♿️SHOCKING DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION IN 2020

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Please! My friends, we cant let this happen. Share Share Share. What do you think of a recognised access card across the nation, to help us gain access without queuing? Please check my Twitter, and re tweet this video link, Twitter is one of the most powerful ways to be heard. :)

[@ChrisPage68]

We already have to prove our validity more than any other group in society. It's just one more level of bureaucracy. And as to the "manager" at The Range, he was just trying to guilt you with his claim that other customers would not like it. Don't accept that kind of crap. I have actually found non-disabled people have been more obliging in the current climate. He was just trying to make his own life easier. But I won't be going on Twitter because I made a commitment online years ago that I would never use it (my reasons have been proven right - I foresaw the way trolls would abuse it) and I can't back down because people would rightly see me as a hypocrite. My integrity is the only thing of value that I won't sell.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

PageMonster Thank you. Totally respect that. But if you have any other ways of sharing please feel free to do so. 😊 and yeah, the manger was a douche! But I didn’t feel well and didn’t have the fight that day 😖

[@memesissydollar3080]

PageMonster k

[@ChrisPage68]

@@Wheelsnoheels I know the feeling. I always seem to come up with the right things to say AFTER the event! 😭

[@sancourtier5029]

Gem this could be turned into a real positive for The Range we could Try it on its head and say The range leads by example and puts in temporary disabled parking after complaint Will DM you x

[@PrincessJax268]

"No. The people in the queue will be upset!" I'm sorry I'd be more upset having to watch a grown woman having to wee herself. Some people are heartless and tactless.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

I Know. :(

[@rexcaliburn]

i honestly doubt many if any one would be upset a person ina wheelchair or with a walker cane etc was allowed to skip the line. of course there will always be buttheads but in general most ppl want to help or at least be nice to disabled ppl

[@carlhaydock1787]

@@rexcaliburn trust me,some would get angry

[@HighTen_Melanie]

Robert Weber - People can be pretty nasty - I know by personal experience of being a chair user for 20 years.

[@Millbrook1974powderedwater]

Let me correct that for you. Most people are heartless and tactless. Why should they consider anything besides themselves? Empathy is no longer taught.

[@EvesterBee]

I think lockdown is definitely showing just how thoughtless and uncaring people can be! Unrelated, I've recently been diagnosed with a chronic health condition and been advised to use a mobility aid- your videos have really been helping me feel more confident and valid to try one out! So thank you 🌟

[@EloiseEighteen]

My conditions aren't that visible. The pandemic has taken so much independence from me because of store accessibility. Parking covered, no alternative to STANDING in a queue, toilets locked but not radar accessible.. People have offered to go for me and obviously there is the internet but I just want to have some hardwon independence back! People think there ks a universal 'disabled ID' but the best I could offer is my blue badge which obviously is in the car!

[@lbcrafter8621]

I have also an European Disability Card (EDC), maybe this can be a help for you if you are in the eu?

[@rockykoast7065]

Start lobbying to automatically get a priority card? Here I France I had to apply for one...but as I use a wheelchair for getting around and shopping, 99% of people are very kind and helpful and offer to let me go to the front of the queue even if I've opted to just join a queue.. oftentimes I don't insist on my priority if I see someone in front of me who is elderly/frail-looking etc. as I'm relatively comfortable waiting in my wheelchair....It's a slightly different story when I've just spent the week in IV & feeling very much the worse for wear, (which is every 4th week at present)

[@salan3]

I can relate to this. I use a mobility scooter(I don't have the stamina to use a wheelchair and I can stand for a few mins). 90% of places are just a no go at the mo. I can't sand in a queue. If I use my scooter, I get funny looks. A lot of the stores have put one way systems but you try turning with a scooter 1. It goes on.

[@PochemuPochemu]

Hey, check out the hidden disabilities website and order the sunflower badge and lanyard. They cover most hidden disabilities, from autism, hearing, and visual impairments and worth looking into.

[@sandpiperr]

When I was in college I injured a muscle in my shoulder. The doctor told me that I didn't need a cast or any kind of immobolization, I just needed to avoid lifting anything heavier than about an apple until it healed. However, eventhough he said it didn't need to be immobilized, he had the nurse give me a sling. I later understood that the sling was so that my injury would be visible and people would hold doors and such for me, because when I went out without it I'd have to catch the door that someone opened in front of me and then let go of, and what feels like nothing normally, really aggravated my shoulder while it was injured.

[@elliec9581]

the discrimination these days is unreal! my dad is a wheelchair user and booked a seasonal parking pass for our chosen football team’s stadium, to go with the season ticket. on entering, if he attempts to park in the designated disabled spaces, an employee runs up and tells us that we can’t park there because he haven’t paid for a VIP parking pass!! lawsuit pending...

[@King-dsb]

Hi get out of your chair you haven’t pay vip chair yet

[@CricketGirrl]

Were you successful with your lawsuit? I can't even find an attorney.

