Los Angeles


Monday 21 April 2008

Our 14 hour flight went without a hitch. On arrival at 7.30am local time, Jill was met by airport staff with a wheelchair and, because I was travelling with her, we were both ‘fast-tracked’ through customs – what a bonus! The staff member then proceeded to collect both our luggage and Jill’s own fold-up wheelchair. We were apprehensive about getting out of there, but the last check point was just a cursory glance at our passports and we were on our way. No metal detectors – no taking off shoes – everyone helpful and friendly. Couldn’t believe it!


Had a bit of a problem finding a taxi that would take Jill’s wheelchair, though. We had no trouble loading it into a sedan on the way to the airport so neither would they, but what can you do? In any case, there was a man co-ordinating the proceedings and in a relatively short time, we were collected by a van. Jill had a bit of a struggle with the step up but managed to clamber aboard. Our contact in LA, Richard Daggett, had kindly booked our accommodation at a place called H.O.M.E. and had prepared detailed instructions on how to get there. That came in really handy for the taxi driver. The freeway system here is incredibly confusing and you really have to know where you’re going.


So, we reached H.O.M.E., sweet home, which stands for “Housing Of Medical Emergencies” and is run by the Assistance League of Downey. It is a 10 unit apartment complex close to the Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Centre. According to their Mission Statement, the “Assistance League of Downey is a nonprofit organisation of volunteers who, in addition to their fundraising efforts, provide for and administer vital, quality services for people in need in the Downey area.” The accommodation itself has a Spanish influence, is motel style and perfectly comfortable – certainly unbelievable value for the USD$25.00 per night we are paying! It’s not exactly the most conveniently located place if you want to see the sights or be close to shops, but it is near the rehab centre and that’s where we have our appointments. Oh, and it’s very quiet . . .


Richard Daggett is the President of the Polio Survivors Association and Editor of the Rancho Los Amigos Post-Polio Support Group Newsletter (www.polioassociation.org). He met us on arrival yesterday and offered to take us on a tour of the local area today. Richard contracted polio at the age of 13 and was in an iron lung for some time. He has severely limited muscle function, uses an electric wheelchair and has a tracheostomy for ventilatory support. However, in typical polio style, he is a very busy man, although he still found the time to pick us up in his fantastic, low floor, modified people mover driven by Nora, one of his 5 wonderful support workers. We cruised around the area, with Richard providing commentary on the historical use of the numerous abandoned and derelict Rancho Los Amigos buildings surrounding H.O.M.E. and the now upgraded rehab centre. Because of the earthquakes common to California, these older buildings did not meet the safety standards required for seismic activity. It was quite sad to see such amazing buildings lying vacant.


One small down-side of staying at H.O.M.E. is that it doesn’t allow for internet access. Once again, Richard came to the rescue by taking us to his house which has wireless connection. We all chatted like old friends while I did what I had to do on the computer. He then took us to lunch at a quaint Italian restaurant, followed by a bit of a browse around the local shopping centre. Jill is keen to do some horse riding during this trip, but forgot to bring her modified foot stirrup. After a bit of thought, she decided to buy some twine which she could use to fashion into something suitable. After all that excitement, it was time to return H.O.M.E., so Richard dropped us off with the promise of some interesting revelations to be had at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Centre tomorrow. So far so good . . .