Just back and kinda shocked

[LockShockBarrel]

You guys do realize they sell electric cattle prods online right? I think they might come in handy for you. I know I'm usually wanting one around Xmas time as I work at a grocery store and apparently wearing a uniform makes you invisible enough that people will push carts into you, look at you in a way that says nothing but "how dare you be in my way!" and walk off.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

You guys do realize they sell electric cattle prods online right? I think they might come in handy for you. I know I'm usually wanting one around Xmas time as I work at a grocery store and apparently wearing a uniform makes you invisible enough that people will push carts into you, look at you in a way that says nothing but "how dare you be in my way!" and walk off.

Hehehehe, don't tempt me!

 

[Bill_Lin]

By profession, as an employment specialist, I work with adults who have developmental disabilities. In this capacity I have had a great deal of experience in observing people's attitudes toward those with disabilities.

There is a definite generational divide on the issue of developmental disabilities. Those raised before the Korean War era are far more likely to be intolerant and even resentful of interacting socially with those who have disabilities. Societal attitudes during the period of their upbringing strongly leaned toward isolating individuals with disabilities so that people would not have to be reminded of the existence of such people.

The Civil Rights movement and later changes in social awareness caused a monumental shift in attitudes toward those who have visible differences from each other. The values of acceptance, understanding and accommodating were taught by schools and societal institutions much more heavily after the mid-1960s. Many of us grew up assuming that it was a sign of humanity and maturity to accept, accommodate and even embrace those who have noticeable disabilities, and include them in our world and in our lives. We have found that it is a blessing to do so.

More recently, our culture has worked to include individuals with disabilities in the mainstream of public school and public institutions, as well as to make changes in our buildings and infrastructure to create more accessibility.

Exclusionary attitudes in this older population are not likely to change because they are deeply ingrained. Of course, even in the early 20th century, many families and civil and religious organizations worked to teach acceptance and inclusion, but they were fighting uphill against general social standards.

Younger generations tend to be more accepting and accommodating, but there are variations in attitudes by geographical regions and social environments to be sure. A few years ago, after experiencing a major medical problem of my own, I used a wheel chair while visiting a local big box store. I noticed that middle-aged and younger people tended to say excuse me and make way for me, while older shoppers tended to glare at me or block my way.

All of this is to suggest that things are getting better, not worse. In addition, crowded venues and hot weather tend to bring out the worst in people's manners.

Have hope and keep the faith.

 

[RACHELSMOM1]

By profession, as an employment specialist, I work with adults who have developmental disabilities. In this capacity I have had a great deal of experience in observing people's attitudes toward those with disabilities.

There is a definite generational divide on the issue of developmental disabilities. Those raised before the Korean War era are far more likely to be intolerant and even resentful of interacting socially with those who have disabilities. Societal attitudes during the period of their upbringing strongly leaned toward isolating individuals with disabilities so that people would not have to be reminded of the existence of such people.

The Civil Rights movement and later changes in social awareness caused a monumental shift in attitudes toward those who have visible differences from each other. The values of acceptance, understanding and accommodating were taught by schools and societal institutions much more heavily after the mid-1960s. Many of grew up assuming that it was a sign of humanity and maturity to accept, accommodate and even embrace those who have noticeable disabilities, and include them in our world and in our lives. We have found that it is a blessing to do so.

More recently, our culture has worked to include individuals with disabilities in the mainstream of public school and public institutions, as well as to make changes in our buildings and infrastructure to create more accessibility.

Exclusionary attitudes in this older population are not likely to change because they are deeply ingrained. Of course, even in the early 20th century, many families and civil and religious organizations worked to teach acceptance and inclusion, but they were fighting uphill against general social standards.

Younger generations tend to be more accepting and accommodating, but there are variations in attitudes by geographical regions and social environments to be sure. A few years ago, after experiencing a major medical problem of my own, I used a wheel chair while visiting a local big box store. I noticed that middle-aged and younger people tended to say excuse me and make way for me, while older shoppers tended to glare at me or block my way.

