Hot on the heels of our recent accessibility campaign (watch the video below) this thought provoking video focuses on a radio presenter with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a condition which she describes as an invisible illness.
Radio presenter Erika North describes feeling uncomfortable using her “blue badge” due to not looking sick enough to need it. Erika also describes occasions when members of the public have asked her about using the badge and parking in designated disabled spaces.
Working with brain injured clients, I fully understand that there are many conditions, illnesses and disabilities which may appear invisible at first but still cause the individual difficulties.
It is absolutely right that those who need additional support, whether in the form of a “blue badge” or something else are able to access it however the uncomfortable feeling described by Erika goes back to a point we have been making since we started our accessibility campaign, and that is the need for education and thought. I hope with increasing awareness of disability and access Erika and others in similar situations will no longer feeling uncomfortable getting the help they need.
Hannah Bottomley is a clinical negligence solicitor with Potter Rees Dolan. Should you have any queries about the issues raised in this article and wish to speak with Hannah or any other member of the team please contact us on 0161 237 5888.