Written by: Chrysanthemum
This year, I faced quite a lot of challenges out in public. There were so many places that I wanted to go, and so many places that I tried to go to, yet was faced with the harsh reality that is inaccessibility. Heck, I literally had to dismount from my wheelchair and flop like a fish on the nasty floor of an Arby’s bathroom all because it never crossed the owner’s/company’s radar that this location did not have any accessible stalls. This is 2023. The ADA was written into law in the 90’s, but 30 years later there are still SO MANY THINGS that need to be updated or changed in our environment.
These would not only improve accessibility and safety but would promote the message of “you are welcome here”. If there is an old building with a cement step-up, just ramp it off. This is a major, MAJOR issue within my state’s various cities. Bangor, Portland, and Augusta are all filled with older brick and cement buildings which for the most part, include entrances that are cemented step-ups. These steps are usually around eight to ten or so inches tall, some much taller. It would greatly improve accessibility for the public to slope these steps, and it would mitigate having to rely on a store worker to find and bring out a portable ramp, which often is hard for them to locate.
Honestly, I feel that if a business has been around for a while and continues to be profitable then they should have no problem paying for a small slope like this to be added, but some people will argue if it is “readily achievable”. Add more single bathrooms in public spaces that can accommodate those with various needs.
When I go out into a public space and I see that there is a single-person bathroom, I always go for that one. Why? Because most accessible bathroom stalls, really are not. With one of the smallest power wheelchairs on the market, you would be surprised with how often I can’t fit into an accessible stall.
These single-room bathrooms are essential as they provide a lot of extra space, which is also essential for those of us who need personal support from another. I quite often have to be physically picked up from the toilet and placed into my chair, and you can’t do that in most accessible stalls. Some people prefer this private space for reasons related to their medical needs.
For example (a big one I have seen/heard about firsthand), those with ostomies may prefer this more private space to take care of themselves. These bathrooms are also utilized by those who may not have a physical disability but have other disabilities. For example, my best friend is autistic and prefers larger spaces for reasons related to her disability and how small spaces impact her.
In these bathrooms, add changing tables that can accommodate people of all ages. To continue on the subject of single-room bathrooms, an issue that I often see that older people with disabilities face is the lack of changing tables that can accommodate them within a bathroom. We all know about the baby changing tables that fold up, but did you know that they also make these types of tables that can support people of varying ages and sizes who need them?
There are a lot of people, older than babies, who need to use this type of equipment and who would otherwise be placed on the floor. Unhygienic, and unsupportive. Use clear signs (including braille) to indicate where accessible equipment is, and/or how to get it. With this one, I think of movie theaters and libraries, specifically the equipment that is/should be available for those who are hard of hearing, deaf, visually impaired, or blind. While most movie theaters/libraries should have this equipment, I often see no signs or indications that these devices are available in these spaces.
Of course, other places have this sort of equipment and need better signage/communication, think of signs indicating where an elevator, lift, or ramp access is. These signs should be made abundantly clear, including versions with braille text. The list goes on and on. I could sit here and write pages upon pages on this subject, but I feel the editor of this blog would get tired after a while!
What I think is important is that society recognizes how far behind it still is in regards to accessibility, and that we come together, take a better look at it, and actively work together to make improvements.