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oh what a beautiful Sunday — Inclusion 101

It was indeed a beautiful Sunday.

After staying up late watching any movie made in a parent trap theme, Parent Trap I, Parent Trap II, and the 1980s remake of the Parent Trap (don’t you just love what you can get on YouTube?) I slept really late, which was lovely and incredibly needed. I finally feel like I’m getting over the exhausted feeling I’ve had for about a month.

I woke up feeling a little medication hangover still lingering, but decided with a little help from my friends then it was too nice a day to stay home for long.

I responded to an invitation to go to a blogger meet up in Coogee today, hosted by a blogger I started following about six months ago but had never spoken to; Chally. I knew I’d know at least one person from my off-line life, Mary, but that was going to be it.

But the appeal ran deeper than that. The accessibility information about the venue was posted for all to see on the original post. It wasn’t because they are expecting me, it was just inclusive, good practice and I guess, just the way it’s done in her head at least. I didn’t need to lift a finger, save my energy, disclose ahead of time, stand on my head, be forgiving/tolerant/accepting of compromise, prepare for embarrassment, carriage or anything. I just had to decide to turn up and I did. One of the more active members of the community even created a Google map, explaining the accessible route. Again, this was all done before I even expressed an interest in attending. Wow. Thank you tigtog. Even the wet weather plan (which thankfully wasn’t needed) was fully accessible and the accessibility was discussed as part of the mainstream discussion, not as a “oh yes and”.

It was great to put faces to names and be reminded that we’re all just people. Great job Chally.

But it does beg the question; why in 2010 is it still such a surprise to me to be included automatically and so effortlessly by a small group of people that outwardly at least seem to have no obligation. There was not a Disability Discrimination Act lawsuit in the pipeline if they didn’t. There was no real obligation on them as my friend. That in the expected thanks congratulations or medal of martyrdom for their efforts. They just did it, presumably because they wanted to be inclusive and/or they felt it was the right thing to do. It still isn’t clear to me that they were even doing it for me, which feels wonderful. If those that claim to love me could demonstrate that so clearly, by just making choices. Social model of disability right here and working.

I did learn something though–don’t take a book, that you’re not sure you’re enjoying reading even if it is your current read. I’m not quite sure what it said about me.

I’m so sorry I had to leave so early. They are a great bunch of women people.

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