♿️*SHOCKING* GATWICK CUSTOMS OFFICER ACTUALLY SAID THIS TO ME

[@Wheelsnoheels]

😱I CANT BELIEVE WHAT THE CUSTOMS OFFICER SAID TO ME! ♿️ Can we just stop saying stupid things to disabled people please! 🤣🤦🏼‍♀️

[@ChrisPage68]

I'll be honest - I've said the same thing about myself to shock Normies. Sorry if he offended you, but you know what my sense of humour is like. ❤️ I have sat in a busy Chinese restaurant in Brighton while people around me are being served, but I was still waiting for my meal. 🤦

[@archi3020]

If you are departing out of an airport you do not go through customs. It is airport security. You only see customs officers when you arrive and collect your bags and leave the airport

[@debpotter3475]

Joe Kinchicken, don’t be ridiculous. Most people with a disability already have to stick their necks out further than most people to ask for assistance.. Couple that with the practical and emotional/psychological fall out from having to use a wheelchair. Please DO NOT make glib comments about ‘thicker skin’. I.’m sure that just one day using a W/chair will help you realise that YOUR skin is.not as think.

[@brandonschroeder934]

Wheelsnoheels - Gem Hubbard I feel your struggles I made the mistake when I was about 12 or so traveling from Calgary Alberta to Toronto Canada international airport and made the mistake of not getting special assistance with air canada and kinda had the same thing happen where the costoms official was rough with my chair while putting it through the ex ray. Machine and to top it all off this family form the states butted in front of me and boy I lost it on them because of the fact of what they said they were like your not human you shouldn’t be able to fly or something to that effect but luckily for me another female official saw and heard this and was like sir come with me so we can sort you out for your flight and I just looked at the family like haha your rude comment. Got you no where this happened back in 2010 so a while back Now even though I don’t fly regularly I don’t have to many issues at the airport

[@clairedionne559]

@@archi3020 Why this comment? Gem never said she was passing through customs. She stated that there was that guy in the area with a customs uniform who put his nose and pea brain where it had no place.

[@AmberZak83]

My local church insulted me. I joined it when I moved to the area following the incident that lead to me using a wheelchair. I can stand a bit. They were praying for me against my wishes. I told them I don’t mind being in a wheelchair. It really isn’t an issue for me. Yet they prayed anyway, physically pulled me to standing and took my chair away saying ‘the devil is keeping you in the chair, god doesn’t want you in THAT chair’. I nearly fell on the floor. Then the leader said ‘when you have enough faith, you’ll be cured.’ Yeah, I left that church and I’m planning on making a film about it.

[@JaneAustenAteMyCat]

That's abusive and repellant

[@mr.normansarahdawn5896]

Not this exact thing that people have told my mom stuff like that because she is chronically ill the same chronic illnesses I have

[@SohiTheTinyKittenHuman]

Off topic but your hair looks breathtaking in this video!!

[@rexcaliburn]

gem has epic hair

[@banananess1499]

Once I was coming out of the disabled bathroom at a Comic Con event when I was about twelve and one of the staff members came over to me and very aggressively said straight into my face “well you don’t look very disabled do you?” I was so shocked I couldn’t say anything, I just cried and then went home

[@stephisaseal3728]

I’m so glad you said something instead of keeping quiet! You go girl for putting him in his place!

[@lisamarshall6746]

I have spina bifida. With the birth of my first son, the cord wrapped around his neck. After progressing through labor, he required an emergency c-section. An attending doctor told me "people like you don't have babies" as I was being rushed into surgery. Unbelievable! Btw, I had 2 more sons naturally. So much for trained professionals.

[@ChrisPage68]

I hope you told him later that people like him have no business being doctors. If he wants to upset patients without them caring, maybe he should be a vet.

[@makeupyourmind2019]

Wtf?! I hope you reported this.

[@nicolacarr1519]

I have the same thing wrong with me i cannot get a job but this is awful x

[@nicolacarr1519]

I dont have kids though x

[@joannaknight3341]

Love the videos, I’m a nurse of 20 years experienced in SCI. Your content is much needed. I also have massive hair envy :).

[@hapahoulew9833]

You never forget such a hurtful remark! Many years ago I overheard a relative I am very close to, ask my husband, “how can you stand being married to a cripple?” I still love this person but I cannot forget that is how she thought of me.

[@annettevillain4352]

Too bad your husband didn't say to your relative's spouse, "how can you stand to be married to such an idiot?"

