-where disabled people can go

Rumors...

In his blog, Blind Chance, David Faucheux states that,

"Target has had every year in December a day set aside for the disabled to go and shop there without the hastle of other shoppers during the Christmas rush. (Sunday, September 10 blog entry)"

That would be something interesting to confirm.

Of course, Faucheux is really pointing out lack of access to Target's website, so I guess it's really a case of, "One step forward, two steps back." But still, the shopaholic in me rejoices at the thought of not getting trampled while laying hold my bargains.

A frequent question I ask is whether something is handicapped-accessible. I walk with a cane and need to know this before embarking on adventures. What I am seeking is the following:

• Accessibility is the right and the ability to enter a place freely and to use it.
  
• The purpose of things being accessible is so that disabled people may have the same choices as non-disabled people, as they move about society to work, play, and live.

Portland, a progressive and law-abiding city, has much to its credit with regard to acessibility. This blog is meant to be a space for celebrating successes, pointing out barriers and sharing information.

One central theme will be the LIFT bus; it's a paratransit system created with the goal to provide access (equal choices) to the public transit buses. In fact, the LIFT bus is inefficient, bordering on abusive, but it's all there is. The information I will include here will be my perspective on effectively managing the service, policy concerns, and any changes to service as they arise.

Another theme will be where disabled people can go. Where in Portland have barriers already been removed or never planned in the first place? Where is our presence and spending power most welcome? I think these establishments should benefit from disabled people "voting with their feet, or wheels".

Similarly, this blog will chronicle places where disabled people are excluded. Exclusion in today's American society is unacceptable. Ways to include people of all mobility levels exist on every budget, in every type of facility; maybe these ways haven't been implemented yet, but I feel compelled to include the statement as a description of what ought to be.

Other topics I see as crucial include ways disabled people can make their lives easier (helps to access) and disabled people achieving their goals. Look, it's tiresome when people are quick to count daily activities as "brave and inspirational", but the fact is that when disabled people achieve things that they see as important, regardless of obstacles or extra effort, props are due. Of course, I'm open to suggestions. Also, if you have a location or service you'd like me to review, I'd love to get the name of it.

Regards,
Theresa