The Urban Cripple @urbancripple - Tumblr Blog

Welcome New Folks

It looks like another one of my very old post got some traction recently and I just wanted to say “hi” to all the new followers and to let you know that I have a very nice, accessible blog over at https://urbancripple.com that you should take a look at.

All of my latest content goes there and then I just post links back to Tumblr.

If You Are a Devotee, Do Not Follow or Interact

I don’t want to talk to you. I don’t want to see you in my feeds or on my follower list. If you you wanna fuck a paraplegic that badly, walk into traffic with your dick in your hand. If you follow me and you have no posts, I cannot see your likes, and I cannot see your follows, I assume you’re a devotee blog and I block you.

Understand My Focus

My blog is designed to help manual wheelchair users and (occasionally) forearm crutch users. That's it. If you're looking for help around stuff like autism, ADHD, or mental health/illness, this isn't the blog for you.

This is not a generic "disability" blog.

Please Cite My Work Correctly

If you want to use my content in your presentation, slide deck, report, etc., please let me know and include a link to the content you’re referencing. Ideally, the link should refer back to https://urbancripple.com. However, if the content you’re referring to is not available there, a direct link back to Tumblr is fine.

If you’re referencing something I’ve said or written during an interview or podcast, it would be super-great if you would mention it during the interview or podcast. I find it frustrating when people borrow heavily from my work and then only mention me as a source in something like a tweet or in a footnote not included in the original material. If you’re gonna use me as a source, please cite me appropriately and let people know where your information is coming from.

And yes, podcasts have gotten in trouble for not correctly citing their sources before.

Do Not Slide Into My DMs

Occasionally, folks message me on here in an attempt to strike up a conversation and just “chat”. I believe the young folk call this “sliding into one’s DMs”

Don’t do this. I don’t “chat” with anyone on here save for literally two people. Urban Cripple is not a person, it’s a persona. And the person behind it doesn’t have the same energy that you see projected into your timelines. Plus, as far as Tumblr goes I’m really really old , so any conversations I have on here just make me feel like:

So yeah. If you have a question you want me to answer, submit an Ask. If you have a really long and complicated answer you want me to answer, send an Ask through the form on my site. If I have questions about what you need, I’ll let you know.

Please Take a Look at Previously Submitted Questions

All of the questions I’ve been asked before are over at my main site: https://urbancripple.com/ask-me-anything/

Don’t Submit Asks that are Responses to Other Asks

People have a tendency to “reply” to an Ask someone submitted by submitting an Ask. I fucking hate this with the heat of a thousand suns. If you have a response to something someone else has asked me, submit a reply or reblog it. Otherwise, I’m deleting your submission. I don’t care how helpful it might have been or how long you spent writing it. It’s not my job to be a go-between for the people who read me blog.

I Have a Discord Server

I have a discord server that is not currently publicly join-able. It's a small, chill, close-knit group of (mostly physically disabled) folks who also happen to follow my blog.

I'm looking to open up my server a bit and send some invites out to folks. But I'm not gonna open it up publicly for anyone to join. Here's why: I have neither the time or energy to moderate shit. I don't wanna have to worry about what's going on in the server and keeping it small makes that a hell of a lot easier.

All that being said, a more active server is a better server and in order to make it more active, it needs more people. So, take a look at the server description below and follow the instructions to get an invite. If the following things apply to you:

You have a physical disability

You use a mobility aid (e.g., crutch, wheelchair)

You follow my blog

You are 18+ (it's not a NSFW server, but I don't want to deal with children)

You want a place to talk to disabled people about being disabled

You want a place to talk to disable people about other stuff, while being disabled.

You want a place to ask/give tips for navigating life as a disabled person

Then my server might interest you.

If the following things apply to you:

You consider yourself more of an ally to the disabled than disabled

You love disabled Twitter/Tumblr/wherever drama

The most interesting thing about is the fact that you have a disability

You enjoy participating in online discourse

You get more out of the "mental health" sides of Tumblr than the "physical disability" side of Tumblr

You're looking for a place to vent / talk exclusively about what's been bothering you

My server isn't for you.

If you're interested in joining my server, send me a non-anonymous ask (you can use Tumblr or my website) with the following:

What you hope to get out of my server

What kind of mobility aid you use or what your disability is

The vegetable you hate the most (this is to confirm you've read this far)

How you found my blog or a particular article you liked that I wrote

The Discord username you'll use to join the server

Do not DM me.

