Unpopular Opinion: Neurodivergence Doesn’t Entitle You To Physically Accessible Spaces
I was following someone on social media for their art. They also have autism and do a lot of advocacy, which I think is great. I unfollowed after a discussion about accessible spaces because it enraged me. I didn’t announce it, I just left. That’s what grownups do.
Medical and mental health professionals have suggested more than once that I’m likely on the autism spectrum, and I have several traits that fit that theory but also several that don’t. I’m not actively seeking assessment because it’s very expensive, and requires a psychologist. I think psychologists are busy enough dealing with serious mental health crises where I live right now, and if I had a diagnosis of autism, nothing changes.
My particular ‘flavour’ of neurodivergence doesn’t negatively affect my life and luckily I don’t need extra supports just because my brain might work differently so why would I bother?
If you’ve been following the blog for awhile, you know I suffered from anxiety and depression my entire life, until the last few years. The depression I still have from time to time. The anxiety is pretty easily controlled now when something triggers it, which is rare nowadays.
The post that enraged me was, the author and his partner have ‘invisible disabilities.’ He’s autistic, I’m not sure what their partner has. They were vacationing at a sunny resort and by the pool there were two loungers with the accessibility symbol. You know, the blue wheelchair one that indicates handicapped parking, accessible bathroom stalls, etc. He pointed them out to the partner. Partner said no, I don’t want to be judged if people see us using them with our invisible disabilities and they sat elsewhere. But he wanted to know what others thought.
I should know better than to read the comments.
But sometimes I can’t help myself and sometimes the comments are the place to get differing perspectives and experiences. Sometimes you can learn a lot!
Sometimes you’ll just lose your temper.
I didn’t know I had such strong feelings about this subject until this post and its comments, so I guess there’s that.
One woman bemoaned how ‘not inclusive’ the accessibility symbol is because it doesn’t encompass invisible disabilities like depression, autism, or anxiety.
You’re right Carol, it doesn’t. Because it’s an accessibility symbol to indicate it’s accessible to those with mobility challenges. If you need to hyperventilate or cry in your car (I’ve done both, plenty) you don’t need to be parked right next to an entrance or a ramp to do it.
Funny thing: accessible parking never once made me less anxious when I was able-bodied.
Then several people chimed in that they too have invisible disabilities and they have every right to those accessible spots due to anxiety, depression, OCD, etc. and they would have taken those seats.
Mmmmmk.
Here’s the thing. I completely understand overstimulation from too much noise, activity, people, etc. Absolutely, I understand wanting peace, quiet, and calm.
I also understand that accessible seating like this is usually in the thick of the action. In this case, right by the pool so people with mobility aids like wheelchairs, rollators, crutches, and canes are close to the activity and have the ability to be involved in it. They usually aren’t far from the crowds and noise. Personally, when my cPTSD anxiety became activated I needed to be farther away and somewhere with less people, noise, and movement around me so why the hell would you want to take accessible seats right in the thick of everything that triggers anxiety?
Why would you want to take those seats and deprive someone unable to travel distances or manoeuvre safely around people, chairs, objects, etc. of the ability to be included?
Entitlement, and I think it’s gross.
Here’s my take on invisible disabilities. If I have a good day and you can’t tell by looking at me that there’s something amiss, I don’t park in accessible spots because I don’t need them that day. Those spots are for people with mobility problems so if I’m not having mobility problems that day, I don’t need to use it when someone else needs it.
Accessible areas aren’t for depression, anxiety, or other psychological challenges.
A few people said that they’re autistic or claustrophobic so they take the accessible stalls in washrooms.
Oh, you’re claustrophobic, Nancy? Then by all means use the stall I might need for safety because there’s more room for me to save myself if I lose my balance before smashing into the toilet. Go ahead, it’s not like me or anyone else might need the handrails to get on or off the toilet. Personally, I enjoy the stress and fear of trying to get myself (nearly six feet tall) on and off a low toilet in a normal stall instead of the higher one typical of accessible stalls.
It makes me feel alive!
Never mind that those stalls are the ONLY option for wheelchair users and many of them have more bladder/bowel issues than us more ambulatory folk.
My other favourite is people who use the accessible stall simply because the others are occupied. You betcha, Barb. Go right ahead, I’ll just stand out here waiting with my cane trying not to piss myself while you do your business.
Yesterday actually, I needed my cane and I was heading for the last stall in a public washroom which happened to be the accessible one. An able-bodied woman cut me off and hurried into the stall ahead of me.
Annoying yes, but it was the smug and direct eye contact as she closed the door and latched it that flipped my temper switch. I told her I’d see her next Tuesday. Only the fact she was nearly twenty years older than I stopped me from waiting for her to come out. And I’m in the U.S. right now which has much harsher bail rules than my home country. If she was closer to my age or younger it would have been just another Target headline.
But I digress…
This thread also had some interesting points about how a sunflower represents those with invisible disabilities but people don’t know. There was discussion about how those with neurodivergence, depression, anxiety etc, also need spaces they can access when necessary.
I don’t disagree but disability advocates fought tirelessly for a long time to get disability protections and change laws to force businesses and institutions to ensure accessibility. There’s still aways to go, but it’s a start. By all means, fight for accommodations for other disabilities that don’t affect mobility. In the meantime, leave designated accessible spaces for those they’re intended for: people with disabilities that affect their physical mobility.