[@CricketGirrl]

I don't know how to live as a profoundly disabled woman when, in a major hospital in the USA, I can be denied access to (and ridiculed for asking for) a wheelchair, access to a toilet, and feminine hygiene products for a heavy period. This happened in Albuquerque, NM, in 2024. THIS YEAR. And not a single activist or attorney I spoke with about it thinks that was a problem. What are we doing here? What is wrong with the disabled community when one of it's own can say she developed a bad rash from laying in her own menstrual blood for 24 hours, and NO ONE THINKS THERE'S A PROBLEM WITH THAT? "Not about us without us." Remember that? We're leaving potentially millions of our own people behind because we forgot how hard we fought for the few rights we have. I know I won't even get a response to this. The disabled community in the United States has lost their souls. No one stands up for anyone except themselves. I thought I could speak with an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) lawyer and create change for OTHERS with the little time I have left. I poked around and discovered at least 6 other similar complaints for the same hospital starting four months ago. This hospital is abusing people with disabilities. I have witnesses. I have documentation. I just don't have anyone else who cares.

[@melaniecurtin6402]

At lot of stores here in NY have special times for the elderly & handicapped. A lot of stores open an hour before the regular time.

[@valerieannrumpf4151]

They did the same thing in Connecticut too. Stop & shop, shop rite and Big Y all have special hours for seniors and the disabled, same thing with walmart.

[@MayimHastings]

Here in Georgia, too! I’m shocked at the lack of compassion and common sense in the U.K. (in this instance, I know they are more compassionate than the US in other instances). Go get ‘em, Brits! You got this!

[@hannahk1306]

The supermarkets did that here, but other shops have only started to reopen in the last month or so - some are still shut. I haven't been, but from what I've heard the shops have been really quiet in these special hours (i.e. the people who can go don't want to go at those times). So I think they're starting to relax those times now.

[@BoomBox5168]

We had that in the UK too but many people went anyway so theyd be able to get first pick of things there. At least where i live, not certain about the rest of the UK

[@hiworld6925]

That kind of helps though people with disabilities or cards that prove they need to go first should just be allowed, because it's not like we are traveling in droves. At most in lines you might get 5 people with a disability that's high needs that makes them need priority. That way they can have just about as much flexibility with when they travel as everyone else and better manage their needs.

[@lpowell6651]

It’s so awful! It’s all disabilities now. I have Autism. I can’t stand in a queue, I’m also double jointed, so can’t walk far, I also can’t go for a while until I need to go to the toilet. When I went to the range, all of these things couldn’t happen, we need to make a stand for it. At least I can stand in a queue for a few mins or walk a bit. But for wheelchair member, it’s even worse, I’m so sorry!

[@AreilKnight]

My Neurodivergence is really causing problems in the current situation. There are so many new signs in shopping centres - some are very important safety information that I need to stop and read, but a lot is just repetitive information, or advertising, it's visually very busy and overwhelming to my senses. Then there's the overwhelming difficulty of maintaining social distance, some people just aren't doing it. I wanted to enter an ailse to get milk but it was crowded so I waited near the end cap, several people pushed past me, and it's happened every time I've been shopping since march, I even had people yell at me to "stop blocking the ailse" I'm not blocking it, I'm literally waiting to enter, the rules say only 4 people at a time, and there's already 6 people in there! I tried to bring a friend to act as a support worker because I have had so many panic attacks/sensory overwhelm meltdowns as a result of the crowds in queues, conflicting rules, conflicting social etiquette. But the staff said "your support worker can enter and shop for you, you don't both need to enter" (in my country we have a "community hour" for people with disabilities to shop before the rush, but you have to show proof of disability - I have ID and explained that the person with me was support) I understand that the fewer people in the store the safer, but shopping is one of the few things I can do to try and claim some independence for myself, it was hard enough to ask for help in going shopping after accepting I was struggling when shopping alone, to have companies tell me I have to give up all my independence in shopping is hard. It's hard to recognise that on one hand, these changes are here to keep us all safe, I want to be happy to accept that, and I cognitively understand it. But emotionally, I can't help feel bitter that other people are allowed to shop with family or housemates, but because I'm using the community hour only one person can enter. There also hasn't been many company policies introduced to help people who are hard of hearing - face masks make it very hard to communicate and it would help if staff would use gesture to be more expressive rather than just stare at me then yell angrily because I didn't hear them the first time. Not being able to drive due to my disability issue also a barrier. The government needs people in my area to get a covid test before we can leave the suburb, but the only testing facility in my suburb is a drive through, I called them and they don't take pedestrians. People who can drive can get tested then get a letter to let them pass the police checkpoints.

[@laurieberry4814]

I have more than one disability. People can not even tell. I have a lung condition which I am not proud of. It is called bronchiectisis. The first time I was diagnosed, I was fired from my job. My boss told me that I was sick for too long.

[@traceylamplugh8095]

@@laurieberry4814 That is disgusting treatment!

[@skylarwilliams5909]

The problem is that some disabled people need it for the closeness to the door. Makeshift ones don’t cover that if they’re further away. Also why not just open the spots?? I don’t understand

[@Sam-mh4sb]

Agreed! I have a temporary pass due to fatigue issues possibly from a serious illness last year. While I'm doing better, I have no guarantee I'll be able to walk back out to my car after working or shopping. I've had to learn to basically assume that I'm barely going to be mobile afterwards and use the pass while I continue to recover. If the spot isn't close, there's no point.

