#AccessDeniedDiaries by James

I was on my way to a friend’s house when I encountered a roadworks truck blocking the footpath. This not only obstructed the path but also made it impossible to access a safe crossing and part of the bus stop. For context, I have low vision and use a white cane. 🚶‍♂️👩‍🦯

A road worker approached me, and I asked for verbal instructions to navigate to safety. Instead of assisting me verbally, he bent down, grabbed the bottom of my cane, and tried to pull me along with it. I had to raise my voice to get him to stop. ❌ 

In that moment, I felt stripped of my autonomy over my body and mobility device. 😔 

Although this was the first time something like this happened in such an extreme way, I’ve experienced people grabbing me before. To avoid the truck, I was forced to walk onto the road, leaving me shaken, angry, and upset. 😡😢 

How should the new access law address this issue? ⚖️ 

I want the law to ensure that disabled people have complete autonomy over their bodies and mobility devices in all situations, whether it's on the street, in public transport, or even on planes. We deserve respect and safe, accessible environments at all 

 

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