Limited access to wild places
I found Bo Beolens’ article (Wildlife for all, January 2018) a very interesting read. On the editor’s letter page he says, “Disabled people find amazing ways of getting around the obstacles they confront.” It is a shame that we have to really.
I have spent most of my 42 years accepting piggybacks, manoeuvering with very little grace or elegance, and even being taught the art of ‘bum bouldering’ (moving over rocky outcrops on my bottom) to get to see inaccessible wildlife.
I am with Bo in his view that it is not necessarily the injury, disease or condition that is disabling but society’s response to it. It makes me laugh when friends take me to a place that really isn’t accessible, or book a restaurant with steps. They are mortified and say, “I just totally forgot you use a wheelchair!” Why should they have to remember? To them I am merely their friend, not a disabled person.
I’m afraid I don’t agree wheelchair access has taken a great leap forward, though. I have yet to explore a park or wood without a companion trailing behind. I have to exert massive energy to get over obstacles, while saying sorry. Sorry for what?
It was encouraging to see such an article in BBC Wildlife. Let’s hope Bo’s points are noted and acted on.