At The Front Of The Line

Here’s another take on the Justin-Bieber-using-a-wheelchair-at-Disney story, this from a New York Times writer who has used a wheelchair since the age of 4. The author posits that Bieber didn’t need a wheelchair to cut the lines at Disney – he gets VIP treatment as a “star” – but rather, was embracing his chance to use some “cool” wheels.

As much as life has changed for many of us – for the better  – with gains in assistive technology, improved wheelchairs and other tools, and breakthroughs in the medical field, I still think there are so many barriers to physical access that getting to the front of the line once in a while when you have mobility challenges is a consideration that counts for a lot.

I stick with my theory that Bieber should have stayed home and rested his knee, if he really hurt it badly enough to need a wheelchair.

And I don’t think he made wheelchairs cool. I think he made himself look like a user.

 

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