[@wheelinthroughlifewithbria7570]

I'm glad the range finally has some handicap accessible parking. They are probably too embarrassed to answer your tweet.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Oh the shame. But we got a result.

[@ecologist_to_be]

Hate the word handicap lol

[@wheelinthroughlifewithbria7570]

@@ecologist_to_be sorry

[@HighTen_Melanie]

Sarah The word handicap is archaic here in the UK but it’s still widely used and acceptable in the USA. The person that wrote it probably didn’t mean to cause offence.

[@wheelinthroughlifewithbria7570]

@@HighTen_Melanie your right I didn't. We just call it handicap accessible parking in the United states.

[@Khopper224]

Yeah I’ve been fortunate enough to avoid going to these kinds of places during the quarantine, but I see how places are implementing social distancing protocols that are absolutely discriminating against disabled people. I mean, how am I supposed to use the sidewalk when restaurants are blocking them with tables and chairs? And I’ve seen lines for stores be so narrow there is is no way my electric wheelchair will pass through them. Between being worried about getting sick and the accessibility of places, I’m really apprehensive to leave my home right now.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Yep thats exaclty how I feel x

[@Wheelsnoheels]

@@73zxee Totally

[@helenllama]

The supermarkets all got sued at the start of the lockdown, under the equality act. It might be worth getting in touch with the law firm involved to say it is happening with other companies. The Equality and Human Rights commission are also involved. I’m ambulent disabled (autistic) and have other issues with queuing which meant I haven’t been able to do my own shopping until Tesco opened up online slots to the masses.

[@stevemark9262]

Hi Helen

[@SandieRoberts]

I’m glad that The Range modified the parking BUT I’m still angry that it’s happening at all. I don’t think it’s acceptable to be treated this way at the first sign of a problem. It should be a PROTECTED facility, not the first thing to go. Someone in that first meeting should have said well we need to protect our customers so they can queue while still observing social distancing and we must protect our disabled customers by not taking away the facilities they need to stay safe. Instead we got thrown to the wolves, expendable for the clearly thought more valuable able bodied customer. Disgusting. Thank you Gem for all your hard work bringing this issue to light 👍🤗👍

[@ahmedsaadou1007]

Do you accept my invitation think you

[@dawnmoriarty9347]

Disabled people are pretty invisible in the UK. When we're not invisible we're considered a nuisance

[@sooshu_lover526]

It was nice to know that the people in the garden center were so kind and caring; I hope the other stores will see their wonderful actions and copy them soon...

[@sooshu_lover526]

I was screaming "WHAT THE HELL MAN, WHY YOU DO THIS?!" at 8:52 PETITION FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS TO HAVE THEIR OWN SLOT TIME IN STORES!!! #wheelchairusersarealsopeople

[@ecologist_to_be]

A lot have vulnerable hour

[@Mommabuddha]

Omg a lady parked in the non parking area where the ramp is. One I wasn't able to get down the ramp and two I couldn't get in the car. The manager ended up calling on the intercom to the owner to move their vehicle but by the time she came out I had to walk down like 5 stores to get down a ramp and my mom had to drive down to pick me up. So frustrating!

[@bswithcas5787]

I live in Alberta Canada, and I’m grateful that all the places I’ve been haven’t blocked off any disabled parking, and many places have times specially for disabled, seniors, or immuno compromised to come in without all the cues. The times might not always work but at least there are options!

[@bdhesse]

Yeah, we're in Alberta too. I've only had to cue once since this all started, and that was at IKEA, so it wasn't a surprise.

[@Dinopoodles]

I understand how you feel. I'm in the U.S. and some places still have these issues. I have a mobility problem so standing is a problem. I also have a service dog and depending upon him to help keep my balance at a long que is hard on us both. Good job keeping it real.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

I hope I can get something sorted.

[@pinkmagicali]

I’m stunned bathrooms would be locked. In Aus they limit many people can go in but you can still use them. WTF are they doing blocking off disabled parking? Why are they doing that?

[@andreacook7431]

Most places here in Iowa have their bathrooms closed. :(

[@PrismYuuzuki]

A lot of convenience stores have locked their bathrooms for “staff only usage” due to COVID in my area too.

[@dawnmoriarty9347]

I've known the disabled spaces to be blocked off for construction vehicle storage. When I complained, the answer was that the builders needed convenience! And I obviously didn't?!?!

[@AGirlCalledNaomi]

Thing is by law car parks have to have a certain percentage of disabled parking bays per number of they have in their car park, so by only offering a couple of spaces but tapping off the rest they're still breaking the law. Also couldn't believe he wouldn't let you in when you had a medical need to get inside instead of waiting in the queue. Like you said, we should be able to shop just like any other able bodied people.

[@stevemark9262]

Hi Naomi

[@rexcaliburn]

in the US it would be illegal to block off disabled parking and ramps. I have said for a while you brits NEED to get your govt to pass something like the ADA so many of the issue syou face would be taken care of because it would be the law.... dammit now i want toast

[@Wheelsnoheels]

We had the disability equality act past in 2010, but im not too sure its as good as the ADA.

[@ChrisPage68]

We have legislation. The Disability Discrimination Act was passed in 1995, but it was drafted to be so weak that it's hardly worth it. It took years to get anti-discrimination legislation passed.

