tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556371561007953336.post768196042633856640..comments2024-03-16T16:44:18.220-07:00Comments on Bad Cripple: Cranky Thoughts on the ADAwilliam Peacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00223601480542461802noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1556371561007953336.post-88233436584592944002010-08-04T14:31:13.969-07:002010-08-04T14:31:13.969-07:00People who are not disabled, and do not know anyon...People who are not disabled, and do not know anyone who is disabled, have no clue what it is like to try to fit into the world of the disabled - and our problems fitting into their world. Comparing the issues facing the disabled to the 1900s civil rights movement is pretty accurate.<br /><br />There are many stores, restaurants, public buildings, even hospitals and doctors' offices that I cannot even enter. Once I am in the building, very often I cannot go any further because the front entrance way is too congested and poorly designed. Once past that point, I often cannot go through the store or office because the chairs or display racks are too close together. The bathroom situation is a whole subject just on its own. One place that prided itself on ADA requirements and provided scooters for the disabled did not have an ADA bathroom. Well, technically it was ADA, just the stupid architect didn't take into account the radius it takes to turn a wheelchair or scooter around the corner and into the restroom. I leave a business that is set up so I cannot use it and then I contact management and set out my specific requirements and what the ADA requires.<br /><br />I hate going to restaurants because the tables are too close together. The servers always want to take whatever mode of mobility you are using, i.e., rollator, etc. and put it away where it is out of the way. Those are my legs and if I need to go to the restroom I am not waiting on anyone to come by and help me -- it is difficult enough to get a drink refill.<br /><br />We are excluded because of our disabilities because people refuse to accept us as we are and to consider what is necessary for us to be included. There are a lot of military handicapped vets coming back home and they are going to need a lot of help and learn how to function. <br /><br />The whole subject of parking places, access to elevators and other issues with poor design by "ADA" architects could take up a book.<br /><br />Another issue that goes with this is that many disabled people are overweight -- not by choice, but because of our health restrictions. Many a person has told me that you wouldn't be handicapped if you lost weight. Wow, I didn't know there were people stupid enough to tell someone that. <br /><br />I have a website on how to deal with managements and reporting stores and restaurants that are not disability friendly.<br /><br />Keep on...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com