Technology Debate: friend or foe

I'm aware this subject is something of a hot topic at the moment but I've been thinking about it recently.

The term technology can be used to describe a vast array of different things, from the development of the humble biro pen to the introduction of the Iphone 5. So let's stop,  I'll put the brakes on, so I don't go anywhere and let me clarify what I mean.

When I refer to the word technology, I think of items which have directly developed, improved and enhanced my life. I'm sure each of you reading this can think of items which have had a direct impact in this area however, for me there are 2 main examples which immediately spring to mind when referring to technology in this way and they are as follows:
1) The wheelchair
2) The lift/elevator

Wheelchair

This is the main player, the big daddy of technical influences in my life.

I can say without hesitation that my younger self would argue (at length and with passion) that this item is most definitely a foe, nothing more than an enemy. Viewing the chair more like an annoying parent who would permanently put her on the naughty step and follow her about (whether she liked it or not lol) stopping her from doing what other girls do.

As you can tell, I was too young to truly appreciate the benefits of this technology, that was introduced to me, that was meant to make my life more accessible to me. Instead, I genuinely thought that it was some sort of punishment, for something I can't remember doing in the first place. I saw it as the root cause of all my problems, often behaving like a ninja attacking the chair at will, venting my frustrations (I broke more than one nail doing that). So, back then, it's fair to say, this piece of metal I was lumbered with was no friend of mine.

Then, I'm not sure how it happened but within the blink of an eye, this technology I once loathed suddenly became my shield, my portable protector. It was like having a security blanket (only mine included re-enforced metal, four wheels and a gel cushion). It quickly dawned on me I could use this metal to my advantage and help to guard me and assist me to negotiate my way through life.

This shield I'd acquired really came into it's own when it came to parrying off more than one ill - judged comment, from an abundance of well meaning people whose words, sometimes caused more harm than good. The chair became such a good guardsman that any comment,  unwanted stare and good old fashioned bullying would ping off the rims of my wheels like hailstones pinging off your coat when it rains.

Then once I had found my voice and some much needed confidence the guardsman handed back the uniform and allowed me to take on the responsibility for myself. It was at this point in life, I truly understood the important role this technology had to play in my life, it wasn't working against me but working with me.

These days me and the wheelchair are like two army veterans, who often come together and reminisce about the challenges we once faced and the battles we've won, all the time aware that the years that stretched ahead of us, are going to be easier and less traumatic, thanks to our past experiences. In fact, now I like wheelchairs so much I have more than one chair to choose from but three (I know I can literally hear my younger self foaming at the mouth) I use them like an extension of my outfit, depending on the nature of the event and my mood, 
e.g. one power chair for work meetings, one for lazing about at home and one for family visits. I've gone from wheelchair hater to a wheelchair enthusiast in the space of 30 years, not bad :)

Lift and elevator.

'No, it's okay we've got a lift round the back to get up there.'

This is a sentence that used to lift my spirits when I went out. I would say at one stage in my life looking for a lift was harder than looking for a needle in a haystack, because at least you know there is a needle in the stack somewhere.  When it came to hunting for lifts, you didn't have that level of certainty; there where lots of phone calls, forward planning, hoping and finger crossing. You may be thinking that this approach was a bit hit and miss, you may be right but it was the only thing we could do. Overall, this method proved quite successful.

That doesn't mean it was all plain sailing for me and my family could go anywhere we wanted, because that was far from the case, there where lots of disappointments and occasionally tears shed.  All was not lost and don't think I was a crying mess, because I wasn't, it just meant we change our plans to cater for the wheelchair and have a different experience, create a different memory. I know this now of course, telling my younger self was a whole different challenge.

Although, when we did hear those words 'Yes, we do.' That was a special moment; nothing short of magical. I kid  you not, when you were told there was, there was something mysterious about it. Hold on, I'll explain. Firstly, I was usually escorted by a senior staff member to the back of the building. Then, when I've passed two storage rooms, staff toilets and the days rubbish bins and I've just about lost all hope; the staff member (to my relief) turns left to reveal a secret compartment. To my surprise the doors would automatically open and I'd "walk" into a metal tardis like box but rather than transporting me to another space and time it just took me up to level one.

During these times, I thought of lifts like having a fun special friend, who would take me by the hand through the scenic route showing me a secret room, exposing me to museums, art galleries and restaurants that would otherwise be out of bounds.

The scenic route for a lift lasted until the the mid to late 90s (to my relief). The hunt for lifts got less strenuous, there were clearer signs around the building, and the percentages of yes's when asking for a lift got higher. As you may imagine I was in my element, going everywhere, finding lifts in all sorts of places; more shops, theatres and libraries. We used to find them so frequently, they would pop-up like flowers from the ground, not just helping me socially but allowing me to complete my education, attend lectures and even have access to a plane, so I had the opportunity to travel and just have all the opportunities everyone has. Yes, me and lifts were getting on like a house on fire.

Over recent years, I found our relationship has begun to sour, without warning more and more lifts I encounter are out of order and the ones that are in use are either a squeeze to get into or they suddenly stop between floors, leaving me yet again wondering what I've done to offend this piece of technology this time. In general,  despite our little blip I'm truly grateful for the introduction of the lift as without its assistance I wouldn't have had the experiences I've had or plan to have in the future.