Don’t you just love it when you find out that gaining
your own civil rights puts everyone else’s in jeopardy? The
if-we-give-you-this-it-will-ruin-it-for-everyone-else attitude is alive and
well.
I cannot count how many times this excuse is given when
dealing with access issues. How many
times do we get told that, if accommodations are provided, the costs will be so
high that everyone else will suffer?
A recent example is in New York City, where there is a civil
suit filed by the U.S. Attorney’s office against the city because of the lack
of accessible taxis. Mayor Bloomberg claims that the suspension of
accessible taxis is bad so other riders will be uncomfortable. Shame on us for making others uncomfortable
so that we can be included.
Another claim that the mayor has made is that it will
raise costs because of the cost of the modifications and the increased gas
costs. There we go again, making costs
higher for everyone else. He insists
that the drivers won’t like them because the larger size makes it more
difficult for the driver to communicate with the rider, leading to lower
tips. We really kill the economy with
that one.
Bloomberg also stated that it is too difficult for
wheelchair users to hail taxis and that drivers don’t want to pick them
up. Well, it’s good to know that he’s
looking out for us. Right.
If were not enough, Governor Cuomo also got on the
bandwagon, stating that having accessible taxis could jeopardize allowing
street hails in the burroughs and upper Manhattan.
So, it’s really clear that we wheelchair users are a
royal pain and will cause the collapse of the New York transportation
system.
Their solution is that residents use designated
transportation. Of course, that will not
work for tourists visiting New York.
Separate but equal? Go to the
back of the bus? Does anyone recognize
this rhetoric as blatant discrimination?
It’s time for people to recognize that persons with disabilities
are real people, living real lives, contributing to the economy like everyone
else. This is not charity or compassion,
but thinking like a smart businessperson.
Include us and you will benefit.
In this case, it would mean that those of us who use wheelchairs,
whether as residents and employees or as tourists, add much more than we take.
In the meantime, it’s just great to know that we are to
blame for all the troubles of the world.
Annette Bourbonniere
401-846-1960
Fax: 401-846-1944
Twitter:
@AccessInclude
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