ELECTION CANDIDATES: TAKE TO WHEELCHAIR OR CRUTCHES TO SWAY 27% OF THE ELECTORATE.
A press release:
More than 12 million votes could be swayed in the general election dependent upon politicians’ understanding of disability issues – and one disability sector business leader says politicians should get on their crutches and into wheelchairs to get a clear understand of the challenges faced by mobility equipment users.
Mark Effenberg, Chief Executive of Blue Badge Mobility (BBM)– mobility equipment rescue, recovery and insurance – whose son is a wheelchair user, says politicians have a massive opportunity to sway disabled voters by simply “going disabled” for a day.
“We understand disability issues more than most businesses, but we keep our finger on the pulse anyway: our most recent research indicates that nearly 95% of mobility equipment users say businesses of all types would be far more appreciative of the challenges faced by disabled people if able-bodied employees took part in a ‘be in a wheelchair for a day’ experience as part of company employment policy,” said Mark.
“That got us to thinking about how much policymakers and politicians really understand about mobility issues for disabled people – and we looked at how many disabled voters, partners and carers there are: it’s an astonishing 12.5 million. There’s around 46 million voters in the UK, so that’s 27% of the electorate.
“To truly appreciate those mobility issues, we believe politicians should take to crutches or a wheelchair for a day, and get a user-eye-view and experience of mobility equipment.
“That would also have a huge impact on the able-bodied public’s understanding of the issues facing mobility equipment users – our previous surveys and research indicate that able-bodied people perhaps think they understand disability issues, but in reality not many do.”
Hampshire-based Blue Badge Mobility provides mobility equipment rescue and recovery, insurance covering use, protection and liability relating to scooter, wheelchair and home equipment, care-related insurance products, as well as advice on sourcing and use of mobility equipment.
http://www.BlueBadgeMobilityInsurance.co.uk/
Same Difference 
Reblogged this on sdbast.
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Great idea!
Some could also try carrying an oxygen tank on their back. Most people don’t realise how heavy they actually are and the tube gets hooked on all sorts of things.
I seem to remember when some politician went blindfolded on a bus, I think, and quite a lot of people criticised that as a cheap, patronising publicity stunt. Maybe, but I do think it would be good for people to understand a bit more.
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I’d like to see a bit more than that. How about a month, in a high rise, with no assistance (apart for 15 mins, once a day,), with both legs tied together, wearing boxing gloves, maybe with a restricted air supply. On benefit levels. Preferably also with a spare bedroom, so they have even less money. If possible, on the coldest month possible, so they can see how much help the disabled get for heating (Nil). While they are not using it, let a disabled person “swap” lives, living on their income, in their home, with all their advantages. Unfortunately we can’t give them the mobility that the politicians have, but a ministerial car will help some out a lot, I’m sure! Lets make a C4 program about it – Political Life Swap! – and heap opprobrium on the politicians for being scrounging workshy cripples. If we can put them on ESA, send them on pointless courses, and get them sanctioned, so much the better. Lets make them see what life is REALLY like for a lot of those with physical disabilities in Britain today. A few hours on crutches or in a wheelchair doesn’t cut it – the worst of the disabilities are NOT caused by peoples bodies, but by other peoples attitudes, starting from the top down.
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Reblogged this on Britain Isn't Eating.
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Reblogged this on Britain Isn't Eating.
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