A photograph of an outdated and controversial note has gone viral on social media, igniting outrage and debate over accessibility issues. The note, posted outside a building, instructs differently-abled individuals to climb stairs to request lift access, rather than offering a functional and easily accessible facility.
The note, which reads, “To use the disabled lift, please come upstairs to the buffet and notify a member of staff so that we can turn the power on. Thank you,” was shared by Reddit user ’emotional_platypuss’. The post, which went up a few days ago, has garnered over 85,000 upvotes and a flurry of critical comments.
The note’s content has been widely criticized for its apparent disregard for the needs of individuals with disabilities. Many Reddit users expressed their frustration with the facility’s lack of consideration and basic accessibility. Some pointed out that the note’s request seemed to imply a reluctance to make the lift available unless specifically asked, potentially revealing underlying issues with the facility’s approach to accessibility.
One user sarcastically remarked, “It’s amazing that people can be smart enough to make this sign, yet not smart enough to realize how damn stupid it is. Look, I know it isn’t hard to make a sign. But going by the content of the sign, I’m impressed the makers even know how to put their pants on.”
Another user offered a humorous take, writing, “In order to access the lift please climb this ladder, swing down the rope, swim through the pool, punch the alligator, crawl through that pipe, escape the lion, then let us know so we can turn on the power.”
The incident has also prompted users to share their own experiences with inaccessible facilities. One commenter described being trapped outside in the heat due to a malfunctioning lift, highlighting the lack of adequate emergency contact options and seating for those unable to stand for long periods.
Criticism has also been directed at the facility for potentially failing to comply with disability ordinances. Users speculate that the lift might have been installed merely to meet legal requirements without providing real accessibility, as evidenced by the cumbersome process outlined in the note.
The backlash against this note underscores a broader issue in accessibility and the need for facilities to ensure that accommodations are both functional and considerate of those they are meant to assist. The viral reaction serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and the importance of genuine, effective solutions for accessibility in public and private spaces.
Sources By Agencies
