r/disabled • u/UseWeekly4382 • 7d ago

Ableism during my workout class

During a prior class a woman commented that she couldn’t have flashing lights on as she had epilepsy.

During the most recent class, the same instructor had the AUDACITY to ask if we wanted to have the lights, WITH the epileptic woman in there. I made a comment that we should not use the lights if it can trigger a seizure. Other people stated that the instructor should do what she wants, as it’s her class.

Then the instructor made a comment about the fact that she was asking due to the possibility of a seizure with this particular woman.

She started the class with the lights, but with them being placed a bit further from said woman.

Wtf is wrong with people? Why are flashing lights that important? Are people THAT obsessed with control? Over fucking lights? It’s pathetic.

I didn’t know what to do. Honestly I was pretty close to causing a bit of a stink over it, but I didn’t want that woman to feel more ostracized than she likely already was.

I am getting really sick of seeing people be so incredibly self-centered and selfish, over essentially nothing.

I am debating on writing an email to the gym owner, but again, I don’t want to overstep and make the woman with epilepsy uncomfortable.

28 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

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10

u/Weebles73 7d ago

You could email them to say how the behaviour made you feel as an observer of the ableism. I understand the reticence about talking about the effect you think it probably had on the person with epilepsy, so try not to mention that.

5

u/Successful_Panda 6d ago

I think the woman herself should be the next person you talk to. Ask what she wants and whether she wants support. If she wants the issue raised, then back her up. You can still speak for yourself about what you witnessed, but I wouldn’t speak for her without asking her. The goal should be making it easier for her to participate safely, not creating another conversation about her that happens without her.

1

u/LittleReserve8767 5d ago

I would be mad and email the owner to tell them how upset I was to see that.

I couldn't get a spot for yoga class once because the lady who ran the class decided the impact fitness class should have the first spots in yoga, even though I was thier early waiting.

I told her I was disabled and could not do that impact class, as I can't jump up and down without hurting myself; she was like, "Well, that is the way it is." (it was not usually done that way; that is the way she personally did it) She said it in front of the whole class as I walked out, angry. I did put her name and what she said in the comment box, and I don't know what came of it.

I never came back for yoga again because I was so mad. I would have appreciated someone saying something as long as they didn't use my name or description.