♿️ Are We "Less Able" Now?

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Let me know if you have a hot story for me to cover in my Next video.

[@deecox7286]

Can you tell me again I didn't see it on the vilog where do I get the cards that you all put out about the hidden disabilities with the sunflowers

[@ayden6685]

One thing that bugs me with people who have blue badges. Is very often a family will want to go swimming at my local pool non of them are disabled and they use there grandads blue badge to use the parking spot.. there are only 2 so when they take it up that give me only one change to be able to swim. I have complained about them but they won't do anything. It is so common people and families use grandparents blue badge for themselves!!

[@scifirocks]

I saw an article about a man with an intellectual disability being denied alcohol by a pub. It sounds appalling but I'm on the side of the pub. I'm disabled myself so I'm familiar with ableism and I'm also a personal license holder as I used to be in charge when I worked in a supermarket. A man took his son out to a pub on his 18th birthday and wanted to buy him a beer. The pub refused to serve him because of his disability. Their reasoning makes sense to me but even I'm not sure who is right legally. The son is legally and physically an adult but developmentally more like a small child.

[@IltOutsiders2017]

I don’t know what the legal drinking age is where you live, but where I live it’s 21. So, if he was the legal drinking age, then they should have been able to get a drink regardless of disability or not. If the right age, It should be illegal to deny someone an alcoholic beverage if they have a disability. Everyone has the right to drink alcohol if at legal age regardless of disability 😊

[@TheMazinoz]

Vogue fashion magazine edition for people with disability or at least featuring models with various disabilities.

[@LilCherryBeary]

I hate this... I'm not less than. I'm not differently abled either. I'm disabled. It's not a dirty word.

[@pjaypender1009]

Yup. People who insist on using cutesy words for disabled people are making it really clear how little they think of us.

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

I personally hate all alternatives to "disabled" that people try to use to make it seem better - just call it what it is! The only exception is that I do sometimes use "handicapped" when referring to parking spaces and bathroom stalls (the rest of the time I generally use "accessible" to describe things and places), but I don't use it to refer to myself or other people.

[@sminch87]

I mean. Same here. I don’t know why ppl get offended by the word handicapped ( especially when the video was about a handicapped parking spot getting that label!) it’s technically the correct term. So idk.

[@hannahk1306]

​@@sminch87 The accepted terms in the UK are disabled, accessible or blue badge (the latter specifically referring to parking). Handicapped has been used as a derogatory term in the past before disability rights activists fought for change and I believe it still has negative connotations for some disabled people. I've only heard the word handicapped still being used in North America.

[@Junes.dreams.uk_]

People (able ppl) try to find alternative to the word disabled to make THEMSELVES feel better. Us, the disabled community we are proud to be functioning human beings who fight and succeed at life despite our challenges. We are proud to be called disabled.

[@disposabull]

In normal British banter fashion, the people who shout "Oi! Crip Sticks" across a crowded pub to buy you a drink are always the best of people.

[@jeffreygi]

Disabled is the worst I think- we aren’t disabled we are abled

[@firfuxsake]

"Less Able", that was a bad idea that should never have seen the light of day. Well done Boots though for their swift resolution. I prefer the Blue Badge Holders Only sign. Love the Disability News section x

[@disposabull]

At least it wasn't "Bloody Cripples". The same thing happened a few years ago when someone thought it was a good idea to rebrand disabled as "Differently Enabled". Sooo, when I lost the ability to walk did I gain the ability to fly, shoot lasers out bum or read minds? Oh wait, I didn't get any magic super powers...

[@FatiguedButFabulous]

Okay but I love the disability news idea! This is so handy, especially as someone in the UK. Sometimes it can be hard to find more national info when it comes to disability and it's a great for us all to connect. Thanks Gem! :D

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Yay thats for the feed back

[@rollwiththepunches5932]

Ive never thought of myself or our community as 'victims'. We are the most emotionally and physically strong amazing humans on the planet!

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Indeed.

[@BrendaCHughes]

It's nice to see that a large firm has taken on board your comments with regards to changing the signage. Which should never have been done in the first place.

[@VoodooAngel63]

I love the idea of the cards! Years ago my best fríend had a t-shirt made up that said, "My legs don't work. What's the matter with you?"

[@thecatchpoles6269]

Hi! We're the people behind the cards. I used to think about t-shirt possibilities too (but scanning a QR code would be a fiasco 🤭).

[@peachxtaehyung]

I sort of get what they were trying to do with the "less abled parking" sign. It seems a lot of people still struggle whether to say disabled, differently abled etc. A creator I have watched for years said "differently abled" the other day. I was surprised but I educated her. But who knows how boots meant it

[@hannahk1306]

I don't get why people get twitchy about the term disabled and if they do just use accessible instead. All the alternatives sound much worse!

[@peachxtaehyung]

@@hannahk1306 agreed!! 💯

[@kellylyons1038]

At first i thought it was a type of spot, in addition to the official disabled parking spots, that people who are disabled but dont have a parking pass (which is a luxury not all of us get due to ignorance). Generally for those with lowered mobility or invisible disability can use, similar to spots for veterans and pregnant women. But if this was a change in signage at the official disability parking spaces then that is so strange...

[@peachxtaehyung]

@@kellylyons1038 true that could be... I'm not sure which it is honestly

[@kellylyons1038]

@@peachxtaehyung we'd need more context, i am puzzled! Regardless it is sad ppl dont want to say disability.

