Cerebral Palsy

I drive and walk.

I do have difficulty with my balance, though, and all I have to say about that is, ‘Thank goodness for handrails.’” Currently, the YMCA is split into several levels.

The lobby is above street level, the locker rooms are on the lowest level and workout classrooms are on the second floor.

And to get to the pool?

Well, it’s a maze of steps and hallways.

There is an elevator, but it’s a freight elevator and is what Eddy refers to as “unreliable.” There is a service ramp located on Jackson Street, but it is not up to code and has a steep incline.

“If people need to use the ramp, they have to call ahead to have someone let them in,” said Eddy, standing at the top of the ramp.

“But look at it.

It’s too steep for a wheelchair.” Both Sherry Pardini and Laura Huffman, both of Chesterfield, use canes to get around and said they often have difficulty using the facilities.

“I had a hip replacement, and it’s actually good exercise for me,” said Pardini positively.

“It is a bit difficult to get to the pool which I use for therapy, though.” Huffman, a disabled veteran who suffers from severe back injuries, said she has great difficulty with all the steps.

“I struggle,” she said.

“The fact you have to go down steps to get to the locker room then come back up on different levels to get to the ...

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