Persons with limited mobility face not only physical access barriers but also attitudinal barriers. Here are the most common negative attitudes that get expressed:
- Ignored as though invisible
- Irritation or anger that the person is blocking their way
- Pitying looks
- Impatiently ordered to walk faster
- Shoved off balance as the person rushes by
Participants reported that the following helped to change their attitudes about access barriers and become empathic to those with limited mobility:
- Discussions with family and friends
- Material on the HMDProject.org website
- Being confronted or asked for help by some with limited mobility
- Online discussions of distance and time standing as access issues
- Orientation handouts