All of this is to suggest that things are getting better, not worse. In addition, crowded venues and hot weather tend to bring out the worst in people's manners.

Have hope and keep the faith.

I do have one difference with you, it concerns individuals with down syndrome. In the 1960's and 70's these children and adults were institutionalized for the most part, and were considered to be the least wanted in society. It wasn't until the 80's and after that babies born with DS were routinely kept home and educated in the public schools and integrated into society. Now scientists and doctors are trying to wipe out these wonderful people by advising abortion since they can now confirm DS at a very early time in the pregnancy. Thank God my baby's biological mom did not know she was DS until she was born, she may have been murdered before she had a chance to know the joys of life after the womb. This world would then be an emptier place, because she would not be here!!

 

[robynchic]

I hope this doesn't come out as too stupid a question...

Do people that use wheelchairs/ECVs feel insulted when a person pauses because they're unsure whether to let the ECV go ahead or whether they can? I do it almost any time I see one, and I'm never sure if the person appreciates it or thinks "Well shoot...I'm not that disabled!"

 

[Bill_Lin]

I do have one difference with you, it concerns individuals with down syndrome. In the 1960's and 70's these children and adults were institutionalized for the most part, and were considered to be the least wanted in society. It wasn't until the 80's and after that babies born with DS were routinely kept home and educated in the public schools and integrated into society. Now scientists and doctors are trying to wipe out these wonderful people by advising abortion since they can now confirm DS at a very early time in the pregnancy. Thank God my baby's biological mom did not know she was DS until she was born, she may have been murdered before she had a chance to know the joys of life after the womb. This world would then be an emptier place, because she would not be here!!

You have a great point about Down's Syndrome. Folks with Down's are on the cutting edge of the Civil Rights debate. Full integration is healthy for schools, the workplace and society. Many of our clients with Down's sydrome do very productive and competitive work in our communities.

Beyond abortion, there are those in the "bioethics" movement who would be okay with euthanizing adults with disabilities. It is a scary world we live in. The true test of a society is how it treats its weakest, least empowered members. The true test of an individual soul is whether they accept, embrace and befriend people with disabilities.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I do have one difference with you, it concerns individuals with down syndrome. In the 1960's and 70's these children and adults were institutionalized for the most part, and were considered to be the least wanted in society. It wasn't until the 80's and after that babies born with DS were routinely kept home and educated in the public schools and integrated into society. Now scientists and doctors are trying to wipe out these wonderful people by advising abortion since they can now confirm DS at a very early time in the pregnancy. Thank God my baby's biological mom did not know she was DS until she was born, she may have been murdered before she had a chance to know the joys of life after the womb. This world would then be an emptier place, because she would not be here!!

It says so much about our society. There are those who want to wipe out the one's who are "supposedly" imperfect. Hmmm....

My "disabled" Down Syndrome brother is turning 40 this year. We're taking him to WDW to celebrate. I know the joy your are experiencing.

I hope this doesn't come out as too stupid a question...

Do people that use wheelchairs/ECVs feel insulted when a person pauses because they're unsure whether to let the ECV go ahead or whether they can? I do it almost any time I see one, and I'm never sure if the person appreciates it or thinks "Well shoot...I'm not that disabled!"

I would think you are considerate and respectful. I have fibro and had to us "the EVC" for the first time last year. I was shocked. I saw WDW through different eyes. I couldn't believe how many rude people there are in this world.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Now scientists and doctors are trying to wipe out these wonderful people by advising abortion since they can now confirm DS at a very early time in the pregnancy. Thank God my baby's biological mom did not know she was DS until she was born, she may have been murdered before she had a chance to know the joys of life after the womb. This world would then be an emptier place, because she would not be here!!

Beyond abortion, there are those in the "bioethics" movement who would be okay with euthanizing adults with disabilities. It is a scary world we live in.

