How will the New Normalcy Impact People with Disabilities?
By Carole Conklin, WDOMI Receptionist
Westchester County continues to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic with slow and steady
reopenings— something to be excited about especially after so many months of the new norm
of businesses being closed, being quarantined at home , social distancing, being apart from
family and friends, working remotely, etc. These months have been additionally challenging
for people with disabilities with regard to getting things accomplished, and especially for those
who live alone. This has resulted in emotions of frustration, stress, isolation, anxiety and in
some cases depression. I can testify to that as someone who lives alone and is blind.I did find it
challenging at times and have felt some of these emotions.
But now being in the current phase of the new normal where more businesses have opened up
, I am free to once again step out and shop in my favorite clothing store, check out Kmart, look
at shoes and other footwear, get a bite to eat etc. Or am I???? With social distancing guidelines
set in place, I can’t help but wonder do I have that freedom.
When I didn’t have someone to go shopping with, I would travel to the store and get assistance
from a store rep with finding what I needed. Kmart in White Plains was always very
accommodating–I would call an hour before I arrived and once I got there, a rep helped me
with my shopping. At my favorite clothing store, there was always a rep on the floor to assist
me with describing items, finding my size and helping me to the dressing room to try them on. I
received the same kind of assistance from store reps when shopping for footwear. When I’ve
gone out for a bite to eat alone, I would be guided to the table and guided back to the door
when leaving. Will that be available to me with social distancing being in place? Have the
businesses set a plan on how they will accommodate those with disabilities that enter their
establishments?
I know online shopping is an option for purchasing clothing, footwear etc., but for me, clothing
and footwear were things I had to try on before I purchased them. I am certain there are others
with disabilities that share my concern and wonder will we be free to be part of the community
and do our thing or will we be confined to this new normalcy of limitations. Before COVID-19,
people with disabilities already had to deal with obstacles in their daily lives and we certainly
don’t need additional obstacles to hinder us from being part of the community to live, work,
worship, shop and enjoy.