Ableism - Class Activity / Ageism

Today's class activity was rather enlightening.  Some classmates mentioned how the activity made them think a different way about how every day tasks are accomplished, and how we often take for granted that we can do these things without giving it much thought.  I thought about the class activity today, when I visited the cafeteria in the bldg. where I work.  The cafeteria/snack bar is owned by an older African-American, visually-impaired man.  I think it's part of a contract that various state agencies have with another agency which enforces equal employment for small business owners under the ADA.  Anyway, his cash register verbally announces the total due from the customer, and he often asks which bill is which (if they are of more than one denomination).  So, he doesn't mind asking for help, although the research may say that he would be reluctant to ask (as a male).  But, the purpose of asking about the bills' denominations is so that he may place each one in the appropriate slots within the cash register.  This makes it much easier to count the drawer at the end of the day.  I learned that when working retail as a part time job for several Christmas seasons.  Another thing is the way that the elevators are set up in our office bldg.  The floors are identified by numbers which light up after the buttons are pushed, as well as braille right under the numbered buttons.  Then, once the selected floor is reached, there's an audible announcement of the floor.  This way, most people (visually- or audibly-impaired) may ride the elevator to various floors independently.  :-)


Ageism?  Most of the students in this class are in their early 20's, so I sometimes think about how some activities may take more thought for me to accomplish than when I was in my 20's.  It's more than a notion for me to leave class, and rush off to work (on foot) twice per week.  It gets done, but by the time I arrive at my job site, I'm often out of breath, and my calves ache.  Yep, it's my fault for not being in better physical shape, but I'm still being able to reach my goal of working full time, and attending classes part time.  So, I'm okay with it.  :-)  I just threw that in because "age" often has a lot to do with how individuals perceive things as well as how (or, whether) activities are accomplished.

My mother is 87 years of age, she has several canes throughout her apt. in case she needs a little help getting around.  Her mind and wit are still sharp as a tack.  And, she never lets us forget she's "Mama".  My sisters and I take turns each week staying overnight at our mom's place (we each have assigned nights).  While her health issues aren't as bad as they were when we started staying with her a few years back, she just feels more comfortable with there being someone with her at night.  I didn't understand it at first, but after a while, I realized something.  She went from her mother's house, to being married (having a house with my dad), to living alone after my dad passed.  She's very independent, but I guess if she's never really had to live alone, it's kinda hard to do so (if it's not totally necessary) at the age of 77 when my dad died.  I was very okay with doing my part and staying with her if that's what made her happy.  But, it made even more sense to me after I'd understood the patterns of her living arrangements throughout her life.  Something to really be considered:  If you haven't gone through a certain developmental stage in your life, it's not always easy to see the big picture of what someone else is going through -- even those the closest to you.  It's well worth researching (online, etc.), as well as studying the individuals in your personal circle in order to be empathetic about the feelings of others.  I'm not trying to be on a soapbox here, just giving a possible heads-up to those who may not have experienced anything like this before.  Nursing homes and assisted living facilities aren't always the answer, especially for senior citizens who are still in their right minds, and can care for themselves to a certain extent, or who have family/friends around to help them on a daily basis.