CLEAR SIGNAGE AND ELEGANT ACCESSIBLE DESIGN GO A LONG WAY
A restroom marked with bright and large accessibility signage says:
“You
belong."
"You
are welcome here."
"We want your business and will do our part to accommodate you.”
Kudos to
Charles de Gaulle Airport Paris for universal design that promotes
accessibility,
equity and inclusion.
OF AN INDIVIDUAL LIVING WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY
David Salet is now 32. He graduated from Miam-Dade College, then Florida International University – with a degree in public administration and political science.
In Miami, he interned at the County’s Americans with Disabilities Act Office and worked in politics.
His current work in Montana is largely focused on speechwriting and
communications for politicians that are progressive and believe in upholding
and expanding the myriad laws and social safety nets that allow people with
disabilities to live inclusive, productive, dignified lives.
OF AN INDIVIDUAL LIVING WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY
“Missoula is very progressive.
They do a ton of things for people with disabilities.
Even with the harsh winters, they keep the sidewalks and crosswalks clear.
You have to clear your sidewalk by early morning and if you don’t, the city cleans it and gives you a ticket.
That makes mobility possible,” she said.
“We are nature people.
We hike trails all over Missoula and greater Montana,” she said.
“Some are too bumpy, some are smooth and accessible to all. Glacier National
Park has tons of accessible trails and features and it’s only 2.5 hours’ drive
from us.”
OF AN INDIVIDUAL LIVING WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY
“With kids, the No. 1 thing you have to do with them is when they get upset about something because they are having a rough time doing it, is showing them there are options, different approaches to getting things done,” she said.
“Coddling, and
I did that for a while, is ignoring the hurdle.”
Two years
ago, after much research, Folgueiras and David decided to leave the urban
madness and bad air (the city’s humidity and choked traffic exhaust is very bad
for David’s respiratory issues and vocal cords) of Miami for Missoula, Montana.
OF AN INDIVIDUAL LIVING WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY
Traveling is big on their fun time list, but as anyone with SCI knows, it is difficult to move to a seat – often with risky assistance from poorly trained airline or ground crew prone to manhandle rather than assist a paraplegic person with care and dignity.
To this day, the family travels with a manual chair, because
airlines are infamous for destroying and even losing expensive, essential power
wheelchairs.
“Whomever is disabled, if they don’t have an advocate with a big mouth, they are in trouble,”
Folgueiras said, noting some salty language may slip into her
conversation with foolish waiters and other service people who either pretend
David is invisible, has the mind of the seven year old or will have his day
brightened by being patted on the head and patronized like a pet.
FOR OUR ADVOCACY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Thanks
Commissioner Manolo Reyes for recognizing our hard work including our creation
and team teaching of a groundbreaking course on Universal Design at the
University of Miami School of Architecture.
We were
humbled to be recognized in front of hundreds of our neighbors gathered at
historic William Jennings Bryan Park.
We appreciate
being recognized for a lifetime of work in public service, journalism, planning, education and
advocacy.
OF AN INDIVIDUAL LIVING WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY
Folgueiras also said that family members must remember that when they become a very hands-on caregiver, they cannot ignore their own disabilities.
As an epileptic, Folgueiras knew it was essential to maintain her health.
So she minimized the things that trigger seizures.
Although stress and sleep deprivation can be
aggravators, she found that the focus she put on managing her career –
balanced with David’s recovery/ongoing care – actually reduced her seizure episodes.
