16 replies to this topic

[jessalynn23]

You would think that I would be a pro by now because I go out to eat alot, but I can't get my legs under the table.
And I need someone to feed me so I need to close enough to them. And I always feel like I'm in the way.

Does anyone have any tips or comments about this?

[lar60]

jessalynn23, on Jan 4 2010, 08:19 PM, said:

You would think that I would be a pro by now because I go out to eat alot, but I can't get my legs under the table.
And I need someone to feed me so I need to close enough to them. And I always feel like I'm in the way.

Does anyone have any tips or comments about this?

jessicalynn23,

Any restaurant should be happy to see you getting outof the house. You may try to go at odd times, before peak times. I would think if they have a booth or table in a back corner where you could park at the end of the table you would be in no ones way. Of course you should never feel thet you are in the way as you are a paying patron.

I don't know if I have given you anything that you haven't already thought of.

lar60

[Texas Angel Ang]

Hate it when that happens, I have finally just come to terms with the fact that some restaurants do not have "wheelchair friendly" tables.

I will usually angle myself where I am not in the way of the waitresses/waiters. BUT sometimes that just doesn't work and I am stuck in the aisle... oh well! This just means more people get to see my pretty face haha!

[S&W Winger]

If I can't fit my legs under the table, and even if I can, I always seek an end spot, and park sideways, and as I usually need some help, my friend/family will sit accordingly...restaurants are usually accommodating, as noted by lar60...the more I go out, the less in the way I feel...the more the other people ARE in the way!!

...it's the poker tables with which I've encountered some issues! Nearby one didn't care AT ALL about my dilemma (needing end of table, not being able to sit straight in, taking up three spaces on the side, if I tried)...but another casino made every effort to get me situated comfortably...of course, they wanted my $$$!! You'd think food places would also! But I guess "out of sight, out of mind" for some folks...but heck, after 7 months in hospitals this year, then oh so much time in bed here at home, I just got my van and I'm going anywhere and everywhere...

Don't worry about it and hope you keep on enjoying the dining and the hey with being in the way!

Edited by S&W Winger, 04 January 2010 - 10:44 PM.

[norma]

This may sound ~~CRAZY~~ but what about blocks for under the table legs to raise it up a bit????
I do this at the cottage we rent each summer. I'm not talking huge blocks, something the size of your palm.
Do you eat there as a regular?? I find most places will do almost anything to make you comfortable.
Just an idea.....

[Scribbler]

norma, on Mar 23 2010, 03:56 PM, said:

This may sound ~~CRAZY~~ but what about blocks for under the table legs to raise it up a bit????
I do this at the cottage we rent each summer. I'm not talking huge blocks, something the size of your palm.
Do you eat there as a regular?? I find most places will do almost anything to make you comfortable.
Just an idea.....

Its not a CRAZY idea norma, I have things for tables and beds. Some people might not want to provide blocks when they're paying good money to eat out.

I've sussed the problem at my local place; I always phone and book and always asked for a certain table I know I can get under.

I Usually go off peak times and as there are just 2 of us eating, they tend to show us a table for 2, which I know isn't suitable.
I automatically go to a larger table as its easier. A nice smile and a few polite words go a long way, if that doesn't work they don't get a tip.

I learnt that from E-Dog

Edited by Scribbler, 23 March 2010 - 04:33 PM.

[Apparelyzed]

I used to use the type of pub tin ashtrays, the stackable type.

Then they don't take up much room in a bag, and they raise the table by about an inch when turned upside down under the table leg.

Regards

Simon

[Scribbler]

Apparelyzed, on Mar 23 2010, 04:39 PM, said:

I used to use the type of pub tin ashtrays, the stackable type.

Then they don't take up much room in a bag, and they raise the table by about an inch when turned upside down under the table leg.

Regards

Simon

I can see everyones faces when you pull out 4 ashtrays, now there's no smoking everywhere....
On the plus side; they'd stop staring at you when you're eating...

[qbounce]

We have new smoking restrictions here too. No smoking is allowed anywhere at indoor businesses. I can't remember the last time I saw an ashtray at a local bar/ restaurant, outside of Las Vegas.

If my knees are touching the table top, I move my feet forward on the foot plate allowing my heels to rest there. This in turn drops my knees an inch or so, allowing me to get under just about any table.

[pistol_pete]

That's exactly what I do. Sometimes I have to take my feet completely off the footplate and let them dangle in space. Only problem is if my legs go spassy I start playing footsies with the person opposite ( which is usually my wife, so that's OK), or at worst give them a good kicking.

[graphic]

What I sometimes find is that I go into a restaurant with no problem but by the time it comes to leave the place has usually filled up and those wide open spaces seem to have disappeared. I hate having to make my way to the exit saying "excuse me" all the way and having to ask people if they can move their chairs so I can pass. I guess I should have learned to use the table nearest the door by now.

[greybeard]

graphic, on Mar 24 2010, 11:31 AM, said:

What I sometimes find is that I go into a restaurant with no problem but by the time it comes to leave the place has usually filled up and those wide open spaces seem to have disappeared. I hate having to make my way to the exit saying "excuse me" all the way and having to ask people if they can move their chairs so I can pass. I guess I should have learned to use the table nearest the door by now.

Just stay and keep drinking until you're the only one left.  Let someone else worry about carrying you outside! 

[Scribbler]

deb4604, on Mar 24 2010, 01:28 AM, said:

qbounce, on Mar 23 2010, 04:03 PM, said:

If my knees are touching the table top, I move my feet forward on the foot plate allowing my heels to rest there. This in turn drops my knees an inch or so, allowing me to get under just about any table.

What a great idea!

Bouncer, I do the same if I go to London and don't want to take too much stuff with me.

It does't bother me if I have to ask someone to move. I ask politely and sometimes they realise I need to pass, and move for me. Its the same as an AB person saying "excuse me" to another AB person.

[ADP-10-08-63]

my worst experience was christmas dinner in a major chain of restrauants
we turned up all was ok
then the waiter and waitress always ignored but kept asking my partner what i wanted and is every ok for the both of us
because i asked to speak to manager
to explain i may be in a wheelchair that does not make me invisable as i can speak for myself
also in restaurant at the on a separrate table was the london regional manager director eating dinner with his family and relatives
he personally refunded our christmas for the way i was treated
then took my name and address down
and sent us full meal vouchers for a list of his restraunts to see how many others this is happening
to date i am still invisable
service reports hhave been forwarded onto him (london regional director)
this is still ongoing
but just goes to prove
customer service and generalisation go hand in hand

[benok]

Hi, when I go to restaurants, I transfer from my wheelchair to a chair and just have the waiters valet park my wheels. Happy Easter!!!

[jane]

benok, on Apr 6 2010, 01:56 PM, said:

Hi, when I go to restaurants, I transfer from my wheelchair to a chair and just have the waiters valet park my wheels. Happy Easter!!!

I do that too if i can, or move my legs off the footplate.