I made a suggestion to Amazon that they make it possible to request lower lockers when asking for delivery to a locker. They did it within months. A great result. I didn't complain, just pointed out an issue and suggested a solution. I am always glad when companies listen.
You were right to point it out. Most people don't see it. They don't mean to block the access of others. It takes training. It takes retraining. This happens with bikes on ramps, packages blocking access, and so on. Keep doing what you know to be right. Thank you for your hard work!
Since I'm an ambulatory wheelchair user, I know any curb around my home and gave his/her names. Before, I don't even recongnize curbs. That's how perspective changes if you are disabled. I wish, people without disability would believe us, if we report struggles. Even if they cannot understand the problems a hundred percent.
Exactly! It would be so wonderful if people just TRUSTED us when we say we struggle with something, no matter if they understand why or how. I've lived with severe mental illness for 20 years now and even though no one can understand exactly how I feel about difficulties, if they just trusted my words when I say it's a struggle, it'd be so much easier. Because you're not only struggling with the thing, you're also accused of lying, exaggerating and seeking attention when you are honest about it being a struggle. Adding more weight to the problem. Just trust us! We know ourselves the best!
I have DEFINITELY shut my mouth in my industry (I'm an opera singer) in the past to avoid getting labeled as a diva complaining about something, when really I'm just advocating for my access needs and for those of others in operatic spaces! People really want disabled people to be the Inspirational Disabled Person so much that we're in the end expected just to smile and take any ableism, ignorance, or ab*se that comes our way - because we're only able to be inspirational to nondisabled folks if we "overcome" every single one of the barriers we face magically by ourselves, outside of nondisabled people's view. If we advocate, we're highlighting the problems within their view, and that doesn't jive with the Inspiration Disabled Person stereotype... which means we're being negative, just seeking attention, or complaining. (Not sure if that makes sense, the brain fog is REAL today!) Loved your Insta reel and shared it immediately when I saw it! So glad it got the virality it deserved! ✨
I've lost count of the times I've been told to stop complaining when I've been trying to highlight an issue. The worst was when I was when someone essentially told me I should start 'helping myself' before asking others to help, I tried explaining 'no, this issue exists because I can't, as you say 'help myself.' [in this specific situation]' I think a lot of it comes down to the fact that able bodied people see the issues we face as disabled people from their perspective. So it looks to them like we're making a mountain out of a mole hill. I have a friend who used to be able bodied, and would often be dismissive of the struggles I faced with my disability. Sadly, a few years ago something happened which left them with a disability remarkably similar to mine. He later apologised to me for his pre-disability attitude. I think what is needed in society is more empathy.
That happened to a friend of mine. She had a rare, sudden medical event while she was pregnant and almost didn't survive. She's now a quadriplegic and also has an immune disorder now. Her family hasn't "disowned" her, but they regularly plan things with no thought at all to accessibility and they refuse to mask or stay home if they're sick, even knowing how dangerous it could be for her.
We scare them. We are a slap in the face that says "this could be you" They don't like that. Or at the least they think we will 'make things difficult' for them, in some way, when we aren't even interacting with them
Once I had a store manager tell me I needed to pay for some damage the back of my motorized chair caused, when I was trying to get out. I told him sure, but first I would need to call the fire department as my chair is exactly the proportions required by fire safety regulations for businesses to stay open (which is true), and he would probably NEED MY money while he was closed down to get the clearance issues fixed so he could reopen, and I was really glad his sheet rock wall had not damaged my $10,000 motorized chair due to the required clearance not being in place, but that I should probably call the repairman to make sure.
I love your videos. I saw the other one about the packages. I have a table outside foe packages. My normal UPS driver and Amazon drivers are very helpful with packages. I took your catch phrase and made a sigh for on my door. "BE A CHAMP..DON'T BLOCK THE RAMP" I love your positive attitude and everything you do to bring awareness. THANK YOU.
I am not disabled but have 2 sons on the autism spectrum. I follow a few disabled youtubers and it has opened my perspective to different realities that I would not even have thought about before. We each live with our own perspective. Your content is important and it is not complaining when something we simply never had to think about (even within the disability community when the disabilities are not the same) would be easy to do and not take any kind of real effort for able bodied people to make your life easier. You are not asking for a head on a silver platter but to not create more obstacles.
I have no troubles with mobility, but I have followed a lot of disabled people on RUclips who have issues with mobility, and it's taught me so much. As a fellow disabled (mental disorders) I can so relate to the struggles with the non-disabled world, but with different things. We are all unique, and some have needs that I didn't think about before. I always take wheelchair users and blind people in consideration now, whereas before I was more oblivious. Just like I need accommodations for for my mental health, other people need it for mobility. I love learning from within the disabled community. We're all unique but still the same.
Weird thing is, I lived with my auntie and gran when I was a child, my auntie was in a wheelchair, so i was aware of a lot of the difficulties around it. But I was nowhere near knowing all the difficulties until finding myself in a wheelchair. Simple things too. You just don't think about them until you're confronted with them yourself. Even with an upbringing around a person in a wheelchair. So I can easily imagine healthy people not seeing or understanding the eventual problems.
I work in retail, and a department was having some building work done and this meant that some disabled bays was going to be removed and I argued the fact that your taking away disabled bays for colleagues and that they had to replace them as it’s discrimination as there is no access to the building for colleagues. So they have now added new bays and they have made exceptions the those which have a disability that they can use other entrances to the building
I’m so glad it went viral, it really is such an issue! The claiming that didn’t happen is the worst way to engage in conversation, it’s so frustrating.
I know exactly what you mean, I use both a stick and a wheelchair, its awful when things are just dumped in access routes, I usually get my foot caught, which causes my knees to slip and lock up, outcome = falling and being laid up for the day, on wheels its a major obstacle and not always moveable without help. Ablism sucks, but it happens, what those people who say nasty things don't realise is they are one accident away from permanent disability.
I saw a video that said that handicapped stalls in public bathrooms can be used by everyone, I wrote no it's not because disabled people who need access only have one stall available to them and non disabled people usually have several other options available to them. They responded that I should just get over myself and wait in line like everyone else. I have experienced staff/employees who are not disabled using the disabled stalls as a telephone booth and standing in the stalls talking on or texting on their cell phone. I have repeatedly reported this behavior to the manager on duty in public places like restaurants and stores.
As a less abled person living in West Sussex, I do hear some other disabled pople complaining a lot - BUT YOU DO NOT!.. your videos are always so positive and light and always a good watch and please Do No give a hoot about what others think or say - i know the comments can be very harsh sometimes - But your channel is a light-hearted and informative way of disability and getting everything WC and Disability and of course your travel vlogs, you have made me look into going to New Zealand and i booked to go in march 24!!.. keep doing an amazing job Gem! x
It's not complaining to talk about an issue that's negatively affecting us. Like my current bugbear of people charging electric cars and leaving the wires all over the pavement where they're a trip hazard.
They're less of a trip hazard if they are covered with one of those strips. So, if you do trip on one uncovered, there's blame. Your local authority's website might detail the policy in your area
@@icouldbewrongicouldberight even the strips aren't great. Often they're hard plastic. They're not always very visible and too often there's cable uncovered on part of the pavement. Often the covers aren't attached, so they're easy to kick out of place if you're like me and don't always lift your feet up. I've taken to unplugging them and leaving a note saying please do not trail wires over the pavement.
I’m not physically disables but Iv had people come & deliver parcel on the floor outside my house. Not only are there issues you brought up about trip hazards & fire risks but there’s also the issue of things getting wet. Plus putting something right in front of a front door could a an alert to people you are not in.
Keep raising awareness Gem, it does happen and has happened to me. I’ve now a card on my front door saying I’m a wheelchair user and to be patient as it takes me a little longer to answer/open the door.
So proud of you!!! For saying something, suggesting an alternative and wrapping it up in a bow of comedy and empathy! Legend, I'm really glad Amazon picked it up, that really is the goal. And if people didn't say anything about wrongdoings, nothing would change. Keep it up Gem!
