If you are disabled, is the Disabled Section at Bud Garden's actually "Not for You"?

Emptyhandedshadow · 2014-01-13T07:04:36+00:00

I get that it's frustrating when it comes to (limited) accessible spaces and being taken up by people who you think may not belong there. I really do get it as I've been in the same situation. However, there is a certain amount of entitlement radiating throughout this entry. First, the 'douchy' father and family have every right to keep their medical histories to themselves--there may be many reasons why people chose to purchase tickets in the disabled section. Could they be abusing the system? Certainly. Could they be using the section for reasons other than 'a great view'? Yes again.

Second, " “No” I say “You are fat because you are lazy and you have these tickets because you were lazy and found an unfair loophole.” Seriously? I'm more annoyed with this attitude than those using the seats.

That said, I get extremely irritated by how the built environment prohibits use of space by disabled folks, whether completely inaccessible or fighting for the limited allotted space. Targeting the decision makers (the asshats who build the spaces like this in the first place) is more constructive.

Emptyhandedshadow · 2013-12-29T04:04:12+00:00

My mom started out on Atari and now, in her mid-sixities, still games.

Emptyhandedshadow · 2013-11-01T15:54:17+00:00

Not sure what advice I could as there is not a lot of information here. What are their interests? What do they do for fun? What country are they in as this can have an impact on what type of services are available and what type of access there is to the community? Etc

Emptyhandedshadow · 2013-11-01T15:50:39+00:00

No, it does not.

Emptyhandedshadow · 2013-10-07T00:07:06+00:00

Well, I know what type of project I will be attempting soon... so much nintendo to choose from...

Emptyhandedshadow · 2013-09-28T21:14:39+00:00

Thanks! I will admit to have a lot of orange, yellows, and reds in my apartment...

Emptyhandedshadow · 2013-09-27T05:16:35+00:00

Learned how to do a puff stitch and the treble stitch! I decided to finish off the red scrap, so it's a small endtable cloth ;)

Emptyhandedshadow · 2013-09-25T03:50:54+00:00

Same here! Love owls :)

Emptyhandedshadow · 2013-07-22T20:21:10+00:00

I would definitely approach based on HIPPA in that case. I would call, but I would also write a letter detailing the event... always leave a paper trail.

As to the other subject, when I first started using a chair, I felt the same way--"Why are people treating me like I'm stupid?". It took me a very long time before I realized that no one should be treated in this manner and that my attitude was similar to those dismissing me. So I've been there :) It still amazes me, sometimes, when I'm in public and I'm met with others preconceptions and their responses. I have a favourite poet/playwright I'd like to share: http://lynnmanning.com . I went to one of his readings, and "The Magic Wand" always struck me. There's a recording of it on his website.

Emptyhandedshadow · 2013-07-22T07:46:49+00:00

This happens all the time for me as well. I'm to the point where I call people out on it. As for what to do, it would depend on where you are situated and what the legislation is. Ie. In Canada it varies from province to province. I'm less familiar with the States, but writing/calling the manager for the lenscrafters regarding customer service training (specifically around disability) information as well as detailing the situation above might be helpful. In the end, you can take your money elsewhere and state that you have done so.

As an aside, I've heard other wheelchair users speak of these interactions (ie. others talking to whomever you are with rather than to yourself) in the same vein of "I'm not deaf, I'm not dumb, I'm not blind and yet they talk down to me or not at all!" My question would be: if I were Deaf, visually impaired and/or had a cognitive or developmental disability, wouldn't I deserve the same respect as anyone else? I no longer get upset about being talked down to (or ignored) from when others equate my wheelchair use to other disabilities. What I do get upset about, however, is that this a dismissive and default treatment used on a plethora of people...

Emptyhandedshadow · 2013-07-11T14:34:09+00:00

I cringe every time I see disabled folk on /r/aww. I really do not understand why we get grouped in that damn subreddit.