[@sisterrose6836]

If someone ever asks me, "What's wrong with you?" I would say, "Your question!" 🤣🤣🤣

[@dandarcy2539]

its interesting to see how different blue badges are in the UK to the US! in the US if you have a permanent/long term disability you can get specific license plates for your car, the car has to be registered in the disabled person’s name however. if you yourself dont drive, you can get a sign that hangs from the rear view mirror (they look like those ‘do not disturb’ signs from hotels). this type is also used for temporary disabilities.

[@suemurphy1730]

In the US you are NOT compelled to get a handicap registration plate. You can if you wish, but you can opt for just the hanging placard. They are assigned to the person, so it can be used in any vehicle you are in.

[@dandarcy2539]

@@suemurphy1730 oh yeah i didnt mean like it was mandatory or compelled, i probably should have just worded that a bit better

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

But, like the plates, the number on the hang tag is tied to the disabled person's driver's license or state ID, so they can still see in the system whether someone is using someone else's tag illegally.

[@cbryce9243]

Also, the temporary one is red. They gave me two blue placards, one for the car I am in on a regular basis, and another when I go with a friend in a different car.

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

@@cbryce9243 After having had a temporary for a year and a half, I got 2 blue ones as well - it got super annoying only having one (temp) when I flew, because I had to choose between using it to park at the airport and taking it with me on my trip (I almost never ride in anyone else's car except when on a trip); with 2, I can do both and don't have to choose, which also saves me a ton of time at the airport because I can park right in front of the terminal (many of the tiny 1-4 gate airports don't have parking garages, just a parking lot). I'm actually to the point of considering getting the license plates as well so that I can leave my tags in the 2 other cars that I ride in the most when on trips.

[@fi5715]

I saw Less Abled on a toilet door in Boots 11 years ago. I questioned if it meant the toilet was less able to work or we were less able to go to the toilet which is not true. I bought it to the attention of the charity that supports children and adults with Spina Bifida as I was born with 55 years ago but they failed to try and sort this. I’ve also had my Blue Badge stolen from my car in my Disabled Parking Day outside my flat. I ended up getting one of these locks. Btw the badge is a Blue Badge which happens to have a wheelchair sign on it.

[@lesleyfarrington4386]

I loved the part where Boots say they're committed to being inclusive to all. My local Boots has two entrances. The one that faces the nearest disabled parking bay has steps, and the other technically has an automatic door, but it doesn't work most of the time. And apparently Boots don't keep people who can fix it on staff any more, because it's not "cost effective" (the manager said *so* much while saying so little as he escorted me to the door to let me out). Even when it does work, when Covid happened, they turned it into an out only door, and switched off the sensor for the outside. REAL inclusive there, Boots! I'm feeling lucky in that I only managed to misplace my badge, not have it stolen. Of course, I found it the day after I paid for the replacement. Rang them right away, but they'd already printed the replacement. The one time they're quick...

[@jhk88rph]

Gem - can you post a photo of the new and improved sign? I would like to see Boots actually do what they say

[@TheMazinoz]

I agree with Gem and other comments. My guess is some non disabled 'woke' people have been behind the confusing and patronizing sign. Being disabled isn't an insult, it's a fact of life that we exist. No need to make it 'politically correct'. Totally off topic I love that blue sweater.

[@pjaypender1009]

DISabled is "woke." It acknowledges that the fault is in society, not in the person. That is *why* using the word disabled is politically correct. It acknowledges the political fact that it is society that needs fixing, not disabled people. Congratulations on being a politically correct woke person!!

[@vm1776]

I've heard that the sunshine lanyard is used in NYC airports and some other big city airports in the USA. but I don't think it's widely known about by the public here. I only learned about it when researching what I need to do in order to fly with my wheelchair.

[@CremeBrulee543]

Hey Gem, I was just looking up parking badge holders and came across people selling counterfeit placards. Yikes!

[@TheMazinoz]

Very common unfortunately and increases the 'fake' disability allegations against legitimate holders.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Oh no thats terible. :S

[@JHeyworth1]

So glad that boots changed the signs and realizes their error and owned up to it

[@twinstarssystem2857]

the only reason people run away from the term "disabled" is because they think being disabled is inherently insulting but if you point that out they will be so offended

[@JennaGetsCreative]

I just looked it up and the sunflower lanyards are a thing here in Canada, too! I may get one. I haven't actually seen anyone wear one that I can recall in my province so I don't know how effective it would be 😅

[@hannahk1306]

They were quite slow to take off in the UK too and plenty of people are still unfamiliar with them, but I think that most places that regularly deal with the public know about it now. Maybe you could engage a few places near you - e.g. train stations, theatres, cinemas, libraries, supermarkets, etc - to engage with and advertise the scheme? I first heard about it when I saw a sign at the theatre for people with the lanyards about what assistance was available and thought it was their own scheme until I started seeing it in other places as well.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Start wearing it, and you could start the movment ;)

[@TheLilith1978]