Sadly, there have always been people in the world who advocate 'getting rid' of those who are different from them . It just means that the rest of us have to fight even harder against them, to keep the wonderful, 'imperfect' and varied world we live in! Hugs and kudos to all joining the fight , now, where's my battle standard? (note: I'm not mocking anyone here except myself, please nobody think I'm taking this awful situation lightly)

I hope this doesn't come out as too stupid a question...

Do people that use wheelchairs/ECVs feel insulted when a person pauses because they're unsure whether to let the ECV go ahead or whether they can? I do it almost any time I see one, and I'm never sure if the person appreciates it or thinks "Well shoot...I'm not that disabled!"

Not a stupid question at all! I think you will probably get as many answers to this as people you ask, but generally I don't think most people would mind at all. To tell you the truth, I'd be extremely relieved and greatful, especially if I'd already been having difficulty. If I'm struggling with something, I always appriciate a little extra help; the only ones that annoy me are people who rip doors out of my hands without so much as a by-your-leave, in an effort to help ! General niceness, however, is always appriciated

The basic rule of thumb, as far as I'm concerned, is - treat us as you would anyone else!

I would think you are considerate and respectful. I have fibro and had to us "the EVC" for the first time last year. I was shocked. I saw WDW through different eyes. I couldn't believe how many rude people there are in this world.

Hi, fellow Fibromite here! Unfortunately there are a lot of idiots in the world, and at Disney there are also lots of people who are just off in a different world! I hope that, as well as the numpties, you got to see some of the best bits of humanity too. Yes, there are the people who wander in front of you (or often, jump under your wheels!), glare at you because they think you're faking, shove their backsides in your face, etc, etc; but there are also the kind and wonderful people, who hold a door, help with with a tray you've managed to throw spectacularly across the floor, or even just give you a friendly smile at the end of a long day. The latter, really do help you to forget about the former! :

 

[ccgirl]

I was actually on the other end of this where we were finding ECV's and Strollers that were inconsiderate and felt that they always had the right of way. Instead of waiting and going the same pace as everyone else, they just plowed right through like they had an entitlement issue and even knocked my DD5 down and kept on going. I'm not saying this is what you did at all. I'm just saying there are two sides to every story. As I say to my DD, treat others how you want to be treated and the world will be a much better place.

 

[Bill_Lin]

I was actually on the other end of this where we were finding ECV's and Strollers that were inconsiderate and felt that they always had the right of way. Instead of waiting and going the same pace as everyone else, they just plowed right through like they had an entitlement issue and even knocked my DD5 down and kept on going. I'm not saying this is what you did at all. I'm just saying there are two sides to every story. As I say to my DD, treat others how you want to be treated and the world will be a much better place.

Here, Here.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

As I say to my DD, treat others how you want to be treated and the world will be a much better place.

Indeed!

I'm sorry to hear your little girl got knocked over, I do hope she was OK and it didn't marr your holiday.

Unfortunately, idiots come in all shapes and sizes, some of them involving wheels . Most of us, just like most people on their feet, do try to be considerate to others, and 'go with the flow' in crowds. It's just very difficult steering anything on wheels through crowds, as I'm sure you know from pushing a stroller around a busy area, and the people who are then rude or inconsiderate make things even worse .

 

[Talking Hands]

Andrew that is simply evil. Love it

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Andrew that is simply evil. Love it

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Last year, I replaced the tyres on my powerchair. The new ones are made of some kind of composite material and somehow cause my chair to build up a charge of static electricity. (according to my wheelchair engineer, this is a known problem). Recently, I was shopping at my local supermarket using a wire basket carried on my lap. At the checkout, I handed over my basket and the person at the till cried out as a blue spark jumped from the basket to her hand.

Now, if I ride ouround World Showcase two or three times building up a nice charge, take a door key in my hand and hold it up to the back of someone's neck...

Andrew

I have just done some research on Google - Apparently, to build up a static charge, I need very low humidity, something I am unlikely to get when I next visit WDW. Google also warns against using modern car keys to zap someone as they often contain microchips which also get zapped.

