Disability informs almost every part of my life. It's as important, if not more so, than my gender and sexuality. It's certainly a great deal more important to me than my religion or whether or not I caught a tram, ferry or bus to work.
My disability exists not because I use a wheelchair, but because the broader environment isn't accessible.
Let me make this clear: my impairment is such that without a wheelchair, I can't do very much for myself. I can't get out of bed. I can't get myself to the toilet. I certainly can't get myself to work.
Personally, I like a generous side of wheelchair access with my cities.
I'm a full-time wheelchair user. And yet, given the right circumstances, I am able to work.
The purpose of our justice system is to reflect the values of our society and to punish those who violate our standards.
