Ms BDA responds September 5, 2006Dear Sir,I am writing in response to the opinion that appeared in your column on Friday, September 1, 2006 that was directed at me by the author FRUSTRATED IN PAGET.

FRUSTRATED IN PAGET voiced concern over the parking of my car along Parliament Street on a seemingly daily basis. While I would not normally have responded to the tirade, I believe that the opportunity has presented itself to raise the issue of disabled parking and overall accessibility in Bermuda.

Although I was born with a disability, I have always strived to live as independent a life as possible. My limited ability to walk is aided by my use of a motorised scooter. Recently, I acquired a wheelchair accessible van for the purpose of living independently to raise my family, pursue my career and lead an active role in the welfare of my country.

My vehicle is equipped with a side ramp and, due to this special modification, it is extremely difficult to find parking within the city of Hamilton. In fact, within the entire city, there are only four disabled parking bays which would accommodate my car. In the early part of this year, I raised the issue of the limited parking with the Corporation of Hamilton. As an interim measure, while they consider a resolution to the situation, they have permitted me to park on the street providing that I display the appropriate number of parking vouchers along with my disabled parking permit.

So while the author remains FRUSTRATED over the parking within the city, note that at least he/she has a plethora of options to choose, unlike some of us.

Lastly, as the author is FRUSTRATED and appears so quick to put pen to paper, I remain HOPEFUL that the author would utilise their free time to write to any official, business, restaurant, school, church, recreation facility, hotel, etc. and encourage them to ensure ACCESS FOR ALL.

MS BDA

Lisa M. Lister Currin

Chairman, Committee for a National

Policy on Disabilities<$>

‘Frustrated’ about what? September 5, 2006Dear Sir,I am not often compelled to respond to letters printed in your column but the letter authored by “Frustrated in Paget” which appeared in Friday’s (1st September) column directed to the owner of the vehicle MS BDA moves me to action.

Like the writer of this letter, I would reasonably expect that the owner of the vehicle is too frustrated. Frustrated that for reasons known only by God, she was born with a physical disability that gives only limited use of her legs. Frustrated that most of her awake time is spent in a wheelchair. Frustrated that she is unable to run after her two beautiful children at Botanical Gardens or on the beautiful shoreline of Horseshoe Bay.

Frustrated that she cannot physically take her own children to Sunday School lessons in the basement of her parish church. Frustrated that our society continues to equate mental ability with physical ability. Frustrated that grocery stores, retail stores, churches and developers fail to provide adequate restroom and shopping accessibility. Frustrated that unfettered sidewalk access is considered a “nice to have” rather than a “must have” for those dependent on two wheels rather than two legs. Frustrated that no, she cannot park her car at Masters Bulls Head and “walk” to the office. Frustrated that she had to pay so much for a specially equipped car in the first place!

Frustrated that the author of this letter totally ignored the big bold red sticker of her bottom left windshield which read “DISABLED PARKING PERMIT”, but rather focused on the small print on the back of one of the four vouchers displayed.

Dear Sir, might I suggest that Frustrated in Paget, channel this same frustration and literary eloquence by writing to the Corporation of Hamilton, the banks, insurance companies, shops, and developers to lobby for improved access to public facilities with the required parking accommodation required by those who would like to lead productive and independent lives. I personally commend Lisa Currin for all that she is and all that she is able to do. She is a true champion and an excellent role model for all.

I, Dear Sir, am extremely disappointed and likewise frustrated by the attitude exhibited by this writer, a writer so obviously conflicted by a number of other issues. Should the day ever come in this Bermuda that we are not supportive, encouraging and motivated by people like MS BDA — especially those that are uniquely challenged — God help us all!

B R TANNOCK

Southampton