On July 25, I had an accident, fractured a bone in my foot and, unfortunately, have found myself classified as “handicapped.”
And then a realization set in. I, who look forward to Chicago summers, particularly concerts in Grant Park, can’t access the music festival because there is no way to go down and up the ramp to the public washrooms. There are none available nearby at street level. My husband, who is 72 and a heart patient, certainly can’t navigate me on the ramps.
I phoned a friend who is confined for life to a wheelchair. She said that she just doesn’t bother even trying to access Grant Park.
Fortunately, my problem is temporary. But what about the many who are permanently handicapped? Are they to be denied the pleasures of Grant Park concerts?
It is shocking and sad that the people in charge do not recognize the rights of the handicapped to enjoy the Grant Park Music Festival and an orchestra that I consider to be one of the world’s greatest.
Please, I’m asking the powers-that-be just to be aware of the basic needs of people less fortunate. Let’s have some street-level washrooms near the Grant Park band shell.