My front door opens outward, and deliveries are are frequently left on the steps, leaning against the door. Worst are 100+ lb pet food deliveries, and fragile things. I can either push them back down the steps and hill, or go out the ground level door via an inside stair, up the hill and stairs (about 30 ft) move the items to the side of the door, go back down and up to the 1st floor porch bring them inside. Can't bring them in after i move to the side, since wrangling the door and parcels is difficult from below. Some parcel companies are very good (Amazon, grocery delivery, and the post), others are variable. I do have signs on the doors and steps, notice with delivery services and on the labels. I realize that drivers are under pressure on rounds, but my last pet food delivery was left in the ditch at the end of the drive. So I sympathize. It's no fun lying in snow multiple times at below zero, hoping to have enough stamina to get back in the house to sit in the "warm" 40⁰ f basement. And then another hour or two getting bags inside. I know they may not realize how manageable just setting parcels to the side or reading the labels and signs would make my life. It amuses me that when I leave water by the "Help yourself. Please leave parcels right here." the water is gone and the parcels are still against the door.
I feel lucky I am not wheelchair bound at the moment, (I have been in the past) and I still struggle when something is just dumped on the doorstep. 1 thing able-bodied people may want to think about is that not only is it harder for people with disabilities but if a parcel is left on the doorstep its gonna get nicked!!
I get a lot of stuff from Amazon. They were leaving boxes on the floor outside my door and I could not pick them up. I left a polite sign on my door asking the delivery drivers to knock and place the package in my lap. They did not do this. So I placed a stool to the side of my door saying 'Amazon packages only'. This has worked. Then my housing association told me I could not have the stool outside my door as it is a fire risk! I made a complaint, and the only thing I heard is that they were waiting to hear back from the fire department. So I put another polite note for my housing association next to my stool. I am still waiting for the housing association to swipe my stool. Meanwhile, it really helps with the packages.
Oh yeah I've had thes issues with parcels to the point i got a keter box for parcels to go in but depending in the driver they still get left on the ramp. On the up side through my company I'm working with a developer who's wanting to make their office designs, warehousing building designs and their landsaping fully accessible for any disabled staff throughout and want to get it right from the planning stages.
I want to comment that I am a paraplegic, and I have kept things like this to myself and I have not spoken out about it for fear that I am complaining. I have many issues with my catheters and medical supplies when they are delivered, I have asked many times for the delivery service to bring them up the elevator and put them next to not in front of my door, and they have never been answered, so I just go down the elevator, lift heavy boxes onto my lap one of the time by myself go up the elevator and wheel them into my apartment. Thank you for this video
Congratulations on your viral video. Well done! 🙂 When I was campaigning for change in my community, I was surprised at the level of anger that one man directed at me - a man with a visible physical disability and one would think that campaigning for access would benefit him too - not sure whether it was being ableist or sexist (women aren't supposed to be loud and feisty but subservient to maintain the comfort of men!). During that campaign, I wanted to make a T-shirt with www. on the front ('whingeing woman in a wheelchair) to wear as an inside joke!
Happy holiday season to you and your family. Think you did a really good job of explaining the differences between complaining and advocacy efforts. You’re definitely right that a large part of the reason the general population doesn’t often take an interest in accessibility issues it’s because it doesn’t affect them directly and it’s only when Them self or someone they care about becomes a part of the Disability community and they pay more attention. Readaissing awareness and experience is the best way to help those not directly impacted by disability to you recognize the many ways in which are society is structured in an inaccessible way. Thank you for all you do.
This has happened to us. We have flat level entry to our bungalow - rather than needing a ramp, but all properties where I live are either occupied by elderly people or disabled people (or both!) and all local couriers know this. Most are great and don't block my front door. But some do. What is much worse though, is that when our wheeliebins are collected (large blocky UK bins / trash cans) they leave then ACROSS my front gate, more often than not!! This fully blocks me from being able to leave my front garden if my partner or daughter aren't home. No way I can move the bins in my chair as we have the extra large sized bins! I can't get past them. The council keep saying they will 'instruct' the staff collecting them, but it never changes. I'm now going to put BIG signs on the bins as my regular sized signs have done nothing. Not asking for special treatment, I'd just like to be able to get out and get to work, go shopping, just basically ANYWHERE ;)
I’m utterly astonished that people don’t believe it happens, it’s happened to me regularly. In one instance the delivery man was just legging away after leaving four new wheelchair batteries completely blocking my front door when I got home. When I asked him to move them he got quite angry and abusive and refused. It took three polite requests and me pointing out I was completely blocked from getting into the house to get him to do it and he flounced off with a face like thunder afterwards. I’m sure people without ramps also have their doorways blocked with parcels, putting them right at the door seems quite a common thing.
This happens in The US. All Times when I have to order a delivery I also put I use a wheelchair and also ask please don’t just leave packages n I say I have CASH TIP @ door also have a table next to ramp for them to leave packages on THANK YOU for your activism!!
I saw your ‘short’ the other day, and yes it’s a huge problem, though sometimes it’s unavoidable. People frequently leave parcels in my porch, but if they didn’t, they’d get rained on. My having a parcel shelf would help. I hate the idea of being that cripple who’s always moaning, but back in 2017 I was elected as a county councillor. I quickly realised that nobody else was advocating for people with disabilities within the council. So it was up to me to do it. Unfortunately, I lost my seat in 2022, so normal service has resumed 😢
I get the opposite of people thinking my life is awful. They think I have the life of Riley because I “don’t have to work”. I am not a “lady of leisure” either. This business of packages being left on the doorstep really annoys me!! Last week I had a new wheelchair cushion cover left on the doorstep by a disability aid/equipment company. I was in at the time, at the back of my house, and they hadn’t even rung the doorbell to let me know! Even Amazon or a courier or anywhere else I order from don’t walk off and leave packages on the doorstep without ringing the doorbell to let me know! Most people ring the doorbell and wait for me to answer it but sometimes I’m left to struggle to lift it off the doorstep which is so dangerous! People don’t understand my annoyance at this. Not even family. None of these people ever think to themselves that anybody can become disabled at anytime. They don’t think it could happen to them. By the way I don’t enter and exit the house via the front door.
I complained to Parcel Force that, when I was out, they dropped a parcel at a Post Office that doesn't have step-free access. They said it was their policy. So I tried to suggest that maybe their policy needs to be updated so that they only use drop-off points that *do* have step-free access. They aren't even replying at this point, just... "This is our policy". A whole bunch of people who won't even acknowledge that their current policy is exclusionary, but it would be such a *simple* change to not only make them Equality Act compliant, but just have a touch of humanity. It's so frustrating. And, of course, even though I booked a redelivery, they didn't even do it! I waited in the whole day, and at 5pm they updated the tracking to say it was being returned to sender. Because I hadn't been able to pick it up. How have we gotten almost a quarter of the way through the 21st century, and not just people, but big businesses can *still* think this is okay?
Our postoffice has steps only. There is however a buzzer you may use, to grab staff's attention - seemingly was installed over a decade ago. I see a buzzer as a reasonable adjustment... Hth
@@icouldbewrongicouldberight even our sorting office isn't safe for wheelchair access, and has no alternative. It's not exactly accessibility friendly up north, especially not Royal Mail/Parcel Force
In late 2021, I had a delivery by the parcel delivery mob, Aramex, of a Kickstarter item. Aramex, instead of delivering the parcel, left me a card falsely claiming that they could not deliver the parcel as I had not answered the door when they 'tried' to deliver the parcel. They dropped off the parcel at their local parcel pick-up location, which is not accessible. Complaining via email to Aramex made absolutely no difference. As far as Aramex were concerned, the parcel _had_ been attempted to be delivered, and any lack of access to their parcel collection point was up to me to figure out. I contacted the Kickstarter seller as they, being the parcel sender had the contractual relationship with the delivery service to see that the parcel actually was delivered. The seller was able to get Aramex to finally actually deliver the parcel, after about 3 weeks of email back and forwards. Bloody frustrating is a quite mild description of how I felt regarding the issue.
I constantly have this issue people leaving packages in my doorway. it drives me crazy. also being told oh its just 5 minutes down the road arghhh I use a w.a.v. which is amazing but it takes me around 15 minutes to get into my car and then again out of it the other end adding 30 minutes to my just popping down the road. being disabled or differently able just makes it harder and takes way longer to achieve even basic things. so guys please stop and think.
