Five-Star Disability

If something happens that really causes me grief?  Like the recent blog post “Washroom washout” or if some idiot backs his car up and nudges my walker (true story).  Or I find a hair in my salad?  Or someone calls the police because I look drunk while pushing a stroller… The reasons to complain are endless…

What is my standard reaction?  Because I cannot hear or lipread, I usually avoid confrontations, instead, I make notes and pictures and then call the company.  That is the far better way for me.

A few weeks back, I took Vancouver’s commuter train, the West Coast Express, with my walker.  It is all very accessible: tactile warning strips close to train tracks, elevated platform to train, clear signage.  But, no ramp from platform to train?  What?  Because my vision impedes me from seeing depth, I did not see the two foot drop and three foot gap from the raised platform to the train!  I actually tossed my walker on to the train, almost nearly falling into the gap!  There was NO staff there to put the ramp down.  At that time I was enraged, and was taking pictures of this obstacle!  Two staff did eventually show up, and I ragged them out, repeating myself (refraining from throwing in the odd swear word) asking them “Why is the ramp not down?”, “The ramp should be down always!”, and “Where is the ramp?”.  I have no idea what their responses were, but they kept pointing to the front of the train.  What does that mean?  Maybe I need to inform the conductor I need the ramp down.  I honestly do not know why I must ask for this access.  The ramp should be open at every station, regardless of person with disabilities using it or not.  Common sense.

That is the most recent verbal complaint I have had.  I tend to avoid them because I cannot hear the replies.  I do have a other tools, text, pen & paper, sometimes I use, sometimes not.  Depends on the situation.  I hope, someday, everything is more accessible.

It is my will to survive that makes me a better person, I don’t complain, I write blogs!