If I like what I see, I'll reply with an invite code.

I'm not putting all this in place because I think I and my server are hot shit. Again, I simply just do not have the time for traditional Tumblr bullshit or Discord server moderation. Additionally, I genuinely care about the folks who are currently on my server. They're cool and I don't want to invite someone in to the server that may harm their experience, so I'm doing all this to filter it out.

Do you know how to change smoke detector batteries without being able to stand? I've always just suffered the incessant beeping for a few days until a friend can come over to help, but I'm starting to get more independent again and smoke detectors and lightbulbs seem like something that would really suck not to be able to do on my own (and also all my friends happen to be away at the same time right now...).

Here's my answer:

I hire a guy.

#disability #life-skills

I've heard of manual wheelchairs specifically designed for hemiplegia, but every time I see them referenced it's never explained how they're adapted (namely, how they are propelled). Do you have any resources, or ideas as to where to find them?

Here's a link: https://aracent.com/one-arm-drive-wheelchairs/

They have a double-rim on the wheel:

Does that answer your question?

#wheelchairs

I found one! I’m the person who told you about the outdated links. This carabiner looks small, but I figured you could replace it with a better one. And the size choices are great! I found it by searching for “tumbler with clip handle.” You can also find ones that hang around your neck.

https://a.co/d/05oI96uv

Anyway, the reason I asked about cushions is because I use a variety, depending on the task I’m doing. I have a gel grid for if I’m going to be sitting around for a while, to prevent hemorrhoids, and a cooling foam (not memory foam) one for when I’m active. It is interesting that you only use one. Probably because you are more disabled than me.

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Thanks for the link.

most full-time chair users I know only use one cushion. The purpose of the cushion (beyond comfort) is to prevent pressure sores, back pain, and skin damage. The level of need doesn't change based on how they are using the chair.

I want triple wheels because there are a lot of big cracks over here, and I keep getting stuck, having to pull back, and go in reverse. One time I got stuck for real and strangers had to lift me out. I’m not allowed to do wheelies. I don’t have anti tippers, and even if I did, I’m not coordinated enough to do one. Half the reason I’m in a chair is because I keep tripping and banging into things, lol. I could never stand on one leg. Even before my leg started objecting to standing at all.

I can figure out the measurement stuff. I’m just wondering if you have any insight. I know it’s a weird idea.

I’m not allowed to do wheelies

... It's kind of an important skill. You don't need to be able to sustain one but it's critical that you be able to lift the front of your chair to clear obstacles.

I don't have any insight here. I don't think it'll work and, if you can even get them attached, the wheels are going to cause other stability issues.

#wheelchairs

I was thinking of replacing my casters with tri wheels. Do you think it would work? Here’s an example. I have a manual chair and I weigh less than 200 lbs.

https://a.co/d/05T4khFf

First off, "why?"

Second, I'm 99.99% sure this won't work given how most wheelchair forks like up with the chair and hold the caster. The wheels won't be able to rotate assuming you can even get them mounted in the fork.

#wheelchairs

Hey! Just thought you should know that your product suggestions on your Gear page are no longer available. For the most part I can find alternatives, but I’m having trouble finding that mug. The clip handle seems very unique.

Also would you be willing to do a review on wheelchair backpacks and under the seat storage? I know you prefer slings on your person, but I can’t handle the weight.

Finally, what is your favorite type of cushion? Mine is gel. I live in a hot area, so it helps me stay cool. Foam holds heat way too well.

I'll take another look at the list to see what's out of date. I'm aware of the mug being out of stock. I've been trying to find a good alternative for years.

I'm not reviewing wheelchair specific bags or storage because those aren't products I regularly use. I'm actually quite against them because the companies that make wheelchair specific products are very quick to go under and make it impossible to find replacements. I'd rather review products that can be adapted for wheelchair users

I use a standard Jay Basic cushion. I recommend you stick with whatever cushion your physical therapist or doctor recommends. The last thing you wanna do is use a cushion that's not meeting your body's needs.

