“Keep Out” Sign in red lettering against a brick wall.
Living with cerebral palsy, I've encountered many forms of gatekeeping that undermine my lived experience. Despite decades of progress and the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act turning 34 this year, our community continues to face skepticism and discrimination, often because we don’t fit society's narrow view of what disability should look like.
Paul Castle, a blind artist and illustrator, encapsulates a critical point when he says, "Blindness is a spectrum." Castle and his guide dog, Mr. Maple, were recently denied entry to a Seattle restaurant because an employee didn't believe Mr. Maple was a real service animal. The employee's reasoning? "You don't look blind," he told Castle, per CBS News. This statement underscores a broader issue: the public's limited understanding of disabilities, which often leads to harmful gatekeeping.
Disability manifests in countless ways, both visible and invisible. As someone who uses a wheelchair and a service dog, along with chronic pain, I've seen firsthand how quickly people are to judge based on appearances. The reality is, disabilities are as diverse as the people who live with them. They can vary not just from person to person but even within the same individual over time.
The Daily Dot reports, Katie, a TikTok user with a service dog, shared a harrowing experience at a JCPenney store. During a medical episode, a fellow shopper harassed her, questioning why she needed a service dog and even suggesting she was "in the way." Katie’s service dog was assisting her, but the woman insisted, "You don't look like you need a service dog." This incident again highlights the everyday struggles we face, constantly defending our needs against ignorance and prejudice.
Such encounters are not isolated. They reflect a systemic issue where ableism and medical gatekeeping prevent us from accessing the rights and accommodations to which we are legally entitled. This attitude perpetuates discrimination and hinders true inclusion. We need to shift the narrative from suspicion and doubt to understanding and acceptance.
To combat this, we need stronger laws protecting the rights of people with disabilities and better public education about the spectrum of disabilities. Educating the public about the ADA and the legal rights of service dog handlers is essential. We must urge legislators to enforce existing laws more strictly and to consider new measures that protect us from discrimination and harassment.
As I reflect on these stories, I am reminded of the resilience of our community and the importance of continuing the fight for equity and inclusion. We must break down these barriers and educate others about the true nature of disabilities. Disclosing our disability is not for style points or sympathy. We share so that you'll understand, and most importantly, believe us.