Lived reality
2024 12 17 | journal
It can be difficult to impossible to have able people understand what life is like for the disabled. If this experience does not hammer something home for you in regards to that, I don't know what to say. This is our lives - when it isn't overlooked, it's outright dismissal.
"… while visiting one of these stakeholders there was a routine fire drill. Most employees orderly made their way to the stairs for the long descent. Others — those using wheelchairs and managing vision issues — instead made their way to what was, in essence, a closet. […] This was not to spare these people the hassle of using stairs for a fire drill. This was what they were told to do in a fire. Sit. Wait. Hope someone comes for you." 2023 Legislative Review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
If the implication is not obvious to you, I'll spell it out. The access needs for disabled people are never considered in the face of crisis. If the sick feeling in your stomach has you paranoid that it's purposeful, listen to your gut. It's never a priority to help those who need the most help.