Platform Lift
Harry Nelson is one of the most successful lawyers at our firm. He’s a hard worker and he gets along well with everyone. That’s why I was shocked to learn that Harry was thinking of leaving us. When I asked him why he was going, Harry told me it was all about respect, respect for people with disabilities. Harry is in a wheelchair. Years ago he was struck head-on by a drunk driver and he lost the use of his legs. As long as I’ve known him, Harry has always handled his disability with humor and dignity. But lately he has grown bitter. It seems that he asked for a platform lift to be installed on our staircase over a year ago, but he had yet to receive a response.
My cheeks turned scarlet when I confessed that I had no idea what a platform lift was. Harry explained that a platform lift is a type of stairlift that attaches to the wall or is stanchion mounted. He said they can be fitted on either straight or curved stairs and that they can be used by people in wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Harry said he hated using the elevator. I don’t blame him; it’s like a tin can. It can only accommodate four or five people comfortably, and Harry says people always sigh when he rolls in because he takes up so much space. He also said he doesn’t much like it when people spill their hot morning coffee in his lap.
Since his office is on the second floor, he said he can’t see what the big deal is? A platform lift is a great way to make your building accessible to all clients and employees. He went on to explain some of their unique features. He said platform lifts are fully automatic and can be operated by the wheelchair user. He said they provided safe access to and from the platform because a ramp automatically rises to secure the wheelchair when the platform is in motion. He also said the lift platform folds up when not in use, so they don’t affect traffic on the stairway. The man had done his homework.
That afternoon I went to my bosses. I told them they were crazy to risk losing Harry Nelson over a little thing like a platform lift. I told them a platform lift would increase employee morale and might even help us attract more clients. Moreover, I told them it was against the law to deprive a person with disabilities equal access in the workplace. Finally, this was language they could understand. In less than a week’s time, a platform lift had been installed and everybody was happy.
