What My Wheelchair Means To Me
Today we run some errands and talk about what my wheelchair means to me. How it helps me to navigate the world.
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Produced by: Spencer West
Пікірлер: 142
“If you didn’t laugh, now’s your chance” -Spencer 2021 🤣😂
I just 'found' you! I am loving your posts. I wish the world could see how amazing you are!
@Spencer2TheWest
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
Really adorable lil Spencer on the skateboard!
@Spencer2TheWest
3 жыл бұрын
Haha tysm!
Thank you for sharing! I used to see wheelchairs as a symbol of all the things that a person couldn’t do, as a sad thing. But when my dad got sick, his wheelchair was a LIFESAVER for him and the whole family. Now I see them as fantastic tools for giving folks safety and independence. Keep posting!
This man is so gentle and nice, I would love to be his friend.
I have a genetic disability and use a wheelchair for longer distances. I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrom and my joints dislocate a lot every day. Yet I have a lot of problems using it and feeling valid because no one can see that I need it and am in pain about every second of my waking life. I feel judged when I stand up to load it in the Trunk of the car. I am scared to use it so I push myself too far and walk with a cane. I even noticed myself making excuses as to why I didn’t deserve it or need it. I have to admit that I am sometimes a bit envious of people like you that have a visible reason for using a wheelchair. I know I shouldn’t feel like this but I just always end up being told to stand up for that little grandma or not being taken seriously when I ask for someone to move their bike out of the disabled seating in the trains. I know sometimes I am lucky to pass as able bodied but it also makes my life so much harder sometimes.
@ryanscott5126
3 жыл бұрын
I have EDS also, go through these feelings everyday, but we definitely have a valid reason. Dont ever feel bad about using the chair. Someone looked at me weird one time and scoffed when I was using the car as a crutch to get from the trunk after I put up my chair. I pointed to my knee going backwards and bent my fingers back. That shut him up real quick Haha
@erikalangbein4586
3 жыл бұрын
@@ryanscott5126 thank you for sharing that with me. I feel validated a bit more.
@LifeinBonnieland
3 жыл бұрын
Greetings from a fellow EDSers who doesn't always "look" disabled. It's such a tough space to occupy in this world. So many privileges and yet so much ignorance. 💜
@artsysabs
3 жыл бұрын
I'm really sorry you feel that way. 💖 I hope you feel a bit better 2 months later. Theres always going to be judgmental assholes but please look after yourself instead of worrying about those people. I know that's easier said than done, but your health and mental well being is the most important
@erikalangbein4586
3 жыл бұрын
@@artsysabs thank you for your kind words 🥰
I just found your channel! When I was a young teenager in the mid-90s, my family moved to Central Russia. There was a man in our town whose disability manifested itself visually in the same way that yours does, although of course I don't know what initially caused his disability. But the area we lived in was like a third world country, and there were no wheelchairs. He still ambulated using his arms. The lower part of his outfit was made of leather, almost like the bottom of a shoe, and he wore thick leather gloves. In Winter, the snow and ice would be deep, and no one had cars. Like everyone else, he traveled by public transportation, on sloppy, muddy buses and trolleys. I was always filled with the deepest admiration for him when I saw him. He was busy and obviously had a regular job. But my heart longed for Russia and other countries of the world to improve in the area of disability access and support. I have a disabled sister, and my parents were very courageous in bringing her there. During the year that we live there, my parents advocated for disabled people, and years later people still tell me that meeting her there and seeing a family that was inclusive and loving with their disabled child was impactful for them, because the Russian society still shunned most people with any type of disability. I hope that things are better there today. Thanks for bringing awareness about your disability to people on KZread.
Looking great spencer.... That kid version is also adorable... I enjoy watching your vlogs.. So positive..
I love you. I'm in a wheelchair for the past yrs. Definitely a different world. The worst part is the way people treat you. Curbs and ramps are fun! You're marvelous.
I commented on another video regarding the likelihood that we went to school together at some point. While I was freaking out about seeing you, I shared your channel with my mom. The first thing she said was "oh you were always so excited to tell me about the boy who got to ride his skateboard at school and how cool he was!". So.....there you go 😄and here you are, clearly still cool.
Wheelchair=independence and freedom.for me that is very important,soooo irealy appreciate my beautiful"round feet"
Mr West, I came across your videos just recently. I am so impressed by your personality, your sense of humor, and your eloquence. And I think you are very attractive. Your positive attitude is such an inspiration to persons with disabilities, LGBT, and frankly to anyone navigating daily life. Thank you!
