I recently received a comment from Tracy, a lady with Cerebral Palsy, inquiring about my location and the accessibility in my area. I found it to be a significant topic worth expanding upon.
While I was out today, I made a conscious effort to observe my surroundings to provide a thoughtful response to Tracy's question.
During our outing in Guelph, Ontario, a quaint little town, my husband and I noticed that many storefronts had old structures with at least one step at the entrance. As a wheelchair user, I had to remain in the car when we stopped at a store with a step. Shortly after my husband entered the store, a local bus pulled up beside us. To my surprise, a ramp extended from the bus, and a gentleman carefully assisted a lady with her walker off the bus.
He meticulously guided her down the ramp, ensuring her safety. He then walked alongside her, guiding her walker to the store she intended to visit. After placing her walker at the entrance, he helped her up the step, ensuring she was secure before bidding her farewell and returning to the bus.
Many may think, "No big deal, that's his job," but let me assure you, it's a significant deal! I was genuinely surprised by the meticulous care and sincere concern the driver showed for his passengers, emphasizing his dedication to his job and the respect it entails. While there are individuals like him, there are twice as many who aren't.
Our trip today was crucial as we visited my husband's oncologist at the hospital. Hospitals should uphold high accessibility standards, right? Well, you might be taken aback! The exterior doors automatically open, there's an elevator to every floor, the hallways are mostly wide enough, and there are accessible washrooms. But are they truly accessible? It varies based on one's disability. While these washrooms may suffice for many disabilities, as a quadriplegic, they don't meet my needs. The low toilets make it challenging for me to maneuver without the use of my legs, and the limited handrails make transfers difficult and unsafe.
The washroom is spacious for a power wheelchair, the handwashing station is accessible, but the paper towel dispenser requires rotating a knob, posing a challenge for those with impaired hand function.
A notable feature of the hospital's accessible washroom is the convenient push-button entry and exit, which simplifies access. However, other washrooms in the hospital warrant discussion, such as the "public" or "multi-stalled" facilities. Whether you are able-bodied or disabled, you have likely encountered these. While some may consider these washrooms accessible for certain disabilities, as a power chair user, I struggle to fit my chair in the stall, let alone close the door or position my chair correctly. The usability concerns extend to the handwashing area, where the distance between the sink and paper towels can be challenging, requiring maneuvering with wet hands and risking clothes getting wet. The lack of a changing station for diapers is a significant issue in nearly all accessible washrooms, affecting not only children but also disabled adults who require assistance. This oversight raises questions about true accessibility and inclusivity. While accommodating every disability may be challenging, the current efforts seem insufficient. It is disappointing that those responsible for setting accessibility standards may not fully understand the needs of disabled individuals. There are numerous instances where accessibility remains overlooked.
I am eager to hear your perspectives on this important topic! Share your thoughts below! 👇
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