When Choices are Slim

There is still SO much more work for us to have an equitable world for those with accessibility issues. Most of us who are able-bodied take a hundred things for granted every day, believe me. I now see many that others do not see. I was oblivious to the barriers myself until 6 years ago when my husband was suddenly spending most of his waking hours in a power wheel chair.

Like yesterday, one of the most frustrating days we've had in a long time. First, in our lovely South Park here in Lawrence, KS. You'd think it would not be a problem. Well, think again.

A great international event, right down our alley. Except we were totally frustrated. Back home, Ron said it was just another "mistake" he'd made in trying to go.

Every two feet, I had to tap somebody on the shoulder because we couldn't even get down the sidewalks due to the groups of folks in conversation who stood way above Ron's head. We understand why they weren't looking around--they were all engrossed and I suppose wanted to be respectful of the grass as they chatted away, oblivious to people who could not easily step aside, as they all could.

Some days I want to get a megaphone to get my message out. As an alternative, I'll just hope a few of you pick up on the message:

"People in power wheel chairs usually have upper body problems as well as lower. If not, contrary to what commercials have led you to believe, they don't even qualify for a Medicare chair. Not being able to walk is often only one of many problems they encounter every day.

It is often painful or even dangerous to move onto uneven terrain, even when it's possible for their cumbersome apparatus to do so. There are no horns loud enough that attach easily to these devices.

PLEASE, people, if you have two good legs, look around you when you are in public. if you see someone coming with 6 wheels, don't assume they have the advantage. Take the lead and herd your group and others if you can. Ask them to step aside. Or even better still, stop and speak, maybe even start a new conversation with the person in the chair."

We'd have had plenty of opportunity for conversation at the annual church picnic that followed the international event. Except......while friends in chairs without joy sticks easily navigated this event, there was no way a power wheel chair could have navigated the terrain, let alone made it around the small spaces between the tables to get to the food on his own.

Urban planners take note! In the meantime, I hope some of you will join us in educating the general public. For until things get easier, I'm afraid we are going to be accepting more and more the default position, which is what most people in our situation do. We must choose between me going out and leaving him at home with the silly TV or staying home and missing out along with him on many outdoor events we would otherwise enjoy.

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