Whitehorse students see what life is like in a wheelchair

Some Whitehorse students recently got a glimpse of what life is like for one of their classmates, by spending a day in a wheelchair.

Lucas Yuill, 12,a student at Holy Family elementary school in Whitehorse, has used a wheelchair most of his life. Hewas born withcerebral palsy,a lifelongphysical disability that affects his movements and posture.

Getting dressed, eating breakfast, and going to school pose challengesfor Lucas that his classmates can't always relate to.

School principalLinaRadziunassaidsome students in Yuill's classweren't showingempathy.

"I don't think the students understand, or his classmates that have been with him for seven years now,
really understand what Lucas's day is like," Radziunas said.

"We want them to feel what Lucas feels like, when he is constrained or can't get up out of his wheelchair
to do simple things."

Last week, students took turns being in a wheelchair for a full day.

Zakala Netrofoundit was not what she expected. What was fun at first soon became difficult.

"I got stuck in the snow so many times," Netro said. "The wheelchair actually fell over, and we were not to use our legs so we couldn't get up. We had to get a teacher to help me."

During the winter months,Yuillstays inside at school while his classmates go outside. It's just too hard to manoeuvrein the snow.

'Not the full perspective'

Many students said the experience did make them more empathetic toward Yuill.Laura Kossaid itopened her eyesand helpedher appreciate what she is able to do.

"Really happy that I can walk and that Ican just run and that Ican participate in everything," Kos said.

Yuill said he appreciatedhis classmates' willingness to take up the challenge for a day, but said it offeredjust a small sampling of what his days are like.

"Really, they are not getting the full perspective. Like a little sliver," he said.

"I would actually like to make it so maybe a couple people in the world couldsee what it would be like to be in a wheelchair, for maybe a week or so. Some of the big stars in movies.I mean, that would be kind of cool."