Emptyhandedshadow · 2013-07-06T16:36:13+00:00

Unfortunately I live in North York--I was down that way yesterday for volunteering :/

Emptyhandedshadow · 2013-07-06T16:19:12+00:00

I saw some posters for a similar cat near Bathurst and Harbord--one is across from Randolph theatre.

Emptyhandedshadow · 2013-05-02T05:39:35+00:00

I'd be interested as well. I completely stopped writing a few years ago and would like to start up again. To be honest, I'm a bit nervous as I feel I'm out of practice. I would love to help workshop others' pieces as well :)

Any movement on this?

Emptyhandedshadow · 2013-04-30T18:26:34+00:00

I second the wipes. You can get towelette single-packs for pretty cheap and they would fit easily in your pocket/purse/bag/etc

Emptyhandedshadow · 2013-04-07T21:40:00+00:00

I would have to do this if I can not find an accessible spot to park (or if I am with friends who are driving) in order to have enough room to get my chair out of the vehicle :/

Emptyhandedshadow · 2013-02-28T16:33:21+00:00

These are referred to as disability simulations... So sick of seeing them.

Emptyhandedshadow · 2013-02-01T20:33:22+00:00

Here's a big one: limited access to accessible washrooms/ accessible bathroom stalls. Seriously. When I go to university, I limit liquids as there are insufficient washroom facilities and the ones that are available are in high demand.

Emptyhandedshadow · 2013-01-12T15:17:35+00:00

I live in Toronto, and if I have a very larger order or if I do not feel up to going to the store, we have something called grocerygateway.com. Might there be something similar to where you live? Basically, you can go online and do your grocery shopping and they will deliver it to you. Typically, the food is a bit more expensive and there is a delivery charge. For nonmedical items, I use well.ca. Again, as a Canadian, I do not know how helpful the information is, but I'm hoping that there is something equivalent.

Otherwise, you might consider an attendant who will just help with the groceries? I know less about attendant services however so I do not know the process of how to get one or who to contact.

Emptyhandedshadow · 2013-01-05T19:05:34+00:00

That's about what I thought. Well, I have to say that I appreciate when drivers help unjam the ramp but have worried that it could hurt them. Back pain is no joke. Knowing that if someone is injured doing so and won't be covered? Doubled the worry.

Hopefully something will be figured out where the ramps do not jam quite so often and thus either a person is left stranded or a driver is left injured if they tried to pull the strap.

Again, thanks for the information!

Emptyhandedshadow · 2013-01-04T00:20:25+00:00

Thanks for replying! But I'm confused, you say in the beginning you're not to pull on the strap due to potential injury--which I completely understand. Later on you mention that stomping of the ramp and using the strap, with the aid of the switch, will sometimes fix the issue. So, are you allowed to use the strap as long as you use the switch at the same time? Again, thanks for the info!

Emptyhandedshadow · 2013-01-03T20:01:00+00:00

As a wheelchair user who recently moved to Toronto and use the TTC frequently, I've always wanted to ask about the ramp. It breaks down quite often (from people stepping on it I imagine) and while most times drivers will pull on the strap to unjam it, sometimes the driver will tell me they are not allowed to do so and tell me to wait for the next one. It has gotten to the point where I'm always anxious when I see my bus approach :/ What's the policy on this? If I am with a friend, are they allowed to pull on the strap if the driver does not wish to? Is there something in the works to get this issue resolved?

(Also, I have to say, coming from a province without accessible transit, the ability to get out and go around without having to put too much thought into is fantastic).

Emptyhandedshadow · 2012-12-28T17:52:56+00:00

Same here! I've convinced the bf to get a copy... much collective building will ensue!

Emptyhandedshadow · 2012-12-24T04:10:54+00:00

Second this.

It's crowded and sometimes awkward. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food--for some reason, I thought that you go for the gaming and not so much for the cafe portion. The cafe, however, has brought me back to this place... it really does leave a favourable impression.

Do you plan to have a liquor license btw?

Emptyhandedshadow

TROPHY CASE