- kamiekeck
- Jun 16, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 23, 2021
Good Evening to My Few Faithful Readers!
This is a subject that is on my mind EVERYDAY.
Accessibility MATTERS just like LGBTQ and so many other causes matter.
So, we are in 2021, right? I know I have touched on this subject several other times whether it be social media, in person conversation, and even here on my blog before.
I literally run into this issue EVERY DAY. While I can understand to a certain extent, it still boggles my mind that businesses and individuals and other cities etc... are so lacking in acceptance of this matter... WHY??
I mean, we have come so far as a whole for the most part accepting the fact that there is going to be things that we don't agree with or like. For most humans, we don't like to see change. Honestly, we don't think about things changing unless it affects one personally or something, but I get so tired, for me personally, and I am sure that I can speak for several others abroad when I say why can't there be better accessibility at parks, businesses (small and corporate) transportation (examples Uber and Lyft are not accessible to those who use a wheelchair), and do you know how ridiculously hard it is to get a damn cab?? Just saying... You know, even my job makes it difficult for me to navigate through the store and through the back offices! I'm not saying that they do it purposely, but it's just something that's not on their minds to think about first because for most of whom that I work with, it's not an issue... and they are just so fast paced, which I get, but still... it's so frustrating. So sometimes, at work, I find myself ramming into things and yes, on purpose. just to make a bunch of noise and get people to pay attention! Now, when out in the city, neighborhoods, county, it's really discouraging to want to explore something or visit somewhere, and you simply just can't. And all anyone ever knows to say to you is "I'm Sorry" with an awkward and uncomfortable and confused look. How do you respond to that?? I often say, "well, me too" when I really want to say is "it's your loss while it's mine too" and another thing that I ran across this week is I know that all my locals will agree with this... they are doing a lot of building up of condos and apartments luxury... but they call it affordable housing... REALLY? We are still coming out on the other side of a pandemic. So, how is it affordable housing when the homelessness rates are rising... that's a whole different subject that I want to get into in another blog.
But to carry on with my point, what big dogs make these decisions? I mean, do they not give a absolute darn about accessibility to those individuals that don't walk on two feet or can't see, can't hear, etc? Do they not have architects who have disabilities and understand accessibility or does it not matter until they encounter it firsthand and it becomes a personal issue that they have to deal with firsthand? Is it the unfortunate stereotype mess that they put all individuals in a box and think that we are all poor with minimal income or lack thereof who don't deserve much, won't do much, don't care where they live as long as they have a roof to cover their head, or is it the thought of most people that are in this box that we are put in are cared for in some capacity or another nursing home, those that have family for a support system, group homes, hospitals, and the lowest living in an actual box because they are homeless.
I mean, I go around on a daily basis looking at all of these new condos and apartments, and I have said many of times that I would LOVE to move, but all of these "affordable" luxury non accessible homes don't leave me many options.... and it's not like I can afford to buy some land and build an accessible house right now. My goodness, I would LOVE that. That is my ultimate dream! I either have to win the lottery first or write this book like I have said many times and start to get paid so I can make an actual living and be able to do things. Get this guys... just a thought so you know where I am coming from! Picture it! Literally picture it! A friend's coworker is building a house, and the neighborhood association won't let her put a ramp out front because of "curb appeal." She has to put the ramp in the back!! I mean... have you ever heard of such... if this isn't some type of discrimination, I don't know what is. I have studied this. I know that there are fair housing laws and that people who have disabilities have a right to reasonable accommodations as long as it impacts them having access to their housing. I know that apartments have to have one accessible unit and that common gathering places, like a leasing office, have to be accessible. I also know that the American's with Disabilities Act does not really cover housing.... I mean, we have to get better worldwide. While we have come a long way, we have a long way to go. I could go on and on about this, but honestly, all the thoughts in my head right are starting to run together. I am getting anxious, so I am sorry to stop abruptly, but I will continue this subject some more... definitely in more blogging.
Until then, have a peaceful evening. Thank you for reading. Remember to take care of you and your neighbor. I appreciate you all. Virtual hugs!
~Kamie~
PS: Please share this a lot so that it can maybe get to someone important and maybe it will make a small difference or better yet... a big difference. Please share this important blog! It's such an important subject!
