A Fair Shake
Robert Bennett is a social worker and writer who focuses on issues of disability. His articles, which appear in both local and national publications, have spanned a wide range of topics. He has spoken to groups of physical therapy students, church members and senior citizens, and has appeared on several radio programs. In writing about the issues people with disabilities are involved with he feels he has learned a very important lesson, “It is the act of truly living and believing in yourself that is important, not the manner in which that action is undertaken.” Contact Mr. Bennett through his website at www.enablingwords.com
Have you ever felt uncomfortable about going somewhere, or unwelcome when you finally arrive? Many people, both able-bodied and disabled, do. I have to admit that I too, on occasion, have felt ill at ease. I get stared at and imagine people asking me why I’m there. Most people aren’t rude enough to actually voice the question, but they see a guy on wheels and invariably ask if I am travelling alone, as if I were incapable of handling my own needs. And, they seem surprised when I answer that I usually travel alone, so that I don’t have to rely on a partner or a group’s schedule or itinerary. When I travel, I almost never see a fellow wheelchair user, and I wonder why that is. Perhaps my compatriots are tired of the constant stares, the unasked questions, or the insensitivity.
I’ve been a wheelchair user for twenty-plus years; virtually half my lifetime. In that time I’ve never felt the need or desire to change my lifestyle much from when I was a biped. I generally go where I want to go when I want to go there. I love to travel, to explore new places and different lifestyles. I’ve been to several of the United States and a couple of European countries. I’ve flown and I’ve sailed.
Recently I contemplated going to New Mexico to attend a writer’s conference. I was excited both about attending the conference and about visiting a place I had not been to before. But, try as I might to make adequate and accessible arrangements, I finally found that I had to cancel my plans. There are several reasons, including expense and time. But, chief among those reasons was one glaring fact. I was made to feel unwelcome. While the hotel I booked had a wheelchair-friendly room available, I could not set up accessible transportation from the airport or excursions to tourist attractions. And, to make matters worse, the organizers of the conference were either unable or unwilling to provide sufficient assistance for attendees with “alternate” needs.
The Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted to help people with disabilities better integrate into the larger society. For the most part there have been significant changes that do make daily life easier. Sometimes, though, you want more than what daily life offers. Sometimes you just want to get away from the grind. Unfortunately, though the ADA has been the law of the land for more than a decade, there are those who would still deny its existence or, at the very least, make necessary accommodations both expensive and embarrassingly difficult to obtain. I was the victim of these extraneous expenses and absurd difficulties. And, in the end, after a month of vacillating over the benefits and difficulties, my plans ended as an untenable exercise.
So what does this all mean? Simply put, organizers of tours and conferences need to be more aware of the needs of potential attendees with “alternate” needs. While it is true that there are some places that a person like myself, a wheelchair user, just can not go, those places are few and far between. More common is the location or event that simply requires more planning and a desire to accommodate those who might need a bit of extra consideration.
March 6, 2011
Posted in: Guest Blogs
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15 Responses
A sensitive post on a sensitive topic, Robert, thank you…Your book cover is wonderful, btw–haunting, and I’m going to go check it out now.
When I signed up for LCC I noticed that they were upfront about not having good access for the disabled. I was very surprised. I’m sorry, Robert. That’s frustrating, and I will put in words on behalf of those who we will miss being able to interact with because of the decision to have the event in such a facility.I think it is up to all of us, not just those who need the ADA to be vigilant.
Robert, this is a problem that needs attention, and I’m glad you’ve posted about it. No one in our society should feel shut out anywhere because of physical limitations. This kind of inequity makes my blood boil. Conferences should only be held in hotels that provide access to all. If two or three of the world’s biggest mystery stars had disabilities, you can bet conferences would make arrangements for them! I’ll put a link to this blog on my Facebook page in the hope that I can pull in a few more readers.
A topical post. Accessibility is crucial. That’s why we checked out our hotel The Grand Pacific for Bloody Words in Victoria. Their specially appointed rooms are amazing. Two wall of windows. Everything lower. Roll in showers. Victoria has many seniors with scooters. They even rent them. We’ll also try to provide a liaison for anyone attending who has questions.
