Have you experienced or witnessed negative attitudes about disability from others?

Alex

Scope has launched a report The Disability Perception Gap - it shows that the gap between disabled people and non-disabled people’s impression of negative attitudes has trebled over the last 20 years. One in three disabled people feel there is still a lot of disability prejudice in Britain today, but this view is only shared by one in five non-disabled people. More than ever, it seems there is a difference between the public’s perceptions of disability and disabled people’s experiences.

We'd love to know what you think - and what your experiences of negative attitudes are.

You can also find out more and sign up to support the campaign.

exdvr

Yes, only most recently at the weekend.  I live in what I consider to be a reasonably respectful area but I was more than just a little surprised by some ignoramus near our local park.  I was using the hoist to lift my scooter into my car when a passing motorist screamed "CRIPPLE "at me.  I wonder what pleasure he got from hurling an insult at a 70 year old man who has probably achieved more in life than he ever will.  Perhaps there could be an excuse for an adolescent but this was a grown man who should know better.

Waylay

I've had two unpleasant interactions on busses. I only sit in the disabled seats if I'm in a lot of pain and having mobility problems due to a back spasm. My disabilities are invisible.

1. An elderly man stopped in front of me, glared at me, and then started castigating me very loudly for sitting in a seat I didn't think need, elderly need it, I should move, blah blah. A bunch of other people were glaring at me by then, and I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, so I ended up just getting off the bus, sitting on the ground, and getting on the next one. Really shook me up. 

2. Much the same, only I was sitting in a normal seat, and a disabled woman asked if I'd let her have the seat....

feir

I hardly go out as i can't really walk and haven't got money for taxis but i went for my first 'proper' walk (on two crutches, could hardly move but i was trying and feeling pleased with myself anyway for actually being able to just walk and wanted to find out just what my body was capable of) and some guys in van asked me if i was alright and laughed, made me feel like just because i could hardly walk that i was perceived as an idiot also by them.

Most other people i came across that day made no big deal about it and treated me kindly without being patronising.

debbiedo49

Yes I find the medical profession mainly g p s  are treating folks with certain disabilities less favourably than those that may be easily fixed. Or maybe that’s just my experience . Several years of undiagnosed chronic pain and virtually untreated mental health issues and I feel I have to beg to be referred on to specialists. This is not good enough. I suspect it’s due to resources but filling folks up with medication for years and not treating the cause is not the cheaper or better options. Also in my family, I am treated like “the crazy one” because I am open about my mental health issues. In reality I’m the diagnosed one . I hide it myself outside of my home as I feel people treat me differently. 

feir

My GP is rubbish also @debbiedo49 It was only when i was admitted to hospital because i couldn't move that any specialists got involved. And i'm still waiting for a referral to see muscular skeletal specialist, this is since last october, (so 8 months). And this week they have messed up a new prescription. I only got my mental health issues sorted (i say sorted, they're not but i got help) because you can refer yourself now and don't have to rely on a GP for that.

thespiceman

Hello  @Alex Pleased to meet you just like to say from the very start of my life have and still do this attitudes of my disability.

Usually starts with people who have no understanding of disability. Main issues are the name calling. The why are you different to me and why have you been in an accident.

Got fingers missing. All personal and hateful. Experiences going on still no matter what.

Worse people I have encounters with are those of a generation that believed that disabled should be put into some sort of home. Usually the sort of person is white and of a time that was long ago.  In the sense had no encounters with disabled of any type or anybody who has an illness. No compassion or pity. Feels wants to belittle and patronise. Treat the disabled as a simple no intelligent person.

Costing the country more and will tell you so. Wants to control and be overpowering to the extent end up being a nuisance in their eyes to you.  Likes and loves to domineer. Makes gestures and unnecessary motions and uncomfortable in their presence.

Has no ideas to answer to but will use the information and anything you say to their own personal satisfaction and gratification. 

At the upmost outside to the world he or she are doing good works and showing to the community. Involved in many plans and also schemes to benefit themselves. Will not accept failure and will not tolerate others who seem to them.  Of a lower status.

Will make others who are in they opinion suffer for any mistakes or errors they have caused themselves. Make issues and discriminatory opinions known to you and make them so much that you are aware of them yourself.

Have met so many of that type I can identify all the time.  Had it recently and I acutely aware of who and what is happening to myself.

Only safe haven is this community.  We are one voice. Wish and could have done more to add comments to the situations I was involved in.

These people concerned who I have described also are inflammatory and any second or minute you feel harmed and hurt. 

Want to add will support my brothers and sisters on this forum.  Those which have been through this attitude and behaviour. Which is ruining lives. Always there and will be for along as we as a community hold together and sing in unison.

Great to meet you.


Take care

@thespiceman

Richard_Scope

Everyday! I do think that it is slightly better now though. Buses and bus driver are a pain. Apart from the three physical assaults I have had, I think the worst was when a taxi driver would not help me into the cab without gloves because he thought my CP was contagious!!

Yadnad

On the contrary with the type of work that I do many who actually find out what is wrong with my body, both mentally & physically, are surprised because I appear so 'normal'. That's the intention, I will do my utmost to be as 'normal' as possible.