Andrew

 

[TLSnell1981]

I have just done some research on Google - Apparently, to build up a static charge, I need very low humidity, something I am unlikely to get when I next visit WDW. Google also warns against using modern car keys to zap someone as they often contain microchips which also get zapped.

Andrew

Thanks for the advice!! I'll may try it out on the nice folks who bring their ENTIRE family to stand in front of me at the Castle stage (or various other places). They always seem to slip in at the last minute....and of course, I've been camped out at least half an hour.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

I hope this doesn't come out as too stupid a question...

Do people that use wheelchairs/ECVs feel insulted when a person pauses because they're unsure whether to let the ECV go ahead or whether they can? I do it almost any time I see one, and I'm never sure if the person appreciates it or thinks "Well shoot...I'm not that disabled!"

Sorry to disappoint you, but that's not a stupid question. Let alone a too stupid one.

No, I do not feel insulted at all. I view it as a piece of politeness and perhaps a smart move (depending on the driver ). Just like I would do the same when finding a small child walking close by me. It's kinda like common sense. You do not want to be run over, I don't want the little kid to be too busy with other stuff and dart in front of my chair and me being too late to react and hit the kid. Both take responsibility for our actions and think about the other in the equation instead of only 'me, me, me, me'.

Most of the time when I realise somebody is doing something like this, I will answer these acts with at least a look, nod, and/or smile so the other person knows I noticed what they are doing and appreciate it. It's the same as when folks open doors for me. Eventhough that isn't even needed in all situations, I appreciate them willing to take the effort. Common curtesy is something I appreciate, not something that makes me go "they must think I'm brainless dumb", or whatever.


Now, if you were not only to stop but also to jump right behind a wall, bush, and/or scream "take cover, incomingggggggggggggg", than I might just take offence.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Now, if you were not only to stop but also to jump right behind a wall, bush, and/or scream "take cover, incomingggggggggggggg", than I might just take offence.

I think with me, that might be a sensible idea!

 

[metime]

In my experience people are much much nicer to me in an ECV, to the point that I get annoyed.

I have noticed rudeness toward other ECV users and I can only speculate that it is because people assume the reasons someone needs the ECV by physical appearance. I am jumping out on a limb but I think people see someone as overweight and wrongly assume they are lazy.

In my experience people look at me with concern and pitty, which I hate. I am fit and in my 30s and my two children are usually in tow. Even with my cane people exude pitty on their faces for me but not so much for an elderly person. I don't get it. I have seen strangers bend over backwards to get the door for me but ignore the elderly woman with a cane behind me.

I can only think it is some sort of perception difference.

 

[heatherfeather24]

Do they not realize that scooters do not come with brakes?

I had no idea that scooters didn't come with brakes. In fact, I may have been one of those people who looked at someone in a scooter and stepped out anyway, but not out of malice. In large walking crowds, I tend to follow the same rule with people as I do when I drive: "Everyone lets one." Which is to say, if I've stopped and let one group pass, I will take my turn after their complete group is through. Doesn't matter to me whether the next group has a stroller or whatever -- just seems to be common courtesy that lines coming from each direction take turns.

That said, now that I know it makes someone's life harder if they have an ECV, I will definitely alter that behavior.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

However, ECVs do come with brakes. It ius just that the brakes are automatically applied when you release the control lever so it does come to a fairly fast stop and does not just coast to a stop.

I found this out the hard way last month. I took my ECV in for repair as it would not hold a charge and probably needed battery replacement, which was unusual as I had less than six months on the current batteries. When they tested it, the batteries showed they were holding a charge.

They asked me to run it around for a little while, so I drove to an apartment complex about a block away and rode to the far end of their parking lot. By the time I got back to the dealer the meter was in the red.

Anyway, they told me the brakes were red hot. Apparantly the brakes did not release when I started driving, so that even though it seemed to be driving normally it was fighting the brakes and took so much power that it would drain the batteries in less than a mile.

The brakes were replaced under warranty and they also replaced the batteries because of the treatment they had bveen getting.