Choice and control as a disabled person

Do I feel I have the same choice and control as a non disabled person? We examined this question at the Equality 2025 Walsall public meeting today.

On the face of it, it seems like a silly question. So much of my life is tied up with what I cannot do or how I organise my life so that I can do things that others might take on granted.

To give examples: housing - Finding accesible accomodation is so difficult, ah maybe I should say, finding accessible and affordable housing is a real barrier to having choice and control over where I can live. If I were not a wheelchair user, I can bag the loft, the top flat or that split level mezzanine.

transport: I can hop on the National Express wthout needing to give them extensive information on the type of wheelchair I use. And on any routes not the one single route which is accessible. Oh, I didn't mention the London Underground.

Leisure activities: I would be able to go swimming without worrying about the hoist. I would like to be able to use the machines instead of needing to set times to exercise with instructors who cancel because they have to give classes.

Social services packages: well, I wouldn't need this! I would be able to move accordingly to where there are jobs..

Jobs: did I mention employment? Maybe I should ask what job?

travel: would I have to book into 4 star hotels if I did not need level access? can I not go stay at that tiny little hotel in the latin quarter? upstairs, oh never mind...restaurants? oh, it has a ramp, great but the bathrooms are downstairs? oh dear....

As for relationships...I think i have made the point, what choice and control?