A Wheelchair Traveler

Welcome to Miyo Tatsuya’s Blog
　Hi, I’m Miyo Tatsuya.// I traveled around the world/in a wheelchair/by myself.// I visited 42 cities/in 23 countries.//
　When I was 18,/I got injured/in a motorcycle accident.// Because of that,/I couldn’t move my arms and legs.// But I never gave up.// After rehabilitation,/I was able to use my arms again.//
　When I was 23,/I traveled alone/to Hawaii.// I was impressed/with the barrier-free facilities.// Also,/people living in Hawaii/were kind to me.// I became interested in foreign countries.// I wondered/how accessible other countries were/for wheelchair users.// So/I decided to travel around the world.//

Traveling in Italy
　In Florence,/an accident happened.// I was moving my wheelchair/on a road/made of stones.// Suddenly,/the right-front wheel came off.// The wheelchair would not move/at all.// I was at a loss.//
　Just then,/someone asked,/“Trouble?”// I saw an Italian man/with his family.// He looked at my wheelchair/and said,/“One screw is missing.// You also need a wrench/to fix it.”// His wife found a wrench for me.// His two kids started/searching for the missing screw.// Soon,/they screamed,/“We found the screw!”// All of the family helped me,/and my wheelchair was finally fixed.//
　I said,/“Grazie ! ”/and tears came out of my eyes.// Thanks to their kindness,/I was able to continue my trip.//

Traveling in Greece
　I had a special experience in Greece,/too.// Traveling in Athens,/I met a man/from India.// He was kind enough/to take me to the Parthenon.// At that time,/the wheelchair lift was broken.// I almost gave up,/but he asked a Spanish man nearby/for help.// Then/they carried me up/in my wheelchair.// Finally,/we were able to reach/the top of the Parthenon.//
　I asked the Indian man,/“Why are you so kind to me?”// He said,/“We all live on Earth together:/men and women,/young and old,/disabled and non-disabled.// I’m happy/that I helped you.”//
　From this trip,/I noticed/that the world is full of kind people.// They are willing to help others.//

A Reflection on My Trip
　Receiving help from many people,/I was able to travel around the world.// I noticed/that kind people did not hesitate/to speak to someone/in trouble.//
　Let’s imagine/that you are on a crowded train.// A passenger nearby looks sick.// What will you do?// You may hesitate,/but I hope you ask,/“Are you OK?”// It is important/that you have the courage/to talk to people.// I believe/that this courage can change the world.//
　As I experienced during my trip,/ “barrier-free” is not only about facilities,/but also about people’s mindset.// Anyone can contribute/to creating a barrier-free society.//