Thanks (from a seated position)

[inkandchaos.livejournal.com]

This year was my first time using a mobility scooter to get around the con, and frankly, after previous postings on this comm by disability-hostile people, I was more than a little apprehensive about it. I'm pleased to report that my worries were, largely, unjustified.

I'd like to thank the people who yielded the right of way to me in crowds, whether it was from courtesy or a fear of being run over by the scooter; either way, it was much appreciated! I'd like to thank the vendors in the dealers' room and art show who were only too happy to provide a little extra assistance, all the people in all the elevators who crowded together and made room for me to board. The staffers who held open a stretch of space on Peachtree for wheelchair and scooter-bound parade viewers. The congoer in the Disability Services line on Thursday who took it upon himself to help con staff by finding chairs, distributing line numbers and keeping us all posted on registration progress. In short, everyone who saw someone with a disability, be it me or someone else, and did their best to make things a little easier for us. Believe me - it makes a huge difference!

In return for that goodwill, I did my best to be a "good congoer" myself - to keep moving with the flow of traffic and not obstruct anyone, and avoid knocking into anyone DESPITE the fact that rented mobility scooters are not always the easiest things to control, and certainly do not stop on a dime. Y'know, common courtesy. What goes around comes around...

It's good to know that even if my current poor health continues to decline, I don't have to give up Dragoncon the way I've had to give up so many other things in my life, and it's really good to know that the hostility and resentment toward the disabled as voiced by a few is NOT the prevailing attitude amongst DCers. Thanks for that. :)

Comments

[hlnies.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear that everything went so well for you!

[sabrina-pandora.livejournal.com]

Everyone I met on a scooter (and I met a few) were good natured, happy to be there and fun with one exception, who apparently was a volunteer (thus I do not count her as a congoer). Every scooter pilot I met was easy to work with and had a great sense of humor, and they were a joy to travel with. Thank YOU for your participation!

[cheriedcds.livejournal.com]

I second the thanks to the blond gentleman who was not Disability Services or Con staff who helped us out for several hours on Thursday evening. You are welcome to join my staff anytime! I saw you on the escalator in the Hyatt at one point, but you were going down and we were going up, so I couldn't get your name. THANK YOU!

cherie
Disability Services

[arirobin.livejournal.com]

Everyone that I dealt with that had a scooter was very polite and most everyone that I personally saw deal with them was also. There are always exceptions, but the majority were all very courteous towards each other. The only time that I was nearly "run down" was by a guest on a scooter. And I even said after her that an "exuse me" would have gone a long way.

[dustagorn.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, our opinions are often based on the few who represent the rude side. As much as I'm sure you were concerned about there being jerks, I can assure you, I was concerned about those who think their scooter grants them the right to be jerks. I can't tell you how many people honked their horn at me rather than politely ask me to step aside or go around if I happened to not see them while talking and walking with friends. There was a person in a scooter who literally sped and cut me off as I was entering the elevator. While this is easily the very minority, these instances make me wary of disabled. I don't appreciate the attitude that some have wherein being disabled makes you above reproach.

That said, I'm glad you were able to enjoy the con and that people were respectful. My close friend, Mel is suffering from ALS and is stuck in her chair, so I am glad to hear it was a good experience for you.

[inkandchaos.livejournal.com]

I also have a friend Mel who is suffering from ALS. The coincidence is staggering. Are you doing the Walk in November?

[dustagorn.livejournal.com]

I really wish I could, unfortunately I live in Chicago. I do what I can and try to donate when possible.

[braidedmane.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you had a good experience. I have difficulty with the crowds because I'm short and can't see over heads, and I'm lucky enough to be fully mobile--I can't imagine what navigation would be like from a sitting position.

Generally, I find that the D*C crowd is very friendly and willing to lend a hand whenever I've needed it. The geekdom protects its own :)

[jackwabbit.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad to see this post. I had a wonderful con, too, and encountered little to no rudeness from anyone. I'm on my own two feet, but I'm sick to death of folks complaining about the minority of peeps that make problems.

All in all, I think everyone, from congoers to football fans, behaved very well and made for a wonderful weekend.

I'm so glad you had a similar experience.

[wynnegruffyd.livejournal.com]

This was my 3rd year using a scooter at DCon and it was by far the best experience yet. I try to be very conscious of the fact that some people just don't see those of us lower to the ground and will step in front of a scooter before they realize it. I have always tried to keep the speed on turtle and keep my distance so I don't run over toes or bump into someone. These scooters don't stop on a dime or sometimes even stop when you let off the "gas". Pretty much everyone I met or had to deal with were very courteous and willing to help me get on elevators or move aside so I could pass (dealers room, exhibit halls, etc.). Occassionally there is the person in a rush who wants to jump in front or rush around a scooter and then when he/she gets bumped make a rude comment. I tend to just say excuse me and go on. Thank you to all who held elevators, showed me to service elevators in the Hyatt, asked others to move aside, took the time to converse with me as I waited in those panel lines, etc. All in all, it was a fantastic con for me.

[ladytalker13.livejournal.com]

I'm glad getting around was smooth for you. I tend to do what a mother-figure in my life taught me when I was young: when I see someone with a challenge, help them if I can, or say a prayer of thanks that I am able to help them... and I hope your health remains stable enough for you to enjoy many more cons!

[senselessviolnz.livejournal.com]

We went back-and-forth on getting a scooter this year, but ultimately decided against it. If my mobility worsens by next year, we may have to lay out the cash.

If that happens, I promise not to text while driving the scooter, as I saw someone doing on Monday (seriously, WTF?).