Motorized Wheelchairs - No, You Don't Own The Road
Disclaimer: No, not all people in mobile wheelchairs will fall into what I discuss below. Probably only the bottom 10% or fewer.
I spent the last week in Disneyworld in Orlando, visiting a number of their theme parks. After being hit from behind by 5 differen people in motorized wheelchairs, and another member of my family being hit 7 times, I feel compelled to complain.
During that time I had to push a stroller, so I'm not totally unaware that others are unaware of the needs of someone dealing with extra equipment. I was cut off many times by seemingly oblivious people, and wasn't happy about it. I also wasn't happy that I didn't get the right of way many times, but with a stroller I'm the one with the extra needs, so I need to be more accomodating to those around me so I can get what I need.
Quite a few motorized wheelchair ("MW") drivers I encountered were upset at the crowds, and understandably so. That's hardly an excuse to have little to no consideration for those around you. They seem to expect that others accomodate them and part like the Red Sea when the MW driver decides to trundle through a particular area. Should they need to slow down and manuver, the complaints and grumbling begin.
Get over it. Yes, it would be nice if the public was aware of those with needs of MW bound people. It would be great if they could move out of the way to let the MW have an easier time getting through. People in MW's have a difficult time as is, as they typically are suffering from some sort of disability.
However, for the public to accomodate them is a decision of the public. Rights of way should be graciously accepted when offered, and when not offered, the MW needs to act like everyone else. Wait their turn. Eventually the line will thin out, an opening in crowd will presen itself, or whatever.
Running into people and bitching a blue streak will not endear others to be accomodating, and it's the job of the person needing addional accomodation to be more patient.
I spent the last week in Disneyworld in Orlando, visiting a number of their theme parks. After being hit from behind by 5 differen people in motorized wheelchairs, and another member of my family being hit 7 times, I feel compelled to complain.
During that time I had to push a stroller, so I'm not totally unaware that others are unaware of the needs of someone dealing with extra equipment. I was cut off many times by seemingly oblivious people, and wasn't happy about it. I also wasn't happy that I didn't get the right of way many times, but with a stroller I'm the one with the extra needs, so I need to be more accomodating to those around me so I can get what I need.
Quite a few motorized wheelchair ("MW") drivers I encountered were upset at the crowds, and understandably so. That's hardly an excuse to have little to no consideration for those around you. They seem to expect that others accomodate them and part like the Red Sea when the MW driver decides to trundle through a particular area. Should they need to slow down and manuver, the complaints and grumbling begin.
Get over it. Yes, it would be nice if the public was aware of those with needs of MW bound people. It would be great if they could move out of the way to let the MW have an easier time getting through. People in MW's have a difficult time as is, as they typically are suffering from some sort of disability.
However, for the public to accomodate them is a decision of the public. Rights of way should be graciously accepted when offered, and when not offered, the MW needs to act like everyone else. Wait their turn. Eventually the line will thin out, an opening in crowd will presen itself, or whatever.
Running into people and bitching a blue streak will not endear others to be accomodating, and it's the job of the person needing addional accomodation to be more patient.
posted by cookies at 6:11 AM
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