Denying Disability

Mike Llywelyn Cox

30 October at 15:44  · 

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I copied this (original posted on the British Lung Foundation site) to our village discussion site. The responses astounded and upset me. These respondents appear to be denying that disability exists and, if it does, no account should be taken of it. Is this an example of the national position?

 

 

A new inhaler (Anoro) has made life a lot easier and I went for a rollator walk today. I sighed again when I got here. If there was a decent surface on it I could, with the rollator, walk up it to the playing field and village hall. But the authorities, despite many years of pleading with them, will do nothing about it, saying they can't find out who owns the lane. I think it's common land but........

 

Examples of the responses (with names and places removed) are:

 

"...there is adequate level step free access via Xxxxx Way.”  (my explanation) Xxxxx Way access is a long way up a hill too steep for a mobility scooter. “I’m saddened and sorry you feel it’s the role of others to provide you access to the playing field but, regardless of your mode of transport, you already have it by a perfectly paved Links Way and adequately paved access path from Xxxxxx Road or Xxxxx Way itself."

 

And another person: "...irrelevant of distance there is level access to the playing field via Xxxxx way. I don't think it's fair to say there isn't just because if too far for yourself to walk."

 

Me: 

 

O.K. A little clarification from me:

 

Section 13 of the Equality Act 2010: Direct discrimination

“1) A person (A) discriminates against another (B) if, because of a protected characteristic, A treats B less favourably than A treats or would treat others.”

B in this case is a disabled person (a protected characteristic under the Act).

In this case, that person at B is me. A is the authority managing Thurlton Village Hall.

The majority of users of the Village Hall can easily gain access to it up the steps from the car park or up the stepped ramp on the frontage.

A disabled person who is unable to climb steps has no direct access to the Village Hall. I, as a

disabled person, am told I have to some how get up the Xxxxx Way Hill to the the top, get through the entry and partial gate and across the playing field (and when meetings are held in the Hall in the autumn and winter evenings, it is too risky to cross the field in the dark).

Even if I could get up Links Way (I live on the main Road near the shop) I am being treated “less favourably” than others (the majority of village Hall users) by having to take this roundabout route.

This, clearly is “Direct Discrimination” and was found to be by the Electoral Committee at the last election.

For those who don’t know me, my wife and I have lived in the same cottage in the Village since 1985 (which just about qualifies me as local)! And before my disabilities, I contributed quite a lot to the social and administrative life of our community. Many of the people in our village are personal friends , including members of the Parish Council. This is exactly why I have not taken the disability discrimination issue further (I do have the knowledge and contacts to do that). I don’t want to cause my friends any trouble!.

 

And another response: "…Most legislation is based on satisfying “needs” rather than “wants”. Whilst you might ‘want’ a perfectly paved, flat, polished, frictionless surface from your doorstep onwards to the playing field, you do do not ‘need’ one, because there is adequate provision elsewhere (via Links Way). Simply because the route is not your desired choice, it is not discriminatory.”  I had previously said:  Links Way field gate is too far for a rollator walk and too steep for a mobility scooter.

 

Such comments from people in my own village are hurtful and are obviously ignorant about disability. Let’s hope those thoughts and attitudes anre not replicated widely.

 

Perhaps the need for a national campaign on disability awareness is indicated.

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