What an interesting topic… first off I’m a t10 paraplegic living in Australia, and I’ve been in a wheelchair Little Albert, 25 years. It’s interesting to me to hear people discuss the whole word disabled to some of us. We consider that wrong and some of us it’s okay with it. To me there just words and I don’t really care how society labels me because I don’t care I know who I am in my friends and family do too. But this reminds me of an episode of Seinfeld with Klamer and Jerry in a car Ellaine spots notice a parking spot and the debate starts if they should park in it or not. I love the line what Klamer comes out with and please no disrespect “I thought disabled people wanted to be treated like equals, but once you take away their disabled parking, or park in their spot they all get cranky and mad, but what makes them have a special spot to parking if they want to be treated as equals” Seinfeld I find that be very funny and very clever Whiting because it’s true in many ways. It’s interesting to see how do you people to the enjoy views society, and how they feel get treated by us he’s been around for a few years don’t really have a problem with all these new names, because in a few years time it will change yet again and honestly is it that important to change a label on sign. You do not see people talking about the 43% of suicide in spinal-cord injuries in the first five years of getting their disability. I think that’s a topic that should be brought up to discuss and perhaps highlight. I lost plenty of friends that way and I’m sorry if this comes across a bit negative that labels on the sign is not important or how it’s worded perhaps shine some light, some of the more darker things and bring them to the public knowledge. You definitely got the audience for it and if you don’t know where to look, have a talk with your specialist and I can tell you this, a lot of them will know of it And if you’re wondering no, I don’t think your topic is silly or anything but I’m just trying to show you you got the perfect platform to expose some more bigger issues and you could do a lot of help and sometimes you gotta let go of the smaller things. I hope you have a beautiful day. Stay safe, stay positive keep turning out the content.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Thank you for your comment. I take on board what you are saying. I try to bring a variety of topics, some darker, some lighter. I shall definatly look into highlighting some of the issues you raised.

[@harrietbrown6415]

I'm face covering exempt, and in lockdown, I stopped counting the number of times I got asked why. Because of the abuse, I stopped making eye contact with people, a problem I battled with for months afterwards. I'm so thankful to Sunflower Lanyards, but seeing them today brings back a lot of bad memories. Oh and by the way, isn't it ironic that a healthcare chain insulted disabled people like that?

[@yardmaster1947]

Happy belated birthday to your beautiful Daisy. March 17th was my mum's birthday too. As a disabled Vey I love your blogs. Jerry

[@punk_0n_wh33lz5]

Another AWESOME video done about handicapped PC/Political Correctness. I agree that how much society tries to include everyone in every change even when there was nothing wrong with the PC used before wasn’t even in bad taste. This one able “Less Abled” or I think you had a video about the PC for handicapped was “People of Encouragement” sound more insulting than helpful. I am in total agreement they need to stop trying to change it and leave things as handicapped accessible or handicapped parking. It plain and simple, and at the end of the day, I could careless what people call me as long as the context wasn’t meant as harmful. “Hey you in the chair”, or “Hey the handicapped person in the wheelchair”, are both statements used a lot when people don’t know my name or know me personally as a way to get my attention cause it is what I look like, a description. Bravo on the points on what we have to actually protect as well, such as our rights to a parking space with ample room/handicapped parking or an accessible bathroom which most, at least here in the States see it as more of a “there if a handicapped person needs it” vs actually reserved for the handicap and should be left available at all times especially the parking which is protected by law. Honestly, it’s the blue badge thing drives me nuts and we need a newer system. I personally have plates as it’s proven my disability is permanent but you see sooooo many people with grandma’s blue tag or some other person’s blue tag when they “run errands” cause as common excuses, they were going to be “real quick” or “not all disabilities are seen”. I can sympathize but only soo much especially when you live in a town where one bright n sunny day handicapped parking is ample but funny two days later when it’s cold or rainy, suddenly all the handicapped people came out to play at once. It was very frustrating even before people were stealing blue tags and now we have to worry/deal with that. New system needed indeed!

[@TheMazinoz]

I've seen two able bodied teenagers park in disability spot, no blue badge etc in sight, jump out of car, race in to shop, run around and leave. Obvious that neither had any mobility issues.

[@lesleyfarrington4386]

@@TheMazinoz I got two of those - the first two shops I went to after getting my adapted car. Embarrassed one into not getting out of the car until I had wheeled myself into the shop (and he was gone long before I left), and trapped the second because I was building my wheelchair beside his driver's door, and he went bright red and sidled away without so much as a peep. I've seen others since, but it was the timing of those two that made them stick in my mind.

[@ElicBehexan]

I have a hidden disability. I have a pretty mild, in some ways, case of fibromyalgia. Yes, I'm in pain almost all the time. However, there are certain times I use a wheelchair. Why? Well, I fractured my heels about 3 decades ago. Then, right after they healed, I re-fractured them. I can stand and walk. But I can't stand long because they never fully healed the second time. Also, the fibro, in my case anyway, makes my healing from almost anything, extremely slow. I need assistance at airports because I can't stand in those long lines or walk the sometimes distances. I don't need a wheelchair around my house, but I also have no carpet in my house, partly because of the cats and my allergies, but also because when my heels act up, I will scoot around on a rolling stool. I also use this stool when I do the cat boxes. Now, I'm down to 6 cats, the eldest I think is turning 14 in the next few months. I would love to not have the pains I have, I would love to be able to walk like I used to, but at nearly 70, I don't think it is going to happen.

[@Isobel201]

I use a badge holder that protects the badge from sun damage. But I do fold it away and put it in the glove box when I don't need to use it as I'm parked on my own driveway now most of the time. Fortunately parking charges aren't as high here in West Yorkshire compared to London, so I've never seen many reported blue badges stolen.

