My name is John, and I have been confined to a wheelchair ever since a debilitating accident three years ago. The world suddenly seemed much more unaccommodating when simple tasks like opening doors turned into a daily obstacle. It was during these challenging times that I discovered Olide automatic doors, a simple innovation that gave me back a semblance of freedom and normalcy in my life.
At home, my life changed drastically after the accident. I was not used to asking my wife to open doors or fetch glasses of water. The loss of independence was a bitter pill to swallow. However, my wife, being the pillar of strength that she is, decided to install automatic doors in our home. At first, I scoffed at the idea, reluctant to acknowledge my dependence on such devices. But with time, my apprehensions faded and I started appreciating my regained mobility.
Our first installation was the front door. With a simple button installed at the height of my wheelchair, I was able to press it and let my friends in without relying on my wife. I quickly saw the benefits of this setup and decided to install automatic doors throughout the house. It soon spread to the kitchen, the bathroom and even the door to the patio. With these doors, I could easily move from room to room without needing to call out for help each time. It restored much of the independence that I missed.
However, as I got used to the convenience of automatic doors at home, public places posed a different problem. While some buildings were equipped with such facilities, many were not. I often found myself trapped outside department stores, unable to enter without someone's assistance. It was during one of these moments of frustration that I decided to voice out against the lack of accessibility for people like me.
I started campaigning for the implementation of automatic doors in all public places, particularly those frequently accessed by people with disabilities. From brick-and-mortar stores to community parks, I petitioned and advocated for our right to be able to navigate freely within these spaces. I recall one incident at the town library, where an automatic door was installed after my relentless bargain with the town council. The smile on a fellow wheelchair-bound bibliophile’s face when she could freely swing the heavy library door made all the efforts worthwhile.
Yes, my world is filled with battles, but with each automatic door installed, there’s one less fight to face. These doors have shown me that my disability may limit my physical abilities, but it doesn't have to confine my spirit. The autonomy I have regained and the activism I’ve participated in through this journey led me to appreciate the little victories we often take for granted.
Today, automatic doors are more than just a convenience for me. They are a symbol of my reclaimed independence and a reminder of the collective effort needed to make the world more inclusive and accessible for everyone. As I continue to embrace my reality, I know that there are more battles to fight and more doors to crack open. But with every door that opens automatically, I am reminded that I am still capable. I am still here, moving forward, one door at a time.