#wheelchairs

Hi. I need soft or wet food for intubation pain. I eat laying back, on top of pillows. Needs to be one handed because I can only use one arm. I can temporarily sit up and twist off a lid, so I eat nutritional supplement drinks and drinkable yogurt. Ripping is not possible so I try scissors, but holding the bag still can be hard. I do eat some baked stuff like brownie bites, but am worried about crumbs. You said you might have suggestions? Thank you very much for helping.

I don't have any suggestions myself but I did reach out to folks I know about your situation and this was their advice:

Softer foods such as mashed potatoes slightly thinned out with more water or broth

Blended boiled cauliflower with garlic and parmesan cheese + softer noodles

French onion soup from a can blended up.

Oatmeal.

Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch into a tablespoon of water then mix that into eggs to make a very soft and tender scrambled egg.

For pre-made stuff, look into gutzy -- it's blended fruits and veggies and has a lot of fiber and good nutrients. Costco sells a similar type of blended applesauce + veggies.

Congee can be found in cans in most Asian grocery stores.

Really, anything you can still enjoy after running it through a blender is your friend here.

#disability #it's like a vacation for your teeth

Hey! There’s a guy who gets praised to high heaven in the abled world. He claims to be solving disabled peoples problems. I’m wondering if you think him and his company are all that. I’m sending you the link to his faq page.

https://notawheelchair.com/pages/support

I've heard of the site and watched the videos. I don't have enough data (from customers or available online documentation like owner's manuals) to write up anything meaningful and accurate. I know someone who owns a lap stacker and is happy with it, despite the high cost. I think the rig is ridiculous.

As for the wheelchair he offers, I can find comparably priced chairs from other vendors with a stronger reputation and history in the space. If somebody has documentation they could send me (warranty info, owners' manuals, etc.,), that would be great.

The fact that the About Us page on the site is blank, tells me a lot. There is an "owner's manual" tab on the support page and it is blank. Again, this tells me a lot.

#not a wheelchair #the blank pages come across as deeply un-serious #this company is making medical devices but can't bother to put together a warranty page or about us

How do you deal with the bumps between the kitchen and the rest of the house and the bathroom and the bedroom? The strip that separates the wood from the tile? My manual wheelchair is like 30 pounds and I’m almost 200 so I basically have to build up speed and just ram the damn things. But sometimes the space is too small to build up speed and I end up grabbing the doorframe and pulling myself over, which is kinda painful.

The best advice I can give is learn to lift the front of your chair as you go over the bumps. It'll take practice and won't be easy (you may want to consider adjusting the center of gravity of your chair --- if you can --- to make it easier), but it's the best way to clear bumps like that.

#wheelchair #disability

Hey, just a heads up that I'm not able to access your website by clicking the link in your pinned post. It's pretty easy to access via google search but just wanted to let you know in case it's not just an error on my end.

This site can’t be reached Check if there is a typo in www.urbancripple.com.

Thank you for all your hard work!

Fixed.

Please Be Detailed

The last question I got started with "I know this is a bit vague..." Friend, you're already submitting to me anonymously which makes it impossible for me to reach out to you in private setting to get more details. So for fuck's sake, don't be vague. The last thing I need you to be is fucking vague.

Y'all submit questions like you're spies trying to manage chronic illness while not blowing your cover. If you're worried about your fellow tumblr users being fucking weirdos, just send me a goddamn email. Remember email? I have one of those.

#I can't help you if you don't tell me what the fuck is wrong #I promise whatever you have to say is not that unusual or interesting to the other strangers on my site.#For the love of god just tell me what you need and be clear about it

I realise this is a bit vague but do you have any advice for handling emergency room visits with paralysis? It's so scary not to be able to reposition myself or find a nurse or even use the washroom for sometimes upward of 12 hours. Staff are either never informed that I am paralysed or they don't understand that I am not able to get up and go to a nursing station for help.

If you're going to the same ER frequently make sure your records are up to date with that hospital

It might help to get an official medical alert band (like the ones people with severe allergies have) that explains your condition.

Create a laminated card that lists your condition, any medications you're on, and your primary doctor's contact info

#disability

Do you have any resources on how different consumable wheelchair parts should last?

I know it sounds absurd but I have a Roomba and I really like how it tells me how frequently each part needs to be replaced so I'm trying to make something similar for my wheelchair parts. My initial guesses were based off my old bike parts but I now have people giving me wildly different estimates (eg. 4 months for bearings feels like either a sales tactic or a life sentence to being homebound)

To be clear I'm not asking you to make something, just wondering if you know of any resource like it so I can have some base values to build my own averages off.

