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If we're comparing the United States against third-world countries and not against their peers, then this isn't really a discussion worth having. > Someone in

If we're comparing the United States against third-world countries and not against their peers, then this isn't really a discussion worth having. > Someone in a wheelchair, or who is blind or mute, is much better accomodated in America than in most of Europe. I find that hard to believe given the lack of public transport, lack of funding for widespread public facilities, lack of empathy from insurers, lack of governmental social safety nets for those who come under unexpected hard times.

atq2119 2y ago
As a European, I can confirm that wheelchair accessibility is traditionally better in the US than in Europe. I suspect it's a combination of getting relevant laws earlier (don't know that, just guessing), having less old infrastructure (building new with accessibility is easier than upgrading existing buildings), and having more space (so adding a wheelchair ramp is less of a deal). Europe is generally catching up, but I'd say it's still behind the US. At least the places I know. But of course, that's not the whole story, as another commenter illustrates with some concrete examples for the cost of wheelchairs and wheelchair maintenance.