As so often happens, a passing comment got me thinking. I was speaking to a woman who said she believed there were no barriers in New Zealand, that people all had the same opportunities. She did concede that family circumstances, low incomes, and differentials in education create barriers but was adamant that people could "rise above" these and change their lives if they so chose. Hmmm…
I think we are all probably aware of many barriers which prevent people from being included in our community and we could, if asked, probably name groups of people who are marginalised for one reason or another. But I am going to talk here about one thing that really makes me very angry - the way NZ'ers treat the disabled.
In Palmerston North, there are a number of cafes which pack their tables in so closely that potential customers who use wheelchairs cannot get in. One I can think of has an accessible entrance which is always locked. We have taxi drivers who refuse to transport wheelchairs and others who will not allow a service dog to travel in them. And every time it rains mobility card holders know better than to try to go shopping as disability car parks are filled with people who seem to think that getting damp is some kind of disability!
These are some of the barriers that disabled folk face every day here in town. Going out of town brings more problems. InterCity and Newmans coachlines do not have accessible buses. A blind person can travel inter-city around the country, but if a deaf person wants to go they are not permitted to take their assistance dog. A wheelchair user can travel inter-city on a bus, but only if they have a caregiver who can physically lift them on and off the bus. If they use a mobility assistance dog, the dog is not allowed to travel. Rail services have no problem with taking disabled passengers, except that many of the stations around the country are not built in such a way that the ramp can be used.
Flying is another problem - all the airlines require that disabled people book in person. Effectively, they can only travel if it is "convenient" to the airline. Taking assistance dogs is no problem IF the airline allows the passenger to travel on the flight they wish to take. So, not only are flights restricted but the disabled traveller has to book in person, which means paying the extra fees involved. Online specials are not available to the disabled, nor is any online booking for that matter.
To make matters worse, booking accommodation is a nightmare for disabled people - especially those who use wheelchairs. Add a mobility assistance dog into the mix and it is almost impossible to get accommodation anywhere in this country. I would love $1 for every time I have been told, "I don't care what the law says, it's my place and I will do what I want".
These barriers are so wide-spread but all have the same common theme - disregard for the law and a complete disregard for human rights. These problems can't be solved by taking legal action against everyone who discriminates against the disabled; what is needed is an attitude shift. Next time you spot a mobility car park and think it's ok to use it, just consider this - while you are using that space, no matter for how short a time, you are denying a disabled person the use of one of the few places that provides them access.
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