Since When Is A Wheelchair Required For Disability Status?

The graduating class of North Central High School was told during preparation for graduation that seating for parents with disabilities would be taken care of at the Spokane Opera House. My son informed the school that his father is disabled and would like 10 reserved seats. I made my camera and lens selection based on the fact that my family would be seated in the third or fourth row. My son was told this at school. On June 10, my family arrived for the big event.

I approached an employee and told her that my family had reserved seats due to my disability. I use a cane to walk. It is very hard for me to step sideways between aisles. End-of-the-row seats are best for me. The employee looked on her list of reserved seats and told me my name was not on there. I asked to speak to the North Central graduation supervisor.

Instead, a District 81 supervisor with radio in hand approached me. I explained that I should have reserved seats in the disabled section.

He looked at the list and did not find my name but did state that people with wheelchairs have reserved seats. Again I asked to speak to the school representative. The man responded that I should take my family and try to find seats. He offered no help. I then had no choice but to demand he allow me to speak with the school representative. When I finally met with him, we all looked on his list of names and there my name appeared with a request for 10 seats. The District 81 supervisor said it is district policy to only block out seats for people with wheelchairs. I was angry at this point and started to have a panic attack.

My family finally found seats in the balcony, in the middle of the row. I was shaking and trembling as I took my seat. I had to take medication to calm myself. Looking down below, I could see a row of unoccupied seats right where I thought I should be. The ceremony started, so we could not move. Soon, the empty seats were occupied by nonhandicapped persons.

A few days after graduation, I phoned district offices with one question. Why does District 81 discriminate against people with disabilities who are not in wheelchairs? I have not had a response. Please remember that in our culture now, there are many people with disabilities, not just those in wheelchairs. My hope is that school districts everywhere will work with those families to guarantee they have good seats at important school functions.