For my post I decided to use my sorority house, I picked this house due to the layout and structure of it. This house is extremely old, with that being said it is not accommodating to handicap individuals. The two main entrances to the house both have stairs to get to the door. Although, there is another entrance to the building that is wheelchair accessible, to get to the main floor or even the second floor you would have to take the stairs. That is a major concern because if an individual isn’t able to walk up stairs then they will not be able to see how beautiful the inside of the house is.
In The Social Construction of Difference, Johnson explains that able-bodied individuals “…can also assume that most buildings and other strictures will not be designed in ways that limit their access.” (Pg. 19) Unfortunately, this house (and the updates added to it over 5 years ago) only accommodate to privileged abled-bodied individuals. From this reading I have realized how privileged abled-bodied individuals are to live in this home. Its explained that when handicapped individuals travel or look for living situations it becomes extremely tedious to find a home compatible to their living style. It would be difficult to feel included in certain activities due to the inconvenience of the homes layout, which should be the last feeling someone has to encounter when joining this chapter. Johnson also explains that, “Nondisabled people choose whether to be conscious of their disability status or to ignore it and regard themselves simply as human beings” (Pg. 19) This is very true in this example because most of the girls who do live in this home did not even think about this issue until I pointed it out.
Posted by: Lauren S.
