SEPTEMBER 20, 2016COACHVICKYLEAVE A COMMENT
Richard took me to breakfast one morning between medical appointments.
After my surgery, I easily realized the weight of a coffee cup, utensils, a toilet seat, the refrigerator door, and such.
Richard, as usual, opened doors for me but during this time, he also buckled me into the seat belt carefully placing a soft pillow over my chest. I had an easy time of resting my arms and healing.
I was excited to go out. We ordered our food and asked for a straw for my coffee because the cup was too heavy to lift.
I decided to go to the bathroom. Easy here! Door pushed in as did the stall door.
Getting out was another story. Now, I had to pull the every heavy solid wood exit door to get out! I waited hoping someone would come in. No one came. I left my cell phone in the car so I could not call Richard for help. I was stuck.
Slowly, I put my elbow in the door handle. I ever-so-gently moved the door until I could wedge my butt in front of the door and push the door open.
I finally escaped. Richard asked “what happened?”
A core value of Executive Leadership Skills is empathy. I thought I knew what empathy meant. I did not. I have a much better understanding today.
For review, here is the law:
“The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Revised ADA Regulations Implementing Title II and Title III. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation. It also mandates the establishment of TDD/telephone relay services.” (https://www.ada.gov/2010_regs.htm).
Please do your part to follow the law.
-VhS