[@helenllama]

Wheelsnoheels - Gem Hubbard it doesn’t help the shops just decided to ignore the equality act, and the Equality and Human Rights Comission, when they got involved.

[@rexcaliburn]

@@helenllama sounds bad the ada isnt perfect but it helps A LOT. start a petition on change.com to the PM or parliament im sure you would get plenty of signatures. keep calling out places hell call the news and get on tv if you have too. force the govt to listen

[@ecologist_to_be]

Oh we have legislation lol The UK isn't in dark ages. 🙄🙄🙄 We face same issues as USA, not everyone follows the law.

[@PrincessJax268]

My dad lost his leg in an accident before I was born and has a wooden leg so he uses handicapped parking but luckily as far as I know he's never really had anything like this happen to him. The only thing that used to happen when I was younger is that at sleepover my girlfriends would ask him about it alot. Lol. But he just told them the story and answered questions and let them touch his wooden leg. Needless to say they called him a pirate. Lol

[@wheelinthroughlifewithbria7570]

As a person in a wheelchair I'm pissed this happened to you! I will share tomorrow!

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Thank you. :)

[@shannonbinmore1264]

I personally don’t think there is many people who would refuse a lady in a wheel chair to go in front of them to go to the toilet 🙄🙄 I can’t believe he said no, I was in line the other day and everyone allowed an mother and child to go in to use the toilet, I don’t think people are as heartless as they seem x

[@kootenaystringworks1765]

I think she wanted to get in to shop and use the toilet though. Use the toilet, no problem, go shopping ahead of everyone else in the line, problem.

[@Isobel201]

@@kootenaystringworks1765 She needed the toilet before going shopping, so she would have gone straight to the toilet. They should be letting more vulnerable people in ahead of normal people anyway.

[@tobeytransport2802]

I have a hidden disability and the other day when I was in Sainsbury’s they played a hidden disability announcement saying something like “not all disabilities are visible, be kind to customers with sunflower lanyards”

[@Punkinfluence_666]

I hear this alot, the announcements I mean, and while wearing my lanyard it sometimes makes me more insecure by them pointing it out

[@jorychi]

I'm in awe of how much disabled parking you actually have! I'm in Texas and even a huge Walmart super center has maybe ten spots and they're ALWAYS full. Most of the even larger grocery stores have 6 to 10 spots on average.

[@Fred2303]

What the hell? Over here in Germany I haven't seen any taped off parking bays at all. That's just cruel to do that to disabled people. They need their space and the closeness to the door. You can't take that away from them! Also, how can the entrance be the exit? That's not allowed over here at the moment.

[@ivarnordlkken8082]

Let see it from the other side: Here in Norway we have a lot of snow in winter. And where do we plow the snow? Yes, you guessed it: put it on the disabled areas!!

[@anayahinton]

Sadly I experianced the same with The Range. I had a great experience with B&Q, they were extremely helpful. Thanks for highlighting the difficulties we have been facing. xxx

[@rockykoast7065]

That garden centre looks like a model of how things should be! :)

[@lindalagarce8996]

Oh girl, I hear you! This past year has been an eye opener for me. Our ADAa laws in the US need to be updated, stores do not have to provide a scooter, it is considered an adaptive technology like a cane or glasses! Really! Also, the discrimination I had to go through by having to wait in line standing up waiting to go into a store before I could get a scooter in a store where one was available. I can no longer shop at some stores due to no scooter, this is why I will have to invest in a wheel chair. People will love that, seeing me get out of my car and get into a wheelchair before going into the store, lol. I can’t wait.

[@bluedeva]

Gem you are a legend! Thank you so much for deposing this post 😷 I will definitely be sharing this so that people understand that even with social distancing our rights still matter and that shops/retailers make sure to still take our human rights seriously. If we are willing to spend our cash in your store then please make sure to cater for us, if not we will spend our money elsewhere as you do not deserve it. Thank you so much for highlighting this Gem 🤗🥰

[@kerryb1234]

Absolutely appalling!! I would not stand for that kind of discrimination if I went out with my hubby. He has CP, cannot stand for more than a couple seconds and would definitely require his wheelchair to wait in line. Like most with CP he has incontinence both kinds so holding it would not be an option. I would be so pissed off if I couldn’t get a disabled park, in Australia they are few and far between as it is, we are lucky to get one anywhere we go. Many people are eligible for permits which is great but councils don’t make enough spaces for all the people who use them, so those with wheelchairs that need bigger spaces miss out most of the time. To think it’s 2020 and we’re still having to deal with these issues.

[@calajohnson]

I have reduced mobility, and have walked away from line ups that I just can't stand in. It sucks when you need groceries.

[@lasrider11]

It’s another thing about blocking disabled bays that not only are access isles blocked for wheelchair users/ramps to deploy, but limited mobility people that can’t walk far have to park in normal spots!

[@mayajane77]

There is a shopping center near me that I go to quite often that doesn’t have many accessible parking spots. So about a year ago I wrote to the owners voicing my concerns and I swear not even 2 weeks later some had been painted over so now there are even less! It’s so frustrating and hurtful to see how a lot of people don’t care about people with disabilities.

