Disabled people are being "judged" and forced to explain their
situation when trying to safely buy food at supermarkets during the coronavirus
pandemic, a leading disability charity has warned.
From risking their health
because they can’t get delivery slots, to facing negativity from other
shoppers, buying food and essentials continues to be a source of enormous worry
for many disabled people who are left feeling vulnerable by the experience, new
research by Scope suggests. More than one in three (36 per cent) disabled
shoppers surveyed by Scope said long queues were aggravating their conditions
or impairments, with 26 per cent saying they have faced negative attitudes from
other shoppers. Supermarkets have introduced priority delivery slots and
dedicated shopping hours for vulnerable customers, with some offering assisted
shopping for those in need, but many disabled people are still finding food
shopping a difficult experience.
Scope has called on supermarkets to develop a
"consistent and co-ordinated approach" for disabled customers, and to
expand their lists of vulnerable people who are eligible for help.
Source: I News
What are some of the barriers you've faced when shopping under social distancing? Do you endure negative attitudes from other shoppers? What changes would you make?
