Over the last year, I worked as a freelance writer for Hamilton County Tourism. They reached out to me after reading some of my blog posts and columns and asked if I would be interested in writing a series called “Know Before You Go.” Together, we mapped out different public spaces around Hamilton County where I would visit throughout the year to explore accessibility. After each experience, I write a blog post for their website for people that value “know before you go” knowledge.
Most people go about their day and make plans without giving any thought to many things that those of us with disabilities have to think about. There is so much we need to know before we go to a place that is outside of our home, where we know just how things are.
Of course, I am only doing these write-ups from my perspective based on my disability, so it is not a one-size-fits-all, but it does give a good overview of what many with physical disabilities may need to know about before they go to a place.
Some of the things I am looking for when I visit are accessible parking, access into the building, accessible buttons to open doors, elevator access if there are stairs, accessible restrooms, and wheelchair accessibility – to name a few things.
Our columnist has been working with Hamilton County Tourism to keep visitors and residents alike in the know, particularly regarding accessibility around the county. (Photo provided)
More times than I would like to admit, I have opted out of experiences that I would have liked to enjoy with family and friends because of the anxiety I feel when visiting a new place, where there are many unknowns. It is a very uneasy and anxiety producing feeling when I am visiting a new place not knowing if my basic needs will be met.
When my kids were younger, it was heartbreaking to head out on a family adventure only to realize that I would have to sit out because a place was not accessible. That was difficult not only for me, but for my kids as well. It was hard for them to understand. My husband and I had an agreement that we would keep those experiences as seamless as possible for our boys, and they would continue without me without it being too much of an interruption for them. That didn’t mean it was any less disappointing to us though. Those times sitting alone, waiting for them to finish their activity, were heartbreaking and frustrating for me.
There are still many places that exist that are not accommodating or accessible for people with disabilities. It is hard to describe how it feels to show up to a place and find out, in real time, that place cannot accommodate your needs. Being excluded in that sense is tough. Feeling ostracized is painful. Feeling rejected is isolating. A lifetime of these types of scenarios takes a toll on one’s mental health.
If you hear others talking about the importance of inclusion and making changes to make an experience more inclusive for someone with a disability, I urge you to stop and really listen. Think about if it was you or your loved one who needed these accommodations and finding out you can’t participate in normal activities and are forced to turn around and go home or miss out because of those societal limitations. After a prolonged period of these experiences, you start to lose your zest for wanting to experience new things.
When HCT reached out to me about this position, needless to say, I was overjoyed at the idea. Last year, I visited a few downtown areas, Colts Training Camp, The Palladium, Ruoff Music Center, Symphony on the Prairie, and a few more places. I am excited to say that my adventures around Hamilton County will continue this year.
It has been encouraging to visit these different places. In speaking with others, I have realized that often they are unaware of some of the small changes they could make to promote inclusivity. Most are willing to make necessary changes. It is a step in the right direction. One small voice can bring about change. Never underestimate the power of one.
For more information, or to read about my “Know Before You Go” experiences so far, you can visit their website at visithamiltoncounty.com.
Until next time …
Amy Shinneman is a former National Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, disability blogger, wife, and mom of two boys. You can find her blog at humblycourageous.com and reach her on Instagram @ashinneman.
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