Combating ableism in the workplace
Hi all, I’ve been running into some issues at work lately with people making flippant comments assuming access needs and would like to know some strategies that don’t involve severe escalation.
Many days when I arrive at work I will need to take the elevator to my floor. A few times now colleagues have seen this and make disparaging comments about why I won’t take the stairs. The director of my department last week even straight up said “no, take the stairs. I am trying to motivate you.” I do not want to disclose why I need the elevator, especially not to my boss’s boss. I also don’t want to escalate the issue until I’ve tried of a method that makes clear I am not looking for unwanted advice while not going out of my way to embarrass the other person.
Anyone have a good one liner they have used that has driven their point across?