Much of our work as an organization-and the work of people with disabilities-is about counteracting misconceptions about our abilities. There was a time when it was a given that a person who lost the use of his or her legs would not be driving an automobile again. Even now many people are surprised when a wheelchair-user is driving a vehicle, especially anything other than a van. I was nearly given a summons for parking the sports car I was driving in a handicapped parking spot, and was only saved by my asking the policeman to assist me in getting the wheelchair out. I wondered then if this was the result of us not being as visible as we need to be.
As an organization we have waged major battles for accessibility to all means of transportation (trains, planes, buses, etc.). While our fight is far from over, we need to avail ourselves of what options we have. We may think of ourselves as dependent on the different forms of transportation available, but in reality there is a mutual dependency: the continued existence of mass transportation is dependent on us, on our using what is there. Using accessible transportation allows us to be more visible and helps build knowledge about our needs. Helping educate the operators of each service we use ultimately makes our life easier; and every time we are seen doing everyday activities, we help break down myths and barriers about our disability.
So get out there; be visible; and be as active as you can be.
Clair Russell Hesselton, PhD
Chairman of the Board
