Accessibility is Not a Luxury
People need to realize most of the COVID arrangements were the solution to so many problems within the disability community.
So many necessities were met, but why did it take so long to make it possible? Here’s the answer: able-bodied people experienced inconvenience.
I worry that once things go back to “normal,” the accessibility diminishes.
These alterations need to be permanent. People with disabilities are inconvenienced on a daily basis, even without a global pandemic. Unlike healthy, able-bodied people, these accommodations aren’t out of convenience; they’re out of necessity.
Just like I stated in my article “What Not to Say to a Person with Disabilities,” you have to help end the stigma. Educating yourself, being mindful, and learning others’ stories is a great start.
Why did it take so long to stream lectures in classes? Some days, I can’t even get out of bed. While I have the accommodation to miss, it still hurt me. There were no recordings of class; I just had to accept the fact that I missed important information.
Some can argue, “Well the PowerPoints are online. You should just read those if you miss.” But that’s not the same as being there. Reading a slide is not going to stick as well as hearing it in person. It’s a disadvantage that needed to be addressed.
Also, let’s talk about how lenient schools were on absences during the pandemic. Even as someone with an accommodations through the university, I never got such leniency in some classes.
Wanna hear a funny story? One time a professor almost gave me a zero if I didn’t give her “proof” as I was going through a thyroid cancer scare. A week before this, the head of Auburn University accommodations emailed all of my professors that I would be missing and that it was excused. It’s just a slap in the face, especially when people could now say they feel a cold coming and can miss with no question.
It’s just sad to think that my crucial needs were met just because regular people were inconvenienced. This world needs to realize people have disability accommodations for a reason.
And this was a problem long before COVID-19.
For years, I’ve seen able-bodied people use handicap parking spots. Some people think it’s okay to take the spot if they only use it for a second. Others think they shouldn’t use it at all.
My answer? Never take a handicap space, even if it’s convenient to you; it’s disrespectful. The only people that should use handicap parking spots are those with handicap placards. We have those for a reason, and some days if not most, it’s essential.
I wasn’t given that blue placard for the rest of my life just for the fun of it.
I’m not “milking” my shortcomings; I actually need the help. This isn’t giving the disability community a leg up on able-bodied people; these arrangements make it an even playing field.
So, next time you think someone is being dramatic about their illness, realize that you can’t think that way. That’s ableism in action. Help be a part of the change. Be an ally; we need it now more than ever.
Sincerely, Abbey
Photography: Abbey C.