Designing for Disabilities

“Why do we keep designing a world where accessibility is “added on later?” We all ready have the tools, people and technology. Question is does Manatee County have the will or the leadership?

A recently released documentary Change not Charity documents the history of passing of section 504 and the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act.) Seeing what became known as the, “Capitol Crawl” as people of all ages and disabilities climbed the steps of the U.S. Capitol to demand congress pass the ADA.

Unfortunately, ableism still exists today. Here’s the most common types:
Systemic ableism- inaccessible housing, long benefit waits, no accommodations in workplaces
Interpersonal ableism-how society interacts with us, or doesn’t. Questioning mobility aids, or one’s actual disability.

Benevolent ableism- calling us an “inspiration!” I’ve had people ask me do you, drive, do you live alone? “that’s so special” my response is always yeah, do you?”

Invisibility ableism- When people doubt a disability because it’s not visible so how can it be real?

Medical ableism- When the medical field prioritizes cures over support

Cultural ableism-see this all the time on tv and movies, non- disabled people playing a disabled part. Also portraying us as victims or villains.

Ableism needs to be named at every level; we name it we can then begin to challenge it! While doing research on accessible cities, Chicago sent me a tourism magazine with a page titled, “Accessible Chicago.” Tips to exploring the city. Tips on getting around (the city just announced two new accessible L stations), sensory friendly attractions, wheelchair accessible spaces, and inclusive performances.

FT Lauderdale and Broward County not only embraced the “Sunflower Lanyard Program past FLL but became first in the world to carry it over into their convention center. In Australia they post Accessible Bathroom Maps in Braille that gives the complete layout before the person enters.
It’s all about what’s possible.

In San Antonio a father not only built an amusement park for his daughter with disabilities but now there’s plans for a water park as well. Morgan’s Wonderland is an amazing place for kids and adults with or without disabilities. What’s Next? A hotel of course, but not just any hotel. “Dubbed as ultra-accommodating,” and it's breaking ground near Morgan’s Wonderland. Morgan’s Place is designed to provide disability accommodations far beyond what’s required by the ADA.

I mentioned the Sunflower Lanyard Project. It supports passengers with invisible (hidden) disabilities for example: Communication Disorders, Autism, Epilepsy, Essential Tremors, Hearing and Limited Vision and People that have trouble walking or standing, Conditions that are not immediately visible.

I took county 99 bus to SRQ easy ride, till we arrived at the bus cache. The walk to the terminal had to be a good quarter mile. I finally found a very informed TSA agent that knew exactly what I wanted and who to direct me to, I was able to pick up my Sunflower Lanyard and Card that’s where the assistance stopped. I walked around wearing my lanyard, not 1 person stopped to ask me if I needed assistance. Back down escalator sat to rest before I started that long walk back to the bus. Even the Handy Bus was there! C’mon Transit, Fix this!

Here’s the deal, disability is not an inclusive club, anyone can join at any time. It shouldn’t take a personal experience to say, “let’s do something!” Do we know better? If so then let’s do better! Quit kicking the disability can down the road, I’m tired of hearing, "it takes time.” Like I said in the beginning, what we don’t have is the will!