MN Interior Designer has a firsthand lesson on accessibility at a design award show

The Midwest Home Design Award (MHDA) Show was once again spectacular.  I caught up with colleagues and chatted with Lori Miller & Arthur Morrissey who were the MCs from the 2022 ASID Gala.  I didn’t get a chance to chat with them there because I was part of the clean-up crew.  What we made was so beautiful and stunning, but it had to be taken down.  The MHDA was once again beautiful and a fun award show to attend.  What made it different was me.  Due to my broken ankle, I realized it’s a lot harder to socialize.   

Since I am a social butterfly, it was harder for me.  I don’t know if it was how cumbersome the walker is to circulate in crowds or the “stories” I was putting in my head when friends/colleagues looked at me.  It was an altogether new experience that made me doubt myself and didn’t give me any confidence. 

When we arrived at the show, I couldn’t take the escalator with my walker. We had to wait for the elevator and crowd into it with hotel guests. We then checked our coats. I had my purse attached to my walker to hold my phone and lipstick. Broken ankle or not, I was not going to pass up this date night with my husband or wearing a beautiful hot pink dress, which my husband called the “hot pink number”.

After checking in I realized what we did last year would not work this year.  Last year, we stood at a high-top table near the bar.  This year we found a table near the bar to sit at.  I must admit I was feeling sorry for myself.  I started the “bitter party of one” and then realized I could take advantage of this situation.  How you ask?  Easily… Get my head in the game and appreciate this date with my husband.

Here I am at this wonderful award show and yes, I had to wear a boot and use a walker, but I had a date with my husband.  Our last date night was in the summer when our eldest son watched his brother & sister for a bit while we walked to LookOut Bar & Grille.  So, I told my husband let’s be on a date.  I won’t be able to network like I did last year but I am not wasting this time with you.  Having no kiddos to worry about because Granny & Doggie (Grandpa) are watching them.  Michel pulled up the questions we asked each other on dates.  It helps us get out of our normal routines and be intimate with each other on date night.  We were able to connect on a deeper level with these questions.  Yes, we were at MHDA but it felt like we were the only two people there.  It was magical.  I then realized the doors would be opening for dinner and I better get going to the bathroom. 

I knew it would not be easy getting to the bathrooms in the massive crowds.  Michel took control and became my security person.  He started informing people and politely asking them to move.  They would look at him all crazy but then would see me right behind him and they would move out of the way.  I must admit I felt silly.  I did not feel like myself.  This was due to the walker.  I felt like everyone was staring at this thing thinking it was part of who I am instead of seeing me. 

Going through the crowds was an additional 5 minutes. When I finally arrived at the women’s restroom, I noticed they did not have an accessible open or push plate to open their door. Michel opened the door for me as I wheeled myself in with my walker. I then noticed the only stall I could use was the one all the way at the end. It was the only one big enough for me and my walker. Let’s just say, using the restroom, reapplying my makeup, and making sure I looked “good” took an additional 10minutes. Luckily my husband Michel understood.

We than took some pictures by Midwest Home Design Award Christmas Tree before heading into dinner.  I did not want to walk around the facilities like we did last year because it’s awkward with the walker.  The spacing between the tables did not leave enough room for me and another person.  It was a tight fit.  So, we found the first table that was by the door.  Yes, we were at the end but it worked for us.  I took my phone out of my purse and put it in Michel’s blazer pocket.  He then folded up my walker and put it up against the wall so it would be out of the way. 

I met some great people at our table.  Mark Larson & Jean Rehkamp Larson from Rehkamp Larson Architects.  It was great chatting with Mark and seeing them win so many awards.  They swept the “Vacation Home in Minnesota” category.  Yes, they took 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place.  It was amazing to meet such down to earth and wonderful people.

After the awards, Michel wanted to get some good coffee. I remembered there was a Caribou Coffee in the skyway before going into the Mall of America. We saw the steps and I was thinking I am going to have to stay there while he got his coffee but then we saw the accessible ramp. I knew there had to be an accessible ramp being it’s a public space and a Mall is classified as an Assembly (A-3). So being this classification it must meet ADA standards. It’s funny how we notice something more when we need it. This is a perfect example.

How does all of this relate back to my business?  Easy.  We are not invisible.  Things happen.  Life happens and injuries can occur.  I never thought I would be at MHDA with a broken ankle, but I was.  Yes, it was harder to manage, and I did not network the way I usually do but it was a great time.  It opened my eyes to things that I took advantage of without realizing it.  I am thankful that I can look at this experience differently and be able to collaborate with a client in a different way due to this limitation.    

CW Design was created to bring beautiful, functional, accessible design to your lifestyle.  My design services are based on empowering and collaboration with you.  I am here to listen and give you permission to like what you like.  Making your dream become a reality without the stress is my passion. 

CW Design – Rising together with you