As we all get inspired by watching the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, I had to ponder what is life like for the disabled out there.
After doing a bit of research it seems Rio's pavements are not steeped in gold for the disabled, but mostly rather large holes, cracks and no dropped curbs. According to reports there is legislation in place for disabled access but this does not get enforced.
The wealthy and middle class disabled do well, as they have people to look after them in their own homes, its the poor and struggling who find it the most difficult to get around the city. Worse still in a recent poll 80% of the disabled in Brazil didn't feel respected by citizens. That view accounts for the lack of work given to people who cannot walk and seen as different to what society terms normal.
Now come to Great Britain and although yes we have our own problems at times. London for instance is a lot better, dropped curbs, access to transport and jobs. I once joked with my company, saying "I will be disabled you could win award's with me in work now". Here in GB some of us get the chance to receive benefit from the government to help us travel and live, in Rio that doesn't happen.
So the Paralympics begin shortly after the Olympic Games in Rio, I wonder what life will be like out there for our athletes? How they will be welcomed? Will they get stuck on the pavement like their own citizens?.
Coming soon, when I have my operations I will be stuck in a wheelchair for a time, and I will report on what life is like as a truly disabled person getting around town. It's going to be an inspiring experience one I hope I can make a full recovery and learn from, and help others in the process. I have a feeling I may find that our country in part is just as bad as Rio.
After doing a bit of research it seems Rio's pavements are not steeped in gold for the disabled, but mostly rather large holes, cracks and no dropped curbs. According to reports there is legislation in place for disabled access but this does not get enforced.
State of pavement in Rio
Now come to Great Britain and although yes we have our own problems at times. London for instance is a lot better, dropped curbs, access to transport and jobs. I once joked with my company, saying "I will be disabled you could win award's with me in work now". Here in GB some of us get the chance to receive benefit from the government to help us travel and live, in Rio that doesn't happen.
So the Paralympics begin shortly after the Olympic Games in Rio, I wonder what life will be like out there for our athletes? How they will be welcomed? Will they get stuck on the pavement like their own citizens?.
Coming soon, when I have my operations I will be stuck in a wheelchair for a time, and I will report on what life is like as a truly disabled person getting around town. It's going to be an inspiring experience one I hope I can make a full recovery and learn from, and help others in the process. I have a feeling I may find that our country in part is just as bad as Rio.
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