Sir, - On Saturday morning, we eventually get a wheelchair-accessible taxi into town. Crowds of people everywhere, like a heaving sea. The street is like an obstacle course: steps, kerbs, drains, uneven slabs. We slowly make our way through. Shopping , the aim of the expedition, is made more difficult by narrow aisles, doors, numerous steps and different levels. You'd need Christopher Columbus's skills to discover the location of the lifts. The rows of shelves are like the Grand Canyon: everything above your head and well out of reach. You ask for assistance and people simply stare. Going for lunch is a major ordeal. Have you ever watched anyone carrying a tray without using their hands? It's amazing how many people do. Even though we already have our own chairs, it takes us ages to find a space. After lunch we spend just as long looking for a suitable toilet. The rest of the afternoon is spent trying to shop for at least the important things.
To recover we head for a drink and there are the same problems gaining access. Finally we find a wheelchair-accessible taxi and head home. Your ideal shopping day? I wouldn't imagine so, but this would be a typical experience for a wheelchair user. Please keep this in mind. - Yours, etc.,
From Julia Henny Schulze
Adult Training Centre, Cerebral Palsy Ireland, Sandymount Avenue, Dublin 4.