[@therandomcuriositiesofrae.2001]

I partly know how it feels. As have anxiety issues and hidden disabilities. They seem to just not help and it makes it worse. Doesn’t help when u need the loo.

[@raesurtee4711]

Great result in the end but the range could have at least replied to you.

[@timothytrimmer8241]

I live in the US and I have issues with the mobility through some stores. When i use an electric cart, I have to really squeeze through, and around the corners of, some aisles with the cart. It is so aggravating.

[@JennaGetsCreative]

I'm sorry to hear so many businesses aren't catering to the needs of their disabled customers in your area. That's absolutely unacceptable! For me it's been the bathrooms. I don't look disabled, I can stand in a queue, but I do have a bowel disease and when I need to go, I need to go right now. Maybe I'm more empathetic than the average person, I don't know, but I absolutely would not have been angry if the manager had let you in ahead of the queue. (Unless I also desperately needed the bathroom and wasn't being allowed to use it, but then a visibly disabled person was catered to...)

[@annachronistic]

Here in the US, we have the ADA laws. They often have separate lines for handicapped people. My main problem is with individual people being asses rather than businesses. I can't ride some buses because of that.

[@hillerymagrobi8990]

I'm in a wheelchair - in South Africa. People here "expect" me to jump the queue. When I'm well, I say no thanks, however, when I'm having a bad day, I jump the queue. I would have thought England would be on advanced.....

[@LouiseFranksArt]

Oh and the Range is shocking for disibility access, I've mentioned that to you before. I've had to shift stuff for wheelchair users before, and that's as a customer with limited mobility myself.

[@ohyeagirl1111]

Having the handicap parking spots blocked off would totes be illegal in the US. ADA violation. Is there something in the UK alike the ADA that would protect you from this?

[@gypsydonovan]

I don't know but I'm in Washington & there are a few places without spots or with them blocked off. One place takes all deliveries through the only ada spot.

[@Tarantio1983]

Yeah, the UK has the 2010 Disability Discrimination Act. It says all publicly accessible locations must make "all reasonable and nessessitus adjustments" to better enable disabled people to access the venue ... but it leaves defining "all reasonable and nessessitus adjustments" to the property owner along with the bill for making adaptions... thus giving a financial incentive to do no more than the bare minimum and enough legal wiggle room to justify the least effort!

[@danielletadd1038]

had the same problem in new zealand some places where fine but others where not it drove me mad when the disabled parkers where blocked off

[@rexcaliburn]

same thing i say on many of Gems vids. you need to start petitioning your govt to pass something like the ADA (Americans with disabilities act) it does tons to help us disabled folks, makes it law for all public spaces /businesses to be handicapped accessible. protects your rights regarding service dogs etc. and so much more.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Ugh

[@Wheelsnoheels]

@@rexcaliburn I need to take a trip over to the US. Learn the ADA, and bring it here

[@ChrisPage68]

@@Wheelsnoheels We won't get real change unless we stop electing Conservative governments.

[@rexcaliburn]

@@Wheelsnoheels or you could use this handy website to start www.ada.gov/

[@neekaphillipstaliesintoo8790]

During the first lockdown I went shopping with my husband (I'm a wheelchair user) aldi wouldn't let us in saying only 1 person and I should wait in the car. More able bodied people were saying how my wheelchair was spreading corona. But I've said all of what you are saying. I've seen disabled toilets shut completely, and at one point, there was only 1 disabled toilet open in Exeter, and there was a queue of about 50 able bodied people waiting to use it. Of course there could be people with invisible disabilities queuing but it really annoys me how we have been treated. Those barriers at the till in Sainsburys are the worst. They put on the tannoy about how some disabilities are invisible, yet if I want to checkout I can't get down those aisles in an 18 inch chair. But the self service has another barrier for disabled people and you have to call someone to open it 🤦‍♀️ we haven't been thought of in the current situation. At all.

[@tivolaa]

At the time when there were queues outside the shops here in Luxembourg , a lot of them chose to open the first hour only for older people, disabled persons or keyworkes. This helped a lot to reduce the waiting time.

[@daniellehickey1580]

We had that too at the start of this whole lockdown in the UK. Not sure if its still going or not but its a shame that disabled people have to put up with this kind of thing. They have as much right to go shopping and out for the day as much as bodyable people (hope thats the right way to out it lol).

[@tivolaa]

Danielle Hickey If a disabled or older person or even a pregnant woman would skip the queue I would never in my dreams think, oh hey that’s not fair. Are there really people that get upset?

[@punky19761]

tivolaa yes

[@roycespiceland5991]

I noticed the disabled parking is not wide enough for my van with the side lift that I have to use with my power chair. Here in the U.S. they only have to have one place wide enough for a disable with a side left for every 500 park places. This very hard for people with that type of van.

[@stevemark9262]

Hi Royce

[@pinkbeam]

Hi Gem! I'd actually be contacting the police about this as disabled parking-spots are legally mandated (at least they are here in Australia). 💞

[@onepawatatime7925]

Please please don’t take your mask off in the store, it negates the whole purpose of it! As someone who is immuncompromised that’s super scary because your mask protects me! We can hear you just fine trough the mask, no reason to lower it. And subtitles are a great option for any deaf people who would other wise need to read lips!

