A couple of weeks ago I was at Starbucks on campus sitting next to the window in front of the table designated for handicapped people.
Sitting at this table were three students studying: two girls and one boy. Walking through the door was a female student using arm crutches.
How do you think this scenario played out? The three students graciously got up, offered her the table and helped her sit down?
False.
It played out like so:
The three students stared at the girl and saw that she had noticed the table she needed was occupied. All three averted their eyes and pretended to be into their work.
After about ten seconds, when the girl with the arm crutches realized they weren't going to get up and offer her the seat. She looked around for an alternative seat only to realize the only table available did not have a chair -- meaning she would have to pull a chair over. This wouldn't be too much of a problem for someone who WASN'T using arm crutches.
Being gifted with a high sense of observation (I rock at people watching), I asked if she was going to sit there and if she wanted my chair. After a couple exchanges of "No you're using it"s and "No I really don't mind"s, I gave up my chair and helped her sit down. Then she went to stand in line.
As I re-situated myself, I heard this conversation take place:
Girl 1: Uh...were we like supposed to get up or something?
Girl 2: [giggle.]
Girl 1: [giggle.]
Boy: I guess...[stares at the girl in line]...oh well I need the space more than she does.
Girl 1 and 2: Hahaha!
The whole time I'm thinking, "Yes, you idiots."
Fact of the matter is regardless of how much they or anyone that sits at that table may need or want the space. That "space" is somewhat reserved for those who are disabled.
Anyone who wants to further technicality might argue, "The label said 'Please offer this table...', not 'This table is only for...'"
To this I would argue: Why would you NOT offer it?
It may not mean that the table must be given up or that sitting at that table and not being disabled will earn you a fine. But where is your sense for humanity?
I felt the weight of my own conscience firsthand the other day in the restrooms.
There wasn't anyone in the bathroom when I went so I decided to use the biggest stall. A minute or two later I heard the door open and some accompanied clanking. I assumed it was a clean up staff. Finishing up, I opened the door and lo and behold it was someone in a wheelchair. Most definitely not the clean up staff.
I felt absolutely terrible and apologized profusely. She was really nice about it and told me she was used to it and she wasn't in a rush to go. She also added that there were times when she really had to use the restroom but wasn't able to because she would have to wait for the person in that stall to finish up. Most of the time they're either having a phone conversation or just staring at themselves in the mirror.
After a couple more apologies and a laugh or two from her, I walked out of the bathroom still feeling sheepish.
We're all guilty of using a table, bathroom stall, and/or seat designated for those who are disabled and for the most part this isn't a crime.
However, it is a crime to your own integrity if you do not get up or leave the seat that designated seat available. Especially when you know that there is someone who could benefit from that area more than you can. After all, some of the people who need it the most did not ask to be in a wheelchair or any other assistance. In some instances wheelchairs and arm crutches are all that they know to help them get around and lead the closest thing to an "easy" life.
This is not a blog to strike compassion and understanding into hearts all over the FAU campuses, but more to raise awareness. These tables and other designated spots were made to ease everyday public life for those who need it. Yet it's not easy finding a spot that's not in use by someone who doesn't need it. Thus making their life a step further from easy or whatever easy is for them.
I personally do not know anyone who is handicapped or disabled. But I am capable of imagining having certain rights and accesses to better accomodate life. Only to have these accesses become unaccessible. Maybe I'm too humanistic or maybe I see it for what it is; unfair. Now if only I can get more people to understand this.
