Able-bodied definition (adjective): fit, strong, healthy; not physically disabled
Here I sit, a physically disabled woman writing a letter to you to voice my opinion on the things that you do, in an effort to make you more conscious of how it makes others feel.
Dear Able Bodied Community,
Since 2014, I have been introduced to a world that up until that year, I was mildly unaware had so many blind people walking amongst it. I use blind in the sense that a lot of you are unaware of how you make us differently abled individuals feel. I am here to open your eyes to some of these things.
Shall we begin?
Let's begin with the constant and unwavering stare that you give a differently abled individual when you're walking past them or see them in a place that you feel is just for you. For example, I go to Planet Fitness, a place where there is to be no judgment, or so they say. When I am in the gym, my primary goal is to work out for the good of myself. Sometimes, it is very hard to do that when you have individuals staring at you or trying to "offer ways to do things better" while in the gym.
I am no stranger to the gym or to working out, you coming up to me and telling me what you think is best for me or staring at me only makes me severely uncomfortable, and on a bad day, very angry. I am at the gym to do the same thing that you are doing, which is to work out for whatever purpose you see fit.
Your stares and hints make my experience no better. This is not only happened in the gym, but at regular shopping malls, bars, and restaurants. Please believe that if I am in a bar, I am old enough to be there. Just be happy that there is an empty chair for you since I bring my own.
Next, let's jump into the fact that you feel you need to talk to the person I'm with, rather than speak to me. By doing this, you are prejudging and assuming that either you won't be able to understand me or that I can't talk at all. So yes, I rudely interrupt the conversation that you try to have with whoever I'm with. Surprised, huh? I can be understood. Try talking to me first, so I don't have to embarrass you and catch you off guard.
Finally, let's talk about two things that really burn my nerves. These two things are using the handicap bathroom stall and using a handicap parking spot. The handicap bathroom stall is not for you to have extra room while you are using the restroom. It is not a sitting area for you to hide away for a second, and it is not something that you should take up when it is really needed. You have more than enough room to twirl and sit in a regular handicap stall. Unfortunately, I've had to do it. As far as the handicap parking spot goes, that is not for your convenience when you're just running in and out of the store or to be closer to the supermarket. You think it's hard getting out of the car in a regular parking spot when someone is parked too close, try being in a wheelchair and having to figure out how you are going to fit your wheelchair in that same space to transfer, which is a must.
This letter was not written to badger, make fun of or belittle anyone. It was written to bring awareness. My hope is that you understand and are more conscious of the things you do when you are in your daily travels.
Sincerely,
A Disabled Woman Who Doesn't Like to Be Stared at, Needs the Handicapped Bathroom and Parking Spot
