My Reason

Now I've done a few access surveys, I thought I'd share a few of the ignorant comments I've had over the years that have inspired this blog... I want to show how disabled people live ordinary lives and how access should be a given. When I applied to go to University, I asked the disability student advisor, who himself was visually impaired, about the wheel chair access and how I'd get into the classroom (it was old and historic, dating back over a century to when steps were high fashion). His suggestion? 'can't you just leave the wheel chair outside at the bottom of the stairs and walk in?' 'No, that is why I need my wheel chair.’ I wrote to them to remind them that in not providing access, they were breaking the law. The response I received was very rude. Needless to say, I declined the offer and that my life took a very different turn. I won't name the University as this happened over a decade ago and they may have changed. Some years ago, when trying to book a hotel in London, we were told, 'we do have an accessible room, but it's up 2 steps' My first trip out with the blind cane was to Southport. On the train up, an older lady nodded at the cane and scornfully said 'What. On earth Is that?' 'A blind cane.' She looked away. To me, the cane is my vision. It can't tell who someone is or what a sign says or even where I am, but as I swing the cane, the ball on the end can detect kerbs, sign posts and people. It also signifies to other people that I have a visual impairment or it’s supposed to.

On the bus, an elderly woman said, 'they should have a special bus for people like her.' I've had people assume they know my illness and ask the person I'm with, 'does she have cerebral palsy?' 'is she autistic?' because I couldn't locate their face to look at. When I delve into the scientific aspects of my health condition they are surprised. I still find it sad that people equate physical ability to your cognitive ability. Perhaps in the older generations youth, it was rare to see a disabled person out and about. Many were locked up in institutions, hidden away until recently. The examples above are just a handful of the less shocking. I've had others much worse, with those in trusted authority who have found fun in humiliating my use of a wheel chair, aphasia, illness. I am of the generation where disability is something to be proud of. In 1964, Paralympians weren't paid and the athletes took up a number of sports as a hobby. Nowadays, thankfully, the sports men and women are taken seriously and celebrated, which shows that although it’s been a very long journey, slowly attitudes are changing. Expectations are rising. There will always be hate, but there will always be love too. I truly believe that every human being has something to offer. Some may need a little extra help, but with passion, determination and the right support, we can all reach our potential, regardless of our perceived limitation.

I remember a few years ago, I had appointments at the RVI Newcastle. There was also a time arranged for the day after of the research labs. We phoned the taxi firm recommended by the hotel. They told us, 'We don't have any wheelchair accessible vehicles.' With only 40 mins to make the meeting, we tried another, 'He'll be there in 10-minutes.' 'Great.' we picked up our cases and waited up the side alley, like we were told. After half an hour, we were still pacing the corner by now, we only had 10 mins to get there. Thankfully the hospital gave us an extension. The taxi firm were not professional and blamed us for not being visible enough, claiming the driver had driven up and down the road, looking for us... Funny, we were outside and the road was quiet. My mum specified we need a wheel chair accessible vehicle and another was ordered. ' so if we get you in the car and then fold up the chair and we'll be off.' By now, I was cold, damp from the drizzle and anxious. I snapped, 'it doesn't fold.' Although, I'd heard my mum relay to the woman that my powered wheel chair does not fold, she hadn't thought it relevant to mention to the Driver. The meeting was abandoned.

Disabled people are a large % of the population. As science develops, this will grow. Businesses need to adapt and act now. As cop26 climate change conference proved, when wheelchair using Israeli minister for energy Karine Elharrar, who couldn't get in to some events I'm not surprised access came low on the agenda. Businesses rarely prioritise it. MPs defended the discrimination by saying Karine didn't alert them to her access needs. Why should we have to inform the world we are coming with a wheelchair/guide dog/mobility equipment? Why can't we enjoy the spontaneity that non disabled take for granted? Imagine it - no hanging on the phone for hours, no begging for access, no 'special requirements'... Access ought to be automatic, after all, we are all born into the human race, why are disabled people not treated as such? I am not alone in these experiences. This happens everyday to millions of disabled people. It's up to all of us to change this. The disabled voice is getting louder. Businesses, politicians and those who have power need to listen and act now.