Let others complain, but it's important for those with mobility changes to make their life better, which includes making changes in the public sphere. Unless it occurs to the person, people tend not to think about it or dismiss it. I haven't had the experience of the complainers where I live in New York. The opposite, in fact. But if someone does complain, I will give them the Brooklyn salute and add a few choice words.
if you think about it, it's not just a safety issue for those with disabilities! If there is an emergency, say a fire for example and someone has to get out quickly, how is someone supposed to do so if there are boxes, especially heavy ones, in front of their door! One thing that I have been dealing with lately is that I live in an apartment building and even though I put my unit number with my delivery address and put an extra note asking them to deliver it directly to my unit, some delivery drivers still leave my packages in the lobby. I let it go if it's small packages, but for large/heavy packages, I can't get them up to my unit being in a wheelchair
I became the pariah of the village at one point because I pointed out a local place that I had gone to to use a afternoon tea for 2 voucher had done well to think about wheelchair access but it was a real shame that theirs ramps were wood, home made, no idea of weight limit & far too steep. Owner outed herself, I had not actually said where it was then moaned that I were making her place look bad! I were simply trying to say to other businesses check the regulations so you dont waste money on ramps that could be dangerous & could end up getting you sued if someone has an accident. Nope I were a complainer & should just appreciate the dangerous ramp that I had the sense not to use.... we sat outside & got hounded by wasps instead
i am a complainer, even before having my life restricted its my nature, when people hear all of what has happened to me they are surprised that i can still walk.
It's so important to speak up no matter the ignorant people in this world. The world should be accessible and you have every right to use your voice to promote change ❤
I also feel like defensiveness does kick in for non-disabled people just like everyone gets defensive in certain situations. Like the idea is that we’re all dealing with something and slogging through life, so it feels like a personal attack sometimes on someone doing their best. Like “Why should I be expected to look after everyone else and be 100% politically correct, when I’m just trying to survive myself?” I feel like in the society we’re in, everyone is on the defensive about themselves because we’re all trying to prove we’re doing our best and not actively trying to hurt anyone else.
I live in Windsor locks Connecticut, and my HOA is refusing to put a ramp in even though I’m handicapped disabled. I have a regular wheelchair, and a motorized scooter. They’re refusing to shovel my shed which holds my scooter in it in wheelchair, and they’re refusing to put a ramp in in front of my house. I don’t think they can do that! 😢
That was a great video! Be a champ leave it off the ramp! All delivery and post office workers should see this video. Its not complaining its educating...someone may not have even realised as its not their reality...once shown..they are able to make changes! 😊
My response has been for the last 30 years has been; just remembered that we are part of the only minority group you / they could become a member of on your way home while at work or on a day/ night out or even in your sleep!
Obligatory "I live in the US" : I've had Door Dash drivers get irritated with me for asking them to use a specific door at my house. They didn't even bring the food to a door at all. They actually watched me hobble down the steps, instead of coming to me. Then had the absolute audacity to complain about how hard their job is. Well then, don't do it. Especially if you can hardly be bothered to leave your car for a delivery. Save it for someone who will read & follow simple instructions.
Whenever i act like myself and because i dont have a filter between my brain and my mouth everyone thinks im odd and weird and tell me to shut up or get lost away from them but they dont get i have adhd and Asperger's syndrome and then top it all off i have mental and through my own journey i created a Spotify playlist called Survival music and i share whenever I can because i made it for those who aren't doing ok physical, mentally and emotionally to keep going
we dont have a ramp, but most of the amazon delivery people leave packages on the doorstep without ringing the bell, even when you can clearly hear and see someone is home. so i go to step outside and almost trip or i squish the box with a crutch grrr
I made a positive comment on a TikTok video posted by a kitchen design company, congratulating them on their unique built-in step stool in a kitchen cabinet & suggested that they may want to consider adding a safety rail/grip to make it easier & safer for disabled,l people, elderly, & children to use. Instead of thanking me for my input or saying nothing at all, they responded with a joke video showing that if a user wanted more stability they should drag out a large metal step stool with a safety rail & place it next to their folding step stool and included a laughing emoji to mock me. What followed next was about six months of daily nasty comments from others telling me to "shut up", stating that disabled people should stay out of the kitchen, or saying that disabled/older people are not entitled to request accessibility. It was a real eye opener just how much people of all ages, races, and backgrounds in the US actively hate people with disabilities and older people. Sad really. And it's not as though I was rude in my comment or made demands. It was positive feedback to make their already helpful product more accessible. Here's the thing...almost everyone on earth will experience temporary or permanent disability due to illness, injury, surgery, or age at some point in their lives. Creating products that serve the needs of a wide range of disabilities makes those products more useful to a larger audience throughout their entire lives. When public spaces and home products serve the needs of disabled people, they will still work for able bodied people too and take nothing away from able bodied people. Everyone wins when things are more accessible to everyone.
Yay! I finally am seeing one of your videos near the time you post it! Yay!!! Love your videos! That commenter seems to be one of those people who would say something like, "Why don't you just get up and walk," just really stupid. I always wonder what those people would say to a precious small child born with no legs.
I see the packagevideo as an example and as such it illustrates that diabillity is a hidden challange to many. Living in a flat it is not allowed to put out something in the hallway, like a table, so when big boxes arrive I cannot go out or in. I always leave a remark to use the bell, they dont unless I need to sign for the delivery. Complaining is a repeated nagging when one has not done something to change the situation (in my mind) so information and suggestions to solve the problem will be more welcome I hope. I do hope your channel will spread nice suggestions to problems and call out for ideas from other disabled people, we could come up with betterment ... to all
I don't understand even I struggle with packages I don't usually roll out (we don't have ramps) and bunch of times the packages get STUCK and I couldn't open the front door!!! I had to go out through our garage and go outside to get the package out from the front door 💀 I don't understand this benefits everyone 😭 Disabled people are the world's largest minority yet people just don't realize how inaccessible the world is. 1 in 4 people are disabled for example in the US alone it blows my mind how narrow minded people are 😭 It reminds me of this public restroom today that was SUPER accessible but... It had a ledge to get in. 😳 I don't know who to talk to or what to see what I can do because I've never seen such an accessible restroom there was even a bench and the disabled toilet was nice. 🤦♀️ (I'm an ambulatory wheelchair user but today I happened to be using my walking stick because it was a short distance I didn't even have my wheelchair I knew I wasn't going far)
Hello ! Can I make a suggestion? starting at 6:41 there are sample comments. However, they do not appear in the transcript or subtitles and therefore I do not have access to them. Would it be possible to think about it in the future? I know it requires extra work but I would really appreciate it. And about what you say at 8:50 “We just want equality and we want to be listened to.” I would love to submit a story to you and get your opinion (but it's too long to post in comments).
Thank you for letting me know about the sample on screen comments. I’ll see what I can do. Due to my dyslexia I have some help which I pay for myself, and leaves me out of pocket. But. I will definitely try my best.
I too am disabled. I use a walker and a scooter chair. If you aren't disabled, you don't understand stand disability issues. I had to complain to the police and to the street department here in the States because the sidewalks are not usable by those who are disabled. If you just glance at them you would think they are fine. Try them in a walker or wheelchair and you will see the danger. You are not allowed to drive your wheelchair on the bike lane on the street. The police can give you a ticket. They gave me no solution except to wait till the sidewalks need repair and then they will be made handicapped accessible. That can take years. Try opening heavy doors in a wheelchair. Not fun. You have a harder time because you need to use both hands to wheel yourself through the door. I never realized the problems handicapped people face till I became one.
Here in the States and probably all over the world, there are simple solutions to help disabled with everything from simply moving around to traveling like everyone else, but the non disabled just don't want to deal with it. We are talking simple changes and if disabled don't voice the issues nothing will get done. Perfect example is airplane travel. The airlines damage handicap devices almost daily. The devices are not only expensive, but some are customized based on the need of the person using it. They damage the item that helps the disable to be mobile. Over 6 years ago a company created a seating device where seats could be moved and a handicapped wheelchair could occupy that space which would not only help the handicapped, but would cut down on damaged equipment, BUT NOT ONE AIRLINE WILL USE IT! They prefer paying for damages. That makes me afraid to fly. I have heard so many horror stories of disabled people on planes and I depend on my walker. It is my legs. If I flew to England, I would have to worry about my walker being damaged and how to get around due to the underground not having lifts in most places and basically having to maneuver where the disabled have no access. I can't do stairs or steps. So would the hassle be worth the trip? Handicapped is a minority so who cares that we don't have access? I am actually no longer going to amusement parks over here because of the parks attitude toward disabled.
