9:38pm February 11, 2012

➸ Guardian: Negative Attitudes Toward Disability: Four Readers Tell Their Stories

nowherefille:

“My MS has progressed, and I’m now obliged to use crutches. When I first appeared in public using them reactions were mixed, but mostly I found I’d suddenly become draped in Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak, studiously ignored. This suited me fine. Then last summer, things changed. Articles in the red-tops talked about disabled scroungers living the life of Riley on hardworking taxpayers’ cash. The day after the tabloids screamed ‘Free BMWs For Disabled,’ I stupidly left my house to go to the supermarket. Returning to my car, I found a boot-shaped hole had been kicked in the front bumper. I’ve hesitated to display my blue badge since.

“My patience has run out with those who feel they have the divine right to interrogate me. When it first occurred I usually responded politely, now I just hobble away as quickly as I can. I certainly feel there’s a correlation between the tabloid ‘disabled scrounger’ splashes and the increase in verbal abuse. On days when the media runs anti-disabled stories, it’s safest to stay indoors.”

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