People with disabilities just want consideration of the concessions they need

Many years ago, a friend of mine, who is a long-time campaigner for rights for the disabled, commented to me that people would not get behind the disability cause because they did not see it affecting themselves, only ‘others’. If I then add to this list of the apathetic those business owners who see the disabled as a threat to their ‘bottom line’, then we can see the mountain that disability campaigners have had to climb. On behalf of all right-minded people I would like to thank them for their work.

I myself write as one of the ‘hidden’ disabled. I am a two-time cancer survivor and this alone under UK law would classify me as disabled, but not under current Guernsey law. However, I work full-time, support my family, claim no benefits and do not want (nor would qualify for) a disabled parking badge.

What I do want for myself and others is consideration of the concessions I do need. I am fortunate in having an employer who takes an interest in my wellbeing. However, when others look at me and know of my disability, I get indifference and sometimes hostility at any request for consideration.

What is the cause of this? It could be a simple lack of care or compassion. This is true of some. It is true though of those who will happily organise, help and contribute willingly to charities etc, that they will frequently be indifferent to the suffering of others under different circumstances.

The key to me seems to be education, not just in schools, but of everyone. In my case cancer has left me with a range of issues that affect coordination, strength, ability to tolerate noise, anxiety and extreme fatigue. If people were more aware of these (and many other side effects), then they would be able to show consideration and compassion. If they were more aware of disabilities in general, they could show consideration to all who need it.

It would be nice to think that no-one would need to use discrimination law if we could recognise the disabled as our friends, family, colleagues, neighbours and will at some time be ourselves. We should show others the same consideration we would want for ourselves and our loved ones. Making a better world is the responsibility of everyone.

NAME AND ADDRESS WITHHELD.