Handicapped Accessibility and Living with Cerebral Palsy-NOT!
Although I truly believe that the United States is one of the most, if not the most, handicapped accessible nation in the world, I have dealt with a few instances, in the last weeks, that remind me of the fact that I cannot always go where I want to, even in America.
About 2 weeks ago, my daughter moved to the college campus. She got a good deal on the rent, if she came a couple of months early. Unfortunately, I haven’t even seen the campus yet; a friend helped her move down and check the place out.
Why? Of course! Her apartment is on the 3rd floor, with no elevator! I would have been useless.
Today, I went to the doctor. Of all the places that should be handicapped accessible, it should be the doctor’s office. I love my doctor, but her office-not so much!
The first 3 parking spaces are designated for the disabled. Unfortunately, the first and part of the second space are next to a steep decline in the parking lot. For people not in wheelchairs, it might be okay. But, I always feel like one small miscalculation and the doctor will be fixing more than whatever’s ailing me at the moment-like broken bones!
If I survive the parking lot, there are two doors to get through, using manpower only. Fortunately, they watch for me and usually come help.
However, I would have to say that the first place winner in the contest for handicapped accessibility and living with cerebral palsy-NOT- is the porta-potty at one of my son’s favorite parks.
It looks something like the picture, only blue. From the outside, I thought it looked pretty cramped for a wheelchair. Fortunately, my friend had to use the facility and could report on the true nature of this accommodating commode. Yes, my wheelchair would fit in there, but for 2 problems:
1. The ground slants steeply up to the building. Okay, I can understand that, because places to put potty’s might be limited for cleaning purposes. But . . .
2. There was a step up into the facilities. Even if a friend is able to give me a shove up the hill, how is it possible to navigate a step up, before being able to get in the door. Even if someone could muscle me up, there was no place to set the chair, navigate the door, get turned around, use the potty, and get back down.
Now, I understand that not every place can be handicapped accessible. I am truly grateful for the many places I am able to navigate. But, if it’s advertised as accessible, make sure it really is!
Who are these people? If they don’t really know someone with the challenges of a disability, they need to “walk in his/her shoes” for half a day. I don’t think it would take any longer than that to figure out that steps and wheelchairs, or other such challenges, don’t go together.
So, what handicapped accessibility issues do you face on a day-in/day-out basis?
September 7th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Oh, those loveable handicapped Porta-Potties. I have used more than my share of them when I go out camping, or on outings when I am doing stuff with my Ham Radio group. Luckily, I am a ‘functional quad’ having been born with spastic CP. That’s how I explain the function I have. I use a motorized wheelchair, and yes, it fits… barely. I also use a service dog, but he gets tied up and left outside when I need to use one.
I am considered one of the top ADA experts in regards to service animals. And I have more than a passing knowledge of the ADAAG. I did ADAAG inspections for a private company. But, there are people that won’t even listen to me! I can tell someone that something isn’t accessible per the ADA, and they come back with, “But, so and so approved it!” *sigh* And it’ll STILL be unusable by the disabled!
Maybe we need to put all the Advisory board in wheelchairs? And see how they like moving in buildings that are “up to code”?
September 7th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Dana,
Actually, I was attending the local community college, when they were planning for the new site. We, as students, were asked to make suggestions. Do you think they took one of mine? No! In fact, they put the handicapped parking far from the front door. I almost got stuck in the ladies bathroom, etc. So, why do they even ask?