Hiroko Yamaguchi
In Japan, people frequently say "Dangerous" while I walk with a white cane, yet in my entire life, I have rarely been in true danger. The few times I actually was, the warnings were polite and calm. I wish people would realize that saying "Dangerous!" is not a substitute for a genuine, helpful warning.
#accessbility #disabledJustice #blind #whiteCane
Jun 25 at 6:18amWeb
Show threadsofticecreamlesley6d ago

@LimurianHiro People need to mind their own business. I’m sure you are doing just fine on your own.

I had heard of disabled people receiving unnecessary comments or “help”. I experienced it when I broke my leg. I’d be out on my iWalk and people would shout, “You’re going to fall!” for no reason. Or they would suddenly rush up to me to “help”, almost knocking me over.

There needs to be more awareness as how to let disabled people be independent when they are out and about.

Show threadHiroko Yamaguchi5d ago
@softicecreamlesley that sounds like a truly terrifying experience, Lesley. I’m so glad your injuries didn’t get any worse.
I’ve had plenty of dangerous encounters with passersby myself, so I can really relate to what you went through.
And thank you for your kind words. Regardless of whether someone has a disability or not, they deserve to be respected as an independent individual. It seems there are still many people who don't understand that.
#accessibility #disabledJustice #Intersectionality
Show threadHiroko Yamaguchi5d ago
@softicecreamlesley I felt that what you shared was incredibly important.
Would it be alright if I introduced our exchange on a Japanese platform called "note"?
I’d like to translate it into Japanese so that more people can understand what is happening.
I hope they will realize that true respect means trusting others to manage their own lives independently, rather than shouting "Dangerous!" based on one's own discomfort.
#accessibility #disabledJustice #Intersectionality
Show threadsofticecreamlesley5d ago

@LimurianHiro Sure, no problem!

It’s an important issue and I think the more people share their perspectives, the better.

I’d like to add that I could really tell when a business, such as a coffee shop or hotel, had training and when they didn’t. When they did, I felt well cared for and my dignity respected. I was very appreciative. When they didn’t, it was awkward and upsetting (and sometimes potentially dangerous).

Show threadsofticecreamlesley5d ago
@LimurianHiro Let me tell you another strange story! 😅 Since I had surgery after I broke my leg, I could get in water. We went to an onsen hotel with a pool one weekend. By then, I was on Canadian crutches and could put a little weight on my foot. I put my crutches to the side and got in the onsen, minding my own business. This woman rushed up to me, “Are you OK? Do you need help?” I said I was fine, and prayed she wouldn’t touch me “to help”, as of course I was unclothed! 😳
Show threadHiroko Yamaguchi4d ago
@softicecreamlesley Thank you for agreeing to have your post featured and for sharing your story. Reading it made me feel anxious and uneasy, too. Being physically touched without consent is a major terror in public spaces; it is frightening that even a bathhouse offers no immunity from this. This is precisely why I believe this is such a serious issue. Perhaps the first thing we need to convey is the importance of respecting everyone as a human being.
#Intersectionality #accessibility
Show threadsofticecreamlesley4d ago
@LimurianHiro Your last sentence of your post is so spot on. Exactly!