilities, disabilities, and the computer system being used can affect how well individuals can use the Internet. For some, surfing the Internet is not as simple as "point and click".

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Darrell and Glenda wheeling around False Creek, Vancouver, BC: who needs a red convertible!

Growing up and all through university, I knew I didn’t want a boyfriend with a disability, particularly a significant physical disability like mine. I thought with having a boyfriend with a disability, there would be too much we couldn’t do together and I thought people would assume we were together simply because of our disabilities.

Instead, I envisioned being with an upwardly mobile professional type of man, which I thought would gain me credibility and respect, and people would see beyond my disability and see the intelligent, witty, caring me. I fantasized about throwing my manual wheelchair into the back of his red convertible and heading down the west coast, carefree and footloose. I even had one or two eligible prospects in sight! Although, obviously they were clueless to my intentions as they married other women. Ouch! (more…)