I feel like I’m always talking about equal access – how there’s not enough, how our requests to improve it fall on deaf ears and the impact it has on our everyday experiences. But access is the key thing that holds people with disabilities back in our efforts to tackle the marginalisation that comes with unequal access. This includes stigmatisation in the workforce and the belief that ‘well, people with disabilities don’t really go out anyway so there’s no point’, which is an argument that infuriates me.
What’s the point in going out and getting your hopes up about something only to be let down by a flight of stairs, or the absence of a simple ramp? Obviously, we would go out more if this fear wasn’t so prominent in our minds and this is especially the case during the summer months. Outdoor feasting, beaches and bushwalks is what makes the ideal kiwi summer and it’s exactly what everyone looks forward too.
For someone in an electric wheelchair, sand is a complete write-off. Using a manual chair is doable but this requires one or two extra people, which involve throwing one’s independence out the window. The only other way is if there’s a special chair available that can handle sand, which I’ve only ever seen once. And it wasn’t in New Zealand. Of course, owning one is very expensive so its unlikely that many people have one.
Bushwalking is a hit-and-miss situation. The other day I was flicking through one of those free ‘NZ Walks’ calendars and before I could get excited about putting some of them on my list of things to do this summer, that question of accessibility crossed my mind.
To live in one of the most scenic countries in the world and for a significant portion of the population and tourists to be deprived of the opportunity to appreciate it is disheartening.
To be fair, there is a list online of accessible walks across the country that are categorised for people who have limited mobility and no mobility at all. But again this goes back to the fact that options for free recreational activities are limited and this shouldn’t still be the case.
I understand that change doesn’t happen overnight, but it doesn’t have to be so slow either. At what point do we admit that New Zealand should be open to everyone, regardless of ability? I shouldn’t have to hold myself back from having the quintessential New Zealand summer experience on the off chance that I’ll have to turn around and go home halfway through, especially if it turns out that the place is wheelchair friendly but is not advertised as being so, which is an even more disappointing missed opportunity.
Like I said, exclusion and lack of access is something that moulds how someone with a disability lives their life. It shouldn’t be the case that one aspect of my being has the ability to dictate my lifestyle, especially if it’s beyond my own control.
Sadly, I have gathered the experience, that there will always be some forms of marginalisation or even discrimination against disabled and others belonging to smaller groups in society.
Human beings are “social animals”, and that brings with it some kinds of “herd behaviour”, as one may describe it in crude terms. That is the only way to explain the human meanness that is evident in virtually ALL societies on earth.
In the worst, most extreme forms they maim, kill and chase down those that are not “fit” to meet “social norms”, be this being gay, non conformist in mindset and values, disabled, differently coloured, clothed or whatever. Hence the killing of albinos in Africa, murdering of suspected “witches” in PNG, the hatred towards Jews or Christians in some parts in the Middle East, the persecution of homosexuals in Russia, in Islamic countries, and the neglect of those with impairments, incapacity and disability in so many societies.
The fit and healthy, coping, “hard working”, money earning, successful majority in a society – and economy – tends to seek reaffirmation for each other’s efforts, and we see this competitive showing off of achievements, of newly acquired fashion label clothes, of new gadgets, posturing with new hair-dos, make-up and a well trained body.
So being different, being disabled, being in a wheel-chair is simply seen as “not cool” to the fit and healthy, that is in their subconsciousness. At best some may feel pity, but most cannot and will not try to think outside of their norms and outside the square, and try to imagine what life would be like, without being able to walk, or to see, hear, or do things that most take for granted.
And in the increasingly competitive, selfish and mean spirited world we have now, I see that all the best laws against discrimination, and other antisocial conduct, do not necessarily change behaviour, based in the minds, or in the hearts.
Why would you otherwise explain the lack of interest in people to join unions, to take part in social activities that require commitment and sacrifice. Some do, but most do not commit themselves. It is everyone for themselves these days, so many even complain having to pay taxes for any social spending.
Also will some at work places ask, why do I have to change the way I work and do things, just to accommodate someone who has a disability and wants to work. Sadly there are too many people who think so. Also do employers think first of extra costs to make adjustments, same do business people running retail, entertainment or other enterprises.
I see no alternative but have the state make more in the way of provisions to better accommodate the needs of disabled, as the laissez faire, “free choice” option means for most: Firstly, money and else must go into MY pocket, as I want a better life, but do not want to sacrifice or forgo anything, for others.
Social change is though the biggest challenge, as there are too many reluctant to do so. Some ethics and other studies at schools could possibly bring about more changes of minds, but for that to happen, and showing results, many years will need to pass.
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