If you were in a wheelchair... part 5

1. A wheelchair is worth its weight in gold and although it looks like some unbreakable object, you actually need to handle it with care. I’ve learnt this lesson unwillingly thanks to an air travel company. People who handle luggage don’t seem to make a difference between a suitcase and a wheelchair. When I was waiting for my wheelchair upon arrival, it was handed to me in a rather sad state. I had to take a cab home with my suitcase, my damaged and useless wheelchair and a tank (an uncontrollable wheelchair) that was kindly lent to me at the airport. The privilege of going home with all these goods came after a long negotiation without which I would probably still be sitting at the terminal. Here’s a message to luggage handlers, please handle our wheelchairs with care, they do cost a lot. I was never given any compensation for the cab fee as, according to the company, they have no obligation to reimburse costs brought about by mishandling of a piece of luggage (my wheelchair being in this case considered as such one piece).
2. I have a passion for paved streets. Happily today we still find a large number of paved streets in France … It unquestionably adds charm to the street, but it is an experience equal to martyrdom for anyone in a wheelchair who dares to venture on these streets. Indeed, if you’re not cautious enough, the front wheels can get stuck between paving stones, and off you go!
3. One day in Paris , I was waiting for the bus like any other regular Parisian. I was happy to see the bus arrive and prepared myself to get on, or rather jump on it I should say. This particular bus was unfortunately not adapted, but with some help, or occasionally on my own, I usually manage to embark for my journeys. But on that day, the driver had no intention to let me on and advised me to wait for the next one. The next one, what a joke… That one was not a direct bus and I would have had to change and ride through the whole city to reach my destination. In the end, I had to drag my suitcase all the way to another bus stop.

    

I heard that accessibility facilities would not be provided for in subway stations, given the amount of investment needed. The Parisian railway network company (RATP) consequently relies on the bus network.