Travelling today. Airport security at the disabled line told me I can “just use these next time”, gesturing to the regular automated gates.
When I followed the accessible entrance, I found it was routed to come out into the general security area, with the big crowd that goes with it.
It seems the only difference is the wider gate, to fit a wheelchair.
Back at the entrance, I said to security, look I use this line because it’s usually separate. I get anxious in big crowds, and I can’t really tolerate it right now.
Security said to me, gesturing towards the hall: “look we have all these people right now, so we can’t have a separate place to keep it separate, because it would slow things down”
I told them “that’s why it’s an accommodation. Because it’s not the usual”. Security acted very put out, but did eventually help me out.
I don’t always have the spoons to fight. Many people I know never do. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have needs.
#InvisibleDisabilities are disabilities. The #sunflowerLanyard I wear isn’t for fashion, it’s to make that visible. People don’t always have the spoons to stand up.
I don’t have to convince you I have a disability. There’s more - a lot more - to accessible spaces than physical movement concerns. Your staff should be looking actively for ways to help, not waiting for people to take up a fight they might not be able to.
I’m ok. Decompressing in the bathroom because they don’t have a quiet spot.