[@TKAA360]

Thanks for this new series it is great to hear about news focused on disbility. One bit of news I saw this week is that they have announced that the Acropolis in Athens is now fully accessible. So exciting news for people wanting to plan a trip!

[@writergirl3108]

That’s interesting. I don’t hear of these being stolen very often in the US. I just had to have a doctor fill out the information in the application and I got two hanging tags free. I keep one in my car and my husband’s car. At 11:30 where you couldn’t think of the word, inconspicuous comes to mind.

[@HopeAndSunshine]

Great story coverage, and great solution!

[@azzunyan]

Great video Gem! I'll be checking out those cards, I think that they'd come in handy!

[@MossyBear]

I've never heard of the sunflower lanyard scheme before, thanks for sharing! I wonder how prevalent this idea is in the US 🤔

[@TravelingwiththeGramkracker]

In the US we have licenced plates attached to the car. However, parking in a handicapped space is not enforced by police as the parking is normally on private property. So a lot of people park in the blue zone anytime they want to.

[@rantalbott6963]

Where I live the property owner can call the cops, and the fine can be over $500 in some cities.

[@VoodooAngel63]

I think they thought they were being kind with this language but, yeah, it really doesn't work. Good on them for fixing it.

[@Lohengrin1850]

I've not heard of these cards, but they sound fantastic. Definitely going to buy these and hand them out constantly!

[@chiarimsveganmum]

I've never had the ignorant comments and questions (yet), not to my face anyway, I've more found that I'm invisible to people who walk in front of me and act shocked when I bump into them!

[@mydogeatspuke]

I shout very loudly that they should look where they're going as they wander towards me, face firmly glued to their phone. Having said that, even people who aren't distracted and have looked directly at me as they walk straight towards me sometimes try to walk through me. Or climb over me. Mind boggles. My favourite are couples holding hands, taking up the whole path, who appear to expect me to roll down the massive kerb into the road and out of their way so that they don't have to briefly let go of one another. I just stop and stare at them until they move. I spend a lot of time saying "really?!" too, which seems to communicate the point quite well.

[@reachandler3655]

I understand the 'less abled', many will vocally judge those with hidden disabilities as not 'qualified' to use disabled parking space, difficult to argue someone is not 'less able'. However, I do agree that ' blue badge holders' is better terminology.

[@lesleyfarrington4386]

That would have been better! I know some people are squirrely about the word "disabled" even though, as Gem says, it's now most of us identify, and that would sidestep everything nicely. That said, use of a blue badge cannot be enforced in a private car park. Some parking companies try, but others just don't bother because they know it's a waste of money on their part. I both love and hate that fact - it means that if someone is temporarily disabled owing to an accident or operation, they can use a space they need, but also it encourages those who don't have the consideration to leave the bays for those of us who need them.

[@ChronicallyMichelle1995]

I hate to word less abled or differently abled disability isn’t a dirty word and it takes away the struggles that we face in day to day life which to be honest is a big part of chronic illness

[@kayleighbutler2259]

I really loved this video! It seems like you really enjoyed making it and the style really suits you. I can't wait for the next one!

[@vm1776]

It's different in different places in the world, but I wonder . . . if a temporary badge could be obtained quicker if the blue badge needed to be replaced. I have a temporary (6 month) red badge. My doctor signed my paperwork to get my badge and I drove that to the town hall that day only having to wait a few minutes for the clerk to give me the red badge. I'm in a rural area of the USA, so it certainly could be different in more urban areas where the office is busier or other countries.

[@hannahk1306]

I don't think temporary badges exist in the UK unfortunately. I know a few people who have struggled after operations or accidents, but not been eligible for a parking permit.

[@vm1776]

@@hannahk1306 that's unfortunate. I wouldn't have been able to leave the house without mine. I guess the idea is that if it's temporary then it's no big deal, but that's a perspective of priveledge that seems to make sense to the able bodied until you experience and really understand. I was excited to have a 1 story home thinking that it meant no accessability problems as we aged; but now being in a wheelchair I've learned that I have an inch of clearance for the chair between the hallway walls and less for the doorways and can't get in the kitchen at all - so much for accessable, but I'm making do even if I am pinstriping my cabinets and walls. lol It's eye opening though.

[@lesleyfarrington4386]

@@hannahk1306 You're absolutely right - we don't. A disability has to be at least reasonably permanent to be granted a badge. While there's always a fight for disabled parking in my town (there isn't anywhere near enough), I do feel bad for people who need it temporarily and can't get that help.

[@mydogeatspuke]

Less abled parking, for people in large SUVs who dont think they should have to park within the bay markers, or motorists who can't park straight.

[@rogerorchard2317]

When I lost my Blue badge before the my local counice would not start the process of about 6 weeks after I first reported the loss, just in case it turned up. so it was not the 8 weeks for the new bagde 14iish because they would not start he process, just in case it turn. My bagde went walk about in Disnay pairs, some time between getting my grean card and getting back to the car. The blue badge gives you more than parking it just makes getting other these easier, you turn up in a tilt in space wheelchair and they are for a letter showing you are disabled. turning up in a wheelchair that cost over 10K does not show that. but a blue bagde I found always works.

