While some safety laws have good intentions, they can cause issues for particular groups of people, like the disabled community. There are even certain amenities that completely exclude people with limited abilities, which is a major cause for concern. Unfortunately, those with physical and mental impairments are some of the most marginalized people in our society.
Marginalization and the Disabled Community
People with disabilities have a difficult time with everyday life because everything isn’t made to accommodate them. Activities such as getting on an airplane or using the present bathroom are challenges that most people never think of. Sadly, there are rules and regulations in place that make day-to-day tasks more of a struggle, and even protocols in place that don’t consider the needs of the disabled community. With that said, it’s important to bring up these issues to lawmakers and those without disabilities.
Adult Changing Tables
Women with small children have no issue going out in public and having access to changing tables. However, people with adult children in diapers have a hard time finding access to large changing tables. This presents a major problem because it leaves most parents or guardians with the only option to change them on the floor, which is unsanitary and leaves no privacy. Furthermore, many wheelchair-accessible stalls are not large enough for diaper changes to be made by maneuvering the chair. This lack of accommodation forces many people with teenage or grown disabled children to stay at home, and it leads to isolation for physically limited people and their families.
Window Covering Safety Regulations
Just to provide a bit of background, the Window Covering Manufacturers Association approved the safety standard set by the American National Standards Institute. The regulation requires that window covering products sold in the United States and Canada be cordless or have short cords that are out of reach. Corded window shades will only be available with custom orders and will no longer be sold as a ready-made option. Although corded window coverings are easy for little persons and those in wheelchairs to use, it causes a safety hazard for children. Unfortunately, there were several cases in which small kids got caught in the cords which led to strangulation.
Luckily, custom window shades will be available for those who require cords to open the blinds. However, there will eventually be a shortage of ready-made window coverings that include cords, which will make it difficult for disabled people. It’s a lot easier to buy blinds and shades that don’t require a particular selection, and it’s generally more affordable. Ultimately, the decision to ban blinds with cords will make it harder for the disabled community to have access to the things they need, even though the regulations will ensure child safety. Fortunately, there are some alternative options for those who need corded window coverings.
Fire and Other Emergency Evacuations
You know the drill: In case of a fire, take the stairs. Sure, that sounds like a good plan but it doesn’t consider the safety of disabled people. In a building with numerous floor levels, evacuation is almost impossible for those with limited physical abilities. And the sad thing is, most companies don’t have a plan in place to ensure the safety of disabled people during emergencies. The good news is, the evacuation lifts have become more common over the past few years as skyscrapers begin to get taller. With the increase in the height of most office buildings, alternative evacuation options have come into play. Additionally, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is continuing to urge the importance of universal design when it comes to building structures.
Service animals are incredibly vital to a lot of people who need them, but it seems some big businesses are overlooking this issue. Many disabled persons use their service animals as travel companions, especially on airplanes. However, some people have abused the system by claiming their pet is a service animal and it’s not. Therefore, airlines like Delta have become more strict with their procedures for allowing pets onboard. They now require a doctor’s note and vet health form at least 48 hours before takeoff. Not only is this an inconvenience, but it also prevents the ability to take last-minute flights. Once again, a rule that’s designed to solve one problem has created another one for the disabled community.
What’s the Solution?
There are a lot of concerns facing the disabled community and they need to be heard. If the people with disabilities and their families stay silent, then the issues won’t get resolved. Raising awareness about the struggles that disabled people face is the key. It’s important to continue to write blogs, sign petitions and speak up about the challenges that the handicapped struggle with. Most of the people in positions of power don’t have limited abilities, so when important decisions are made, the disabled community isn’t taken into consideration. Fighting for the rights of handicapped persons might be an uphill battle, but it’s one worth fighting. With so many changes being made on a daily basis, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle–especially since there are numerous groups of people petitioning to have adjustments made in their favor. The corded blinds and changing tables are good examples of how certain standards are set to help some people and not others, but that doesn’t mean either is more important than the other. However, it’s vital that the disabled community continue to voice its concerns to the masses so that they are not continually overlooked by society.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Brenda Kimble is a full-time caregiver at a senior living facility in Austin, TX. In her spare time, she enjoys writing and connecting with others in her field. Outside of work, Brenda loves doing yoga, completing new DIY projects around her home, as well as spending time with her husband and three children.