ADAPT Chicago

THE GIMP PARADE blog is such a great source for what is happening around the disability world. Yesterday there was a great turnout for the ADAPT gathering in Chicago at the AMA Headquarters in downtown Chicago. Some persons in the building were upset because they could not get out the doors to attend to their daily chores or meetings. HUM!!!!!! Sound familiar?????? Being held back by doors that are not accessible; not able to attend to daily chores in the neighborhood; attend a meeting or gathering of importance?????
Even tho I am disabled I am lucky I have a scooter, can drive a car (with adaptive controls), do some chores and go to meetings or to the library! I also can take the train but not buses. I am becoming more and more aware as I become less able of the mobility restrictions in society. I have a doctor I see periodically. The building had an elevator that went to the second floor, where the office is located. Two plus months ago the elevator was shut down and we were told that a part had to come from GERMANY! To this day the part has not arrived. Those of us who cannot get up the stairs are unable to see our doctors. The doctors are trying now to work with the city and the regulations related to accessibility. This incident has open everyones awareness related to the accessibility issues faced by us. In the meantime I cannot, nor can others get the needed care from our doctors. This is just unbelievable! No amount of confrontation has eased the situation.
There was an option given from the doctors that required a longer distance, an older building, inaccessible doors and parking restrictions. So those of us who cannot navigate these obstacles wait.
This incident has caused me to retreat into myself and my home. I am almost afraid to go out expecting the worst. I find myself imaging my trips out and coming up with barriers that seem impassible. Being more disabled, at this time of my life, frustrates, angers and creates the sense of being LEFT OUT OF LIFE! In my attempts to adapt I find that others in my life must also adapt to my situation. And that is difficult to achieve and not seem needy or a problem. I know I have to change to make the changes and sometimes I just feel defeated.