I was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at the age of five. It continues to take from me. I cannot walk and the strength in my arms has decreased rapidly. Society’s gaze on the disabled has made the life of many even harder. I believe that members of the disabled community should have equal rights. Disabled people face discrimination and negative stereotypes every day, which makes dealing with our conditions even harder. Change needs to come and disabled persons deserve a spot at the table.
The disabled community has fought for greater accessibility for decades and the fight continues every day. From legislation to unwillingness, discrimination on this issue has taken many forms. Quantum helps to fight for accessibility by providing top-of-the-line equipment that allows for greater mobility, including power wheelchairs and other technologies. Still, there are more steps that others need to take.
Wheelchair-Accessible Doors
Push button door openers should be installed near doors, as they are strenuous to open and can be hard to navigate around in a power wheelchair. Certain legislation allows buildings built before 1980 to not comply with ADA guidelines, but this harmful practice makes the disabled feel alienated and unwanted.
Medicaid Benefits
The benefits system keeps disabled citizens down by making them rely on the system. To keep my Medicaid benefits, I cannot have over 2,000 dollars in my accounts at one time. How is somebody with a disability supposed to provide for themselves? And why does it feel like a punishment for being different from society?
Get to Know Disabled Community Members
Life can be easier for those affected by disability, and we can do this by giving a voice to those who need to be heard. When you see a disabled person in a wheelchair, don’t assume that they are slow or unable to comprehend. Get to know your disabled peers. You may find out that they are older than you thought. Don’t feel pity or go out of your way to help because we will let you know if we need assistance. Allowing people with disabilities to vent their frustrations creates an open forum for a better tomorrow.
Quantum has given a voice to those who want to be heard through the brand ambassadors that work for the company. This is a huge step as those who are affected by disability can give opinions on how to make products better. They play an active part in what goes on behind closed doors.
We aren’t asking much, but we want to be respected and have equal rights. Our generation can enact change by expelling disabled stereotypes and holding those accountable who foster discrimination of disabled communities. Disability should be ordinary. What we lack in abilities we make up for in heart.
About Bryson Foster: Bryson is a Friend of Quantum and lives in North Carolina. He advocates and raises funds for the development of treatments for muscular dystrophy. He loves sports and cheers for his favorite basketball team, the North Carolina Tar Heels.
For more great blogs from our brand ambassadors and Q Roll Models, visit lifeatilevel.com today!
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