Opportunity for the less fortunate

[encoder]

Even if these people have disabilities, they are still human beings that has the same opportunity or life to enjoy. Their situation must not hinder them to enjoy what the world has to offer.

I always support people who are disabled, they need us(normal people) to accept them as a normal person also. I sometimes see lame persons crossing the street and the policeman just stand there looking at the poor guy, I can't help him because I'm inside a bus.

I open this thread for those people who care about the less fortunate persons. And because this is a travel forum, any suggestion on how to help disabled persons enjoy a tour while making the caretakers more relax.

[jalban]

I read this post and got mad. Sorry I just did.

I am one of these "less fortunate" people. I certainly am not less fortunate, I certainly don't need a "normal" person to look out for me or whatever.

You're post has just struck me as uninformed, which is what I am trying to change, I don't want pity, sympathy, to be looked at as not normal, lame, different or anything like that.

Yes I am a disabled person, yes I use a wheelchair, yes the wheelchair is a piece of equipment that allows me to participate fully. The problem is NOT with me.....the problem is with non disabled people, and society. Society doesn't allow me to participate by not making places accessible, by not building dropped kerbs, by not having accessible parking spaces, by not having Disability Discrimination training available to airport staff, by people not being aware that I do want to travel, I do want to use airlines, airports, hotels, holidays the same as anyone else. So why can't I?
The problem with non disabled people is langauge, is education for example - how many people have spoken to a "real live" disabled person, without pity, without sympathy, etc. You certainly don't need to extend your sympathy, you certainly don't need to tell me how awful it must be for me - you don't know me, I have as much fun as the next person, believe me!
I have a husband, a 15 yr old son, I run my own business, I live abroad, I have pets, all the normal accoutrements of life - What is NOT "normal"? Anyway who is to say that my life isn't normal and yours is??
Maybe you're the ones I should feel sorry for, maybe I should empathise, with you guys, feel sorry for you all walking about, having to pay for parking when I don't, having to queue for the loo in airports, when I just wheel on in!! LOL

I don't want to come across as an activist, but when people post in absolute ignorance something has to be said.
_________________
Jacqui Alban

http://www.ineedaholidaytoo.com

Making life and holidays accessible for you!

[encoder]

I'm very sorry to hurt your feelings and making you mad. All was clearly said and explained by you, it was an eye-opener to me.

Thanks for your input, that's why there are forums like this in order to clear things up. It was an ignorant mistake and I ask for an apology!

Have a nice day mate!