You are so awesome, I have osteoarthritis and I use my wheelchair sometimes when the pain is off the charts. Yes very important thing, kinda fun sometimes using it. Thanks for your videos 😊. God Bless
This guy is truly amazing. Super inspiring and amazingly inventive and to add to this praise, he's so happy all the time.
You have an amazing personality! God Bless you my friend ❤️
I also just discovered you and I love your sense of humor.
Hello lovely! I stubbled across your channel by accident and I'm so glad I did! Thank you for being such an awesome human being!!
I can't tell you how I stumbled on to your channel....but I am so glad I did! You are hilarious!
I’m new to your channel and loving your energy and positivity. You’re funny as well! Keep posting 👍😊
Now my brain is playing “Tequila” on auto repeat...
@Spencer2TheWest
3 жыл бұрын
HAHAHA! I’m sorry our you’re welcome.
@qew8438
3 жыл бұрын
@@Spencer2TheWest I love it.
Thank you for sharing. I have just found your youtube. Loving it.😊
Spence your channel is amazing man! 🙌🙌
What a cool guy xx
You are the best. Thank you for making my day with such great vibes!
Thank you for being so transparent pray God continues to bless you 🙌🏾🙏🏾
..happy to have just found your channel! you're positivity and warmth is infectious!! xo
I found your channel from a video of you showing people how you get up curbes. you have made my life brighter. I'll sub and drop a like and hit that bell cause you are just awesome.
New Subscriber. I need your positivity in life. Thank you for your videos! I think all of the world needs a dose of you each day!
You have amazing humor and personality! I love your videos
Cool to see you on youtube! Glad to hear you've weathered this last haaaaard year ok, and haven't been swept up in the carnage too bad. I'm wondering what happened to other folks! I've seen Molly Burke on youtube, but was just remembering Robin Wizowaty and wondering how she's doing! Hopefully she and everyone else is doing as well as possible!
Thank you so much for this ❤️ I’m an amputee facing further amputation after 30 years in a prosthetic and i’m excited and scared for my wheelchair.
It's fantastic you share your journey with all of us thank you.....you're inspirational
@Spencer2TheWest
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!
You are so positiv 👍💖
I'm a lbka, i use a wheelchair and you inspire me that i can do anything. Thanks!
I love the 80’s musicians on your wall !! Just found your page and you are a funny fker !!!
Just recently started following you and absolutely love your content! One of my best friends uses a wheelchair and it is mind blowing the obstacles she had to face daily just to get around. Unfortunately Montreal isn't very chair friendly, so as university students we ended up on some pretty wild adventures involving her chair in some kind of predicament. I love how you use humor to educate people about disabilities and share with us the cringey things people say and ask you. I have no idea what I would ever do if someone asked me how I go to the bathroom. Just. Wow.
@Spencer2TheWest
3 жыл бұрын
Hey Brittany! Thanks so much for your comment and allyship. I understand people's curiosity and do my best to try to juggle everything. Thanks for stopping by and watching!
I love your attitude!
U r awesomeness so funny and so cool Haha Yes that lil boy on skateboard is adorable x
I have a question! Do you get massages often? And what is your workout routine for your abs? Thanks for sharing what your wheelchair means to you! Live this vid!
Zeiss anti-fog spray for glasses works like a dream. Looking super fly in your custom jacket. Your day in the life was great. I'm now going to allot two meditations in my day because why the heck not?! Killing three birds with one stone with the comments here ha! Have a good weekend! How's the weather in Toronto these days? I have a friend who was in Montreal in the winter and he said never again.
Just subbed because I follow you on tiktok! But damn they really taught me nothing when I got my chair. I just went headfirst into figuring it all out myself as best I could via trial and error and watching other chair users on youtube.
You're amazing and by far one of the best human beings on the planet, not to mention you're really cool. You have a great personality and I love watching your videos
@Spencer2TheWest
3 жыл бұрын
Aww thank you so much! This is such a sweet comment. Thanks for watching!
@iamkosuke
3 жыл бұрын
@@Spencer2TheWest it was my pleasure :)
Glad I found this channel x
Love you're story and hope you see this i love you're content keep it up
@Spencer2TheWest
3 жыл бұрын
Aww thank you so much! I genuinely appreciate it.
