Here are some examples of everyday activities that pose distance barriers. Let us know about others that you have experienced, and we will post them as well.
Picking Up a Serviced Car
You have taken your car in for servicing. When you return to pick it up, the cashier says, “It’s in space 87—just over there,” pointing to a space at least 150 feet from where you are standing. Your comfortable distance to walk, without sitting down to rest, is 50 feet.
What action could you take so that you walk no more than 50 feet?
- When you leave your car, say you will need it brought to the door when it’s ready
- Ask the cashier to have it brought to the door for you when you check out.
Signing-In for a Fitness Center
Picture yourself wanting to use exercise facilities that are close to handicapped parking, but you first need to walk across a 150 foot lobby to check-in (300 feet round trip). Your comfortable distance to walk, without sitting down to rest, is 50 feet.
What action could you take so that you could use the exercise facility but not walk too far?
- Take an advocate with you to explain the access barrier.
- Go directly to the Fitness Center & wait for staff to approach you.
- Arrange to sign in by cell phone.
Getting Wheelchair Assistance at an Airport
You have asked for wheelchair assistance at the airport, and staff tell you to hop on a cart. You know from experience that the cart will let you off at an elevator or escalator or 150 feet from seats near the jet way door. Your comfortable distance to walk, without sitting down to rest, is 50 feet.
What action could you take so that you walk no more than 50 feet?
- Ensure you are coded on the airline website as someone who needs more than a ride in a cart over long distances. You can do this by checking that you cannot climb stairs.
- Get to the airport early enough that you have time to insist on wheelchair, not cart, assistance.
- Insist on wheelchair assistance from check-in rather than a ride on a cart.
- Tell airport personnel that you cannot walk through security but need a pat-down.
- Remain on the cart and refuse to walk; ask the driver to find someone who will push you all the way to the gate or to pull in closer to the jet way door.