A fully inclusive world; wouldn't that be amazing!
I have been in a wheelchair for as long as I can remember. I know what it's like to feel different when it seems like everyone around you is perfectly normal. I know what it feels like to go to a public place and find there are no accessible entrances or parking places available. I cannot say this enough: something needs to be done about this. I want nothing more for the disabled community than to have access to everything just like everyone does. We are all people, why don't we have the ability to go into a store with steps just because we have wheels? Why is it that what makes us "special" also prevents us from getting into many public places? Why is there not a ramp right next to the stairs? I understand that it is difficult to add ramps to historic buildings. But there must be something that we can do. Like I said before: we are all people, but why limit people because of disability? Isn't that inequality? I get so tired of reasons that are labeled justifiable. The disabled community has the right to go into any store or public place, and we shouldn't need two working legs to get inside.
I have also noticed that some cell phone apps and games such as "The Sims Mobile" do not have an available feature for your "Sim" to have a wheelchair, prosthetics, crutches, braces, or anything disability- or injury-related. How does this game have a gazillion clothing, hair, and accessory choices, but does not have anything disability-related? I do understand that this is just a game, but everything should be inclusive, from all of the games and computer programs, right down to something as simple as an online game avatar. My Memoji and Bitmoji shouldn't have to wait for wheels.
I was so excited to hear that Bitmoji is finally coming out with wheelchairs! They already have stickers with wheelchairs! Sure, these are wins but we still have a long way to go.
What this really comes down to is that people who make decisions do not understand because of lack of authentic representation: individuals who need a ramp or something to help them get up into the place that they want to go need to speak up. We are all people, now is the time for fellow human beings to come together.
Put yourself in someone's shoes (or wheels) the next time you go out to a public place and imagine if you needed a ramp to get in and it was not there for you? Now you can't get into the building that you wanted to go into. Wouldn't you be frustrated if you could not get where you wanted to go? How would that make you feel? Be a voice... for all.
A thank you to all of the people who are making sure that everyone can get access to stores, restaurants, and public venues. We appreciate you for making us feel welcome. Keep doing the great things you're doing.
I want to hear from you! Do you play games on your phone that are inclusive? If so, what game? I would love to check it out!
About the Author
Chloe Joyce is a 16 year-old who loves speaking up for what she believes is right. Chloe loves all things that inspire creativity such as blogging, music, quilting, and crafting. She loves spending time with her family and friends and also enjoys taking her dog Bailey for rides in his stroller. She is pursuing a career in Occupational Therapy and is attending an early college program. She thrives on spreading courage and kindness.
This blog has been re-published with permission from the original.
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