[@captainjollyrogersailingso6809]

😂 do you feel dumb now they admit the masks did nothing and niether did the social distancing it was just to dehumanize your fellow man so when they start executing poor and disabled nobody cares

[@AK-uk9kj]

How are you doing now

[@onepawatatime7925]

@@AK-uk9kj still immunocompromised and living in a global pandemic people refuse to acknowledge

[@aceoftarot8069]

I really appreciate you making this video, Abled bodied people like to act like disability people don't have lives or we shouldn't leave our houses at time, it Is ridiculous

[@raggarbergman]

I have just gone about 05:00 and i hear ya. I have even made the choice to put back my groceries and gone home and come back later because my arthritis (ankylosing spondylitis) actually makes it easier to go those 600 meters extra than to stand in a que for a long time.

[@Narnendil]

This makes me so angry! But I'm glad you finally got your toaster!

[@notmeanttobe6940]

For the past 4 years over had people yell at me"you think your entitled to a ramp taking everyone's time from people with real disabilities like drug addiction. Your muscular dystrophy is not a disability so quit acting entitled. I know a wheelchair can make it up stairs so stop crying victim." I'm in eastern USA.

[@traceylamplugh8095]

Rights for everybody else except disabled, mentally or physical (or both) and the elderly.....why!!!!

[@WukongTheMonkeyKing]

As someone whose job has included managing these types of lines during the past few months I have to say wtf. If someone needs extra assistance you give them extra assistance. Better than that is designing the systems in the first place to anticipate these things. Like, I have had to change the setup only once and that was for courtesy and not necessity. It's not difficult, and there are tons of government documents available (in many countries) to facilitate barrier free designs.

[@evelynkrull5268]

When it comes to button pads. I dont know why they dont have adjustable buttons pads. I have lupus and I'm very tall and it could be painful if all the pads were wheelchair accessible height. Rather than having a "special needs' lane why not just have adjustable pads at every station so everyone can get help! We have the technology!

[@TORITHEGUMMYBEAR]

Same thing happening is the U.S.. I just started doing store pickup instead because they have made it very difficult.

[@rexcaliburn]

then you need to report those stores they are in violation of the ADA

[@Wheelsnoheels]

@@rexcaliburn Totally

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Yep, I feel this way. too.

[@luciafrau125]

This is awful. I'm so sorry. I'm studying in hopes of having a career making life easier for people who have disabilities. I watch your channel to learn things that I have to take into consideration when I start my professional career

[@sarahorme1200]

I feel your pain closing disabled car spaces seems to be normal now. My local retail park has closed all disabled spaces to use for a queuing system. It’s a joke you can’t take away disabled car spaces so people can social distance.

[@willcamick]

I get dizzy at random. This makes it hard for me to do thing and go places on my own. I have been enduring this for 5 years. In this 5 years I have learned that I am just an inconvenience to people around me. I often do not get any help and need to find a way to do things on my own. it sucks.

[@saraha6079]

Last year during the pandemic when everything kicked off and everyone was paanic buying and being ridiculous, the Morrisons I lived near blocked all the disabled bays even though there was plenty of room on the path for social distancing queueing. It's all changed since but it must have been frustrating for those who needed the spaces. It may have not been intentional or direct but still shows the majority of people lack consideration for others who need more help but want to continue being independent as much as possible.. Also not every disabled person was able to get a delivery slot so they had no choice. I have Autism, and I had really bad sciatica that time. I got shouted at coming in multiple times as I couldn't carry heavy bags.

[@gwen6476]

I just saw, here in Seattle, that some businesses are showing that the disabled parking with a sign while being blocked so no one can park in the spot. Wish I had a picture to show you. Also we have those bike and scooter shares and people block the sidewalk ramps, with se businesses putting their signs in the way of a sidewalk ramp to where a wheelchair can get thru. When this happens to me, I just kick them out of the way not caring they would get mad. Lol their was one time when a business owner caught me moving their sign , it fell down, they came out screaming at me. I looked at the woman and said "here I'll fix it, just where it was, and have you use my wheelchair and see if you can get around it" she just turned around and went back into her store. I was nice, and stood her sign back up, out of the way but where people can't see it, and headed home. The lady came back out screaming and put the sign back where it was.

[@Hana.Behl-Lecter]

I have a really bad back and I can walk fairly well but I can't stand up without moving for more than 5-10 minutes. I stand in line anyway because I don't look like anything is wrong with me and just deal with being in pain. That said, when someone is sick or disabled or hell, just asks nicely I'm more than happy to let them go in front of me in line. Absolutely ridiculous so many people and places dont even consider that disabled people even exist.

[@pluto4847]

It breaks my heart to see how disabled people are be being mistreated all over the world. It is really bad here in America--10 times as worse as it used to be. I just want to give you cyber hugs (if that is okay) as I a a disabled person myself who knows first hand experience of being mistreated.

[@Brian-Cherry]

I have often attended the HYDRO in Glasgow for gigs. I usually find the staff wave me forward to the front. I have never heard anyone complain.

