There is a park, in Fresno, that has handicap access. There are swings for people who are in need of wheelchair access, and ramps and things to engage all of those children in need of a park that - isn't - like the others. A park that welcomes them.
Included in this park, are a maze and tunnel, which was made entirely with the enjoyment of visually impaired people in mind.
Fucking awesome, right?
Right.
For nearly 3 years, Gia and I have popped up at all kinds of parks and tried out hand at fun. Some days are quite a bit more successful than other days. Like with anything in this life, finding a fit is a welcome opportunity, but finding a fit when you really need that extra helping hand - is like christmas/easter/thanksgiving pie/valentine chocolates all rolled into one. I couldn't believe that there was this little treasure trove of play hiding in plain sight the whole time I was looking for every park, BUT, it.
...and then my child was pushed down the slide, meanly, by some brat with a forever-frowning mother encouraging him. Here she was, in the mecca of happiness and tactile love, and some little ass was ruining it.
A public park - a community park- for all kids to play on, but specifically made accessible to those with specific needs. I got it. I get It. I just thought it was fucked up that this absolutely able-bodied, wonderfully healthy little child was mowing down small happy-smiling-lovey-dovey kids with his impatience. And the kicker? When I smiled and said, "no no honey, we dont push others just because we want to go down the slide. We wait turns, and show kindness," I was greeted with a stern look from his mother, who rolled her eyes and encouraged her son to indeed come down the slide - AS my child was descending without her consent and still ON the slide.
I wanted to punch her in the small brain, and then slap her tiny insensitive heart.
Like a bus or BART, or train, or any other public space we must share..... it was open to any and everyone. But unlike those other public places, I noticed that a great many parents refused to extend the skill of a little common courtesy on to their children. The courtesy, that gets up for someone pregnant, elderly, or disabled, and lets them have the seat, because they might just need it more.
Gia moves well, and might appear to be just like all the other kids, which she is, only she cant see as well...or really...at all, but she was using her cane that day.
Insensitive, right?
can I get an amen?
taken: 3.29.10
posted 4.29.10 oi!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
day 88/365 + Oso De Oro
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1 talking to's:
I was guiding my deaf-blind student onto the escalator at the mall the other day, and a man behind us almost knocked him over to get on the escalator. I explained to the man that his white cane meant that he was blind, and his giant hearing aids meant that he had very limited hearing. My 19-year-old kid felt the man push and, after I said my peace, he signed "say, no pushing!"
I'm sorry Gia had to deal with that kid and you had to deal with that mother. The way you approached the boy was great, though. It'll help Gia advocate for herself in a polite, but direct way.
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