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Originally Posted by BrianL99
That's not true.
Your argument and position, misses the entire point of what "reasonable accommodation" is. No one is entitled to a "barrier free" existence. That's simply not how the world works.
There are barriers everywhere, whether intentional or not. Stupid people are unlikely to qualify to be Doctors ... should we lower the standards?
No one has installed barriers to making life more difficult for deaf people to participate. The "barrier" is their own deficiency and it is their obligation to adjust and/or make accommodations that suit or minimize their deficiency.
While it's perhaps a noble ideal that everyone in the world is "equal", There will always be those who are smarter, taller, stronger, more attractive or can hear better.
Using your logic, the music in the Squares should be loud enough to be heard from miles away, to "accommodate" those whose hearing has diminished and don't have a golf cart to drive there and are too old to walk ... they should be able to sit on their front porch and still hear the music?
Turn up the volume, it's too low for us older folks! Perhaps we should prohibit the use of anything less than 10 pt type on official documents, because some folks might not be able to read it clearly?
Every accommodation necessary to provide "equal", offends or infringes on someone else's rights, hence "reasonable accommodation".
"We want what everyone else has", is an attitude and position that empowers opposition, as it should.
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Everyone deserves a fair chance to participate in society. That’s the heart of what “reasonable accommodation” means. It’s not about giving special treatment—it’s about removing unfair barriers so people with disabilities can access the same opportunities as everyone else.
Let’s clear up a few myths:
No one is asking for a “barrier-free” world. We’re asking for thoughtful solutions—like sign language interpreters, captioning, or visual alerts—that help people participate fully. These aren’t luxuries. They’re legal rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Disability isn’t a personal flaw. Saying Deaf people should “adjust to their deficiency” ignores the fact that society often creates the barriers—through poor design, lack of awareness, or outdated attitudes. Accommodations help fix that.
Accommodations don’t harm others. Making documents easier to read or events more accessible doesn’t take anything away—it adds value for everyone. Seniors benefit from larger print. Captions help people in noisy environments. Inclusion lifts all boats.
Equality isn’t about making everything the same. It’s about making things fair. That means recognizing different needs and meeting them with respect and dignity.
Bottom line: Reasonable accommodation is about community, compassion, and common sense. When we make space for everyone, we build a stronger, more connected world.