It's surprising how few places are truly wheelchair accessible.   When calling around for dinner reservations asking about wheelchair accessibility, I have been told some silly things. “We have a portable ramp to get you in the front door but you should go to the bathroom before you come because our bathrooms are in the basement”; “Our bathrooms are upstairs but we have some big strong guys so it wouldn't be a problem carrying you up the stairs.”

I won't go to an unfamiliar restaurant by myself because someone always needs to check on the bathroom to see if it's navigable for a wheelchair. One time, we were already at the door of the restaurant, and asked if it was wheelchair accessible. They said “Yes” and when we asked to see their bathroom, they said,”No”!  

It's helpful to know what wheelchair accessibility means. Very simply it is not safe for a wheelchair to traverse large changes in grade or steeply sloped ramps. Even though a ramp of any sort is better then steps, I would still require assistance using that ramp.

Accessibility to me means independence. I realize the world is not paved in ramps and if I insist on having new experiences and going unfamiliar places, I need assistance. But I think through some education and awareness, there are some things that can be easily done to make our existing environment more welcoming to those with mobility challenges.