Overheard my coworker say 'accommodations aren't fair' and it finally clicked why some people push back

I used to get mad when anyone questioned disability accommodations. But last week, Brian in the dish pit said accommodations give some people an unfair advantage at work, like a head start in a race. He really believes life should be equal for everyone, no exceptions. Then I realized he sees accommodations as something extra, not something leveling the field. I tried explaining that a ramp isn't a head start, it's just a way to get through the door same as stairs. He still didn't buy it, but now I get where the resistance comes from, even if I still disagree. Has anyone else had to break down this fairness argument for someone?

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1 Comment

milap3523d ago

Doesn't it seem like people mix up "fair" with "identical" all the time? My neighbor once told me the same thing about his kids getting different help with homework, like it was giving one a leg up instead of just meeting their needs. We all start from different spots, so treating everyone exactly the same doesn't really level the playing field.

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