Whether I’m using my WC or forearm crutches, obstacles are, at the very least, annoying and worse, potentially dangerous!! Luckily, we have our regular postal deliverer and Amazon drivers trained as to where to leave packages so they aren’t a hazard to me. That restaurant looked really cool with the conveyor belt carrying food. And the live orchestra with the movie. I’ve never seen anything like that around here. I’ll have to BOLO next holiday season for one. For some reason I always feel a bit motion sick watching videos taken in the car. Probably because we drive on the opposite side of the road. Not saying either country is right or wrong, merely different. 😛
Gem, I have a question, is there a standard for disabled toilets? Since becoming a full time wheelchair user 3 years ago, disabled toilets seem to vary in size or it’s a shared space with baby changing facilities, sometimes freestanding units, which block access to the we.
I hate it when people jump on disabled people for things like this. Abled bodies people complain when they can't access things - which makes sense. Disabled bodied people are also allowed to complain when there is a problem. Complaints are how things get changed! I hate how there's this expectation that disabled people should just be grateful and not say when there's a problem. It happens to other marginalized groups too, and it's wrong
Hello. Not a wheelchair user but I do walk with a cane because I have really bad balance and mobility issues which makes walking difficult. Whenever I travel I have to tell accommodation providers that I need to have a walk in shower for my safety and the number of people who treat it like you are requesting a bottle of champagne to put in your room is really quite concerning. Many are good, but I still get some people saying that can't guarantee the request as if its too hard for them. If they don't have walk in showers, fine then tell me upfront so I can go elsewhere, but please don't try and sell me a room with a shower over the bath as it just not safe for me. I also note that many hotel resorts don't have pool ladders or safety rails into their swimming pool, which to me is an important safety issue for those of us who don't have good balance or mobility. Sometimes I get the feeling that its "fully abled bodied people only need apply".
It happens all the time, and I'm sick of it. The same goes for them just putting it on the floor and expecting you to be able to bend down and pick it up. I had one driver not wait for me to open the door and just dropped it on the floor. I had to yell that I couldn't pick it up for him to get back out of the van and hand it to me. I'm glad he at least looked out of the van, and it sounded like he was asking if that was okay or if it was on the floor. I understand you're in a rush, but you have to use your brain.
Highlighting a safety risk isn't complaining. Not putting a package on a ramp should really be common sense. Thankfully that has only happened to me a few times and I was able to get someone to get the package for me. I'd be scr*wed if I was on my own though.
Its so true everytime i get a package i have to use my graber or ask a stranger to hand me my package because i cant reach it .i am not even able to have a ramp were i live so i am literly stuck on my apartment until the weekend when my boyfriend can ligt me and my wheelchair out of my apartment
Clearly that person is not a wheelchair user. Also they must not packages. Who needs to buy a storage unit for them. Common sense leave them on the side of the ramp. Why is that so hard?
This drive me nuts! Wen gour shoppingen food ect.. and People stand in the line and look down att the mobilen pohnes and it its in the midle and that stopps my driveway then i have too say hey can gou please move and stopp too look at the pohne for 10 sekunds! The always gett angry and give me baad locks!
I would have to really I had a seizure one time not too far back I could feed this coming on should I call 911 I got the hospital before I really had a seizure luckily EMS and Fire Department are still very nice don't know what to do with the right time is it
As a severely disabled person, you are treated like everybody else til told otherwise. Like put a sign up to put packages to the side of the door or think of a different solution. Can't expect everyone to accommodate you not knowing. Most would put packages in front of the door so somebody can open the door and pick it u and close it quickly. It does stuck but the comes with the territory of being disabled.
I don’t know exactly y the comment “why you complaining, there’s worse out there” infuriates me so muvh but it does For context, I am a blind wheelchair user and am in constant pain and if I mention to certain people in my life thst im struggstruggling with pain they seem to think it’s acceptable to say the above comment Am I overreacting or is it offensive to others too
Oh gosh I used to get that all the time when I was young and I could never work out why it made me feel so bad. That kind of comment is unacceptable, and your aloud to feel how you feel. Xx
@@Wheelsnoheels thank you for that. That sort of comment that I mentioned before, it’s just so invalidating, if that’s the right word. But knowing I’m not alone with that feeling makes me feel better. I thought I was being too sensitive at first, I’m glad I’m not. Not that being sensitive is a bad thing, sometimes I don’t know if I’m overreacting or if it makes sense for me to be upset by things. That’s mostly down to negstive influences and ableism growing up. I think most, if not all, disabled people can relate to that. Xx
I was told that I am the "most rude disabled person" that someone had ever met. It was a "Non-Emergency Medical Transportation" driver that came to my home to pick me (a double amputee wheelchair user with several medical co-morbidities) up in. The wheelchair accessible van was cosmetically very beat up, it's motor was making a horrendous noise, and it stank of burning rubber. I video recorded the vehicle to report to the company that handles the bookings for my rides. They have strict standards. The driver was so mad that I was going to report the vehicle that he refused to get in and drive. He was yelling at me and walking around my apartment complex talking trash about me to my neighbours and maintenance staff while I sat in the van calling the booking company. Then he gestured to my wheelchair and said, "I pick up disabled people like you all of the time and you are the rudest disabled person that I have ever met. No one has ever complained about my car before." I said, "just because I am disabled am I supposed to accept things that no one else would? Am I supposed to act a certain way because I am in a wheelchair." And of course I missed my appointment because of this whole mess, which is why people don't complain. They should, but most people that use this service don't know their rights and are so scared to miss important medical appointments that they just suffer through riding in dilapidated vehicles with rude drivers that have terrible body odor. Sorry that this was so long, it just happened a few weeks ago and I hate saying this, but the guy really traumatized me with how aggressive and nasty he was.
Okay I'm going to tell you my disabilities I was born with I have disabilities on my left side but I don't want that stop me nor do I complain about it and I was born having epileptic seizures and I want you to know I can't help what happens to me for instance I live in the Tampa Bay area which isn't too far from Walt Disney World I was on Splash Mountain at the time I want my doctors gave me too much milligrams a one medication causing pass out unconsciously I did not blame Disney but I also said if you want me to get up you both going to have to take me up under my arms because this makes you feel like you're drunk even though you aren't
I'm gonna start off sounding like the original person that's triggered this very video; please bare with me; I'm not that person! As an alternative to the stoooopidly expensive parcel lockers; could you upcycle a widely spaced bookshelf or cupboard, treat it against the British weather and leave that on your porch?
It's getting the delivery person to put the parcel *on* the shelf that is the problem. I have a chair next to the door but some drivers still prop the package up against the outward opening door. Luckily I use a walking stick, not a wheelchair but it is still a real pain.
I’m new to wheelchair life (sci due to a car accident) and new to the world of disabilities. Honestly, I feel like the community does complain a lot and many live their lives in self victimization. It’s honestly sad to see and don’t feel like I belong as I’ve never lived my life complaining and hoping that people feel sorry for me. I think there’s a difference between bringing awareness and complaining 24/7.
Welcome to the world of social media where people are post comments without thinking the consequence of them I'm sure you get a lot of stupid dumb comments
I made a suggestion to Amazon that they make it possible to request lower lockers when asking for delivery to a locker. They did it within months. A great result. I didn't complain, just pointed out an issue and suggested a solution. I am always glad when companies listen.
thats great to hear ,thx for your comment.
That is wonderful!!! Thank you!
You were right to point it out. Most people don't see it. They don't mean to block the access of others. It takes training. It takes retraining. This happens with bikes on ramps, packages blocking access, and so on. Keep doing what you know to be right. Thank you for your hard work!
Doesn’t really warrant retraining… just use common sense.
Since I'm an ambulatory wheelchair user, I know any curb around my home and gave his/her names. Before, I don't even recongnize curbs. That's how perspective changes if you are disabled. I wish, people without disability would believe us, if we report struggles. Even if they cannot understand the problems a hundred percent.
Exactly! It would be so wonderful if people just TRUSTED us when we say we struggle with something, no matter if they understand why or how. I've lived with severe mental illness for 20 years now and even though no one can understand exactly how I feel about difficulties, if they just trusted my words when I say it's a struggle, it'd be so much easier. Because you're not only struggling with the thing, you're also accused of lying, exaggerating and seeking attention when you are honest about it being a struggle. Adding more weight to the problem. Just trust us! We know ourselves the best!
