Special facilities...I don't think so.

         Disabilities, we hear a lot about the disabled, and their needs in this modern world. Now, there are all sorts of facilities for the disabled, aren't there. Mmmmm, well there are supposed to be. Except, if you do have any kind of mobility issues, then there are never enough. Despite what it looks like to those not affected. As with many topical issues, when something gets rammed down your throat too often, many of us become inured to it. Too often I know, if you look around you, as a ordinary person, it seems you are always tripping over 'disabled 'this, or that. Parking spaces, special ramps, changing rooms, wheelchair facilities, in fact the whole equal opportunity thing. In a busy world, it can perhaps, seem like overkill. Of course, the less advantaged need all the daily help they can get. It's already difficult enough for them to have a normal life.

       Opportunities, right down to job opportunities. It was actually publicised in the papers today that more disabled people that ever before have found work. Well, not too sure who they are talking about there. Perhaps the people (they say) have been sitting on the disability benifit from the government, without true cause! Supposedly, now being told they can no longer continue being paid, and must therefor find employment. Because of recent government cutbacks in benefits, and new rules applied. I may be wrong, but I doubt they are talking of the bone fide wheelchair bound, or blind, or otherwise. I don't expect we shall know the full truth there.

         More important, I believe, is the lack of proper facilities, and the misuse of the same. For example: There is a new swimming pool, and spa in the area I live. With a pool (too small) and common changing rooms, unisex. All very open to serious misuse, in my view. Or, perhaps I am really out of touch with modern needs, and habits. Despite my thoughts on this, for the whole town facilities, there are several open showers, in view of the pool. Apart from those, two more, private showers are near the individual changing cubicles, and lockers. Only these two, are large enough for wheelchairs, only one has a fold down chair as needed. These are the only two suitable for the disabled to have room, or privacy. Or, offers any kind of stability during showering, and/or dressing. As neither cubicle has the disabled logo on the door, it's difficult for the disabled to get in to use either. 

       I have seen several incidents where either children, or perfectly fit young women, have taken up residence inside. Without fear, or worry what anyone else thinks. One such woman actually became very vocal with a disabled lady, who waited to go inside today. On being told it was for the disabled because of the chair, she aggressively told the woman 'are you the one been banging on this door to get in?' When she replied 'no', she said, 'well someone was. So I just thought sod it!, and stayed in here'. As the woman had only her towel, and others said she was in there some ten, fifteen minutes, I can only assume she sat on the chair, and relaxed there. Whilst others constantly needed to get in, and tried the door! What a slap in the face for those less able.

         Don't you think that's an amazing attitude? Why are such people so selfish, and uncaring. Do they not care at all about how the more disadvantaged manages. They can't, can they. She was, at the most thirty five, slim, and fit. As well as, I may say, being very vocal, and aggressive. She did everything except snap her teeth at people, just like the angry dog she imitated. As I said, more than once this week, what goes around, comes around. In other words, what she gives out, will come back to her. I don't ' ill wish' anyone, but I find, I do hope she finds out what it feels like to need help, and meet uncaring people, like herself, who just don't care! Karma, as they used to say.

          Of course, it's not an isolated incident, the very same day, and many times before, I have seen the young, and fit using the only ground floor toilet, for the disabled, whiles old, and disabled waited. They take the parking spaces too, but less often because those cars get fined. There is no one around to police the toilets, or changing rooms or the like. Is that what we need to do? Issue everyone with special needs a card to say so. Like the disability card for the car. To make life even more difficult for those people, than it already is. 

          Therefor, we have too few facilities available, but more importantly, the ordinary members of the public are ignoring who they are meant for. Too many fit, and healthy individuals use anything they choose, and think nothing of it.

            So, the next time you are out, if you notice anyone using something they have no right to use, please bring it to their, or someone else's attention. As the disabled person waiting, may be unable to stand up to them. May be at a loss to know how to cope with it. I know, I have seen it. If you see someone struggling, unable to manage, please help. Perhaps we need everyone to take a course on the proper behaviour. To be caring, and respectful of others, less lucky than they.

            Or, if, far worse, you are one of the people using what you like, ignoring any other considerations, then please stop! Be sensitive, be caring, and be careful because......

            KARMA......WILL GET YOU !