[@CloverRose]

I'm a C4-5 incomplete quadriplegic. The worst thing anyone has ever said to me is "If you wanted to walk bad enough, all you have to do is just get up and walk". What makes this even worse is that this was said to me by my brother who's a grown man.

[@ChrisPage68]

When I was a baby, I was sleeping in my pram (stroller, for our US friends) in the front garden. Bear in mind that this was in the late 1960s. Anyway, a Jehovah's Witness (Jehovah is obviously accident-prone to require all these witnesses! 😋) looked into my pram and saw that my legs weren't moving. Mum must've come outside because the Witness said: "You must have committed a great sin to have a child like that" - whereupon Mum chased the Witness up the hill with a bread knife! 😱

[@tiahbeautement2502]

I have gotten the sim comment. Also, the ones about “if I was positive enough “ or actually “wanted” to be better, then I would.

[@mamasaurus4856]

What on Earth! Good for your mom! D:

[@sydwashere8659]

I wish your mum was my mom.

[@service_poodles]

😂 Oh lord

[@celtichound9889]

My favourite is the 'God can heal you' people. The urge to say 'it's God that did this to me' is so hard to resist.

[@anikabaddeleyrollingbackwa7341]

Doctor kept asking what my mental age was and would not believe my mum when she said I was age appropriate and made me recite my times tables in A and E. That was some 20 odd years ago but I stilll found it oddly terrifying.

[@shopgirlygm]

That is unbelievable!

[@willowmcguigan2063]

Ah the amount of times this has happened to me but instead I start telling them every detail of my medical stuff (as much as I know.) Let's say..... They still treat me like I don't know the stuff

[@chronicallyhann6506]

It makes me angry Gatwick haven’t changed since the incident I had there. It was 2014, I was 14 and had been in a wheelchair for a few months at that point. My mum had told them in advance that I was in a wheelchair, but they literally forgot to add that nugget of info to my ticket. We didn’t get fast tracked, customs was just embarrassing. But the real kick came when we went to board the plane. Two flight attendants were checking tickets and literally said to my parents “what is this” when they saw me in my wheelchair. They were looking at me as if they’d never seen a wheelchair before. They then said “can she walk”, I had crutches at the time but was really unsteady because of pain etc. They then said everyone else was already on the plane, so I’d have to walk the entire length of the plane unsteady on my feet, in absolute agony with EVERYONE gawping. I nearly collapsed twice and was completely humiliated. It didn’t spoil the holiday, but it was my first taste of just how ignorant people can be with wheelchair users. I am so sorry you had to deal with that, but good on you for standing up for yourself! I hope that awful person got a warning or something for that xx

[@leopriest133]

Chronically Hann they’re much better now! You go to the desk and get a lanyard and that means they can easily identify you and help 💕

[@chronicallyhann6506]

Leo Priest that’s a bit more reassuring. Unfortunately I’m not well enough to travel out the country right now, but it’s good to know this is now in place, so if I ever get to a point where I can go abroad it’s a better experience.

[@beeintuitive]

I think people assume because we look young we may not be "as" disabled ...if that was a thing.

[@clairedionne559]

The thing is about able bodies: people dont' look at them and judge if they are the right height , right girth, right hair, right make etc.

[@AbbeyB77]

I have an auditory processing disorder and have been speaking French and English fluently since I was eight. At 18, an audiologist told me that "people with your condition can't be bilingual" when I had just graduated high school with a French immersion degree that required a third of my courses to have been taught entirely in French. In that visit we established she was a bit daft and that I definitely have an auditory processing disorder.

[@am7063]

As someone who uses a wheelchair when going out because of multiple chronic illnesses, I’ve also had this said to me. If an elderly person stood up from a chair, I don’t think anyone would say anything. The elderly often use wheelchairs because of weakness, instability, breathlessness, etc... but so do younger people who are ill!! 🤷‍♀️

[@myopinionmatters]

I have a device that is implanted in my abdomen (left side) to help with my disability. I have had 3 airports who used my disability to do highly evasive searches. Going in my pants in front of people, holding me up. What I learned is that airport security despite looking official have not been trained to help or be appropriate to handicap. The other issue I have, while I am not in a wheelchair, I suffer from a disease that is deteriorating my legs. And for that reason I have a handicap pass for parking. Unfortunately there are many people in this world who believe that if you have a handicap pass and are not in a wheelchair then you must be faking. Somehow you convince the doctor to sign off and just give you better parking. I have been approached many times or even worse heard people talking just in earshot when they see me get out of my car, and looking like a healthy person. People need to understand that there are many different ways that people have disabilities. Some require further assistance than others, eventually I could be in a wheelchair or have a walker. But for as long as I can enjoy being without that I will. That is between me and my doctor, and not up for public scrutiny.

