Friday, June 08, 2012

Accessibility night


I'm embarrassed to say, but France is not very good at making sure that handicapped people have access to the same places as others. For example, you rarely see someone in a wheelchair in the streets of Paris, simply because getting around is difficult and because stores, bars and even public transportation are not properly equipped. The main reason is money of course, but also a general mindset. To fight this and to raise awareness, the City of Paris has organized a "great night of accessibility"  during which people will be invited to list bars, clubs, restaurants and other evening public places where handicapped people are welcome. It will be followed by a concert at the recently re-opened Gaité Lyrique. I thought this graffito - that I found in the 5th - was perfect to illustrate this excellent event.

15 comments:

  1. I love the colors on this "graffito" as you call it (I learned a new word). I am so glad to hear that Paris is trying to raise awareness - I have often thought that it must be so isolating for the physically disabled who live in Paris.

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  2. Oh I do hope that Ladurée is one of those accessible places. The graffito is interesting - I wonder why the arrows point to the Nike's on her feet.

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  3. That's interesting. The picture is signed "HANDONe".

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  4. They are pretty good about that here in the US. Sidewalks that meet with the street are angled down so that people can use wheelchairs and walkers without having to worry about curbs.

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  5. Awareness is the first step. You go, Paris!

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  6. Great that the City is doing this event! Everyone should be able to enjoy your wonderful city....

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  7. Not just the handicapped but the elderly have trouble transversing the city! I have been coming to Paris for years and could never understand how the elderly and handicapped access the metro. From the US, it is definitely a general public mindset - I was recently told by a native Parisian, "bah, they can take the bus!"

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  8. @Petrea...good point!
    Most European cities have a problem with accessibility, not just Paris.
    We all need to be aware of other's needs and put pressure on local governments.

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  9. Happy to hear this! Thanks for sharing and supporting this imporatant shift in thinking.

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  10. It's only the physically handicapped who can't get around Paris. Nutcases are everywhere.

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  11. In the U.S. it is more than a mindset: it is federal law. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires curb cuts, elevators rather than just stairs, and other elements that allow the disabled to function in general society. It costs additional money, yes. Just as France taxes people to provide health care, etc. Each country/society makes choices that are indicators of its priorities. The mindset is the first thing, as noted by others, but then it must lead to legislation to firmly establish the new mindset.

    On a different note, Minneapolis will have its second Nuit Blanche on Saturday. We call it the Northern Spark.

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  12. This is fantastic, I can only imagine how hard it must be to be disabled in a city like Paris and others in Europe.
    Some time ago I posted this link on my Twitter, a guide for disabled people in Paris, published by the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau

    http://en.parisinfo.com/uploads/1f//pva_en.pdf

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  13. taipan, I hope this campaign changes some minds, don't you? That person's comment must have surprised you. After all, I assume disabled and elderly people pay taxes just like everyone else. They should have access to the city like everyone else does.

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  14. As noted by Jeff, it's the law in this country. However, not all NYC subway stations have elevator access here, so that's still a big challenge for anyone in a wheelchair. (On the other hand, all the buses are wheelchair accessible.) Think I'll just be glad Paris is becoming more aware—and very grateful for my own two functioning feet!

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  15. @Jeff We have laws here too, but they only concern new buildings and, as you know, here we don't have that many new buildings.

    Have fun on the second Nuit Blanche on Saturday - or rather "the Northern Spark"!

    @Sylvia. Thanks for the link. Here is another one that I forgot to post.

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