Accessibility at the Inauguration

For the last several days, I have been angered by the news from Washington that the Inauguration of our 44th President will be minimally handicap accessible. The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has essentially said, "If you have a disability, please do not attempt to attend the inauguration."

This morning, while watching the ceremony, I noted that Dick Cheney was in a wheelchair. He had strained a muscle in his back and was using it temporarily to avoid the pain associated with standing. He was pushed down the entryway after George W. Bush, and then disappeared down a side aisle, as he could not descend the stairs.

I wonder: if the Inaugural committee had known that Cheney would be in a wheelchair, would they have made the ceremony more accessible?

By electing President Barack Obama, we have moved past our racial prejudices and come to see people, not as black or white, but as people. How long until we can move past our prejudices against individuals with disabilities? Until we can see all people for who they are, and not confine them to a box?