[@fridab1952]

I just looked up the hidden disabilities sunflower and it is recognised in 🇮🇸 but I have never heard of it or seen it mentioned anywhere! In 🇮🇸 disability parking 🅿️ spots are getting more space than they had previously or at least were I do most of my shopping.

[@ChelleOnWheels]

In the US, we can get the disibility permit on our license plate so we don't have to use the hanging ones.

[@rinlozio1108]

I wear the sunflower lanyard in Poland along with my own badge in polish language, because unfortunatly the sunflower lanyards are not officially recognised in Poland (except for the Krakow airport, but I'm never in Krakow, let alone on the airport there) and most polish people can't speak english, so I feel safer having someting that says in Polish, that I'm disabled, as well as something more official that can be googled if needed. Poland doesn't really have any official way to signalise hidden disabilities you kinda just have to tell people if your disability is hidden and hope they'll belive you, whitch sucks especially recently after a polish movie was maid, about a guy that fakes a disability for... no reaso... to show that if he can pick up a girl while on wheelchair, then he can pick up everyone, whitch is so gross on so many levels, and I oticed that people has been more suspitious towords me te last couple of weeks

[@lesleyfarrington4386]

Kudos for producing your own badge. I'm surprised Hidden Disabilities don't have any Polish ones - they've got just about every other European language. I hope people get over themselves - disabled people have enough on their plates without things like that.

[@melissaz6778]

My disability parking permit got stolen a few years ago. Thankfully it didn't take too long to replaced (a couple of weeks), but I did have to go through all of the paperwork, wait for a doctors appointment and then pay for the replacement ($7AUD)

[@TheMazinoz]

I'm beginning to think they should have a photo of the person on them. Also good idea about the lock. Steering wheel locks also coming back into fashion. They don't steal my car because the little blighters don't know how to drive a manual! Shi..y thing to do though to smash windscreen and steal badge, especially to person who has mobility issues.

[@melissaz6778]

@@TheMazinoz Australian ones do have a photo. Mine does

[@hannahk1306]

​@@TheMazinoz UK ones have a photo too, but seeing as people aren't typically with the car when a traffic warden checks it doesn't really help identify fraudulent users.

[@lesleyfarrington4386]

@@hannahk1306 They're also on the back, so even if there's camera footage they could refer to and issue a ticket based on that, the photo isn't visible to the warden anyway! (And they don't care anyway - they ticket you no matter what)

[@beckirobbins6459]

My mother refers to herself as less able. She says this because she is not as able as she was, but she is not disabled. She never has and never would say this of others. I on the other hand am disabled, and don’t use less able.

[@meleelap6999]

"Why are you in a wheelchair?" My anwser "Shark attack!" ( I have MS) And I wear a hat with an embrodery saying " Mind your own business!!!" in bright yellow... For now it work!

[@runaroundsueaccessibletrav6357]

So funny. I'm going solo to London Again. Wish me luck. Not sure how I am going tonget on in central London in coronation week but wish me.luck anyway.

[@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084]

Loved your disability news update. You’re totally right if the shop had just asked people from the Disability community before putting the sign up they can avoid the whole issue in the first place is good they address it properly though and took it down went it was pointed out. Do they reach out to you asking for any more consultations? I hadn’t heard of the sunflower I think it’s a great idea. I am from the US and can tell you that believe me a mental health care system is still a mess it’s very hard to find good quality affordable and accessible care and navigating be billing insurance and medical system is a nightmare. What breed of dog is Bindi by the way? Have you told her any assistance tasks around the home like picking up dropped objects or pulling open drawers. My dog is getting very good at picking up what I drop.

[@mydogeatspuke]

What community is this? I'm not aware of a community just for disabled people, that all disabled people are part of.

[@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084]

@@mydogeatspuke I was just referring to the Disability community as a whole as an any individual who identifies as having a disability would be part of that group

[@AndrewSmoot]

"Less Able/d" could mean "Oh, my feet hurt today, I guess that means I can park here in the handicapped/disabled parking space." instead of what handicapped/disabled has meant for decades, i.e. being permanently incapable of traveling long distance, whether that's because of constant pain, or being wheelchair bound and it is unsafe to travel behind rows of vehicles because you are below the line of sight for rear-view mirrors.

[@JelMain]

The problem with the Sunflower Scheme is that they didn't check if the people they were sending them to were actually folk with hidden disabilities. I'm sort of (diagnosed mild hf Aspie, actually gifted-genius, still melt down) but got seriously ticked off be Russian chancers - same type of lad lads likes parking in disabled bays - using them to bully their way past pensioners on buses. Freebie passes, in other words.

[@tinachambers4887]

Hi Gem 💎 enjoyed the new segment have a day love from TEXAS

[@rockykoast7065]

Boots...hmmm very well-respected homebrew store as I recall? 🤔 They'll even serve your prescriptions there! 👍 .... the sign IS weird though..

