Tis The Season Of Not Being Invited To Events..

Hey guys - I wanted to start a discussion about this and get everyone's thoughts and experiences on this.
Summer is upon us and it's the season of BBQ's and outdoor events at the beach. How many of you have experiences where you (or your parter) are not invited to an event because of the lack of accessibility?
Sure, we all have those friends who always ensure that they plan events that are easy for someone in a wheelchair to get to. They always are sure to include us even If they know we cannot come, and don't even bother planning something that isn't accessible. Bless them.
But we ALSO all have those friends (or that friend) who do NOT include us in their plans because of the stress this causes THEM to include someone who has accessibility needs. Sometimes they just don't want to make the effort to plan something that takes PLANNING and thought. Sometimes they don't want to have any stress put on themselves when it comes to possibly having to help someone who needs assistance. Sometimes they just don't want to be bothered customizing their plans or even telling us about the event or gathering beforehand. Sometimes they want to go to a beach picnic and not have to worry about lifting a wheelchair over the sand. The reasons why can vary, but I am sure we have ALL had some experiences with this one time or another.
It breaks my heart when my husband isn't included in something because of lack of access or the planning that is needed. Sure, it may not be everyone else's responsibility to always plan something accessible, but it still hurts none the less. And the summer BBQ season seems to hurt the most.
What is everyone else's thoughts on this? How do you deal with this mentally?
- Brooke
Summer is upon us and it's the season of BBQ's and outdoor events at the beach. How many of you have experiences where you (or your parter) are not invited to an event because of the lack of accessibility?
Sure, we all have those friends who always ensure that they plan events that are easy for someone in a wheelchair to get to. They always are sure to include us even If they know we cannot come, and don't even bother planning something that isn't accessible. Bless them.
But we ALSO all have those friends (or that friend) who do NOT include us in their plans because of the stress this causes THEM to include someone who has accessibility needs. Sometimes they just don't want to make the effort to plan something that takes PLANNING and thought. Sometimes they don't want to have any stress put on themselves when it comes to possibly having to help someone who needs assistance. Sometimes they just don't want to be bothered customizing their plans or even telling us about the event or gathering beforehand. Sometimes they want to go to a beach picnic and not have to worry about lifting a wheelchair over the sand. The reasons why can vary, but I am sure we have ALL had some experiences with this one time or another.
It breaks my heart when my husband isn't included in something because of lack of access or the planning that is needed. Sure, it may not be everyone else's responsibility to always plan something accessible, but it still hurts none the less. And the summer BBQ season seems to hurt the most.
What is everyone else's thoughts on this? How do you deal with this mentally?
- Brooke
Your WAGS of SCI
(Elena and Brooke)
(Elena and Brooke)
Comments
Also when friends have a backyard bbq and have a pool. It will either not be accessible at all or I can get back their but not in the pool and just have to watch everyone. In times like those it does hurt a little and suck, but I guess it is what it is.
This is random haha but I was talking with my gf and said I wish there was a paralyzed community where we could live and all our neighbors has an SCI. That way we would all hangout, relate to each other, not feel left out and every house would be accessible... Just a funny idea haha.
@Zcollie I like your idea too!