Be wheelie kind – don’t deny wheelchair users access. Let’s start a revolution of awareness.

The choices we make everyday define us as people. We actively display our attitudes, values and beliefs which reveal our strengths and weaknesses, our compassion and our integrity.Our choices are worn on our sleeves for all to observe.

An example of my point is people’s behaviour at  bus stops. Emily uses the M30 back and forward to University. She is like all other students eager to get to class and always eager to return home at the end of a full and stimulating day of study. One difference between the commuters and Emily is she feels the cold particularly in winter. She plummets into hypothermia if she gets cold and wet as she has little ability to warm herself.

People’s behaviour at bus stops on rainy days is a microcosm of life. As Emily waits in her wheelchair; some people are oblivious, some will offer assistance and a small minority are intolerant and obtuse. Emily has been left behind in the rush of legs and arms so that the driver has to inform her there is no room on the now full bus. Emily will have to remain curb side and wait in the rain or in a chill wind for the next one.

Emily recalls these incidences to me when she finally drives into the house to warm herself with a cup of tea. Her acceptance of people’s behaviour is a credit to her. She gently acknowledges that people do not understand wheelchair users different physical needs. Her tolerant attitude leads her to forgive ignorant behaviour even when she’s drenched and shivering.  I raise my eyebrows, shake my head and start typing…….

I am writing this today in the hope that one person will read this and realise that wheelchair users need to be prioritized onto a bus or train when the weather is inclement.  If one person could stand aside for a moment and let the driver lower the ramp. If one person would halt the queue to allow the wheelchair user access it would have beneficial repercussions:

• It would show the queue how easy it is to be wheelchair aware.
• It progressively educates people to be actively helpful.
• On wet and cold days prioritising the differently-abled should be thought kind.
• Change starts with role models who display considerate behaviour.

As always it is a double-edged sword because the differently-abled want to integrate into society as equals but it would be great to see some straightforward sensitivity for a minority who overcome more than most to even get to the bus stop.

I advocate for ferries, buses, trains and trams to have signs alerting passengers:

BE WHEELIE KIND – don’t deny wheelchair users access.

 Let’s start a revolution of awareness.

 

 

Limited access is 21st Century discrimination. Let’s get access then we can talk about the fun stuff…..

Another day dawns and another days news. I have noticed a repetitive thread within local and national reports – if the subject includes key words such as disability, spinal cord injury (SCI) or wheelchairs – the common issue highlighted is lack of access. As many media reports focus on this aspect of life regarding disability, the general public might think that this is all people with disabilities have to say and that saddens me as there is so much good stuff!

It is a Catch 22 situation as the topic of access can’t be dropped, there is a constant need to raise awareness, pressure and influence decision makers. If disability advocates don’t keep rattling the cage then this topic quickly drops off the agenda and is de-priortized. I accept that the media, public awareness and advocacy are all intertwined, it’s a complex relationship that can be pivotal in effecting change.

I have written many letters to advocate for change in my own community, I see it as part of my role as a carer. I have written to improve sidewalks, curb cuts and parking signage, features that benefit Emily but also aid the wider population.

Access to the environment is key to a more inclusive society, individuals can move freely and unhindered and not just people with disabilities, but also parents with prams, the elderly, and people with temporary disabilities.

Access is so simple; a wider door, a ramp, lower counter tops, adapted toilet facilities and enough space between aisles to get through a shop safely. Access to the physical environment enables everyone in the community greater independence, participation and social inclusion to pursue an active, social and economic life.

Access negates any discrimination, in the physical environment, of the differently abled. I hope in the future I read less articles about lack of access and more about the success and achievement of individuals whether able-bodied or people with disabilities.

Emily – getting on with the fun stuff!