[@arsolblanes5058]

I have colleagues who have had their card stolen by breaking the side glass of the car, also two days apart, I live in an area with less population, but last summer we reached 125,6 °F in the shade, I leave the card inside my car in a disabled and reduced mobility parking lot, when i got back to the car, the photo of my face on the back of the card was distorted like in a japanese horror movie 😱😂 the edges of the card lost their blue color, thank goodness that the chip is fine, we are in April and we have already reached 93,2 ° F in the shade, I would like to find a way to leave the card in its place when I park the car without fear of it melting due to the heat, they have to make me one new, when I have it I will have to return the one I currently have, I am looking for some material such as a cover that allows the card to be seen but can withstand high temperatures, by the way, that day the tires of the chair stuck to the asphalt, from the parking lot to the home, about two hundred meters away, I have carbon pushers and even so I burned my hands, the air burned my throat, I thought I would not be able to get there, let's be aware of the havoc that the climate emergency is causing, it exists and we must be prepared as a vulnerable group by devising new technologies for new challenges, Congrats on getting the name change benefits us all 🧑🏻‍🦽👩🏻‍🦽thank you all take care

[@lilsheba1]

I JUST got my disabled parking permit in the US, good for 8 years. It never occurred to me it could get stolen! Good to know thanks. I also ordered a protective cover to fit it.

[@tomlee252]

I’m disabled, but the only handicap I see are the way others see and/or treat me

[@cbryce9243]

Youa re so perky in this video! 🥰 I am from the US, the far northwest corner, up near Canada. I absolutely love your channel; I appreciate that you include both your laws as well as ours in the US. I really like the dis-Ability news is a great idea! I'd like to know how I can be a part of the solution in getting laws passed here. When you share, it helps me think of things I can do here.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I actually have a bigger US audience on my channel that UK, so always try and make it work for both contries, as best I can. :)

[@dimbulb6443]

Never heard of disability badge theft where I live, but I have gotten my windshield wipers stolen on a day where there was ice -_-

[@kaitlyn__L]

Oh yeah, I hate it the most when people act all apologetic and awkward for minutes prior to just asking. Like just get it over with and let me give you the most terse answer, that I have a joint condition. Sometimes I’m in the mood to educate but normally it feels as if I’m swatting flies lmao

[@TheMazinoz]

I think if I got the lanyard I'd have to also order the cards as the next question....

[@thecatchpoles6269]

@@TheMazinoz Hi - we're the people behind the cards and yes - we're visibly disabled, I wonder how it'd work for people with hidden disabilities?

[@TheMazinoz]

@@thecatchpoles6269 Hard to say maybe a QR code or link to websites. I've also seen name badges with VIP or HIP on them as visually impaired people don't always need canes. There are days when getting the third degree at supermarket I wish I could just give someone a card! But now I get it because I use a rollator or a cane or brace my dodgy knee.

[@TheMazinoz]

Totally relateable

[@kaitlyn__L]

@@TheMazinoz I can understand that, I hated having to explain why I wanted a priority seat on the bus/train. Getting a wheelchair helped get rid of all that

[@Volklet]

I was so disappointed to go to the website in the section about the cards and find them using a word that is deeply, deeply offensive to disabled people. I’d rather have strangers politely asking me about my disability, however annoying that is, than fellow disabled people using the C word as if it’s not been used as a vile slur for my whole life. We can’t object to wording like the Boots sign if we are using slurs ourselves to refer to each other.

[@ceseak1571]

I got more questions about my disablity when using my walking stick than when I use my weelchair. The worst kind of people are the ones that offer religious healing.

[@TheMazinoz]

Yeh I've been accused of 'faking' to gain advantage for using a cane as given one by physio for OA in hip as pain made walking difficult. Geez, I have NO advantage and walked to nearby store. No badge. Not using disabled parking. I think it's the wheelchair icon that confuses stupid people. You HAVE to use a WC apparently - according to them.

[@jeffkardosjr.3825]

I've encountered countless people who think I'm making it up. ​@@TheMazinoz

[@Mojohjohjoh]

I'm autistic and have degenerative disc disease causing sciatica. At work I wear a sunflower lanyard that holds my name badge (otherwise I lose it) and I've got a few fidgets clipped onto it too for when I need something like that

[@wheelieblind]

It is not my responsibility to stop and explain myself to everyone... not doing any damn cards even lol.

[@melanielee6357]

Interesting ! Lots of good tips thank you

[@STR123able]

Some of these ideas/new concepts are good, but the sunflower lanyard is just weird to me and very open to abuse, as anyone can and given human nature will probably wear it.

[@BCSchmerker]

+Wheelsnoheels *"Less abled"‽ THAT is the universal complaint from the Invisible Disabilities Association.*

[@emeraldkimble7602]

People without cars have long walk from bus stop like local Walmart

[@kaitlyn__L]

I just noticed how square your pushrims are! What are they? As you probably know, that’s much better for speed control downhill with gloves. I hate rounded-off pushrims because they’re so much worse for that. I’ve found somewhat flat ones before but yours look even flatter on the side! Also yeah I absolutely hate that Boots sign

[@redsorgum]

Less abled……does that mean less welcomed? In the states, you can have a disability vehicle license plate. Do you have disability license plates in the UK?

[@lesleyfarrington4386]

We don't, sadly. I've made a couple of posts elsewhere in the comments, about price gouging for the badges, limited validity, and other reasons. But I'm now wondering if the government think that if we have a blue numberplate, any non-disabled driver will abuse it. Like they don't abuse the blue badge system already by either having a fake/stolen badge, brazenly not having one at all, or leaving the badge holder in the car while someone else nips out. It would certainly make it easier for people like Gem and I, who forget to put the badge out on the regular. If it was on the plate, all we would have to worry about would be the clock for time-restricted parking areas. Which I for one would most definitely forget about if I didn't have to think about the badge.

