Unable vs. Unwilling

Jeff Hobbs
Aug 28, 2017 · 3 min read

There are so many things we do without thinking — choosing what to eat for dinner, deciding what clothes to wear, and selecting who you spend time with. Unfortunately for me, and the thousands of other people who have a disability, there are some areas of life where choices do not exist.

Today I encountered such a situation.

I was choosing seating for an upcoming football game. Accessible (which is the proper term for sections that are designed for people with a disability) tickets were available in two sections of the stadium. A sideline and end zone view. I knew I wanted to sit on the sideline, as I had the year prior. As I called and spoke to multiple ticket agents, I learned that the stadium was only willing to guarantee me the end zone seating (even though tickets were currently available in both sections). Essentially, my $60 tickets might land me in the $10 seating section!

The stadium claimed they were “unable” (I say “unwilling”) to provide me — and anyone else with a disability — seating ahead of time. Their policy for individuals with a disability is to purchase tickets ahead of time and “show up early to have a chance at the section you purchased. No guarantees, though.”

Many people might not know this, but there is an organization called the ADA, which stands for the Americans with Disability Act. The ADA gives civil rights protection to individuals with disabilities. So, for example, if someone with a disability is being discriminated against, the ADA will step in and advocate for that person.

I contacted the ADA to get some information, and really I learned a lot! I learned that I have rights when purchasing tickets, and that there are certain parameters all stadiums must work within to meet the needs of persons with a disability. I felt very supported during the phone call, and if you or someone you know is struggling with an issue related to disability discrimination, I highly recommend you contact them for support.

Ultimately, the ADA provided me with enough knowledge and understanding to communicate effectively with the right people at the football stadium. Unfortunately, I had to be on the phone for an hour, talk to multiple people, and articulate that what the stadium was telling me was incorrect. It was a frustrating, time consuming effort. Though I ended up with tickets (and a guarantee that they’d be in the section I paid for!) I reflect on how wrong it is that it took me hours to do something that should take 5 minutes.

It’s important to me that you know how to advocate for yourself. It’s important that you know you don’t have to settle for the first answer your are given. It’s important to research your rights and go into a situation informed.

I think of all the people who, like me, want to go to a football game or concert but either won’t go because they have a disability and don’t know how seating will work or they can’t go because someone is telling them there might not be a seat for them. If that describes you, the reader of this blog, please reach out to me or the ADA and let us help you.

As for me and my future, I will be continuing my research in hopes of someday creating large-scale change for accessible seating at venues. I understand I’m fighting the good fight, and while at times it feels like an uphill battle, it is certainly necessary for myself, the current generation, and all future generations. Needless to say, I hope you’ll never take a “back seat” to something that is unfair and not equitable.

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