In a world that runs too fast, even faster than our thoughts, yet there is no place for people "different". "Different from whom?" You ask. I wonder myself. We are frightened by everything that seems strange, skin color, different from dress, who speaks with difficulty walking or ...
We are so accustomed to brainwashing by the media, to believe, without a shadow of a doubt that physical beauty, a prestigious career, a happy family, a luxury car, an enterprising personality are the only things that count in life. If all this "happiness", suddenly, something or someone upsets our routine, maybe just because we can not have a dress the most fashionable of our colleague, or because our tan is not perfect, we feel lost: it seems that all our life is falling apart. We wonder what evil have we done to deserve punishment so severe. What makes me cringe is stated that in my generation, and even more among young people, there are quite a few people with this belief.
As I write this article with the computer, I'm helping with a keyboard cover that is an aid, a technological support be designed to help a disabled person to prevent, compensate, relieve or eliminate its physical limit, in practice , is a shield made of metal affixed to embed it on your keyboard, with holes: it helps me not go wrong button, I directed my fingers. Well, now you have wondered what I was talking about and you will feel confused! You are right. I will explain better: I am a disabled person motor from birth. I do not know what goes in your head right now, but I assure you that mine is not a disease and are much less contagious. I'm just a woman who lives her life and who wants to talk about the hardships that physical barriers can create them.
For nine years I have a job at a healthcare Turin and I'm very proud of my work, mainly because my role is very demanding.
To get to the office there is a long ramp with non-slip rubber flooring and handrails to be allowed to rest.
My office is located on the mezzanine floor, so as to avoid having to use either the elevator or, above all, the stairs. My location Work has been designed so that I can perform my duties without help, though, of course, I know myself still adjusting to my space much more than is required of a person without my problems spasticity. To move inside the building, use the walker, another aid that helps me to walk a sort of cart with four wheels and the handles to rest your hands. Sometimes, I must be the one to guide him in order to keep ... we say that we help each other. Imagine pushing a shopping cart while 'dancer and maybe with all your shopping in, you dug how are you?
When I go to the bathroom, even if it is required by law, sometimes I have Difficulty: I use the key (spasticity and movement makes it difficult for Lapresa), go with the walker, making sure to direct it well, because it is unbalanced and swing and close the door by turning a small lever on the knob: not an easy .
may happen during the day, having to travel long distances within the building, to bring material to work in offices. In this case, I can use my electric wheelchair. Sometimes, however, during the lunch break, I would go shopping in nearby shops, but it is not possible as the high steps prevent me from entering. And to think that just put the simple slides, but apparently ... would ruin the aesthetics of the environment! I wonder: is it so hard to think that a person with mobility problems can "want" to buy a blouse or a pair of pants?
Fortunately for me there is a market there, at least I can turn quietly, without any space problems. This enables me to feel a bit 'more free and independent.
having difficulty in walking and unable to use public transport, sometimes inaccessible, I travel by taxi, or go to the office, to do activities outside. There is a service created to help people with walking difficulties, giving them the opportunity to move independently. For many years, the City of Turin allocates a significant portion of money from the radio taxi companies for this type of transport, but the other part is borne by users like me: every month, I go to one of the sites GTT to buy booklet called "taxi vouchers," to be used within the thirty days.
Eager to end my workday, turn off your computer and shut the door behind him, the radio taxi phone and reserve a car for me to be picked up. Every time I get ready to do this, I have to specify the switchboard in the possession of 'good taxi ": taxi driver who agrees to pick me should know that is going to make a transport for a disabled person. While I get on the taxi that will take me home, with the thought, I already taste the well-deserved rest.
Maria Teresa Balla