[@rockykoast7065]

I bought myself a wheelchair in the first place because I found myself unable to stand long enough in checkout queues - I'd finished up walking back out the store without making my purchases(at that stage I was using my e-scooter to get about still)

[@jenniferwells2291]

In the U.S. we don't even have handicapped stalls in the bathrooms anymore. We used to a few years ago, but a group of moms petitioned to have them changed to regular stalls and have the signs taken off so that they can use them for their children and such without having to care. Really not happy about that one since now everyone uses them constantly and I generally have to wait in a long line to get to the one stall I can use.

[@ryanrain257]

Same with problem i have lost half my muscles in one foot and two years ago i had disk replaced so have sit on the floor to easy my foot pain but it upsets my back and looks at time makes me fell uneasy and on many times i would move what was in my way got yell once for moving something i told them nicely if it was so hard for me to get i would go around but i cant he got so mad at me i said im sorry but this is disablety enter anf just walked in now im trying to be mean its just i have to do things a certain way to pervent more problems

[@stevemark9262]

Hi Ryan

[@IceTheFanDude]

My little bro has a disability that does not have a cure and will have to use a wheelchair in a few years (I love this channel!)

[@TheSummmer69]

I am desperaded and angry, too. In Germany now there are many wheelchair ramps that only can be used one way. So I am only allowed to go out, but not to go in.

[@rockykoast7065]

That's disgraceful treatment! Especially the unsympathetic manager! Here in France if you're disabled you get a 'priority' card & go to the front of the queue. I don't have the disabled parking badge no extra financial help ( as yet!), but that's a different story...

[@kerryspence7979]

I’ve been having massive trouble with my hips recently and I’ve had to buy a wheelchair as I can’t stand or walk for more that 5 minutes. I’m really anxious about having to go out in the chair. I’m worried that people will think I’m faking (putting the chair in the boot then walking to the drivers seat). I know it’s nothing to do with other people but as someone with anxiety it’s a big thing for me. I got my chair 2nd hand and didn’t realise how tiring it is to push yourself. I’ve tried in on the quiet flat street at my parents but I’m gonna have to go out in public soon. I’m waiting X-ray results to see what’s wrong with my hip and some treatment other than very strong pain meds. Was a bit annoyed that the nhs can’t help me with a mobility aid until I have a full diagnosis which left me house bound until I’ve brought my 2nd hand chair.

[@shannonw7144]

Kerry Spence As someone with anxiety who is also an ambulatory wheelchair user, please know that you aren’t alone. 💕

[@CrystalMouse1]

I’ve asked our local police if we can double-park when disabled spaces are all taken and they said yes! 😎👩🏽‍🦽👨🏾‍🦽I also keep an empty pickle jar in the car so I can pee if I can’t access a handicapped stall. Often people hog those stalls to do drugs or take a huge 💩 so I end up peeing myself. Last time this happened I was at the mall and after ten minutes, I went to the other gender restroom because I’m non-binary. The guys yelled at me but I stated that I need the wheelchair stall and someone in women’s restroom is taking too long and I need to pee immediately!

[@nadi737]

I watch your video now, but this was also a big problem in the Netherlands. And there are normally 2-3 disability parking spots. And every shop/restaurant/city/supermarkt place the shopping cars there or just... nothing. But we where still not aloud to park there.

[@lbcrafter8621]

Here Belgium I have had very positive experiences like disabled persons didn't had to wait in line and sadly lot's of places in my home town that aren't accessible any more for disabled people because you can't park in front or close to the store anymore. We have to use the underground parking, because they want to make room for waiting in front of the store and walking with save distance. Some people just aren't able to walk half a street up to the store, in the store and back to the car. It just is to far for me... They told me: if you aren't able to walk to the store, you aren't able to walk in the store either... :/

[@sooshu_lover526]

0:50 If we weren't in lockdown, I would give you my toaster!!

[@Lyn4817]

All your points are what makes me hate using my very expensive travel mobility scooter. My scooter isn't intimidating, it folds down to the size of baby pusher. Not one of the bigger scooters.

[@MrMartellSincere]

I hate being disabled and get discriminate from job's 😭

[@timboxall8936]

I know that Range store, and as much as I love going in there, it's like trying to negotiate a rabbit warren in a JCB! Sooo many narrow aisles and blocked areas. I got loads of evil stares because I was having to go against the one way system out of necessity!

[@emmysharples9708]

I can't believe this is happening I am so glad you are taking a stand. I do really like that you are wearing a mask in the shop (most of the time) I can't believe it's not a rule!

[@dudeleboski2692]

People in Wheelchairs have priority over non disabled ones. As a wheelchair user myself, where in the UK can i complain?

[@erictaylor5462]

In the US It is against the law to block off disabled parking. I got my local Walmart fined for doing it.

[@YasminCarli]

In my country we dont have to stand in queues. And its a constant fight for this right, people it's really rude and even staff don't like to be call out on this. Sometimes I have to stand in lines for 30 minutes before others costumers intervenes.

[@WheeledandWellArmed]

I bought fireworks before the 4th of July and there was a long queue. I went around the corner and the line went through a narrow spot with no way I could get to the back of the line. I jumped in line there. It was sunny and hot and being a quadriplegic, I do not sweat. When I got home mt temperature was 103.5F. Lines are cruel.