I am the widow of Harold Robbins, the author. Harold was in a wheelchair the last several years of his life. He faced similar problems. An invitation was once issued by a prestigious Cruise Line to speak during a 14 day cruise. When they discovered he was in a wheel char the invitation was not only retracted, but all communication ceased. Many are very squeamish about any disability and that’s a tragedy….people and corporations miss so much by looking away and dismissing those who have great courage in their work at overcoming their challenges.
Thank you for your post.
Jann Robbins
Thank you all for your wonderful comments. I am truly touched by your caring and your concern on this issue. As a wheelchair user for the past twenty-plus years I have noticed some changes in our society, both structural and attitudinal, but there is room for MUCH more. I will, of course, continue to do my part in the fight for equal access.
I’m sorry to hear you were ever made to feel unwelcome anywhere. You’d think in such a progressive society, we’d have gotten past that. I hope we all become more sensitive to the needs of the one instead of just planning for what’s best for the masses.
Good luck.
My goodness, but your comments really hit home. I am 74, an amputee and use a wheelchair if I have to walk any distance or when my “leg” is off. I also often travel alone, or with a couple of my grandchildren, ages 7 and 9. People are horrified that I am “alone.” Why, I don’t know. It’s only my leg that’s missing. Hotel rooms are indeed a problem. I have been told many times that the lack of facilities is because ADA insists that the bathroom and the bedroom have room for a wheelchair to turn around. Yes, I imagine they do. It took ten calls to hotels in Santa Barbara to find one with a wheelchair friendly room. Please don’t get me started on public bathrooms and the wait. Someone with a disibility only has one choice, but others use them constantly. Iguess they have more room, but many dont have enough to turn a wheelchair around and many have the baby changer in the handicapped stall. Can make things a bit interesting. Went to Cape Fear last month and must admit, with some trepidation. It was wonderful. The organizers were aware of my “special needs”, I had a roommate who was so helpful and the hotel was terrific. The woman who helped me make the reservation actually went the rooms and described the facilities to me over the phone. Wish they were all like that, but that’s one conference I’ll be sure to attend again. Kathleen Delaney
If I have the right conference, I saw the hotel’s notice that not all of their rooms were accessible by wheelchair. I was concerned that I might not be able to do all the stairs and I’m not in a wheelchair.
People must continue to speak up. I was in my podiatrist’s office at a time when I had twisted my knee. I needed a simple thing like grab bars and they weren’t there. He said, “Yeah, I need to talk to the landlord about that.”
I hope you will look for a friendlier hotel and attend the conference. Defy them.
I am thoroughly enjoying all the comments and I hope we continue this conversation. We need to bring awareness to the masses, not just our fellow writers but also to the general population as well.
I just checked the hotel site again. They do accommodate wheelchairs and such with elevators. They do say that a lot of the downtown area could be difficult for people with disabilities.
http://www.leftcoastcrime.org/2011/access.html
This post is a reminder to us all. I hope I’ll be more aware of the problems other people face, including the elderly, as I travel.
Please get in touch with me via email to continue this conversation… rbennett@enablingwords.com
While I knew about this as it was unfolding, I’m shocked and saddened that our society marginalizes those who are in chairs. I love what Kathleen Delaney said “it’s only a leg that’s missing.” Of course that’s all, and to deny people who have limbs missing or are nonoperative is to deny them their humanity. Shocking. Bravo, Robert, for your eloquent discussion.
Hello to Robert and everyone else who posted. Robin Burcell and I are co-chairing Left Coast Crime 2012 at the Sheraton Grand in Sacramento. Everything has been upgraded to meet California’s stringent ADA guidelines. One of our top priorities when evaluating this location was to make sure it was attendee friendly for everyone. Thanks for making us aware of potential issues regarding transportation and any optional trips. We hope you’ll join us March 29 to April 1, 2012. It’s just beautiful here that time of year.
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