Lessons from Disneyland: Kindness and Courtesy to Disabled Guests

I've actually learned a lot about people by going to Disneyland. Sounds crazy but it's true. Ever since my knee injury in November, I've been on crutches, and for longer excursions to the mall and Disneyland, we invested in a small transport wheelchair. 

I know some Disney fans out there may be thinking "Sweet! You get to use the Guests with Disabilities line! Shorter lines! No walking!" And I'm here to tell you, it's not all it's cracked up to be. To begin with, in the bathrooms there are only one or two stalls for those with disabilities, and sadly I've had to wait quite a few times while a mom uses the bathroom as her private changing room for her kids. Another downside is the looks of disgust and hate from guests in the regular line as I roll up. These looks are probably for two reasons, one, most of the time I did not have to wait as long as they did; and two, most of the time they have to slow the ride down so I can get on safely. I've also heard a few rude remarks about me, "She doesn't look like she belongs in a wheelchair! I'm sure she's fine! Why do people in wheelchairs get priority over everyone else?" Sadly, I've heard the last comment a lot. Which is downright depressing that people think those who are disabled (either temporarily or permanently) are second class citizens.

If anyone reading this has ever been in a wheelchair or has had to push one, you know that they do not maneuver very well in crowds, and yet people expect to go right through us and have ran into the chair (both moving and stationary). I've also witnessed people trying to cut ahead of us in lines for things like elevators, bathrooms, and food. This wheelchair may mean I'm disabled in my knee, but not disabled in the mind. 

Another classic thing I've seen happen not only to me, but other guests in wheelchairs are people trying to block our view of shows, fireworks, and parades. They will literally stand in front of us, which leaves little recourse other than to politely ask someone to move. Many people are surprisingly rude about it, and a woman attempted to start a confrontation with TJ over it. 

There's also the case of not being aware of those in wheelchairs, I can't tell you how many people have crashed into me, almost fallen on me, whacked me in the head with a bag or elbow, or run out in front of us as we're moving. I've seen so many small children almost get run over by us, because their parents were not holding on to them, and most of the time, we get the dirty look, as if we're gunning for rogue children. Perhaps I should start adding hash marks to the side of the wheelchair for every hit we get?

Finally, something I've seen both in Disneyland and out of Disneyland, are people standing idly by as someone in a wheelchair, on crutches, or using a cane or walker, struggles to get through a door, or needs assistance in another way. Thankfully, there are people who will rush to the assistance (a very kind man that rushed through half of Starbucks to open a door for me comes to mind), but most of the time I struggle through the door as people watch in amusement. 

I can't wait for my time as a temporarily disabled person to end, and I'm thankful it will end, and when it does, I'll make sure that I extend kindness and courtesy to all I encounter as I've rolled a mile in their wheels and understand the frustration and rudeness they experience.