A disabled woman complains that she cannot enter historic buildings because of the steps in front of their doors.
Jayne Mattingly has spent the last two years in a wheelchair due to chronic illnesses and said she struggled living in Charleston, South Carolina.
The 33-year-old patient suffers from Ehlers Danlos syndrome, intracranial hypertension, endometriosis, autoimmune disease and a spinal cord injury.
Mattingly posted a video on social media explaining his disappointment at not being able to get into Harken Café & Bakery on King Street.
A disabled woman posted a video on social media explaining her disappointment at not being able to enter Harken Café & Bakery on King Street due to a step outside the door.
The cafe had a small, centuries-old step leading up to its doors that his wheelchair couldn’t negotiate without a ramp.
“These are heartbreaking times, and this is most of Charlestown,” he said.
Mattingly, who complained that she was excited to go out after getting her hair done, also showed a store she couldn’t enter because of a small marble step.
“I’m not welcome,” he wrote at the top of the video.
‘Being disabled in an inaccessible world. Charleston can be better. Being disabled doesn’t have to be so hard. Period. End of story,’ he added.
‘I literally just want to pay for the food and patronize the businesses! The irony of the car being parked in front of the curb and then the cafe not having a ramp… all we need is a piece of wood.’
Jayne Mattingly has spent the past two years in a wheelchair due to chronic illness and said she struggled living in Charleston, South Carolina.
Mattingly suffers from Ehlers Danlos syndrome, intracranial hypertension, endometriosis, autoimmune diseases and a spinal cord injury.
Mattingly later complained to local Charlestown media that the city’s historic downtown was too difficult to navigate and should be made more accessible.
“You know, instead of saying ‘historic buildings are more important than people,’ let’s think about people first,” he said. WCSC.
‘Because we could all become disabled at some point. I think that’s really the moral of the story, that passionate heart before the law.’
Mattingly received support from locals who noted that Charlestown’s historic architecture was difficult to navigate even with a stroller.
But others argued that there was no need to change the century-old buildings and that businesses were not hostile because the buildings predated them.
‘Not being able to access a 120-year-old building is very different from being actively UNWELCOME. Stop thinking everything is an affront to your sensibilities,’ wrote one.
Mattingly later complained to local media that Charlestown’s historic downtown was too difficult to navigate and should be made more accessible.
‘As my mom grew older, she had a lot of trouble getting up small steps… not once did she think it was a seizure. The poor cafe didn’t design that damn architecture.
Others suggested Mattingly could have contacted the coffee shop and shopped ahead to get help getting in.
They also recommended a portable ramp for his wheelchair that he could use whenever he encountered an inaccessible entrance.
“It’s a historic building code issue. No one said you weren’t welcome. It’s notable to have a light curb ramp in a store like this, but that’s just a conversation,” one wrote.
“They also attach to the back of most wheelchairs. No one is the villain here.”
Spectators argued that there was no need to change the century-old buildings and that businesses were not hostile because the buildings predated them.
Another suggested: ‘Did you try calling them? The owner would have no problem helping you over the bump or maybe they have a temporary ramp in the back that they can take out.
A third added: “You’re welcome. That’s not the right way to put it. I’m sure they would help you if you asked. I had to ask for help after two knee replacements. They were all happy to do it.”
Mattingly underwent 14 brain and spine surgeries and other procedures, as well as a total hysterectomy. She relies on his wheelchair, a walker, and his service dog, Wheatie.
She explained in a fundraising 2019 that his health problems began with numbness in his face and severe pain in his upper body in July 2018.
