Ableism Is a Hindrance for the Mobility Challenged, But Who Cares?

There is a great degree of perceptual blindness among the able-bodied regarding the enormous roadblocks those with mobility issues face.

Photo by Centre for Ageing Better on Unsplash

Anyone who walks around any city, anywhere in the world, never has to consider how they will get from one place to another. These are the individuals who are now involved in ableism or being able-bodied. But those with mobility issues have to solve that problem for every trip they make, every vacation they’d like to go on, or any park, building, market, or school they might want to visit. And they have to contend with the ableists they will encounter on any trip. Using a wheelchair changes how people see a person right away and in a big way.

I once asked someone responsible for a birdwatching park about the paths or boardwalks. He said all paths were gravel, and the entrance to one area was behind a large shopping mall in the area. Quickly, he tried to reassure me that anyone with a walker or wheelchair could use the paths. He had no idea how difficult it might be to use a wheelchair or rolling walker on gravel. As for lavatories, he said they were no longer available to anyone.

Leaving home or an apartment for those with mobility issues isn’t simply locking the door, hopping into the car, or jumping on a bike. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all…