There’s No Fixed Schedule

A Roomba can give you those estimates because it logs runtime. It knows how hard it’s working and the type of conditions it’s moving around in. With your chair, the lifetime of its parts can vary wildly based on where and how often you use it.

A travel chair that gets used twice a year and the day chair you take through city streets may have the same bearings, but one will need replacing after a few months of hard use; the other might last years. Any flat estimate—like four months—is either a worst-case scenario, a sales tactic, or someone projecting their usage pattern onto yours.

#wheelchairs #disability #wheelchair maintenance

Hello! I really liked your most recent blog post. The amount of part time users (often very part time, once a month or less) who've come to me and asked how to exist in public without "feeling ashamed" is both shocking and deeply unsurprising - it started only a month or two into using my first chair at all. (Strangely, I've had similar interactions based on my Tourette, but that's a different problem). My other reason for sending an ask is related - I wanted to know if you have any thoughts on the Wheelchair Skills Program by Dalhousie University? I stumbled across it while I was researching skill goals with my PT after I got comfortable going down stairs in my chair and we were looking for the next mountain to climb. It seems neat, and also I really respect your opinions and breadth of knowledge so I figured I'd ask you if you have any thoughts you'd like to share.

I took a brief look at it and it seems alright to me. Everything I learned about using a chair came from either lived experience, or directly from other wheelchair users I spent time with.

Youtube didn't exist when I was younger. Hell, it wasn't founded until I was in college. I think it's great that these online resources exist now and I hope you're able to improve your independence with them.

urbancripple

You Just Have to Fucking Practice

Check out my new post on the site. Then go out practice how to actually use your fucking wheelchair.

urbancripple

Full Post:

Over the years, I’ve answered over 120 user-submitted questions. Most of these questions boil down to “How do I do X in a wheelchair?”

And I’m getting sick of ’em. Not because I don’t want to help wheelchair users be more independent, but because the answer never changes.

And I say that because it’s better than me just sarcastically responding with “I dunno, how do you do X in a wheelchair?” I don’t know what your limits are, or what kind of wheelchair you have. I don’t know anything about you and, frankly, half the people who submit questions write like they’re drunk, their phone’s keyboard is broken, and they’re unbelievably shy. Seriously, the number of times I’ve asked people to provide more detail only to get two half-sentences and an “lol” makes me want to throw my computer across the room. I’d be less upset if the question was clearly written by ChatGPT. At least then there’d be enough details between all the “it’s not just my laundry, it’s my life” slop to actually answer the damn question.

So here’s the one true answer to “How do I do X in a wheelchair?” You have to fucking practice.

Struggling to get in and out of your car? Great, practice getting in and out of your car when you don’t need to go anywhere until you’ve got it nailed down.

Having a hard time putting your shoes on and off? Take your shoes on and off repeatedly until you can do it without thinking.

If you’re new to using a wheelchair and struggling with day-to-day tasks, it’s because you refuse to keep trying until you get it right. Instead, you wait until you need to do something—run errands, get dressed, etc.—and then struggle. This makes you want to do those tasks even less and your quality of life suffers. It’s the same problem I see with part time wheelchair users struggling to use their chair in public: their refusal to practice makes their very public struggles everyone else’s problem.

And before anybody gets all pissy and thinks that I’m not willing to answer these kinds of questions or offer advice, let me be clear: I’m happy to help where I can. But there’s a difference between teaching someone how to move confidently vs how to navigate their house and move their laundry into their washer and dryer.

I might have a few tips but I have no fucking clue how to actually help you.

You’re just gonna have to fucking practice.

And for fuck’s sake, if you’re gonna send me a question, provide details and use full fucking sentences.

#disability #full text post #ignoring angry replies from people who stopped reading half way through because their attention span failed #someone's gonna send me an anon note telling me how they're the exception to this rule and how expecting pple to practicing is ableist

What do you think of airless tires for wheelchairs? They make them for bikes so you will never get a flat. I was thinking of replacing my tires with airless ones.

I exclusively use airless tires. I recommend them if you don’t mind a less smooth ride. Way less maintenance. And a bike shop can help you install them.

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