You are hilarious 😂 not to mention Gorg... ❣️
@Spencer2TheWest
3 жыл бұрын
thank you so much :)
okay the legolas joke was so funny
You are so funny 🤣 and Amazing at the same time 👍
@Spencer2TheWest
3 жыл бұрын
Ha thank you so much!
My wee boy has a similar wheelchair to you, my Mum got him it before she passed away, so he had a good looking and comfy chair. Mines however looks like an electric chair on wheels, as I have to be lying back or I pass out, and legs up, so it’s a bit like a stretcher. You can imagine the stares, and people nudging each other to look. I hope one day I can feel as relaxed as you when going out. You have the best attitude, so,hopefully I can learn to be more like you. ♥️👌🏻
@Switzerland_rules379
10 ай бұрын
What is a wee boy?
4:06 haha ramps go BRRRR
Your wheelchair is amazing.
You're arms looks super strong, if you never have but are interested you should give aerial straps a try!
Bro you are amazing, I had to use a leg scooter for three months and lost mobility of my left leg for a while and I struggled so much. You are epic
@Spencer2TheWest
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! I've seen those scooters, they look challenging to navigate. Thanks for sharing.
@Lexi...
3 жыл бұрын
@@Spencer2TheWest they're extremely hard to navigate, there's almost no turning ability, so if you want to turn you have to pick the front tire up and move it whatever direction you want to go. I'm glad I can walk now after a few months of physical therapy
Imagine if this man started using crutches Imagine seeing that chasing you down an alley way 😆 😆 😆
Yes I saw that video that was amazing
@Spencer2TheWest
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! And thanks for watching here too!
“Orlando Bloom...” LOL! I’ve always wondered if the reason your chair has no handles on the back of the seat is because you prefer for no one to push your wheelchair? Remember way back when I first met you in person? I was trying to help you navigate the big crowd with 5 fives and offered to push your chair. Educate us on wheelchair etiquette.
@Spencer2TheWest
3 жыл бұрын
Hey G! As always your questions are beautiful, thoughtful, and educational. I actually remember that day! This would have to be a much longer answer, perhaps in a video for the future. However, it really hasn't been a conscious choice. Every chair is different and some have the push handle options and some don't. My current chair does have a bar that someone could use to push, although it's quite low. The main piece I'd say about etiquette for any mobility device is that many folx with disabilities see their mobility devices as an extension of their body. So to touch it without asking would be like touching their body without asking. So, before you touch anything, it's best to ask if they need the assistance and if they consent to you touching their mobility device. That's the short answer!
I LOVE YOUR BIKE
@Spencer2TheWest
3 жыл бұрын
It misses being your foot rest.
I found you today and am really glad! We are very much alike - I too am Gay and my body is different. I've subscribed and made that little bell ring ring ring.
@Spencer2TheWest
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you do much!
I LOVE YOUR JOKES!
You are such an awesome person! I just found your channel via the miracles of the algorithm. Fabulous!
❤❤❤❤❤
Totally off topic..dude you have gorgeous teeth.
Your upper body strength is amazingly strong 💪🏼 yes I love my chair too, oh yea got to get that tequila and snacks. Lol do u ever feel upper body weakness or pain?
LOL now I'm curious about the ramp 😂😂😂 Do wheelchairs have brakes? Surely the must so my guy doesnt just yeet off the ramp ahaha
@cecileroy557
4 күн бұрын
They do!
@artsysabs
4 күн бұрын
@@cecileroy557 finally an answer after 3 years 😂 I’ve learned that they do since then but thanks anyway hahaha
I love your energy! Another great KZread video on this subject is Walking With Reality on Planet Classroom Network. This video is about a disabled man who experiences a new reality through VR.
Spencer! I'm a huge fan. Would love to meet you some day that would be so amazing. I live in ct but I go to ny to hangout alot. I just stay away from people for safety reasons. Let me know when your back down
Exercise and tequila in the same thought.
I finished the video and im still thinking about Orlando bloom
You are so amazing and very funny 😆 I love question how old are you?
That's how I just found your channel
Oh it’s an RGK! Sub4? Do you have a custom cushion? It looks like a Jay but I can’t get a good squiz at it. If you don’t mind me asking - how are your shoulders after so many years of using them to self propel?
Ramps! Wheeeeeeee!!
Of course I saw your tik tok!!
@Spencer2TheWest
3 жыл бұрын
Maya! You’re the best! Thx for always watching.
