I have no solutions for this dilemma - one I've
encountered frequently and never solved. As it is a
private home it is hard to make the same demands you
would on a public space. But the demand is on the
community too, which you are a part of. The nerve of
them scheduling it there. As I read your note a phrase
kept ringing in my head: Our welfare is your concern
(A reverse of the old ad campaign for ??? Your welfare
is our concern.)
Why does the burden have to be on us - Either to opt
out or make a fuss? Simi
--- John B Kelly <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> I was recently part of a department-wide invite to
> a book
> publication party. My adviser is one of the editors
> of a sociology
> anthology. I'm not sure what to do, and would like
> the wisdom of anyone
> who could respond. I use a power wheelchair, and
> would never get carried
> up steps.
> I'm ambivalent about the thing twice: not sure I
> really wanna go
> all that much, but maybe it would be good for
> networking, etc, since I
> might well teach in this field; secondly, I'm not
> sure whether I wanna
> make a deal over it (not sure I would go even if it
> were accessible, and I
> have that "what if" anxiety of "what if they switch
> locations and I end up
> not being able to go?"), but then maybe I
> should/have to, because of the
> exclusion ("We are sorry Mr. Negro [circa 1960 USA],
> but perhaps you could
> enter via the servants' entrance? Once inside, I'm
> sure you'll enjoy
> yourself")
> Any relevant experiences?
> Thanx,
> John
>
> Here's 2nd response from the RSVP person, with names
> removed.
> -----------
> John,
> I am sorry to report that there are stairs in
> both the front and back
> of [the host's] building. If we could help carry
> your chair up the
> stairs, we'd be happy to do so. Her apartment is
> all on one floor and
> very open (in the eyes of a person not in a wheel
> chair). I think it is a
> fairly accessible place once inside.
> I know that power wheelchairs vary greatly, so
> its your call whether
> yours can be carried in doors and whether you'd want
> that sort of assistance.
> [The host] asked me to apologize for the problem.
> [RSVP person]
>
>
=====
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Simi Linton
[log in to unmask]
212 580 9280 (phone and fax)
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