I have DEFINITELY shut my mouth in my industry (I'm an opera singer) in the past to avoid getting labeled as a diva complaining about something, when really I'm just advocating for my access needs and for those of others in operatic spaces! People really want disabled people to be the Inspirational Disabled Person so much that we're in the end expected just to smile and take any ableism, ignorance, or ab*se that comes our way - because we're only able to be inspirational to nondisabled folks if we "overcome" every single one of the barriers we face magically by ourselves, outside of nondisabled people's view. If we advocate, we're highlighting the problems within their view, and that doesn't jive with the Inspiration Disabled Person stereotype... which means we're being negative, just seeking attention, or complaining. (Not sure if that makes sense, the brain fog is REAL today!) Loved your Insta reel and shared it immediately when I saw it! So glad it got the virality it deserved! ✨
Love your comment yes, suggested I am thinking and have been doing
I've lost count of the times I've been told to stop complaining when I've been trying to highlight an issue. The worst was when I was when someone essentially told me I should start 'helping myself' before asking others to help, I tried explaining 'no, this issue exists because I can't, as you say 'help myself.' [in this specific situation]'
I think a lot of it comes down to the fact that able bodied people see the issues we face as disabled people from their perspective. So it looks to them like we're making a mountain out of a mole hill.
I have a friend who used to be able bodied, and would often be dismissive of the struggles I faced with my disability. Sadly, a few years ago something happened which left them with a disability remarkably similar to mine. He later apologised to me for his pre-disability attitude.
I think what is needed in society is more empathy.
it is a mountain. they are the ones who need to open their eyes.
@@DAYBROK3totally agree.
Very well said
When I became disabled, my family completely disowned me, calling me "defective."
I am sorry that happened to you. That must have been such a sudden shock.
Thank you. Yes, it was a shock, and still is difficult to comprehend.@@thewisepowerchair2369
im sorry to hear that.
That happened to a friend of mine. She had a rare, sudden medical event while she was pregnant and almost didn't survive. She's now a quadriplegic and also has an immune disorder now. Her family hasn't "disowned" her, but they regularly plan things with no thought at all to accessibility and they refuse to mask or stay home if they're sick, even knowing how dangerous it could be for her.
Yes, I completely understand. And tomorrow is Christmas Day and I'm all alone and I just want to die. No one would miss me. @@kelly1827
to all the normies that say disabled people are complaining, you could at any time become disabled in a second. then you will be the one complaining.
We scare them. We are a slap in the face that says "this could be you" They don't like that. Or at the least they think we will 'make things difficult' for them, in some way, when we aren't even interacting with them
Once I had a store manager tell me I needed to pay for some damage the back of my motorized chair caused, when I was trying to get out. I told him sure, but first I would need to call the fire department as my chair is exactly the proportions required by fire safety regulations for businesses to stay open (which is true), and he would probably NEED MY money while he was closed down to get the clearance issues fixed so he could reopen, and I was really glad his sheet rock wall had not damaged my $10,000 motorized chair due to the required clearance not being in place, but that I should probably call the repairman to make sure.
I love your videos. I saw the other one about the packages. I have a table outside foe packages. My normal UPS driver and Amazon drivers are very helpful with packages. I took your catch phrase and made a sigh for on my door. "BE A CHAMP..DON'T BLOCK THE RAMP" I love your positive attitude and everything you do to bring awareness. THANK YOU.
oh thats so cool , feel free to email me a picture . Thx
I am not disabled but have 2 sons on the autism spectrum. I follow a few disabled youtubers and it has opened my perspective to different realities that I would not even have thought about before. We each live with our own perspective. Your content is important and it is not complaining when something we simply never had to think about (even within the disability community when the disabilities are not the same) would be easy to do and not take any kind of real effort for able bodied people to make your life easier. You are not asking for a head on a silver platter but to not create more obstacles.
I have no troubles with mobility, but I have followed a lot of disabled people on RUclips who have issues with mobility, and it's taught me so much. As a fellow disabled (mental disorders) I can so relate to the struggles with the non-disabled world, but with different things. We are all unique, and some have needs that I didn't think about before. I always take wheelchair users and blind people in consideration now, whereas before I was more oblivious. Just like I need accommodations for for my mental health, other people need it for mobility. I love learning from within the disabled community. We're all unique but still the same.
Privilege is invisible to the privileged.
Weird thing is, I lived with my auntie and gran when I was a child, my auntie was in a wheelchair, so i was aware of a lot of the difficulties around it. But I was nowhere near knowing all the difficulties until finding myself in a wheelchair.
Simple things too. You just don't think about them until you're confronted with them yourself. Even with an upbringing around a person in a wheelchair. So I can easily imagine healthy people not seeing or understanding the eventual problems.
I work in retail, and a department was having some building work done and this meant that some disabled bays was going to be removed and I argued the fact that your taking away disabled bays for colleagues and that they had to replace them as it’s discrimination as there is no access to the building for colleagues.
So they have now added new bays and they have made exceptions the those which have a disability that they can use other entrances to the building
I’m so glad it went viral, it really is such an issue! The claiming that didn’t happen is the worst way to engage in conversation, it’s so frustrating.
I know exactly what you mean, I use both a stick and a wheelchair, its awful when things are just dumped in access routes, I usually get my foot caught, which causes my knees to slip and lock up, outcome = falling and being laid up for the day, on wheels its a major obstacle and not always moveable without help.
Ablism sucks, but it happens, what those people who say nasty things don't realise is they are one accident away from permanent disability.
Yes parcel left outside the door and couriers ringing door bell and leaving before I can get to the door.
I saw a video that said that handicapped stalls in public bathrooms can be used by everyone, I wrote no it's not because disabled people who need access only have one stall available to them and non disabled people usually have several other options available to them. They responded that I should just get over myself and wait in line like everyone else. I have experienced staff/employees who are not disabled using the disabled stalls as a telephone booth and standing in the stalls talking on or texting on their cell phone. I have repeatedly reported this behavior to the manager on duty in public places like restaurants and stores.
As a less abled person living in West Sussex, I do hear some other disabled pople complaining a lot - BUT YOU DO NOT!.. your videos are always so positive and light and always a good watch and please Do No give a hoot about what others think or say - i know the comments can be very harsh sometimes - But your channel is a light-hearted and informative way of disability and getting everything WC and Disability and of course your travel vlogs, you have made me look into going to New Zealand and i booked to go in march 24!!.. keep doing an amazing job Gem! x
It's not complaining to talk about an issue that's negatively affecting us. Like my current bugbear of people charging electric cars and leaving the wires all over the pavement where they're a trip hazard.
They're less of a trip hazard if they are covered with one of those strips. So, if you do trip on one uncovered, there's blame.
Your local authority's website might detail the policy in your area
@@icouldbewrongicouldberight even the strips aren't great. Often they're hard plastic. They're not always very visible and too often there's cable uncovered on part of the pavement. Often the covers aren't attached, so they're easy to kick out of place if you're like me and don't always lift your feet up. I've taken to unplugging them and leaving a note saying please do not trail wires over the pavement.
I’m not physically disables but Iv had people come & deliver parcel on the floor outside my house. Not only are there issues you brought up about trip hazards & fire risks but there’s also the issue of things getting wet. Plus putting something right in front of a front door could a an alert to people you are not in.
Keep raising awareness Gem, it does happen and has happened to me. I’ve now a card on my front door saying I’m a wheelchair user and to be patient as it takes me a little longer to answer/open the door.
So proud of you!!! For saying something, suggesting an alternative and wrapping it up in a bow of comedy and empathy! Legend, I'm really glad Amazon picked it up, that really is the goal. And if people didn't say anything about wrongdoings, nothing would change. Keep it up Gem!
My front door opens outward, and deliveries are are frequently left on the steps, leaning against the door. Worst are 100+ lb pet food deliveries, and fragile things. I can either push them back down the steps and hill, or go out the ground level door via an inside stair, up the hill and stairs (about 30 ft) move the items to the side of the door, go back down and up to the 1st floor porch bring them inside. Can't bring them in after i move to the side, since wrangling the door and parcels is difficult from below. Some parcel companies are very good (Amazon, grocery delivery, and the post), others are variable. I do have signs on the doors and steps, notice with delivery services and on the labels. I realize that drivers are under pressure on rounds, but my last pet food delivery was left in the ditch at the end of the drive. So I sympathize. It's no fun lying in snow multiple times at below zero, hoping to have enough stamina to get back in the house to sit in the "warm" 40⁰ f basement. And then another hour or two getting bags inside. I know they may not realize how manageable just setting parcels to the side or reading the labels and signs would make my life. It amuses me that when I leave water by the "Help yourself. Please leave parcels right here." the water is gone and the parcels are still against the door.