[@billm6294]

Yes totally understand I have fiducial markers implanted in my torso that were used for aiming cancer radiation therapy. Of course they stand out on the scanner.

[@rexcaliburn]

i have mobility issues too and i can walk normally most of the time but i have limited range i also have plates and screws in one ankle some sometimes need to use a cane i dont have a handicap pass as of yet but prolly in time i will need one

[@sillyotter9047]

Having an invisible illness is a nightmare. When you park in a handicap space people question you, or snicker or have their doubts. I can't walk long distances because of my lungs, so I use a wheelchair in places like say, a museum or a park, but obviously can walk fine, when people see you stand up out of a wheelchair they all think you are lazy or you're faking it or whatever, it's so frustrating.

[@MA-kp9if]

I have spine issues and nerve damage down both leg and in my hand. I have a hybrid L5/S1 nonfunctional lumbar that had an hemangioma (blood tumor) that grew to fill the vertebrae and break it. I have had 2 back surgeries to remove the hemangioma but the nerve damage is permanent. I can not walk for kind, stand or sit for extended amount of time due to pain. You can not look at me and see what I go through so when I go to amusement parks or large stores and use a wheelchair and handicap parking space I get looks. I have never gone on an airplane so don't have that experience but people don't have the right to ask or demand you explain your disability. I know my limits and my doctor does too. Really wish the public had more education on dealing with people with disabilities.

[@oliverclimbsV3]

When I got my name legally changed last year, I had to go to the courthouse a few times. Every single time I went in there one of the cops who scans people's bags at the entrance told me "don't make me write you a speeding ticket" as I rolled past. It's the most annoying thing ever.

[@k.v.f.]

Yeah I had a similar experience going through the disabled entrance of MCM Expo. I was without a wheelchair or a cane (Because I couldn't afford it. I was disabled and so it was really hard to find a job that was 1) Accessible for me, and 2) Wasn't dodgy and telling me to do heavy lifting or standing for hours). On Friday entering was fine (They just asked what I had and they didn't understand it, but let me through. I knew I had POTS, but funnily enough I didn't know I had chronic migraines and severe hypermobility). But on Saturday I, as on Friday, cut around the queue to go to an employee to ask to go through the disabled entrance instead of waiting for an hour to get in. They said no (Because they didn't believe I was disabled even though I was using my partner to be able to walk and stand). I went to someone else and they said that they're not sure and that they will ask someone. Long story short, I had to wait in the queue holding onto the metal rails and my partner and then recorded my heart rate in case I have to report them (Which I did). The other worst time (Same day I had to enter because I forgot a card from Mary Jane Watson (Me) for a little girl going to go through spinal surgery) I showed a man the email I sent to MCM Expo asking about disabled entry and explaining what I had, and he just stopped me halfway and said no. Also, for some reason one of my friends followed me and my partner to the disabled entrance without asking if it was okay (I assume it wasn't) and the lady seemed angry to see us even though my partner told her that I'm disabled and am unable to wait through the long queue. Someone came over to ask why we were there and the lady told him laughing that "they're all disabled". She then shouted at my boyfriend because he replied to another employee (She said that he was talking back to her). In the end, I reported everyone that was rude, didn't believe me, and didn't bother to talk to me about what I had or bother to understand. And I told about the two wonderful employees that had the heart to try to help (But now looking back at it they didn't ask me what I had either). I got a reply saying that they apologise and that they will do something about it. A friend ended up buying my a cane and I started three businesses (They don't pay the bills yet, but eventually they will).

[@cre-k8-ive]

I'm late here. But I just wanted to say oh my goodness that's so awful to have to experience! I'm so sorry that happened. People really need to understand that disability isn't always visible. Migraines, pots, fatigue, etc can all be disabling but you can't "prove" them without showing your medical records. And it's awful that the people there, working with the disabled, don't understand invisible disabilities. Second, congratulations on all your success despite the best efforts of people like that to demoralize you. Sorry if that was long or confusing. Just saying you're amazing for proving them wrong!

