Posts Tagged ‘Disability Activism’

Getting my Wheel in the Door

Being a person with a physical disability, I know the struggles the disabled community faces when it comes to fully-participating in society. While our communities are more accessible than in the past, physical barriers still remain. It makes me wonder: what obstacles exist in our communities that our able-bodied friends do not encounter?  If we, individuals with disabilities or those that use assistive devices, cannot “get in the door”, we cannot fully participate.

On the Table Conversation

This year, I led the Center for Independence staff in a discussion for On the Table. The theme of our conversation was about accessibility within our communities. I asked my co-worker’s thought-provoking questions such as: What barriers exist in our communities for individuals that use assistive devices? How are we as a society spreading awareness to able-bodied individuals regarding these restrictions? And lastly, how can we resolve the issues surrounding accessibility so all community members have equal access?

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

“Legislation passed in 1990 that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. Under this Act, discrimination against a disabled person is illegal in employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications and government activities.”

With the passing of ADA in 1990, guidelines were set that required accessibility for anyone who uses any kind of assistive device. Doorways, aisles, and hallways need to be of a certain width for patrons who use mobility devices. Restaurants should have tables that are high enough for a wheelchair to fit under, and so on. But often, just because there is a sign saying an establishment is accessible, it does not necessarily guarantee it is the case.

If a person using a mobility device has to use a back entrance which is primarily used to take out the trash, it most definitely should not be considered accessible. If someone is physically unable to open a door, and there is not a push button available, this makes them physically dependent upon someone else to open it for them. As my friend and fellow social worker, Kathleen Downes, MSW so eloquently articulated: “Accessibility is about addressing architectural and physical barriers. Inclusion is about having welcoming attitudes to match. One is meaningless without the other. Inclusion and accessibility rely on one another.”

Breaking Barriers to Accessibility

You may not personally use an assistive device to access the community, but you most likely know someone who does. A mother pushing her infant in a stroller, an elderly person who relies on their walker, or perhaps a friend with a disability who uses a power wheelchair. We can all benefit from reducing or eliminating barriers within our communities to create a more inclusive environment.  My mission, which emerged following the “On the Table” discussion this year, is to spread awareness of these accessibility barriers and work to eliminate or reduce them. Let’s work together to open doors for all!

Please feel free to continue the conversation and share your comments, thoughts or personal experiences related to accessibility.

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— Ani Hunt, MSW, LSW

Ani Hunt is a licensed social worker who works with children with Cerebral Palsy who attend the Center for Independence, as well as their siblings and parents.