[@redsorgum]

@@lesleyfarrington4386 In general, here in California, there isn’t any time restrictions for disabled. For example, I can park in a city metered parking space all day if I want. Here’s a sample from California law: With a California handicap placard or plate, you are entitled to park in any marked disabled parking space (marked with blue curbs or the international wheelchair symbol), in short-term “green curb” spaces for an unlimited time, in spaces designated for residents or merchants, and at metered spaces for free.

[@queerstudbroalex]

Great start to this series!

[@EmilyCheetham]

Interesting. I have a hidden disability & have to use a sunflower lanyard at airports.

[@liemdrake]

I really do like you wearing blue during the month of April that I do want the month of April to be Blue Candle to dedicate to my mom that had died from cancer on that month and by lightning a blue candle for her and also with others that we had tragically died from cancer and help raise money for medical research to treat cancer 💙🕯️

[@tanyaerickson612]

I flew through the passenger windshield 60ft while 4 months pregnant with my son. He has cerebral palsy so is also in a wheelchair he'll be 27 this summer and we're both grateful to be alive despite our struggles!

[@sedwards536]

Ring doorbell aimed at your car to record theft or deter theft.

[@lesleyfarrington4386]

It wouldn't. Not round here. The sheer number of posts of doorbell cam footage on Nextdoor is frightening. Including my own delight, when someone actually RANG my video doorbell, then nicked the package Evri had helpfully left on the step. Never did get those boots :(

[@HighTen_Melanie]

Less abled! Nooooooooo! Does that’s mean they have Ableist parking?! 😂😂xx

[@helencolgan8580]

Hi Gem,I’ve been told that disabled parking spaces outside York RailwayStation have been removed and replaced with cycle parking. I know you raised this point during Covid when disabled bats were used for cafe/restaurant seating.

[@Wheelsnoheels]

Oh no thats terrible. Have they added any other spots somewhere else?

[@helencolgan8580]

@@Wheelsnoheels hi Gem, not that I know of. I was told of this my a 3rd party.

[@lesleyfarrington4386]

Sounds about right for York - they've removed it just about everywhere else, why not the railway station too? That said, I'm pretty sure railway stations are subject to National Rail policy regarding disabled parking spaces. They *have* to have some

[@glorialepikcorrigan2674]

I really like the term "Less-abled" I think that it is much softer and more inclusive. "DIS -abled" can have a sad, tragic tone that has people seeing the disabled population in an US and THEM context. Less abled allows people to see that abilities are on a continuum.

[@mjtallon7101]

I'm guessing the signs are an attempt at minimizing non-disabled people saying things like "You don't look disabled, you shouldn't be parking there" to anyone who has a genuine but non-visible disability. I don't actually mind it because of that, maybe it can make people mind their own business a little better when they see someone like me with a blue card using the parking space I'm entitled to even though I don't have a wheelchair or sometimes even my cane.

[@Ladyfuschiagroan]

I had never wanted to punch a sign before…

[@spacegirlchaz]

0:10 Let's make a news jingle!

[@jeffkardosjr.3825]

"Less abled" is a ridiculous term as is "differently abled".

[@georgecurtis6463]

Signage is standardized under ada in the usa. This would have been illegal. Glad they quickly corrected the signage. Theft in the usa is also an issue. But replacement is rather quick from what I have been told. Do you not have disabled license plates ? Only cards ? My van has a license plate and I carry a card in my other vehicle. Sunflower is not known yet in the usa far as I know but is a great idea.

[@lesleyfarrington4386]

We don't. I made a big post elsewhere about probable reasons why. Most of it comes down to the fact that our badges aren't free, and the government wouldn't be able to charge us on the regular if it was on our numberplates. The fact that a Motability lease is the same length as a Blue Badge's validity is neither here nor there

[@georgecurtis6463]

@@lesleyfarrington4386 boy, talk about getting taken. I'm in california. My blue tag is free. My special license with the emblem and numbers does not cost extra. It just comes with our yearly standard registration . The plates are permanent. Sorry to see the sad attitude you all have to deal with. But I bet we all suffer the same parking problems. Not sure if the amount of disabled parking spaces is regulated as it is here. Also we do have van spots that are wider for lifts.

[@CharityAngelSpectrum]

@@georgecurtis6463 Some areas are regulated, but private car parks - which the majority are - are not. I haven't ever seen one without at least one disabled space, but they don't have any actual legal obligation to provide x spaces, or x%. Having a blue plate, or even a blue flash at the side like electric vehicles and their green flash, would help immensely. So would not having to pay for it, but then how would the government rip us off? I feel fortunate that mine is issued in England, where they're capped at £10. Scotland is £20, for exactly the same duration (and my next one is likely to be issued in Scotland). There's probably some red tape involved between licencing and issuing the badges too. Badges are issued by local county councils, whereas licencing is national level. And, let's be honest, the national levels don't even talk to their own departments, let alone others. Especially related to disability, where everything, and I mean everything, is still done on paper and snail mail. I wish I was joking.