I feel lucky I am not wheelchair bound at the moment, (I have been in the past) and I still struggle when something is just dumped on the doorstep. 1 thing able-bodied people may want to think about is that not only is it harder for people with disabilities but if a parcel is left on the doorstep its gonna get nicked!!
I get a lot of stuff from Amazon. They were leaving boxes on the floor outside my door and I could not pick them up.
I left a polite sign on my door asking the delivery drivers to knock and place the package in my lap. They did not do this. So I placed a stool to the side of my door saying 'Amazon packages only'. This has worked.
Then my housing association told me I could not have the stool outside my door as it is a fire risk! I made a complaint, and the only thing I heard is that they were waiting to hear back from the fire department.
So I put another polite note for my housing association next to my stool. I am still waiting for the housing association to swipe my stool. Meanwhile, it really helps with the packages.
Royalmail place the parcels in my walker basket for me,Amazon either leave it on ground or right by my back gate..which I can’t get to 😡
Oh yeah I've had thes issues with parcels to the point i got a keter box for parcels to go in but depending in the driver they still get left on the ramp. On the up side through my company I'm working with a developer who's wanting to make their office designs, warehousing building designs and their landsaping fully accessible for any disabled staff throughout and want to get it right from the planning stages.
I want to comment that I am a paraplegic, and I have kept things like this to myself and I have not spoken out about it for fear that I am complaining. I have many issues with my catheters and medical supplies when they are delivered, I have asked many times for the delivery service to bring them up the elevator and put them next to not in front of my door, and they have never been answered, so I just go down the elevator, lift heavy boxes onto my lap one of the time by myself go up the elevator and wheel them into my apartment. Thank you for this video
Congratulations on your viral video. Well done! 🙂 When I was campaigning for change in my community, I was surprised at the level of anger that one man directed at me - a man with a visible physical disability and one would think that campaigning for access would benefit him too - not sure whether it was being ableist or sexist (women aren't supposed to be loud and feisty but subservient to maintain the comfort of men!). During that campaign, I wanted to make a T-shirt with www. on the front ('whingeing woman in a wheelchair) to wear as an inside joke!
Happy holiday season to you and your family. Think you did a really good job of explaining the differences between complaining and advocacy efforts. You’re definitely right that a large part of the reason the general population doesn’t often take an interest in accessibility issues it’s because it doesn’t affect them directly and it’s only when Them self or someone they care about becomes a part of the Disability community and they pay more attention. Readaissing awareness and experience is the best way to help those not directly impacted by disability to you recognize the many ways in which are society is structured in an inaccessible way. Thank you for all you do.
This has happened to us. We have flat level entry to our bungalow - rather than needing a ramp, but all properties where I live are either occupied by elderly people or disabled people (or both!) and all local couriers know this. Most are great and don't block my front door. But some do. What is much worse though, is that when our wheeliebins are collected (large blocky UK bins / trash cans) they leave then ACROSS my front gate, more often than not!! This fully blocks me from being able to leave my front garden if my partner or daughter aren't home. No way I can move the bins in my chair as we have the extra large sized bins! I can't get past them. The council keep saying they will 'instruct' the staff collecting them, but it never changes. I'm now going to put BIG signs on the bins as my regular sized signs have done nothing. Not asking for special treatment, I'd just like to be able to get out and get to work, go shopping, just basically ANYWHERE ;)
I’m utterly astonished that people don’t believe it happens, it’s happened to me regularly. In one instance the delivery man was just legging away after leaving four new wheelchair batteries completely blocking my front door when I got home. When I asked him to move them he got quite angry and abusive and refused. It took three polite requests and me pointing out I was completely blocked from getting into the house to get him to do it and he flounced off with a face like thunder afterwards.
I’m sure people without ramps also have their doorways blocked with parcels, putting them right at the door seems quite a common thing.
This happens in The US. All Times when I have to order a delivery I also put I use a wheelchair and also ask please don’t just leave packages n I say I have CASH TIP @ door also have a table next to ramp for them to leave packages on THANK YOU for your activism!!
I saw your ‘short’ the other day, and yes it’s a huge problem, though sometimes it’s unavoidable. People frequently leave parcels in my porch, but if they didn’t, they’d get rained on. My having a parcel shelf would help.
I hate the idea of being that cripple who’s always moaning, but back in 2017 I was elected as a county councillor. I quickly realised that nobody else was advocating for people with disabilities within the council. So it was up to me to do it. Unfortunately, I lost my seat in 2022, so normal service has resumed 😢
I get the opposite of people thinking my life is awful. They think I have the life of Riley because I “don’t have to work”. I am not a “lady of leisure” either. This business of packages being left on the doorstep really annoys me!! Last week I had a new wheelchair cushion cover left on the doorstep by a disability aid/equipment company. I was in at the time, at the back of my house, and they hadn’t even rung the doorbell to let me know! Even Amazon or a courier or anywhere else I order from don’t walk off and leave packages on the doorstep without ringing the doorbell to let me know! Most people ring the doorbell and wait for me to answer it but sometimes I’m left to struggle to lift it off the doorstep which is so dangerous! People don’t understand my annoyance at this. Not even family. None of these people ever think to themselves that anybody can become disabled at anytime. They don’t think it could happen to them. By the way I don’t enter and exit the house via the front door.
Thats terrible ,they should know better.
@@Wheelsnoheelsyou would think that wouldn’t you. Apparently I can’t expect everything to be handed to me. I don’t!
Thanks!
I complained to Parcel Force that, when I was out, they dropped a parcel at a Post Office that doesn't have step-free access. They said it was their policy. So I tried to suggest that maybe their policy needs to be updated so that they only use drop-off points that *do* have step-free access. They aren't even replying at this point, just... "This is our policy". A whole bunch of people who won't even acknowledge that their current policy is exclusionary, but it would be such a *simple* change to not only make them Equality Act compliant, but just have a touch of humanity.
It's so frustrating.
And, of course, even though I booked a redelivery, they didn't even do it! I waited in the whole day, and at 5pm they updated the tracking to say it was being returned to sender. Because I hadn't been able to pick it up.
How have we gotten almost a quarter of the way through the 21st century, and not just people, but big businesses can *still* think this is okay?
Our postoffice has steps only. There is however a buzzer you may use, to grab staff's attention - seemingly was installed over a decade ago. I see a buzzer as a reasonable adjustment...
Hth
@@icouldbewrongicouldberight even our sorting office isn't safe for wheelchair access, and has no alternative. It's not exactly accessibility friendly up north, especially not Royal Mail/Parcel Force
In late 2021, I had a delivery by the parcel delivery mob, Aramex, of a Kickstarter item.
Aramex, instead of delivering the parcel, left me a card falsely claiming that they could not deliver the parcel as I had not answered the door when they 'tried' to deliver the parcel. They dropped off the parcel at their local parcel pick-up location, which is not accessible.
Complaining via email to Aramex made absolutely no difference. As far as Aramex were concerned, the parcel _had_ been attempted to be delivered, and any lack of access to their parcel collection point was up to me to figure out. I contacted the Kickstarter seller as they, being the parcel sender had the contractual relationship with the delivery service to see that the parcel actually was delivered. The seller was able to get Aramex to finally actually deliver the parcel, after about 3 weeks of email back and forwards.
Bloody frustrating is a quite mild description of how I felt regarding the issue.
I constantly have this issue people leaving packages in my doorway. it drives me crazy. also being told oh its just 5 minutes down the road arghhh I use a w.a.v. which is amazing but it takes me around 15 minutes to get into my car and then again out of it the other end adding 30 minutes to my just popping down the road. being disabled or differently able just makes it harder and takes way longer to achieve even basic things. so guys please stop and think.
Let others complain, but it's important for those with mobility changes to make their life better, which includes making changes in the public sphere. Unless it occurs to the person, people tend not to think about it or dismiss it. I haven't had the experience of the complainers where I live in New York. The opposite, in fact. But if someone does complain, I will give them the Brooklyn salute and add a few choice words.
It really is a problem as a wheelchair user I regularly get trapped in my home because a driver has left a box right in front of my door xx
if you think about it, it's not just a safety issue for those with disabilities! If there is an emergency, say a fire for example and someone has to get out quickly, how is someone supposed to do so if there are boxes, especially heavy ones, in front of their door!
