“I find it nerve-racking”: What it's like to be disabled going around Manchester Christmas Markets
Manchester’s Christmas Markets bring in thousands of pounds to the city. They can bring in hoards of punters, too.
“I haven't been to the markets this year,” Heather Davidson explained as she approached Piccadilly Gardens. “I’ve thought about going — but for the same reason I only pop into town for an afternoon is that I have got a couple of injuries — so I cannot rely on myself to be cheerful and happy enough.” Behind her, in convoy, are Katy Daly and Josh Woodworth. The pair are a couple, and both have cerebral palsy.
Starting at the Piccadilly Gardens end, the plan initially was to go down Market Street, then carry on to King Street via St Ann’s Square. However, it became apparent very soon that there was not going to be enough time to take that route. “It can be terrible if people look at their phones,” the Master’s student said. “I have to be extremely careful. Stopping is especially bad at the markets… [but] we have to stop and try and keep single file — if we are side by side we can block the street.
It took 25 minutes to go from Primark to the bottom end of Market Street, under the Arndale food court. Even during the busiest times of December, it would usually take an able bodied person no more than 10 minutes to walk down. Getting a drink is one thing, enjoying it is another, as Josh highlighted. He said: “After all that, can you get around the table? I need an exit plan too.”
“I am not my wheelchair,” Heather reflected after the interaction. “A poorly designed environment is not my responsibility.” Katy added: “My wheelchair cannot go sideways. People look at us expecting us to move but what am I supposed to do?” “I would never come,” Vania explained as the MEN party set off. “This would be a complete no-no, it’s too tiring for me. I get too tired too quickly.
“I used to love walking around here looking at these but the enjoyment has gone out of it. Having a disability means you’re mindful of what you can and can’t do.”
Danmark Seneste Nyt, Danmark Overskrifter
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