This article is also available in: 日本語
Hi,
It’s Jeff today.
Today I want to share a story of how Mizuki and I see one thing so differently.
I would like to share one of those stories with you today.
Episode 1 – Taking a Wheelchair Friendly Escalator
Tokyo is a big old city.
Its public transportation is well developed and capable to hold 37 million ridership per day. *1
However, not all stations are equipped with elevators.
Those stations without elevators are usually equipped with wheelchair lift or wheelchair accessible escalator.
Mizuki doesn’t like to use wheelchair lift or wheelchair accessible escalator.
I thought it was because other passengers cannot use the escalator or stairs when those mobility aids are in operation.
One time we were at Iidabashi station, using a wheelchair accessible escalator.
The train staffs stopped the escalator to prepare it to be accessible for wheelchair.
As results, the other passengers has to take a different route.
They don’t look too happy about it.
As usual, we received quite a lot of attention. People were looking at us.
Mizuki was playing with her phone and I was wondering what is the first thing I should say to make this awkward situation better.
When we finally reached the platform, I said
“it was not as bad as I thought.
People were looking at us but they soon look away.
They don’t seem care too much.”
“oh yeah?”
said Mizuki while keep on playing her phone.
She looked she doesn’t care so I asked.
“I thought you don’t like to take those wheelchair friendly escalators…..”
I asked.
“No, I don’t.”
She replied and kept on playing with her phone.
“Why is that?
Do you mind other people looking at you while you were on the escalator but they had to take stairs?”
I finally asked.
“No, I don’t mind people looking.
I don’t like to take the escalator simply because it is too slow and I have wait for the staff to get it ready.”
She replied bluntly.
“Oh..”
I replied.
I suddenly realized that my assumption was completely incorrect.
I am glad that I finally asked or I would never know what she really thinks.
I am sure that not all wheelchair users think in the way Mizuki thinks but I hope that this experience sharing would give you some ideas.
The best way to understand a wheelchair user’s thinking is always ask the person directly.
That would be it for today.
Thank you.