One thing that I have been dealing with lately is that I live in an apartment building and even though I put my unit number with my delivery address and put an extra note asking them to deliver it directly to my unit, some delivery drivers still leave my packages in the lobby. I let it go if it's small packages, but for large/heavy packages, I can't get them up to my unit being in a wheelchair
Thank you, Gem, for being a voice for us 🫶
I became the pariah of the village at one point because I pointed out a local place that I had gone to to use a afternoon tea for 2 voucher had done well to think about wheelchair access but it was a real shame that theirs ramps were wood, home made, no idea of weight limit & far too steep. Owner outed herself, I had not actually said where it was then moaned that I were making her place look bad! I were simply trying to say to other businesses check the regulations so you dont waste money on ramps that could be dangerous & could end up getting you sued if someone has an accident. Nope I were a complainer & should just appreciate the dangerous ramp that I had the sense not to use.... we sat outside & got hounded by wasps instead
i am a complainer, even before having my life restricted its my nature, when people hear all of what has happened to me they are surprised that i can still walk.
Universal design is important, and getting packages delivered at home in a good way is universal design.
It's so important to speak up no matter the ignorant people in this world. The world should be accessible and you have every right to use your voice to promote change ❤
I also feel like defensiveness does kick in for non-disabled people just like everyone gets defensive in certain situations. Like the idea is that we’re all dealing with something and slogging through life, so it feels like a personal attack sometimes on someone doing their best. Like “Why should I be expected to look after everyone else and be 100% politically correct, when I’m just trying to survive myself?” I feel like in the society we’re in, everyone is on the defensive about themselves because we’re all trying to prove we’re doing our best and not actively trying to hurt anyone else.
I live in Windsor locks Connecticut, and my HOA is refusing to put a ramp in even though I’m handicapped disabled. I have a regular wheelchair, and a motorized scooter. They’re refusing to shovel my shed which holds my scooter in it in wheelchair, and they’re refusing to put a ramp in in front of my house. I don’t think they can do that! 😢
That was a great video! Be a champ leave it off the ramp! All delivery and post office workers should see this video. Its not complaining its educating...someone may not have even realised as its not their reality...once shown..they are able to make changes! 😊
My response has been for the last 30 years has been; just remembered that we are part of the only minority group you / they could become a member of on your way home while at work or on a day/ night out or even in your sleep!
Obligatory "I live in the US" :
I've had Door Dash drivers get irritated with me for asking them to use a specific door at my house. They didn't even bring the food to a door at all. They actually watched me hobble down the steps, instead of coming to me. Then had the absolute audacity to complain about how hard their job is. Well then, don't do it. Especially if you can hardly be bothered to leave your car for a delivery. Save it for someone who will read & follow simple instructions.
Whenever i act like myself and because i dont have a filter between my brain and my mouth everyone thinks im odd and weird and tell me to shut up or get lost away from them but they dont get i have adhd and Asperger's syndrome and then top it all off i have mental and through my own journey i created a Spotify playlist called Survival music and i share whenever I can because i made it for those who aren't doing ok physical, mentally and emotionally to keep going
Rip my grandma she used to have me come over and help her decorate her Christmas tree
we dont have a ramp, but most of the amazon delivery people leave packages on the doorstep without ringing the bell, even when you can clearly hear and see someone is home. so i go to step outside and almost trip or i squish the box with a crutch grrr
I made a positive comment on a TikTok video posted by a kitchen design company, congratulating them on their unique built-in step stool in a kitchen cabinet & suggested that they may want to consider adding a safety rail/grip to make it easier & safer for disabled,l people, elderly, & children to use.
Instead of thanking me for my input or saying nothing at all, they responded with a joke video showing that if a user wanted more stability they should drag out a large metal step stool with a safety rail & place it next to their folding step stool and included a laughing emoji to mock me. What followed next was about six months of daily nasty comments from others telling me to "shut up", stating that disabled people should stay out of the kitchen, or saying that disabled/older people are not entitled to request accessibility.
It was a real eye opener just how much people of all ages, races, and backgrounds in the US actively hate people with disabilities and older people. Sad really.
And it's not as though I was rude in my comment or made demands. It was positive feedback to make their already helpful product more accessible.
Here's the thing...almost everyone on earth will experience temporary or permanent disability due to illness, injury, surgery, or age at some point in their lives. Creating products that serve the needs of a wide range of disabilities makes those products more useful to a larger audience throughout their entire lives.
When public spaces and home products serve the needs of disabled people, they will still work for able bodied people too and take nothing away from able bodied people. Everyone wins when things are more accessible to everyone.
They are absolutely brilliant, i know someone who is a mouth artist and her son committed suicide.
Yay! I finally am seeing one of your videos near the time you post it! Yay!!! Love your videos! That commenter seems to be one of those people who would say something like, "Why don't you just get up and walk," just really stupid. I always wonder what those people would say to a precious small child born with no legs.
I see the packagevideo as an example and as such it illustrates that diabillity is a hidden challange to many. Living in a flat it is not allowed to put out something in the hallway, like a table, so when big boxes arrive I cannot go out or in. I always leave a remark to use the bell, they dont unless I need to sign for the delivery. Complaining is a repeated nagging when one has not done something to change the situation (in my mind) so information and suggestions to solve the problem will be more welcome I hope. I do hope your channel will spread nice suggestions to problems and call out for ideas from other disabled people, we could come up with betterment ... to all
It happens to me regularly.
I don't understand even I struggle with packages I don't usually roll out (we don't have ramps) and bunch of times the packages get STUCK and I couldn't open the front door!!! I had to go out through our garage and go outside to get the package out from the front door 💀
I don't understand this benefits everyone 😭
Disabled people are the world's largest minority yet people just don't realize how inaccessible the world is. 1 in 4 people are disabled for example in the US alone it blows my mind how narrow minded people are 😭
It reminds me of this public restroom today that was SUPER accessible but... It had a ledge to get in. 😳 I don't know who to talk to or what to see what I can do because I've never seen such an accessible restroom there was even a bench and the disabled toilet was nice. 🤦♀️
(I'm an ambulatory wheelchair user but today I happened to be using my walking stick because it was a short distance I didn't even have my wheelchair I knew I wasn't going far)
If I were still married, using my wheelchair would be a problem. He would have been one to say don’t complain and wouldn’t want to be seen with me.
Merry Christmas 🎅 and HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all..
Hello !
Can I make a suggestion?
starting at 6:41 there are sample comments. However, they do not appear in the transcript or subtitles and therefore I do not have access to them. Would it be possible to think about it in the future? I know it requires extra work but I would really appreciate it.
And about what you say at 8:50 “We just want equality and we want to be listened to.” I would love to submit a story to you and get your opinion (but it's too long to post in comments).
Thank you for letting me know about the sample on screen comments. I’ll see what I can do. Due to my dyslexia I have some help which I pay for myself, and leaves me out of pocket. But. I will definitely try my best.
I too am disabled. I use a walker and a scooter chair. If you aren't disabled, you don't understand stand disability issues. I had to complain to the police and to the street department here in the States because the sidewalks are not usable by those who are disabled. If you just glance at them you would think they are fine. Try them in a walker or wheelchair and you will see the danger. You are not allowed to drive your wheelchair on the bike lane on the street. The police can give you a ticket. They gave me no solution except to wait till the sidewalks need repair and then they will be made handicapped accessible. That can take years. Try opening heavy doors in a wheelchair. Not fun. You have a harder time because you need to use both hands to wheel yourself through the door. I never realized the problems handicapped people face till I became one.
Here in the States and probably all over the world, there are simple solutions to help disabled with everything from simply moving around to traveling like everyone else, but the non disabled just don't want to deal with it. We are talking simple changes and if disabled don't voice the issues nothing will get done. Perfect example is airplane travel. The airlines damage handicap devices almost daily. The devices are not only expensive, but some are customized based on the need of the person using it. They damage the item that helps the disable to be mobile. Over 6 years ago a company created a seating device where seats could be moved and a handicapped wheelchair could occupy that space which would not only help the handicapped, but would cut down on damaged equipment, BUT NOT ONE AIRLINE WILL USE IT! They prefer paying for damages. That makes me afraid to fly. I have heard so many horror stories of disabled people on planes and I depend on my walker. It is my legs. If I flew to England, I would have to worry about my walker being damaged and how to get around due to the underground not having lifts in most places and basically having to maneuver where the disabled have no access. I can't do stairs or steps. So would the hassle be worth the trip? Handicapped is a minority so who cares that we don't have access? I am actually no longer going to amusement parks over here because of the parks attitude toward disabled.