Hey friend. SO much plastic! It’s ok tho, we’re all trying to save the planet. Have you considered getting a small basket type attachment for the front of your chair for when you need more carrying space? I’m really loving watching your show.
Orlando Bloom IS very attractive, especially in LOTR, so I don’t blame you for going off for a while on that topic
Ты прикольный удачи тебе
Bet
Hello Spencer! Love love love! If I shared the same body type as yours, I think I would have zip lines put up everywhere in my house and outside. Lol, no, for reals, I might even try to buy an old ski run place with the chair lifts so I could hike in the mountains better. What you think? Im thinking like for in the house, get a dry cleaners rack system w motors. Then I could jump up and zip to another room. Be like, "SURPRISE MOTHA $#>]+'s!" Hahahaha! It would be fun i think. One love, Gretchen in California
Hey spencer! I’m a wheelchair user too. Do you have sacral agenesis? Do you ever have skin ulcer problems?
Maybe one good day your wheelchair will bring you to Paris to enjoy holidays in France! en attendant belle vie Spencer et light and love from the baguette's country!
@Spencer2TheWest
3 жыл бұрын
It has! I was there a few years ago. I had a lovely time.
@odysseel.riviere5698
3 жыл бұрын
@@Spencer2TheWest youpi ! stay well and happy! it's always a nice rendez-vous to see you!
I'm in a wheelchair, as well. So, I understand all sentiments in that post. As for that "Lord of the Rings" joke.... 🤦🏽 Was it bad that I laughed, though?😂😂😂😂😂
@Spencer2TheWest
3 жыл бұрын
Hahaha! Not at all! I wanted you to laugh!
Bro you got help from your pt ???? I was given the chair and told good luck. Any questions I had I was told to just figure it out cause they didn't know. I got stuck a LOT the first few months. I stg my country sucks
From watching a murder story on that chapter I ended up here, I dont know how but thank you youtube I guess
@latoyamitchell9903
3 жыл бұрын
Same !
I just thought of a messed up joke I hope this doesn’t offend anyone. This guy must skip leg day. No hate bro I really love your channel and I 100% support you. Also I want to know, do you get a lot of hate for being LGBTQ+. Have a nice day!
Can you do a tick tock on your experience with prosthetics
@Spencer2TheWest
3 жыл бұрын
Sure! That’s a great idea. Thank you.
You’re a pure joy to watch, funny & adorable. I know you’re gay but I have always believed in telling people the truth -you are beautiful, you have a really symmetrical head 🤔🤔😆 I meant it nicely, now I say it out loud it sounds stupid.... oh well that’s me all over😂 have a great day!
@Spencer2TheWest
3 жыл бұрын
Hey Ann! Thanks so much for the comment and compliment. I'll happily take the symmetrical head comment. I hope you have a great day too!
I am finally found you
2:35 anyone else think it looks like the decoration is growing out of his head?
didnt even know you could get coloured wheel chairs lol.
@Spencer2TheWest
3 жыл бұрын
Oh yea! You an customize almost everything!
@hollymolly590
3 жыл бұрын
@@Spencer2TheWest that sounds cool
*tequila*
I understand how ignorant and rude people can be. As an openly gay man married to another wonderful man I've had people ask who's the woman in the relationship. I usually answer, we take turns in the saddle.
Would you ever try a power wheelchair?
Omg can we be besties?
What about Prothesis’s
@Switzerland_rules379
10 ай бұрын
Pristhetics are the same thing
Have you found love yet ??
@Spencer2TheWest
3 жыл бұрын
I have found lots of love, but I have not yet found a husband. Do you know any eligible bachelors? :-)
@hellenbusinge5793
3 жыл бұрын
Omg I thought you are looking for a wife
@Spencer2TheWest
3 жыл бұрын
So sorry. I am gay.
@hellenbusinge5793
3 жыл бұрын
@@Spencer2TheWest wow great luck
@attilakonkoly4329
3 жыл бұрын
@@Spencer2TheWest Thats more fun! I am not, not yet, but maybe if I fall in love.
Did you just slip in an Arrested Development joke?
Love your videos. Would you by chance be Jewish? ---
Were other kids mean to you?
I hope one day you give your life to Jesus and there are body parts up in heaven that God is going to start giving people miracles and giving people back their body parts. Such as your legs😀
@user-zk1jz7mw2l
3 жыл бұрын
So patronizing. It would seem respect and religion don't go hand in hand, unfortunately.