Everyone Welcome?

Everyday I see it on doors, on social media posts, on advertisements. It’s meant to convey inclusion, friendliness, a good reception.

“Everyone welcome”

It’s easy to say but much harder to implement, and unfortunately often just two words with very little meaning. Mostly the reality for families like mine challenges those words in ways people don’t feel comfortable with:

Is everyone welcome when the only access is via stairs or even worse a terrifying escalator unsuitable for anyone with balance or mobility struggles or who requires a wheelchair or aids of any sort?

Is everyone truly welcome when those like my son are made to sit in certain areas well away from others? This might seem well intentioned but it can separate families and feel very isolating being away from others.

Is everyone truly welcome when all heads turn to stare when my son makes a noise or flaps his hands in excitement? Are places in reality just looking for a certain type of person and not someone with limited social skills and communication?

Is everyone truly welcome if the disabled or those caring for them are charged more than others?

Is everyone truly welcome if there are no suitable toilets for those with disabilities? When the basic ladies or gents are inadequate and inaccessible?

So many times I have seen those two words ‘everyone welcome’ and planned trips with my disabled son based on my naivety that those words would be true…and so often we can’t get in, can’t see, can’t hear, can’t participate and most definitely can’t use the bathroom despite the good intentions of others.

Other times it’s not the building or facilities that don’t make us welcome but the attitude of others. We’re an inconvenience, a disruption, a problem. It’s very obvious from the minute we arrive that we’re not the sort of people they meant by the word ‘everyone’.

Maybe I’m getting old and cynical but after far too many experiences now of being made anything but welcome when taking my son places I’ve now came to the conclusion that those two words more often should be replaced by five…

“Everyone welcome…except the disabled!”