Business believe that people with disabilities cannot do anything for themselves. They also seem to think that they are ADA compliant when in fact they are not. Whenever I go to a restaurant or business I'm treated like I'm helpless. Like I cannot grab things off the shelf or sit at the bar or even move around on my own. We deal with issues on our own end and don't need that extra stuff when we go out. -Muhammad R. (Forum Contest Entrant)
The vast majority have restroom accessibility issues. But just getting in is also a huge issue here. Many places still have that one or twe step entrance. Most have difficult doors to open, especially when you are already precariously placed on a slope. Those two things are most prevalent, but there are also sidewalk issues and of course the ever present crap on the isle or on the sidewalk. But here it really is..... assumptions!! Assumptions about what you are or are not capable of, assumptions about who they should speak to, ie...looking right over a person on a chair to speak to the person behind them... assumptions about your mental acuity due to a physical disability. Never assume! Ask!
The vast majority have restroom accessibility issues. But just getting in is also a huge issue here. Many places still have that one or twe step entrance. Most have difficult doors to open, especially when you are already precariously placed on a slope. Those two things are most prevalent, but there are also sidewalk issues and of course the ever present crap on the isle or on the sidewalk.
Lack of knowledge as to what a person with a disability is able to do verses unable to do is sometimes frustrating. Over helping can sometimes be as harmful as not helping at all.
Example:
One time someone that spoke a different language helped me put my chair in the car at the grocery store. The only problem is I was getting out to go in. I appreciate the help but help isn't what I needed.
I've always abided by asking first and then helping or not after a response, but I can see how it would be tricky with someone who speaks a different language. The intent is appreciated, but the actual action was not.
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Business believe that people with disabilities cannot do anything for themselves. They also seem to think that they are ADA compliant when in fact they are not. Whenever I go to a restaurant or business I'm treated like I'm helpless. Like I cannot grab things off the shelf or sit at the bar or even move around on my own. We deal with issues on our own end and don't need that extra stuff when we go out. -Muhammad R. (Forum Contest Entrant)
The vast majority have restroom accessibility issues. But just getting in is also a huge issue here. Many places still have that one or twe step entrance. Most have difficult doors to open, especially when you are already precariously placed on a slope. Those two things are most prevalent, but there are also sidewalk issues and of course the ever present crap on the isle or on the sidewalk. But here it really is..... assumptions!! Assumptions about what you are or are not capable of, assumptions about who they should speak to, ie...looking right over a person on a chair to speak to the person behind them... assumptions about your mental acuity due to a physical disability. Never assume! Ask!
The vast majority have restroom accessibility issues. But just getting in is also a huge issue here. Many places still have that one or twe step entrance. Most have difficult doors to open, especially when you are already precariously placed on a slope. Those two things are most prevalent, but there are also sidewalk issues and of course the ever present crap on the isle or on the sidewalk.
I think focusing solely on someone's disability has been a problem for me; someone looks at me and just sees my disability and only focuses on that.
Lack of knowledge as to what a person with a disability is able to do verses unable to do is sometimes frustrating. Over helping can sometimes be as harmful as not helping at all.
Example:
One time someone that spoke a different language helped me put my chair in the car at the grocery store. The only problem is I was getting out to go in. I appreciate the help but help isn't what I needed.