Heres a situation. Im curious how others would react. Youve been hanging out all day at a sound check, even though the ramp was removed, youve been on stage a few times, its pretty obvious you use a wheelchair, because 2 guys carry you up the stairs and onto the stage in your wheelchair...at no time during the day did you pass for being someone who can walk. Now, Its show time, youre heading to the stage, the 2 guys who helped you during sound check are getting ready to help you up the stairs when security stops them. Initially the security person does not address you, he speaks to the able-bodied person as if you are not there. He refuses to let you on stage, until the he contacts the head of security. The head of security shows up and says you cant go on the stage, because youre in a wheelchair. (gives insurance as his excuse). You try to talk to him, you say youre in the band, you offer to sign a release, but he keeps saying calm down when you are calm, you just have to project your voice to be heard over the music. When hes asked what solution he proposes, he suggests carrying you onstage, in front of a full auditorium, and sitting you in a chair and then removing you in the same way (all the while leaving your wheelchair, which is like a part of your body, off stage and out of your reach). When thinking about it, keep in mind that you are constantly overcoming obstacles that dont really have to be there. This is a real situation. It happens to me. I wont say how I handle it or how it makes me feel. Im truly curious about other perspectives. I want to step outside my point of view. Is the security guy right? Is it unreasonable to expect stage access when youre in the band and you use a wheelchair? Would it upset you? Frustrate you? Would you keep it to yourself or would you share it in hopes of enlightening able-bodied people? Would you rip this guy a new one, because you feel like this guy thinks that the crippled guy cant think for himself? Would it affect your mindset in performance, maybe distract you? Would it make you angry, feel isolated? If this kind of thing happens too often, would you give up and stop trying to perform or would you continue to fight the power even though it feels like youre fighting alone? Thanks in advance for your sincere thoughts. I know this is long. Thanks in advance should you have the time to think about it and respond. Have a great day!!
Posted on: Mon, 28 Jul 2014 15:55:25 +0000
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