This is an image of the parking lot in my condo building. There are designated parking spaces in close proximity to entryways and doors for handicap people. The assumptions are that handicap people are capable and do drive (depending on the disability). The other assumption is that while a handicap person can drive, they should still have special considerations to make things more convenient for them. Another assumption about handicap people is that their lives may not as limited as some people may think; many have productive and active lives and many are able to drive themselves. Also, the reason handicap people drive, and have very productive lives is because depending on their disability/handicap, their intelligence is not compromised. There are many different handicaps and if it is only a physical handicap (but able to see and hear) they are just as able to drive and do all other daily tasks independently as non-handicap people.
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I agree that our society makes a lot of assumptions about handicaps. What interests me is that there is such a wide variety of handicaps - some are relatively mild, while others can be crippling. Nonetheless, having a handicap definitely does not mean you can't live a productive life. I had a professor tell me the story of a girl who was born paralyzed from the neck down. Although she was unable to move, couldn't speak, and had no control over her body, my professor said that she was also incredibly intelligent. This girl went on to obtain her PhD in spite of her limited physical capabilities.
ReplyDeleteWow, thank you for expanding my perspective on handicap spaces. I agree with you when you contemplate the reasons why exceptions are given to people who are defined as disabled or handicapped. I did not think of how while there are exceptions for people defined in this manner, the counter-assumption is that they indeed are dependent on these exceptions when in fact it is quite possible the opposite of that. I'm curious to know whether or not there are people who are labeled as disabled or handicapped, if they are offended (as in "I don't need anyone's help, I can do it myself") or do a majority of people take it as a necessity. I know that there are those who are neither disabled nor handicapped and take advantage of these spaces, parking illegally and it always makes me wonder how they view the 'injustice vs. justice' of having the spaces specifically for others. If they're willing to break the law and be in that space clearly marked for another population, why wouldn't they think it to be unfair? Just some thoughts. Thanks for sharing!
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