I would like to address a couple of issues with the first two of the top ten list. First, there are many different disabilities, some are physical some are not. Just because a person isn't a wheelchair user doesn't mean they don't have a disability in which an accessible parking space or bathroom stall should be "off-limits". A person may have a mobility impairment which limits how far they can walk, or have you seen how small most regular bathroom stalls are? For anyone who doesn't fit the average mold, those stalls are difficult if not impossible to get in and out of if you are a larger person. Does every accessible space mean accessible for wheelchair users only? I feel there is a bit of discrimination when it comes to the disability community. Do wheelchair users ever consider there are others with disabilities who need those accessible accomodations who don't use wheelchairs? If a wheelchair user comes into a bathroom that has the accessible stall occupied, why can't they wait until it's available like anyone else would while waiting for a stall? Is it wrong for me to use the elevator when there are stairs?
People can be disabled, and not use a wheelchair, but still need the accomodations of accessible parking and bathroom stalls. It seems as if there is a self-centric world among wheelchair users, that all the accessible modifications and accomodations should be just only for them and not others with disabilities. Granted, I don't think it's right for someone who doesn't need to use accessible accomodations, but is considered disabled, should utilize accessible parking spaces and bathroom stalls just because they have a disability. Just some food for thought, there are other disabilities out there besides ones that wheelchair users deal with. People are quick to pass judgement and assume someone isn't disabled just because they aren't in a wheelchair.
"We will create a follow up list with some of the best ideas for educating the rude and ignorant individuals among us."
People in wheelchairs can also be rude and ignorant. Lets not exclude wheelchair users from having attitudes as well, they are human too after all.
There is a self centric world among wheelchair users". "People in wheelchairs can also be rude and ignorant." I don't even know what to say about you...
I work in the disability industry, and you are passing judgement without really hearing what is being said. No one is being disrespectful with voicing their opinions. I am on this site because I want to learn more about disabilities. However, in my experience, and in reading the poll, there is a certain world view that comes with certain disabilities. This crosses all disabilties, and to say a sector of that community is "self centric" isn't a put-down. We are all self centric in ways, I was just trying to point out that there are differing opinions out there about accessibility accomodations and that access isn't just meant for wheelchair users, but your hostile argument would say differently. There is ignorance and rudeness in all walks of society, to think that anyone who is a wheelchair user is just all good and rosey and always has a pleasant personality is non-sense.
The concernI have is this "we want to be inclusive and be treated as equally as others who are not disabled." I agree with that, and I encourage anyone who feels they aren't to become more active in that inclusiveness, but at the same time I hear exclusivity when it comes to the issues we have been discussing here. I only take issue with the first two and most rated poll topics, the rest I agree are very annoying and demeaning. I just wanted to point out that some accessible accomodations are necessary for others who's disabilities may be different from those who utilize a wheelchair.
No disrespect meant or intended by any means.
