Celebrating our Independence

The Fourth of July symbolizes many things to many people, but the common thread that runs through them all is independence. Whether people rejoice because they have freedom of speech, freedom of religion or freedom to dwell in any neighborhood which is within their means, rather than being segregated by race or class, freedom is being celebrated. It always puzzled me as to why the NFB held their national convention around July 4th every year, until I realized what a poignant day it was for the disability movement as a whole.

America is, by no means, perfect when it comes to people with disabilities.  The laws which have been enacted over the last twenty years are not airtight, and many of their loopholes effectively allow certain establishments to evade becoming accessible. There are still casual acts of discrimination that happen every day in this country.

For example, I recently heard of a woman who came to a pharmacy window in her power wheelchair. Instead of pulling up a chair behind the window and speaking to her eye to eye as it were, the pharmacist leaned over her chair, practically ensuring their conversation would be overheard, especially since she seemed to have a rather carrying voice. However, even these actions are small compared to incidents which have occurred in other countries. In Canada, there has been an ongoing lawsuit for several years brought by a deaf-blind man against Air Canada, which refused to allow him to fly alone. This man was an efficient traveler, and had been on busses, trains, and planes alone, but Air Canada insisted he bring an attendant, which would have been an additional financial burden. Understandably, he refused the flight and sued, and this lawsuit still has not been satisfactorily resolved.

There is a long and arduous struggle ahead in America to gain truly equal access for those in the disability movement, and there are many laws which are not satisfactorily enforced. One of the greatest problems I am encountering as I age is that of equal access in gyms. Many gyms do not want people with disabilities to come in alone. However, merely bringing a friend is not enough, since that friend is also expected to spot you on workout equipment. No one wants to go to the gym with someone else if they are never allowed to work out themselves. However, miniscule step by miniscule step, even this is getting better.  

Gyms, especially those affiliated with apartment buildings and universities, are increasingly realizing the competence of individuals with disabilities and relaxing their stances somewhat. And I think, overall, that is what we must remember as we celebrate Independence Day: things are looking brighter and brighter every day, and great inroads have been made in attaining our independence. Each person who becomes convinced that we are just as competent as our “normal” peers is one more person who can work to effect change. And each legislative victory won on behalf of those with disabilities makes winning those which will inevitably follow more probable.  

And so, on this fourth of July, reflect upon and celebrate your victories, large and small, whether it be going out to a movie with a sighted pier and through your actions convincing them of your competence, or winning a legislative victory with the organization of your choice concerning some issue in this movement which affects or touches you in some way.