So How You Doin’? Watch the Video & Tune Into KDHX!
It has now been nearly seven weeks since I’ve been home from the hospital following my stroke on Feb 1st. I’ve been busy complaining about the absence of, the condition of or cars blocking ADA curb ramps. I’ve also resumed working, with a new listing of a two-family at 3880 Juniata. That, doing laundry and cooking my own meals is a lot. In the meantime friends & family are asking how I’m progressing. So, I made a video to show you:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmrTOGsmjyI[/youtube]
Twice during my three month hospitalization I was a phone-in guest on KDHX’s Collateral Damage program. Tonight, Monday June 16th at 7pm, I will return to the studio — no more phoning it in.   I’ll give host DJ Wilson an update on my recovery and we’ll talk about local development issues, including next week’s Preservation Board meeting.
Great to see the updates Steve! We are all wishing you great luck in your recovery…
Great to see your progress, Steve. Thanks for posting the video.
I’m curious about your kitchen. Renovation of a building such as your loft does not fall under the Fair Housing Act (though there may be local and building code mandated accessibility requirements). However, many of the Fair Housing Act guidelines also make kitchens and bathrooms more usable to a broad segment of the population.
The short video segment in your kitchen clearly shows that it does not conform to several of the so-called “modest” accessibility guidelines in the Fair Housing Act – distance between counters and appliances, clear floor space, heights, etc. It probably isn’t required to meet the guidelines, so I’m wondering what it is like for you to use “as is”.
Space between counters, for example. The distance between the refrigerator and the opposing countertop is clearly not 40 inches. It also appears that it would be difficult for someone in a wheelchair to access the freezer. On the other hand, if you need extra support to stand, it might be actually useful to be able to use the counter behind as a stabilizer even though it is technically too close. Accessibility is hard to define because it may mean different things for different people… Humans are relatively adaptable and resilient, often finding ways to make existing spaces work for them. It is important to understand how design decisions can help facilitate the usability of a space – above and beyond what the government requires.
You look and sound great, Steve! Happy to see you making such great strides!
I’ve only recently found your site but am glad to see that you are on the comeback trail! I’m sure you have already discussed but I’m currently reading Mapping Decline: St. Louis and the Fate of the American City. It’s a pretty convincing read and it’s augmented with plenty of maps to support the narrative. I know NPR has discussed this book, maybe you can share your thoughts on it this evening?
Stay Strong!
John
Steve,
It was great to see you at lunch this afternoon out and about with your friend Lois. . I barely recognized you new svelt self. Your progress has been amazing!!! Keep up all the hard work and I know that you will be driving by the time of the fall semester at SLU!
Christine
Hey Steve
Looking good and getting around.
Glad to see you back on the streets of the city!
Awesome video Steve! Looks like you’re on your way back! I was amazed to see how clean the kitchen is ;o)
Love ya!
Thanks for sharing this with me. It was great speaking with you last night. This video is a testament to your strength and determination. Take care and keep up the good work.