Whether I’m using my WC or forearm crutches, obstacles are, at the very least, annoying and worse, potentially dangerous!! Luckily, we have our regular postal deliverer and Amazon drivers trained as to where to leave packages so they aren’t a hazard to me.
That restaurant looked really cool with the conveyor belt carrying food. And the live orchestra with the movie. I’ve never seen anything like that around here. I’ll have to BOLO next holiday season for one. For some reason I always feel a bit motion sick watching videos taken in the car. Probably because we drive on the opposite side of the road. Not saying either country is right or wrong, merely different. 😛
I’m not in a wheelchair but it’s annoying to me when packages are in front/middle of the door or in front of the garage door.
Gem, I have a question, is there a standard for disabled toilets? Since becoming a full time wheelchair user 3 years ago, disabled toilets seem to vary in size or it’s a shared space with baby changing facilities, sometimes freestanding units, which block access to the we.
I think their is just guidelines but they do vary in size and layout etc in the UK
When I was in junior high school I had a friend who was actually worse off than me he could not control his muscles in his body
I hate it when people jump on disabled people for things like this. Abled bodies people complain when they can't access things - which makes sense. Disabled bodied people are also allowed to complain when there is a problem. Complaints are how things get changed! I hate how there's this expectation that disabled people should just be grateful and not say when there's a problem. It happens to other marginalized groups too, and it's wrong
Hello. Not a wheelchair user but I do walk with a cane because I have really bad balance and mobility issues which makes walking difficult. Whenever I travel I have to tell accommodation providers that I need to have a walk in shower for my safety and the number of people who treat it like you are requesting a bottle of champagne to put in your room is really quite concerning. Many are good, but I still get some people saying that can't guarantee the request as if its too hard for them. If they don't have walk in showers, fine then tell me upfront so I can go elsewhere, but please don't try and sell me a room with a shower over the bath as it just not safe for me. I also note that many hotel resorts don't have pool ladders or safety rails into their swimming pool, which to me is an important safety issue for those of us who don't have good balance or mobility. Sometimes I get the feeling that its "fully abled bodied people only need apply".
It happens all the time, and I'm sick of it. The same goes for them just putting it on the floor and expecting you to be able to bend down and pick it up. I had one driver not wait for me to open the door and just dropped it on the floor. I had to yell that I couldn't pick it up for him to get back out of the van and hand it to me. I'm glad he at least looked out of the van, and it sounded like he was asking if that was okay or if it was on the floor. I understand you're in a rush, but you have to use your brain.
Gemma your inspiration
Highlighting a safety risk isn't complaining. Not putting a package on a ramp should really be common sense. Thankfully that has only happened to me a few times and I was able to get someone to get the package for me. I'd be scr*wed if I was on my own though.
Honestly instagram reels comments are the worst in every sense of the word
Merry Christmas
Its so true everytime i get a package i have to use my graber or ask a stranger to hand me my package because i cant reach it .i am not even able to have a ramp were i live so i am literly stuck on my apartment until the weekend when my boyfriend can ligt me and my wheelchair out of my apartment
Who is on the pull out service for the rubbish bins lol now let's complain.
Clearly that person is not a wheelchair user. Also they must not packages. Who needs to buy a storage unit for them. Common sense leave them on the side of the ramp. Why is that so hard?
Iam dis, i can not believe that you have a wooden ramp. I had a concrete one always. Xx
Thing is blocking access points is not wise anyway as even a non physically disabled person can get stuck inside if egress is blocked.
Here's an example my boyfriend works at a place of special needs they have the ramp for the house but not long enough and the rest is rocks
This drive me nuts! Wen gour shoppingen food ect.. and People stand in the line and look down att the mobilen pohnes and it its in the midle and that stopps my driveway then i have too say hey can gou please move and stopp too look at the pohne for 10 sekunds! The always gett angry and give me baad locks!
I would have to really I had a seizure one time not too far back I could feed this coming on should I call 911 I got the hospital before I really had a seizure luckily EMS and Fire Department are still very nice don't know what to do with the right time is it
As a severely disabled person, you are treated like everybody else til told otherwise. Like put a sign up to put packages to the side of the door or think of a different solution. Can't expect everyone to accommodate you not knowing. Most would put packages in front of the door so somebody can open the door and pick it u and close it quickly. It does stuck but the comes with the territory of being disabled.
I don’t know exactly y the comment “why you complaining, there’s worse out there” infuriates me so muvh but it does
For context, I am a blind wheelchair user and am in constant pain and if I mention to certain people in my life thst im struggstruggling with pain they seem to think it’s acceptable to say the above comment
Am I overreacting or is it offensive to others too
Oh gosh I used to get that all the time when I was young and I could never work out why it made me feel so bad. That kind of comment is unacceptable, and your aloud to feel how you feel. Xx
@@Wheelsnoheels thank you for that. That sort of comment that I mentioned before, it’s just so invalidating, if that’s the right word. But knowing I’m not alone with that feeling makes me feel better. I thought I was being too sensitive at first, I’m glad I’m not. Not that being sensitive is a bad thing, sometimes I don’t know if I’m overreacting or if it makes sense for me to be upset by things. That’s mostly down to negstive influences and ableism growing up. I think most, if not all, disabled people can relate to that. Xx
I meant to put disabled....xx
I was told that I am the "most rude disabled person" that someone had ever met.
It was a "Non-Emergency Medical Transportation" driver that came to my home to pick me (a double amputee wheelchair user with several medical co-morbidities) up in. The wheelchair accessible van was cosmetically very beat up, it's motor was making a horrendous noise, and it stank of burning rubber. I video recorded the vehicle to report to the company that handles the bookings for my rides. They have strict standards. The driver was so mad that I was going to report the vehicle that he refused to get in and drive. He was yelling at me and walking around my apartment complex talking trash about me to my neighbours and maintenance staff while I sat in the van calling the booking company.
Then he gestured to my wheelchair and said, "I pick up disabled people like you all of the time and you are the rudest disabled person that I have ever met. No one has ever complained about my car before."
I said, "just because I am disabled am I supposed to accept things that no one else would? Am I supposed to act a certain way because I am in a wheelchair."
And of course I missed my appointment because of this whole mess, which is why people don't complain. They should, but most people that use this service don't know their rights and are so scared to miss important medical appointments that they just suffer through riding in dilapidated vehicles with rude drivers that have terrible body odor.
Sorry that this was so long, it just happened a few weeks ago and I hate saying this, but the guy really traumatized me with how aggressive and nasty he was.
Okay I'm going to tell you my disabilities I was born with I have disabilities on my left side but I don't want that stop me nor do I complain about it and I was born having epileptic seizures and I want you to know I can't help what happens to me for instance I live in the Tampa Bay area which isn't too far from Walt Disney World I was on Splash Mountain at the time I want my doctors gave me too much milligrams a one medication causing pass out unconsciously I did not blame Disney but I also said if you want me to get up you both going to have to take me up under my arms because this makes you feel like you're drunk even though you aren't
I'm gonna start off sounding like the original person that's triggered this very video; please bare with me; I'm not that person! As an alternative to the stoooopidly expensive parcel lockers; could you upcycle a widely spaced bookshelf or cupboard, treat it against the British weather and leave that on your porch?
See; I'M trying to be helpful and practical; I'm not THAT person!
It's getting the delivery person to put the parcel *on* the shelf that is the problem. I have a chair next to the door but some drivers still prop the package up against the outward opening door. Luckily I use a walking stick, not a wheelchair but it is still a real pain.
@@user-yc4fz7vv6u ugh... against a door. How dim can you be?
A complaint is a statement that sonething is unsatisfactory. So you have been complaining.
Btw the legal definition of unsatisfactory is: unsafe.
Hth
I’m new to wheelchair life (sci due to a car accident) and new to the world of disabilities. Honestly, I feel like the community does complain a lot and many live their lives in self victimization. It’s honestly sad to see and don’t feel like I belong as I’ve never lived my life complaining and hoping that people feel sorry for me. I think there’s a difference between bringing awareness and complaining 24/7.
My disability is diffrent from yours and I ask couriers to leave it on my doorstep
Welcome to the world of social media where people are post comments without thinking the consequence of them I'm sure you get a lot of stupid dumb comments
..i just have a small table with a printed paper that says "packages here, please..never had a problem..
😊