This letter to you is a little different, it’s about something that has been on my heart recently. Although I am writing specifically about the UK, I would love to know if similar things are happening where you live.
however,
In the UK, a scheme called ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ has been introduced throughout August, in which eligible establishments are able to offer 50% off their meals & drinks, to help the economy. I think it is damaging, ableist and counterintuitive.
By introducing an incentive to eat out in the name of helping business, we are putting people’s lives in danger. Whether it’s the increased use in plastic and single use equipment by the staff at these establishments, which contributes to the climate crisis, or the mere fact that in order to eat or drink people must remove their masks, this scheme seems incredibly dangerous and discriminatory against disabled people, who are unable to take part.
We should not be encouraged to return to ‘normal’ if the normal we appear to be returning to is even more inaccessible than before. Never mind the fact that the pandemic is not over, people are still dying, and misguided schemes like this mean those shielding will be forced to do so for even longer.
Disabled parking spots are being cordoned off (or replaced by tables and chairs in the name of distanced dining), barriers put up, benches have been removed and queuing for extended periods without any seating has become mandatory for places like pharmacies, banks, etc. Accessible entrances have been removed with no clear signage to alternate routes or how much extra walking there could be, which is very important for those with mobility issues. For instance, ambulatory wheelchair users like me, who might not have anticipated needing a mobility aid for a certain trip, only to find their usual route has been taken away. This is neglecting a huge proportion of people, many of whom already had access issues before the pandemic!
Unfortunately, I am not a policy maker and I don’t know how to make sure every access measure, that people have fought to put in place over decades, are treated as a right rather than a luxury or privilege that can be removed without explanation or warning. However, I do feel the more people who become aware of these issues, the more we can make a positive change together. Look around at where you live and notice what measures have been put in place/taken away, write a letter to your council and question why disabled people are being given less importance, talk about it with your friends and family, share your opinion on social media.
Sir Ken Robinson died on 21st of August and he was one of my heroes. I’d like to share with you a quote of his that I hope will encourage you this week.
Human communities depend upon a diversity of talent, not a singular conception of ability. And at the heart of the challenge is to reconstitute our sense of ability and intelligence. -Sir Ken Robinson
Love,
HB x