This trip started out like any other – a way to advocate for the disability community. I planned, I packed, and then I got on the road. I will talk about my flight experience in a different post, but let’s just say it’s always something new when flying. But, given what could go wrong, this was not a big deal.
I missed the welcome reception for the event. This was United Spinal Association’s 7th Annual Roll on Capitol Hill. During this event, over 150 wheelchair users, clinicians, and caregivers – representing 52 chapters and 33 states plus Washington DC and Puerto Rico, got together to advocate for disability related issues by participating in over 200 congressional hill visits.
I was in a little group of 4. Together, we completed 7 hill visits. But, let me backtrack a little bit. Sunday evening started the event with the welcome reception that I missed. United Spinal staff gives a little welcome speech, but this time is for socialization and meeting the other advocates. This is usually my favorite part. I love getting to know other people and hearing a little bit of their story.
Monday
Monday was a full day of education. Different panels came together to give us the ins and outs of three major issues affecting the disability community. These issues revolved around the ADA Education & Reform Act that was passed in the house earlier this year, which we do NOT want; Healthcare services issues, like getting the equipment and rehabilitation we need to have a high quality life; and an air carrier amendment that would provide education to the airport/airline 
employees and hold the airlines accountable for damages.
Towards the end of the day, United Spinal showed us mock visits and how to handle some tough situations. This was very helpful for the newbies and served as a little refresher for us that have only participated a handful of times.
I then ended the day with a happy hour with a small group. This was a nice way of relaxing while getting to know them a little bit more. I always love talking to others about their stories and perspectives!
Tuesday
This was the day we were waiting for. Like I mentioned earlier, the small group I was in had 7 visits scheduled that day. The first meeting started at 9:45am and we were finishing up our last one around 4:30pm. It was a long day, but it wasn’t over after the meetings.
For the most part, we thought the meetings went well. We had one Representative that did not agree with us on one issue; although after discussing it, we ultimately wanted the same thing – we just had a different perspective on the process. The other visits were open to hearing our perspectives and to take a deeper look into the issues, or they were unaware of the issues we were speaking about and said they would look into it. I’m happy and thankful that we didn’t have any tough visits; I’m not good with confrontation.
After the visits, we had an awards reception to relax a bit and have a good time. We mingled with each other and recapped the days events. We also celebrated those that have done amazing things 
for the disability community across the country. This was the best way to end the day! I was so pumped up about what we were doing there and wanted to carry over that enthusiasm after returning home!
Aftermath
On the way home, a peer talked me into trying something new. Something I had never done before. He talked me into trying an escalator…in my wheelchair. I was nervous to say the least, but I thought, what the heck! I can do it! With me, I had 2 physical therapists, and another “able bodied” gentleman. It was as safe of an environment to try it out as any. I have a video of it, and I think I’m going to post it on YouTube and start a vlogging channel. Once that happens, I will link it to this blog post. I don’t know much about YouTube yet (other than how to watch videos) but if you search my name, I think you can find me?
The ride was a success and I’m glad I tried it. I always say that growth happens outside of your comfort zone, and BOY! Was I wayyyy out of my comfort zone! I look forward to trying it again when I am with someone that won’t freak out! (Don’t worry, mom, I will not be asking you!).
Coming home
Wednesday morning, instead of going to the debriefing and feedback session, I needed to relax a bit, pack up, and start making my way to the airport for my flight home. I arrived wayy too early, but I would rather have plenty of time than to be rushed. Good thing I was early, because there was a little issue.
You see, we don’t go through security like everyone else. We have to be patted down and tested. Well, something on me set off the alarm, and I had to be taken to a private screening room (with 2 female officers) for a more thorough pat down. They had to swab all of my belongings, my chair, and my body. Turns out, everything was just fine (duh, I wasn’t worried at all), but that took an extra half hour to complete.
Other than being squished on a very small plane, the flight back was WAY too easy. Getting on and off the plane was a breeze, no damage was done to my wheelchair, AND my checked bag was there, waiting for me on the conveyor belt, when I arrived in baggage claim. I didn’t want to say anything until I was in my mother’s vehicle and on our way home. You never know what could happen. But, now over a week later, that was a very easy flight home.
Now what?
Now is when we need to continue our campaign. We need to pay attention to what is going on, and contact our legislators! United Spinal Association put together a FANTASTIC toolkit, and I would be more than happy to share it with you! (Just email me and I can forward you the toolkit!). You can write, call, email, or post on social media – we know Twitter is a big deal – your concerns and your story to your state legislators. Every little bit does help!
I had a great experience at ROCH 2018, and I look forward to next year! As always, leave me some feedback either here – below this post, e-mail me (megs@thewheellifeblog.com), or on any of my social media platforms! (FB/IG/TW @wheellifeblog and Snapchat @megsh8). I would love to hear from you and what I can do to help. If there is ANYTHING that you want to hear about – please let me know! I can’t do any of this without YOU, so I would love to connect with you!
Let’s keep those happy thoughts, productivity and self-care going! Live honestly, passionately, and with kindness!
Megs