@noodleann wrote:
Having a model in a wheelchair is a great idea, but it would only work (from the community perspective) if it were a real disabled person doing the modeling.
I think we tend to avert our eyes from all but the face of people in wheelchairs, unless we know them, to avoid the sense that we're staring at them. Actually featuring someone who's dressing attractively and would like to be noticed for her style would be a positive contribution to "normalizing" this particular manifestation of an impairment.
But QVC could also do a roundup of products they sell that are disability-friendly, although not designed for the disabled. For example, the able-bodied might not think of it, but the very light Shark vacuums are really helpful if you can't lift much weight, and their swiveling heads means they turn, not your arm or wrist or body. When you're disabled, every iota of energy consumption matters. Shark makes great products that are effective and save personal energy.
I also like the Kuhn Rikon choppers, which are terrific if you have dexterity issues and find holding a knife difficult, which can lead to cuts. As long as you can manage that cord pull, you can have nice chopped vegetables and other foods without the hazards of cutting. I've really amped up my vegetable and salad consumption since getting one.
Their Leaf Claws are another example of something that's helpful to anyone without the stamina for conventional raking, or who can't bend too far down, since they extend your reach. The garden scooter from Plow & Hearth, which hopefully they'll offer again in the spring, is also a great assistance to those who find it easier to sit and weed than bend over.
It would be great to see a show devoted to things like this that can help people who have certain physical limitations, whether temporary or permanent.
I agree with you, but -
Marketing (everywhere, not just QVC) is often bizarre. Businesses (any businesses) care far less about one possible segment of their customer base than the customer base/demographic as a whole that they know they already have.
I can just hear the behind-the-scenes now: A show on disability-friendly mdse? OMG no, then viewers would get it in their head that the presented items are only for the disabled. And yes, sadly, a large portion of viewers probably would view things that way. And people going "pretty dress I guess, but if it's a 'wheelchair dress' I'm not buying it. I don't want to look like a 'wheelchair person'."
You know what's always been said about television gearing everything to the 12 year old mind... The people who post in the forums are probably not QVC's typical purchasers (which is a compliment to us). Yet QVC needs to cater to the "simpler" version of us.
It's not always right, or good, but then business so rarely is. One reason I always applaud business who have TV or print ads featuring the physically disabled and/or developmentally disabled - they are brave enough to show the way the world IS rather than some fantasy world which is populated by "perfect" people. I don't think QVC is financially in a position to do this.
Life without Mexican food is no life at all
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