Words, gestures, even the smallest things can be discriminatory. In their daily lives, people with disabilities are victims of discrimination. Disability is one of the main causes of discrimination in France. “It happens all the time, on the street, in the supermarket,” explains Chantal, 60, who has been in a wheelchair for 20 years. She experienced the peak of this discrimination while waiting in line at the Carrefour TNL. Someone cut in front of her. She protested. As a result, she was spat on. An extraordinary chronicle of ordinary discrimination. Chantal, very active in the French Association for the Paralyzed, is here on the university’s Literature building forecourt with her husband to talk with young students. She leads them to targets prepared for the occasion. The goal is to throw the ball right in the center and achieve 0% discrimination. “We should raise awareness among children starting in Kindergarten. Discriminatory words can hurt and may discourage disabled children from continuing their studies. We need more of them in universities because they are just as intelligent,” hopes Chantal.
On the concentric circles of the target, typical discriminatory expressions are listed, ranging from 100% discrimination to 0%:
– 100%: “You have no business being on the street!” and “Unprofitable, incurable: the disabled are a burden to society.”
– 75%: “Do you realize the image you give off to the customer?” and “They really take up too much space with their wheelchair!”
– 50%: “Is it you or the wheelchair that needs help?” and “It’s courageous to be in a relationship with a disabled person!”
– 25%: “Really, do you actually make love?” and “Disabled people, in general, are adorable!”
We have all heard or even used these prior statements, especially those at 25%. That’s why it’s necessary to raise awareness, particularly in universities, “Tomorrow’s France,” says Denis Taccini, departmental delegate of the APF. He gives examples: “Loans are denied. There is significant hiring discrimination where, when there are multiple candidates, the disabled person is conveniently rejected. In a local church recently, a person in a wheelchair was looking for a place. The priest then said, ‘Push that over there!’ It’s very hurtful.” Daily, words stab those who are struggling. “Complaints are filed, but not often enough, due to resignation,” regrets Denis Taccini. After over 10 years of struggle, the departmental delegation of the APF in Alpes-Maritimes last week obtained the installation of an elevator at the Garibaldi Post Office. Current battles involve public transport and access to social housing. Let’s hope the fight doesn’t last another decade…
