( Page 313- Delete para starting with My hope.. Instead, insert following..)
Hopefully the rest of the world catches up in regards to accessibility and disability rights. But there is still work to do in this country. I continue to be an activist for people with disabilities, including myself.
For instance, I love the Philadelphia Eagles and love going to their games at Lincoln Financial Field. However, in many parts of the stadium, their so-called "handicapped seating" areas are not foolproof when it comes to accessibility.
I was at a game with Holly ( who no longer "hates" football) and a group of college-age guys stood in front of our area and wouldn't sit down. We couldn't see the field, even though we were sitting in the place we are supposed to sit in, trying to enjoy the game like every other fan.
Instead of asking these guys to please sit down ( they stood even when the rest of the fans around us were sitting, especially during time-outs) and risk getting beer splashed all over me, I thought I did the right thing and asked the female security guard, who was standing behind us in the handicapped section, to do something.
Her response was "They have a right to stand up." Yes, but Holly and I also have a right to see the action. If they want to stand all during the game, then buy a ticket in the standing room only section of the stadium.
Maybe my letter to the Eagles' owner will change attitudes so everyone- disabled or not- can enjoy the game. Change starts with awareness and I've found that writing emails ( or letters with pen and paper) are an effective way to increase awareness and cause positive chance to occur.
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