I have ventured out a bit this week and have a few things to rant about.
#1. This sign does not mean dumping zone:
Why is it that healthy people use the disabled bathroom stall as their dumping grounds? Not only does this mean that the stall is not available to those who truly need it, but also that when it does finally become available it is completely nasty. I find this truly disgusting.
#2. Why is it that the places that should have a disabled restroom and disabled access don't?
My Physical Therapists office is a perfect example of this:
No ramp access. Nasty uneven blocks of stone for steps that this time of year are perpetually covered in a sheen of ice. No safety rails or raised seat in the restroom. When I asked their secretary about this I was told that they had received complaints but that the hospital they were affiliated with had plans to someday move them to a different location so nothing has ever been done to address the complaints.
Ah, so I see how it is. We are just expected to suffer. Another lovely message from my local healthdon'tcare system.
#3. I'm walking with a cane. DON'T SHOVE ME!
This I will never understand. I will go through the whole ordeal of going to a local shop, such as the grocery store. I am walking slowly and cautiously with a cane or walker. I am in obvious pain. It's a big deal for me to just be out of the house. Why does everyone from kids to grannies feel the need to shove me about?! I know that I am slow, but I stay out of the way. I am courteous so why can't they be?
#4. Young people have problems too!
This is related to #3. I am young. I am not freakishly ugly or strange looking. And yes, I had a crappy injury and now have trouble getting around. I had to have medical documentation from my physician to get that parking badge. So DON'T SHAKE THAT FINGER AT ME when my ride parks in a disabled spot.
I can't count the number of times that I've been yelled at, lectured, or had a note waiting for me at my car for this. I don't understand. I obviously have trouble getting about, am wearing a body brace and walking with some kind of assistive device. I am in pain and before my surgery my spine was completely unstable. Who are these people to judge me for using a disabled parking spot?? Just because I am young does not mean that I am faking it.
#5. Having a physical disability does not make me stupid!
Why is it that now that I walk a bit slow that people assume that I think slow? Why do people talk to me differently when they see my cane? DON'T BABY TALK TO ME! This is so condescending. I'm beginning to find that accidentally lashing about at their ankles is the only way to stop this behavior. Any suggestions?
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