Forum Post: The Revolution is Wheelchair Accessible
Posted 13 years ago on Oct. 11, 2011, 9:36 a.m. EST by sunlover1975
(50)
from Brooklyn, NY
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
I was happy to see that while there entrances with stairs, there was also wheelchair accessible entrances to Zuccotti Park. It was also really great to see how aware most people seemed and really did their best to help me get around in said powerchair.
However, I am wondering - WHERE ARE ALL THE OTHER PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES? Granted, many disabilities are not visible to the eye, but I only saw one other girl in a wheelchair (and I am still not sure if she was part of it or just passing through.)
I am also curious how it would work if a person who is in a powerchair wanted to participate by camping out with everyone, how that would work. Issue of room, being able to travel in and out your spot (without running over people and their things) and then finally safety, particularly how could a person make sure that their chair wasn't stolen when they were sleeping.
I think it would be great to see more of the disabled community involved in this.
I agree that people should participate in the way that is more productive to the event/movement and that way can/will most likely vary per person.
for an example, in bloombergville. being in a powerchair, I couldn't sleep out on the streets (for a variety of reasons) but I did visit often and dropped off food and found that being in a chair was actually an asset when it came to helping people carry things (my chair can carry alot) and I could cover alot more ground when passing flyers, etc.
however, I don't see any harm in brainstorming about how these events can be made more inclusive to the disabled community.
and while your second response came as far more respectful and calm, your initial response was incredibly offensive - to suggest that something be more inclusive is somehow asking for a day at the spa. It's that kind of reaction that really turns off alot of people that was all set to show their solidarity and support, and make them feel like this event/movement is not inclusive to their community, and I really feel that's not the way to go.
If you could keep that in mind for the future, that would be to greater good of this movement.
you dont have to occupy to make a difference. close your corporate bank account and join a credit union, buy as little gas as possible and commute other ways, use a water filter instead of 12 ounce plastic bottles, cancel your credit card and stop spending with these companies, stop buying clothes from corporate foreign made companies, buy your food from local farm markets......the list goes on and on......everyone can make a difference if thought is put into it.......honestly, people should have been doing this all along
oh and p.s there was a section where a group of kids were sitting around and making pictures for the protest.
Are you fucking kidding? This is important. This is a revolution.
How about a quite room for pregnant women? Perhaps a massage tent? Bring your kids and drop them off at the daycare area it has a bouncy castle.
I don't see how putting this out there is somehow asking for "special" or "luxury" services. Nor is it the same as asking for a massage room, thank you very much.
People who require wheelchairs (or other medical equipment) in order to be mobile should not be excluded or to be made like they are asking for special treatment.
Since OWS is so impeccably organized, I don't see the harm in brainstorming for this event or even future events that would make it more inclusive to those with physical disabilities.
They organized a weather report, a clothes bin, a food department, a newspaper - so why not brainstorm on how to be more inclusive to their disabled brothers and sisters?
Yeah I know Sunlover, I don't think this thing is as organized as you think. Maybe it started out that way. Now, I doubt you can even find some in charge.
It is not a game anymore. Many people around the country are joining in. All people. No exclusions. But the occupations are not campsites. Disabled persons will have to use those amenities that were available to them as part of the public area under regular circumstances. Special dispensation may not be available and is not guaranteed. If your special needs persons want s to support the cause, then perhaps they should not participate in the actual occupations as it may be a less efficient allocation of limited resources. Of course, I would leave that decision up to the individual.
I think (hope) you tried to tone it down a bit in your second comment, but it still is not a good idea to shoot down potential allies- real people with real life concerns- and somehow act as if their desire to protest is somehow less "important" or a "game" just because they have a disability.
People with disabilities are actual full well-rounded individual human beings. They have just as many various talents and ideas to donate, and just as many (IF not MORE) grievances to air, as anyone else.
The brainstorming of ideas about wheelchair access etc. does not damage the cause in any way. People who think it pertinent to ask questions about accessibility do not deserve any level of disrespect or condescension.
Yes I regret my earlier "Fuck you" type language. I was trying not to be mean, but instead scary.
To those people with disabilities out there that want be part of the Occupy army go for it. Fuck me very much, I am old and cannot go the New York or I would be there in a blink. Once the 1%ers cannot find a way to make money from the movement they will attack. Don't let it be your Bull Run.
why were you trying to be scary?
So you and/or your friends don't get hurt. I thought that would be obvious.
If this thing continues, and I think it will, people will get hurt. Not from the protesters, violence from the 1%ers. As soon as they perceive their power is in jeopardy then they will attack. Are you not aware of this? Do you read history?
again assuming that me and "my friends" (the disabled community?) know squat, that this our first protest ever, and we're completely naive to the experience and history.
it's also a bit condescending for you to feel like you need to protect me by scaring me away from the protest.
I never asked for your protection and I don't need it.
nice. indignation. Well bite me then. You and the (the disabled community?)
I wish you peace, love and happiness always.
and to you, nr42