[@bardlemon5635]

My orthopedic clinic doesn't have accessible doors, and it blows my mind.

[@kampover]

This is difficult because we (as disabled people) often say that we want to be treated by others as other non disabled people, so this should also mean waiting in queues etc. but sometimes we just DO need a little more help. I personally hate skipping the queue to get access before other people. I understand that you were in pain, I would be angry too, I get UTIs far to often, but I think that the manager would treat other person with the same problem the same as you. But that doesn't excuse blocking the disabled parking, which caused this whole problem....

[@annetteslife]

What makes me mad is places like Walmart and McDonald's a majority of the handicapped parking places are taken away and put up for curbside and mobile pick up

[@jwilleseries7764]

That was really awful of him not to let you in. If I where to stand in a queue (and I really don't like standing in lines because my legs hurt a lot when I stand or walk) and someone in a wheelchair got to go inside before the rest of us then that would not bother me at all because the person got ahead for being in a wheelchiar, who the hell would be bothered by that?

[@walkingtowheels]

I don't know if this has been said before but in France (where I live) you have a disabled card issued when you are declared disabled, you carry it in your wallet, it has your photo etc... this allows you to jump any queue anywhere... I have another for the car which entitles you to park anywhere at anytime (not just in disabled bays) I don't use my card very often, but sometimes I get (as you have) caught short, in which case its invaluable. I'm surprised you don't have this in England.

[@tomlee252]

I'm not sure what the disability laws are in the U.K., but in the U.S., disabled lots can't be blocked, gas attendants need to pump gas if there are more than one person working, businesses are supposed to make accommodation's for disabled customers, you can park in a 15 minute zone like a regular parking spot, but I do still find some places lack the sensitivity

[@alishabab3]

I got a leg disability that i was born with and level 2 autism.. In Australia I was in a special school in primary and secondary and was on a disability pension. I was told I could get the disability parking card thing but I was too embarrassed in getting it even though as the years go by I can now no longer walk 20m and stand for 2 minutes without serious pain. I wear long pants allot and jeans mainly cause I guess of bulling all my life has made me self conscious of my leg so when I seen people with disabilities you can't see with the parking cards and other people look at them like "why should they have it" or other disability people more so ones in wheelchairs "no offence to you" get angry at anyone that isn't in a wheelchair.. There was one lady posting pics of people with mental or physical disabilities that you couldn't see by the eye on social media that they aren't allowed to park in those spots unless you have a wheelchair.. So now I'm 37 turning 38 and I still am too scared to get a disability parking card cause of the judgement even though I'm in so pain. Love the vids :)

[@AmandaHW1984]

Oh my goodness the stores are so spacious.

[@Lili-uq4vg]

Imma say it. The fact that social distancing is a thing shops have become so much easier to navigate in a wheelchair.

[@chavley]

It's quite off topic but how did you find learning drive with hand controls? And continuing to drive? Is it worth it? I want to learn to drive but I don't know if it's gonna be easy to do (my arms work its just my legs that don't cooperate) I'm not sure if my partner can actually teach me because he uses his feet and I'll need hand controls. I'm glad you finally got your toaster though!

[@wheelinthroughlifewithbria7570]

As for anything it takes practice. Of course its worth it because you get to where you want whenever you want!

[@ChrisPage68]

There are some driving schools that use cars with hand controls - I learned that way 30+ years ago. You might need an assessment as to what hand controls suit you best.

[@kerryfrance4013]

Even if he or she is in a wheelchair they should be able to go wherever they want to

[@teresasever2197]

I am so sorry this happened to you, I I feel blessed cause I haven’t seen any issues with disabilities here in Tampa Florida at least out of the ordinary

[@stevemark9262]

Hi Teresa

[@eleonoragiannetti3603]

Sorry, it's a long one... my bad! In Italy, every store has priority access for people with disabilities (and elderly people/pregnant women) at the entrance and at the registers and/or the employee let you go first if there is not a priority access and you ask for it. I personally don't use it because I don't mind queueing, but I totally get that some other people might want to. I understand the thought that some people in queue might be angry about it, but honestly who cares? Is your right and you can have a priority access, their fault if they don't know. It's not tolerable that an employee is denying you access because "customers might complain", he is the one who should welcome customers and know what's the access policy! I always hope that such things get reported to the store manager when it happens. That being said, I am not a fan of having a card or something that proof my right for facilitations... I don't want to go places with a label that says I AM DISABLED. I feel that we already have a lot of certifications on our files, that can be shown as needed, no need of other cards or bracelet or whatever

[@lilac24H]

Wow this is the earliest I have ever made it to a video

[@charleelakebean]

Same

[@Wheelsnoheels]

It went up at the wrong time today.

[@stevemark9262]

Hi Lilac

[@AmySaysWords]

Its ridiculous at the moment I've been to so many shops where all the disabled bays have been closed off and some shops with an insane amount of queuing. I have fibromyalgia so i really struggle to stand in queues and walk to other sides of the car parks. I have a blue badge but there's not much use to that if they've cordoned 9ff the parking

[@dianequelch3771]

You are so right I have been sent to hospital and guest what steps could not get up