Thread by @seananmcguire

One of the ongoing issues I'm seeing with ADA access at larger conventions is the conflict between equality and equity. If a chair is made available to me, shouldn't chairs be made available to EVERYONE?

Well, yes, because humans are breakable things and there are a lot of reasons someone may need to sit down that aren't related to disability. But I understand that thousands of chairs aren't always practical.

So why should I get a chair if I'm outright saying that not everyone can have a chair? How about because my left foot isn't weight-bearing, and if I stand for too long, I'll start to scream uncontrollably?

Equality (treating everyone exactly the same) sounds pretty on paper, but it doesn't survive contact with the real world. Equity makes it so we can all enjoy the event to a similar, if not identical degree.

I usually explain this to the able-bodied with cake. Would you give the same size slice of cake to a teenage athlete and a toddler? No? Why not? Because you'd either make the toddler sick or starve the teenager? Well, the whole world is cake, one way or another.

You reserve seats up front for those who need to be able to see the ASL translators clearly, or who have other visual issues that mean the back of the room isn't equality, it's a lack of access.

You don't interfere in any way with mobility devices or service dogs--but you don't point to a service dog as the reason you should be allowed to take your pets with you everywhere you go. The dog hair may be the same. The training is not.

You don't use the only elevator in the convention center unless you absolutely have to. Yes, even if you're tired. Even if your feet hurt. People in wheelchairs, people with strollers, people with service dogs, they have one option. You have so many more.

And you don't force people to disclose their disabilities before you'll treat them like they matter. You don't make the medically fragile stand in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Humans deserve respect and kindness and equity. Equality isn't on the table.

Not always. Not for everyone. My experience of a large trade show in my wheelchair is different than a toddler in a stroller's, or a person with a service dog's, or someone who is temporarily able bodied's.