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| everymondaymatters.com |
FACTS
1 in 6 people aged 5 and older, 54 million people, have a non-institutionalizing disability.
25 million disabled are of an employable age.
78% want to be employed, but only 33% have a job.
Disabilities are more often acquired from accidents, illnesses, or late-emerging effects of genetics than by congenital disorders.
Not all severe disabilities can be seen with the human eye.
Over 15% of the cars parked in a handicapped parking space are parked illegally.
TAKE ACTION TODAY
Show respect to the disabled today.
Don’t park in a handicapped parking space or use handicapped plates or placards illegally. Designated parking for the handicapped is a necessity for them, not an opportunity for you to save yourself a few steps.
Don’t use handicapped bathroom stalls unless you’re handicapped. A handicapped person’s need to use the restroom may be just as urgent as yours, and it often takes them longer to prepare to use the facilities.
Drive cautiously and courteously. When you see a handicapped license plate, slow down and show consideration rather than tailgating or honking.
Help people who need assistance by opening a door, rolling a wheelchair up or down an incline, carrying shopping bags, or offering an arm in challenging weather conditions or on uneven walkways.
YOU MATTER
The majority of people with disabilities want to be totally integrated into all aspects of society. With more awareness, respect, and helpfulness, you can make someone’s life a little bit easier. People don’t plan on getting disabilities, but it happens every day. One day, that disabled person may even be you.
Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time. For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/
Thank uou for sharing this wonderful remnder.
ReplyDeleteYes, thank you, Coreen!!!!!!!!!! I am one of those people you mention. I have a handicapped liscense. The other day, all the handicapped parking spots were taken. A few minutes later, I saw a young healthy woman run to her truck that was parked in one of those handicapped spots!!! I was steamed, but said nothing. And this has happened more than once. How I wish the police were around when this happens. I think that these people assume there will be no handicapped people needing to park there till they return, but there are lots of us!!!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, Coreen. I have a good friend who has MS. She is in a wheelchair... When we went on a trip with her one year, I was shocked at how little attention was paid to people in wheelchairs. This was several years ago --and I do think it has improved some. BUT--we still have a ways to go before handicapped people are truly treated with respect.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
Hugs,
Betsy
Luckily, living in a Scandinavian country, I am proud to know that those that are disabled are well taken care off and their disabilities are respected. The society makes sure that they can have as normal life as possible. We pay high taxes, but I am happy to do so when I know that the infrastructure and social benefits are in place.;)
ReplyDeleteLovely and important thoughts as always dear Coreen,
xoxo
And if you're having trouble understanding Ms. Coreen spend one day in a wheel chair. WONDERFUL reminder Coreen. I use to hate having to explain why we design for handicap people.
ReplyDeleteJules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
Yes! I know one person who had her mother get a 'replacement' handicap parking pass for her own vehicle and uses it all the time! We've 'discussed' this issue and she doesn't care! She has NO respect for the disabled and has an attitude of 'entitlement'! No getting through to her & one of the many reasons I don't want to be friends with her. Which she also doesn't understand!
ReplyDeleteI also had a 'friend' back home that made a nasty statement about my 'Asperger' son going to a special pre-school. I told her I hoped she thanked God everyday for having children who didn't have struggles and special needs. That woman also didn't 'get it' and still doesn't. She has a 'poor me', society's not fair attitude. Oh my...... (head shaking...)
I totally agree with you coreen, a well written post and one more people should read.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Many peole do park wrong, thinking that if they stay in the car they won't get a ticket.A store I go to has 2 places marked for expectant moms or new moms and many use these wrong which is rude also. It can be tough carrying someone in.
ReplyDeletegreat post i have worked closely with disabled individuals they deserve respect and dignity. thanks rose
ReplyDeleteI used to see a lot of that happening around here some years back but it seems to have improved greatly. Now it's rare to see handicapped parking spots being used by able-bodied drivers. I agree though, that there is a ridiculous sense of entitlement among so many, these days. It's shocking, sometimes. Great post.. good reminders.
ReplyDeletebeautiful as usual...post with a purpose... thanks for sharing this ....
ReplyDeleteGreat post - we have several in our family who need and have needed the handicapped parking spots. I do, however, use the raised toilet in the bathroom. I think many seniors do. After my knee surgery I find it is much easier to use and there has never been someone in a w/c waiting when I got out. Thanks for creating a greater awareness to show deference to one another!
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