By: Sarah

Sarah
Tue, 28 Apr 2015 18:20:12 +0000

Spoonydoc
Perhaps your specific case is an exception. But in general terms being confined to a wheelchair is by far more restrictive access wise than walking. I know from my own personal journey and of those I personally know, access is more restrictive when one is dependent on using a wheelchair.

Steps/Stairs to private houses are not moot. I take it you have never heard of people having disabled parking spaces assigned to their private homes. And there are also many businesses operated out of private homes. Not to mention social visits/gatherings. There’s really no difference if your going out for dinner at a restaurant or a friend/relatives home. In both cases your accessibility needs are the same.

Your own admission that cars are not necessary and only a convenience to use pretty clearly shows distance itself is only a convenience factor. There are many people that will use different types of mobility aids based on distance. Many people for example will use a power wheelchair or scooter for long distances but get by just fine with a cane, walker or no aid at all in their homes. The reason they do choose different mobility aids for different situations is purely a convenience one. No one wants to drag around a mobility aid if they don’t need to. But when it is necessary they are willing to put up with the inconvenience. Notice the “convenience” theme here surrounding distance?

As far as distance being a physical barrier we’ll just have to agree to disagree. In parting I’ll leave you will a couple definitions according to Merriam-Webster:
Physical – having material existence
Barrier – something material that blocks or is intended to block passage

Do you think open space (distance) has anything to do with the above definitions?