Just A Moment…

 

Image description: A photo of an entry to a mall. There is a large truck parked across all of the disabled parking bays and pedestrian crossing.

 

What does a lack of accessibility do?

This is what happened to me one morning.

This is the only entry and the only parking spots I can use if I’m buying food on my own, as it’s the only combination that is a completely flat path to the supermarket.

Other entries and parks have ramps and angles and things that I can’t use on my own while pushing a trolley/carrying weight.

But thanks to these people, I had to park on a slope. Not appropriate for my pain and fatigue.

 

What is the impact of this?

Because I wanted to buy food on my own at 7.30am, but couldn’t do it in an accessible way, I spent the day in bed with a pain and fatigue flare.

Your “just five minutes” can ruin someone else’s entire day.

 

What should you take away from this?

If you do any kind of delivery, uber, truck supplies… never use the disabled bays. Not for 5 seconds, 5 minutes, or 5 hours. You do not need them. Others do NEED them. Use appropriate delivery bays. Block car parks overnight when shops are closed.

 

If you’re a recruiter or HR type reading this, and you have people who say they can’t come into the office, don’t quiz or push them. People know their needs and you don’t. When I was last looking for work people would ask me if I could come into the office for training, “at least”.

 

Two big problems with that – accessibility and needs do not change just because it’s “training”. And “at least-ing” me implies disbelief and that you think I can just “overcome” this for the convenience of a business.

 

Sorry, not sorry, I’m not here to be your inspiration. And my needs come before your business.