I did a couple loads of laundry this morning. laundry is one of the less glamorous percs of having a home office. As I was starting the second load the felt dot I use as a guide to set the washer came loose and fell off the control dial. I can't see the lines on the controls of the washer so I must have a tactile means of setting the machine. No tactile feedback, no way to set the machine. To paraphrase and old, bad, joke: No touchy, no laundry.
The solution to this problem is very simple. I just need a sighted person who can put another felt dot on the washer control dial and everything will be fine for another few years. If I can't get this assistance I simply cannot use the washing machine. I don't say this to be demanding just a statement of fact.
It occurred to me this is a great example of the challenges disabled persons face in many settings each day. Part of the problem is the simplicity of the solution. I have a very supportive family but it simply isn't a high priority to anyone (including myself) to put a dot on a washing machine.
There is a fair chance I won't get the dot on the washer control until the towels and sheets are dirty and no one else feels like doing them. That's fine in a home setting but may easily reflect badly on everyone (but more likely the disabled employee) in a work setting.
This simple situation is an example of how a person with a disability can be perceived as being less capable of getting a job done. There's no real blame to be placed here just a non-negotiable need for a cooperative effort.
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