The differently-abled community have always had to endure discrimination and doubts in regards to their capabilities.
But, since when should we be allowed to judge and make decisions for them in regards to what they can and can’t do?
Differently-abled Malaysian, Jason King (@afqazmann), recently took to his Twitter account to share his experience at a gym, in which he had been going to for months, but found himself suddenly disallowed from working out there due to him being in a wheelchair.
He wrote, “It’s been months since I’ve been coming to this gym and suddenly today, I was told that after this, I can no longer come into this gym with the excuse of my condition of being in a wheelchair and safety factors. When asked about these rules and policies, they spun their words saying ‘dangerous la’ and all.”
“This is the first time I’m going to a gym that doesn’t allow the disabled to enter. I feel so disappointed with the group of our people who still discriminate against the disabled.”
He shared with WORLD OF BUZZ that the reason he had gone to that particular gym was because it was subsidised by the company he is working for, giving him complimentary access.
“After almost 4 months of going to this gym, suddenly the manager of the gym came and forbade me from working out there due to safety reasons. She was worried that accidents could happen. Additionally, with the condition of me being in a wheelchair, she said it was suitable,” he explained.
“Then I explained to her that I come to the gym only to workout and that the exercises are according to my abilities and not however I like. Even I don’t want to take any risks. But the manager still insisted on saying no and told me to go to another gym,” Jason told WORLD OF BUZZ.
Jason, along with his company, are now in discussions with the gym on how they’re going to move forward with this issue.
Along with an apology, Jason is hoping that the gym will consider implementing strategies to allow differently-abled people to workout there.
Watch the video below:
Dah beberapa bulan aku dok mai gym tiba2 hari nie aku diberitahu lepas nie aku x boleh masuk gym dengan alasan keadaan aku yg berkerusi roda & faktor keselamatan. Bila ditanya tentang rules & policy dia dok pusing cakap bahaya la apa laa…. pic.twitter.com/W9EXDBpfij
— Jason King (@afqazmann) March 1, 2023
We hope that the gym and Jason manage to find a solution to the matter.
Also read: M’sian Para-Athlete Calls Out Riders & Drivers For Blocking PWD Accessible Pathway