Wheel Chairs

     When I was young it was rare to see people using wheelchairs in public places because before the Americans With Disabilities act it was nearly impossible for them to get around. Ramps in public buildings and curb cuts on street corners have made life much easier.

     Motorized chairs have also made life a lot easier for people who need them. And it's possible, though it can be expensive, to get homes remodeled so the bathrooms and kitchens are useable by people who can't stand or walk.

     But there's one problem that still exists. Lots of times when people see someone in a wheelchair they don't look them in the face. If someone else is standing or walking with them, those people will address the companions and act as if the one in the chair isn't even there. How rude!

     Maybe the people who can't figure out the obvious fact that using a wheelchair doesn't make someone less human are the ones with the serious disability.

          

What is a Disability?

Legally, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) a disability is "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities."

Meeting the ADA requirements can sometimes be expensive but the world has become a better place in many ways because of them, and not only for people who have disabilities. 

For example, when I was younger wheelchairs were rarely seen in public places, but once curb cuts became required  they not only gave more freedom to people using wheelchairs, they also helped people pushing strollers and riding bikes. Back then Sign Language was rarely used in public, but now it has become recognized by Linguists as a real language and many little children have learned to use signs instead of having tantrums. And millions of Americans have had their lives enriched by getting to know people with special needs.