Handicapped Burners

[Absolut Jeenyus]

So years and years ago my mother was in a motorcycle accident which resulted in a disease she has called RSD. (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy). Anyhow, she was never really the same after that, and both my mother and stepfather go through some depression. More so my mother because of her disease, and my father because of watching my mother go through all the shit the past decade or so.

About a week ago my mother went for a check up and the doctor gave her too much anesthesia (fuckin American hospitals) and she stopped breathing. Well this freaked her out (rightfully so), along with myself and my stepfather, and today she called me kind of having a breakdown. So I start talking to her about my trip home to the playa. I have talked to her about BM for probably over 10 years now. I've brought her to Moontribes and other events of the like. So anyhow I talk them both into going and saying fuck it and just doing it. They have both been wanting to go for years and I really think this might set some of her pain at ease. I know she gets so confined to her home and rarely gets to getaway. For an artist this can make you go insane. Lack of motivation. Lack of inspiration.

Anyhow I have convinced them both to get out of their element and onto the playa this year (finally) and I am quite excited. So what I am really wondering is how other people with handicaps have gotten along out on the playa. From what they use to get around, to issues with the heat, etc. Has anyone out there been on the playa with this or a similar disease/handicap? I wanted to go the RV route just for my folks, but money is a factor when it comes to renting RVs. I'm already buying their tickets and spending shitloads of money on a camp that will sustain a good 15-20 people.

My main concerns lay with my mother and how well her disease will get along with the heat out there... So yea I don't know. I was hoping for some feedback from fellow burners who may know more about handicaps on the playa.

Sorry for such a huge post lol...

[unjonharley]

There are all sorts of alter abled people at Burning Man.

I have nerves system disease that fucks with me no end. Not unlike MS. I tend to fall over without much notice amung other things. Or my eyes will slam shut.

I'm in my 70's. My camp mate is well into his 80's. WE have to take extra good care to stay well and have fun.

In the heat of the day at BM i just sit down in my shade. Put my feet in a pan of water, wet a face towel and lay it over my legs. Grandfather just urns it off and takes a nap.

THis year we are gas powered for tranportation. A little tractor and trailer riged to hual mobility scooters. I want to give rides around the city. It will also have four bike racks.

WE each have a state issued gimp sticker. So the tractor will be regestered as a disabled persons transport. IT has to be resgester with BRC MV dept. before the end of this month.

THere are others offering transportation at BM.

Compared to some on the playa I'm in good shape.