In our society, we pride ourselves on having ultimate equality and freedom, with equal rights for all. Despite this ideal, many people in our country do not have equal rights and opportunities, and are constantly discriminated against. One group of people suffering such injustice is those who are disabled. In our public places, we are used to seeing a familiar blue symbol- the one which indicates an accessible parking spot or restroom, but how many times do we overlook it’s existence? How often do we stop and think about it’s meaning, and how it directly and indirectly affects the lives of those it represents?

The issue of equal rights for those with disabilities has been a topic of concern for many years. Though as a society, we provide accommodations in our public facilities, it is easy to argue that current standards are not adequate. The most recent law put into place regarding this issue was the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was passed in 1990, about 26 years ago. This law calls for no discrimination against those with disabilities, and accommodations in public facilities including ramps, automated doors, and accessible restrooms. Though these things are beneficial, we must acknowledge that our society still fully operates as one for the able-bodied person, and that all too often, we treat the disabled person as lesser simply because of their disability.

Whenever I go to the store with my father, who uses a walker, I witness firsthand the harsh reality of discrimination. One type of discrimination is presented when there are no electric scooters left, or they are all dead and unable to be used, as well as when I have to hold the bathroom door open for him because he is unable to get in by himself because the doors are not automated. Then there is another type of discrimination which occurs when people stare at him as we pass by, when they laugh at him right in front of his face. This is discrimination at it’s utter extreme: when people choose to see my father as a disability rather than as a person.

I do give our society credit for attempting to accommodate those with disabilities, but it seems that these things are often an afterthought, and rather than putting the needs of those encompassed by the blue symbol first, we too often place them in a category separate from our own. We discriminate without even realizing it- through lengthy stares and simple avoidance, through quiet whispers and awkward discomfort. There has always been a stigma attached to those with disabilities. They have always been looked down upon because of their condition or illness, and despite our belief that current regulations are enough; the disabled population in America does not have equal rights and opportunities.

What we need is a desperate call to action. This isn’t to say that change is expected overnight, but if we want to create reform, we have to start by changing our mindset. I encourage you; hold the door open for someone using a walker. Don’t take that reserved parking spot, even though you’re tempted to. I know you don’t want to walk far, but remember that there is someone who actually cannot walk far. Even just do something as simple as smile at someone in a wheelchair. Believe me, they get enough negative attention already, and a bit of positivity may be just enough to make their life a little easier, even if only for a moment.