There is not a single fight in life that is not worth fighting for.
Last Friday, just before 4 p.m., Judge Paquette traced, in the sand of Quebec society, the first meters of the path leading people with disabilities towards recognition of their right to equal opportunities, with the basic need of ” get the same service as the whole population.
For the author of this line, it is important to see this authorization in collective action as a sign that the sneaky grip of conformity is loosening a little around the neck of the too often speechless.
We can now speak, claim, debate, without constantly feeling like begging.
Although the cut is not yet completely on our lips, this historic moment brings us undeniable comfort.
A balm on the wounds still alive from the humiliation felt in the face of the impact of our “differences” on the lives of “Others”
How many times have we found ourselves, one day or the other, watching friends leave us on their own when we had to wait, with certainly superhuman resilience our adapted transport, this door-to-door service, this ” advantage ”(poisoned) that the“ Others ”do not have.
How many of us have been unable to find or keep a job because of the inflexibility of our means of transportation?
Legions no doubt.
Finally, we can move forward with our heads held high from now on, since we have been heard!
We now know that it is not enough to show “good faith” too little too late for the revolving of the hand of the attacks on our dignity, the humiliation of exclusion and worse still the existence of systemic discrimination.
It is one step closer to proving, to the world, that we are full human beings with desires, aspirations, joys, sorrows, courage or fear.
DON’T BE AFRAID ANYMORE!
Affirm yourself!
STAND STRAIGHT!
This victory does not sound the death knell for our rights but at least …
it belongs to ALL of us and we have reason to be proud of it!
Forward for the future!
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The judgment in question:
RAPLIQ vs Metropolitan Transportation Agency (May 26, 2017) (French Only)