Accessibility is a Right but Always Feels Like a Fight.

I hear the stories every day, suitcases blocking the disabled toilet, no assistance at train platforms, a venue that’s classed as “accessible” that (shock horror!) is far from it. Disabled People have to deal with these scenarios over and over and we shouldn’t have to. It should be standard practice that we are consulted when buildings are being designed, it shouldn’t take someone to have the literal day from hell for someone to finally reach out over Twitter DM.

We have legislation but it is rarely enforced and so, we have to be the ones to constantly say: “I need this.” “Put this in place.” “Do you realise I can’t use the loo?” It is exhausting. Changing Places toilets have been a godsend and the announcement that there will be more funding to create more Changing Places across the UK is a huge step in the right direction.

Accessibility and Equality needs to be ingrained in every decision as the norm. It should be the first thing that’s considered, not the last, or as an after-thought. I know I won’t wake up tomorrow to find a perfectly accessible world but, I at least hope our voices will be listened to and changes will be implemented at the first time of asking rather than the millionth. Is it too much to ask? Will a day out ever just be straight-forward with no massive hiccups? I don’t know. But I know it should be. Accessibility is a right but for now, it always seems to be a fight.

A fight to be heard, to have our perspectives even considered. A never-ending fight. Maybe one day…

We’ll win.