This week, after waiting and waiting for two caseworkers to help me get a new cane, a new one arrived. As you can see, I was so excited I ignored the fact that I just got out of the shower to capture my excitement.
This was the highlight of my week. Probably, of the month. I won’t bore you with the story of what happened to my last cane, but I have been waiting for a new one for a year and having one again is awesome. This means that I can go outside when it’s too bright out, or when it’s dark, I can walk to places, I can stop being a shut-in, etc. And with this new freedom, I decided to take my little brother to the beach.
Where we live right now is two blocks to the best beach in New Jersey. So we got ready and headed out, cane in hand. A car honked as we were crossing the street, and there were definitely a few stares, but the problems didn’t really start til we got to the beach.
From the start of the sand to about the middle, there is a wooden walkway. It’s not a very wide one, but walking in the sand is annoying, so it’s better than nothing. As we were walking with it on one side, a large family was coming from the opposite direction, to get off the beach. Instead of being courteous and going single-file, they decided to block the walkway so myself and my cane could not move through. I stood off on the sand and waited for them to move past.
Once off the walkway and on the sand, the cane kicked a bit of sand to a group of people walking by. Clearly, an accident (who purposefully kicks sand at people?). Logan told me, and before I could apologise, one of the classy guys muttered “dumb bitch.” And this was all before we set our towels down.
The message being sent to me, and my little brother yesterday was that people with visible disabilities/people who use assistive devices are not welcome in public places. People with visible disabilities make make able bodied people feel uncomfortable, and when able bodied (or even just sighted people) get uncomfortable, they do stupid, hateful things. All people with disabilities are not to be seen or heard, and we are not welcome in public.
Fuck. That. Shit.
If you are a person with disabilities who is able to leave your home, I encourage you to do so. Be out there as often as you can be. Enjoy the wonderful weather, go for a stroll (or a ride) and let able bodied people know that their hatred won’t keep you from daring to go out in piublic.
It’s a gorgeous day in Wildwood today. If I ever get my homework done, my fat, visibly disabled ass will be back on the beach, in the water, enjoying the sunshine. All able bodied people are welcome to bite me if they don’t like it.
Cromulent Words 