Dear friends,
Once we were told by a concert organiser that ramps or lifts were not needed because people in wheelchairs don’t go to concerts anyway. It is the same everywhere: if you cannot access a place, it is indeed hard to be there.
It is said that the historic Verona Arena will be made fully accessible for the Olympic Games. It will host the closing ceremony of the Olympics and the opening ceremony of the Paralympics.
Every person has value. No one should be pushed aside because of their physical or mental differences. It is neither right, nor fair, nor wise.
We are a small nation. We must take gentle care of all—children and adults, the young and the old; and we must consider different needs quietly and naturally.
All our lives are a struggle to become better versions of ourselves. Each of us is strong in some ways and vulnerable in others. A society is strong when it weaves these strengths and weaknesses together with wisdom.
Every day we can help remove barriers that exclude people with disabilities. For example, by allowing a person with an assistance dog into a cinema. Or by designing a city that suits all its inhabitants: children and the elderly, people who are blind, wheelchair users, those using crutches, cyclists, parents with prams and people with sledges.
People with disabilities must also be able to make their own life choices. Autonomy, belonging and competence are equally important to all of us.
Sign language, audio description, live captioning, subtitles, high-contrast views, Braille, easy-to-read language; roads and pavements, theatres, sports halls, schools and homes — all should be accessible to everyone, so that we can be together everywhere and live as dignified and fulfilling a life as possible.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas season and an inspiring concert!
Photos: Vahur Lõhmus