[@georgecurtis6463]

@@CharityAngelSpectrum well, WOW ! That is so messed up. Ada is federal, covers all states. Then some states like calif actually have added better regulations. Ada covers everything. State laws cover everything. So even if it's a private garage it has to meet the regulations. Nothing is exempt. Nothing is grandfathered in. If its accessible to the public then it must be accessible to the disabled. They cannot require the disabled to go through extra whatever to get to a destination that others can just get to easily. I use the term rip off as a polite term. No one should pay for placards or whatever. Why are the disabled being penalized. Others dont need placards. But yea, sounds like you are dealing with a governmental mess.

[@Julie-si3hi]

I definitely don't see my self as less....disabled is what we are...or it could say accessibke parking?.

[@ellafacebooktruecrimecases3644]

I feel more abled in my wheelchair!

[@jupamoers]

The green political party of Germany uses the sunflower as their logo...could imply them to have an invisible disability 😆 I think, most people don't even know about the meaning of the sunflower regarding disabilities

[@johnvelas70]

"Less able parking" doesn't even make sense.

[@110311DONTWANTCHANNE]

Less? i know people in wheelchairs that are more abled than people without 'disabilities'

[@myrkla]

Sorry not in Sweden they have sunflower 😢

[@Picplosions]

As someone who has gone through the wording of crippled, retarded, disabled and now less abled in his life its pretty much all just a waste of money to make people try and feel good about themselves. Just leave it as a symbol, its only a label, get to know us as people or our names. 😑

[@sscreele2962]

I am learning English but it is not my negative language please help me for discussing

[@tufftraveller4784]

I don't mind people asking about my disability.

[@MrTransgeneration]

What about elderly people? They aren’t necessarily disabled, but are indeed less abled and not all have disability tags.

[@itsjustchloethatsit]

If they have a disability they can apply for a badge, if not, it has to be left for those who can't walk far or need the space to open the door say for a wheelchair etc

[@punky19761]

If they are using the disabled badge because they are disabled by age, they are still disabled. The only reason to be using the disability badge is because they are disabled. A lot of people are disabled by age, but not everyone who is over 65 is disabled. If you are using the badge it should be assumed you are disabled, no matter what disability/illness disables you.

[@caivail4614]

I feel like “accessible parking” would cover all bases, not sure why we don’t use this.

[@TheMazinoz]

Mobility aids like canes or rollators then

[@itsjustchloethatsit]

@@caivail4614 it would, but unfortunately in private car parks especially, often people take advantage of disability parking without a badge meaning those with disabilities have to go home or plan to go out when it’s quieter. So I think making it clear that this parking is for those with a badge only is important

[@ToughCookieTeePersonalAccount]

Amazing really helpful! I will definitely order one of those badge holder locks! I found some on Amazon 🫶🏾thanks and those cards seem so handy xx

[@johnbethea4505]

Doctors determine who is really disabled and not the lazy people. Disabled tags should have a license number on them or atleast a picture..

[@felixgarnet]

Blue Badges have this. You can use them in any vehicle so the number plate is not included, just the photo and a code.

[@johnbethea4505]

@@felixgarnet thanks. I am a 100% disabled war veteran who uses a disabled license car plate. I haven't gotten a disabled hanging tag lately, I need to get a new one if I ride with someone else. I am from the USA 🇺🇸.

[@SnowySpiritRuby]

The numbers on our hang tags here in the U.S. are tied to our driver's license or state ID, so all a cop has to do is look up the tag number in the system to know exactly who it belongs to, and if the true owner is not one of the people who is present on that outing, those people can get busted big time for using it illegally (fine amounts vary by state, but where I live, it's "up to $750"). Some states have the owner's name and/or photo on them as well, but that's not universal across the country - I do believe they all have a tag number, though.

[@vm1776]

less able sounds like someone not understanding and trying to be funny or not wanting to use the words handicapped or disabled, but just using the symbol would suffice then. That sign was soo offensive. May I ask a question? I had a surgery (7 weeks ago) which resulted in my using a wheelchair, later this week, I'll be starting physical therapy and my journey to walking again, but for the next few months I'm disabled and there's a good chance that I'll be doing this surgery again on my other side in the Fall. So my question, do you let things like weather stop you, do you need to? I promised my kid that I'd take him to a movie this weekend and it's going to rain. I can drive and I can stand/lean on car long enough to put the wheelchair in the backseat though it's not easy. My husband said that I couldn't do it because it was going to rain. At first I accepted that and told him to take our son. But something about seing your video made me think, "would you really let a simple thing like rain, or even snow stop you?". Yes, the wheels will get wet and probably get my clothes dirty, when lifting the chair; but why should that stop me? Now not finding a handicapped space with enough space on the driver's side to fully open my door and pull out a wheelchair is another matter! Thoughts from someone who's gone through this longer, please.

[@demeterontheinternet]

They tried 🤦‍♀️

[@thewisepowerchair2369]

Hello Gem. I don't let words offend me.

[@user-jb2nc3wo3q]

is having your badge stolen not an emergency then

[@cpr58]

ablebodys don't like to walk. they want our spots. I have been told if I would just get up and walk I would lose the weight I have gained.

[@oxfamshop]

Whats wrong with you then ! how bloody rude

[@kanal_Zhizn_Invalida]

Привет милай девушка красивая. Здоровья Моё почтение за видосик. Жду каждый с нетерпением. Я и сам являюсь автором, люблю ваши видео! Снимаю про быт свой, простого парня инвалида детства, своих зверят, и свой дом. Сложно мене даётся контент, стараюсь ровняюсь на вас!