"To the woman in my doctor’s office this afternoon who complained to the receptionist about my cough - WOW! Even after you were told I have Cystic Fibrosis and am NOT contagious - still - WOW!!! After insisting that you did not want to be in the same room with me because you didn’t want to catch anything from me - I hope you went home and looked up CF!!! Other patients were in the waiting room and I want you to know you humiliated me!!!”
These were the words posted on Facebook and reprinted here with permission, to raise awareness, by a person with Cystic Fibrosis. In this case my sister-in-law, who wasn’t diagnosed with the disease until late in life. The Cystic Fibrosis Organization reports that there are about 30,000 people with CF (Cystic Fibrosis) in the US, and 70,000 worldwide. Around 1,000 new cases are reported each year.
CF is a genetic disorder, there may be no history of the disease in the family, but the parents may be carriers of the gene. Most cases are diagnosed by the age of two years old, but rare cases, like this one, are not correctly diagnosed until adulthood. Essentially, CF causes the mucus in various organs to become thicker and stickier, which causes infection and blockage. It is progressive, and there is no cure, although treatment options have made great strides. One of the main symptoms is frequent lung infections with shortnesses of breath. For this reason CF sufferers may need accessibility accommodations made so that they make seek out the services they need while retaining dignity, in the least restrictive manner.
This is why I feel it is do necessary to highlight the Hidden Faces Of Accessibility. Here, in Part III of my series, I want to concentrate on maintaining the right to privacy and dignity through education. This is something we can all do as Google Local Guides! We can stay informed ourselves. We can write and read articles on accessibility, and share our knowledge here on Connect with one another, and in our communities through lists on Google Maps, through meetups, and speaking up, when we see wrong doing, in a polite manner.
As a member of One Accessibility International , a Local Guide Initiative, advocacy is very important to me, and has been, even before I was a Local Guide, in my years as a Registered Nurse client advocate. I would like to encourage all Local Guides to make accessibility a priority in your mapping. In your reviews, look for the accessibility of the POI. Make mention of the salient points in your review. Use those relevant hashtags! Don’t forget those that would benefit those with hidden disabilities #automaticdoors #carolinescart ! Take photos showing ramps, sidewalk conditions, handicapped parking conditions etc.
Together we can make a difference, improve the lives of others, for those faces of hidden disabilities, just as we do for everyone, simply by being the best #localguide we can be! #letsguide !