[@clarabebo6958]

So relateble.. My favourite ableism.. Is when I was in USA and was going through the walk through xray.. My mobility is variable.. Definitely need wheelchair in airport.. But thought I'd try make it easier on the custom officer and walk the few steps through.. When a supervisor was called over to do special assistance.. As I sat back down in the wheelchair.. She turn to her colleague and said.. Its just another fake ass lying bitch who wants some else to push her around .. I was so upset.. I just wanted out of there.. When she turned round and realised I heard her.. She was mortified.. Anyway I did put in a complaint saying there needed to be some training in invisible disabilities.. But I don't know what happened after that.. But one things for sure I don't get out my wheelchair when I'm about now.. Its not worth the looks and comments.

[@ChrisPage68]

Now THAT is shocking (With added doorbells and horses).

[@clarabebo6958]

@@ChrisPage68 sorry what do you mean about horses and doorbells

[@ChrisPage68]

@@clarabebo6958 the parts where Gem swears.

[@chantelyork1348]

Wow... I'm so sorry. I worry about that happening to me and what my reaction will be when and if it does. I've been given dirty looks and even had an older man try to come at me over my parking pass. Then he saw my wheelchair my boyfriend came around the vehicle with(since he pulled it and put it together on his side of the vehicle and changed direction got back in his truck and left. I suffer from extreme anxiety specially in confrontational situations. To say I want able to enjoy myself is putting it mildly.

[@clarabebo6958]

@@chantelyork1348 after that I don't let it bother me the same.. I find most people either want to ignore you or help you when you are out n about.. Sometimes you get the stares and comments but Why should I justify myself my conditions or how I manage it to anyone else...I just go about living my best life.. 😂 X

[@christinesullivan9676]

Completely unacceptable behavior from that customs officer. Sometimes I think that when others are confronted with a disability there is some discomfort, and in order to deal with their own discomfort the jokes start flying. I hope more people can share their experiences the way you have and as a society we can work to bring awareness about disabilities and “normalize” them so that it is not such a bubble of awkward tension.

[@clairedionne559]

you have hit the nail on the head with their discomfort and not knowing how to deal with it.

[@imalionimaqueen7234]

This is true, the only time I laugh at a joke about disability is when the person making the joke, has that specific disability or experience in the world, otherwise it's not ok, because it's made at someone else's expense. And I also have a few disabilities.

[@amandabilinski7396]

I was in a psych ward in the US and was manic. I had been in my chair for days. Then the staff pushed me over the edge and I got up and walked down the hall from the dining area. One staff screamed “oh my god I think I just saw the second coming of crist”

[@parrotpepper332]

I’m a teenager who’s been dealing with pretty bad chronic pain for about 2 and a half to 3 years at this point and Ngl the most INFURIATING things I hear regularly are “Well you can obviously walk (it hurts me a lot), so what’s the problem?” and “Why don’t you just get a wheelchair or crutches if it’s that bad (not allowed to)” Like honestly, people who are completely able bodied don’t seem to understand that just because someone can do something like stand for a couple minutes or seconds, doesn’t mean they aren’t hurting, and that it doesn’t give them the right to make smart ass comments about it

[@MsCherade9]

Yep. Had that. I can walk about 15 metres still, but it hurts like hell and if I push I collapse on the floor spasming in a seizure, yay. The amount of shit that people come out with, and they think they are so funny, or that they're somehow standing up for other disabled people or wheelchair users by challenging your disability if you don't look "disabled" enough. Much love.

[@clairedionne559]

For God's sake (referring to those ''miracles'' loll), we all go through the same kinds of experiences even in the 21st century. I was declared publicly a miracle as I got up also. But then, it was right downtown and the guy, not too educated, appeared genuine on the learning curve; he was mesmerized by what he had just witnessed. I still remember his affect; he was wide eyed and with a smile that made me melt. So much teaching still to do. Maybe we should hit school age Programs.

[@MarkKFlores]

Person I just met: “can you have sex?“ Me : “Can you have sex?“ This one was said to a friend of mine while he was wheeling around one of our local malls , by a a random person. Random person: “You’re smiling. You’re in a wheelchair why would you be smiling?“ My friend: “Because I’m happy.“ Smh

[@mythicalmermaid5757]

I have booked Wheelchair assistance many times. The staff are great and very helpful. I like to travel solo but this year (before lockdown) travelled with my daughter, her hubby and my grandson who is one. It was a trial going through security and the worst part was the pat down. I am ok with this until they patted underneath. It was almost like going to see a gynaecologist. Made me jump too. On the return journey via Zurich, assistance didn’t turn up. Ended up sat waiting for them just past the flight bridge, sat on the floor for half an hour. They were so apologetic, re booked our missed flight and gave us lounge access. We also got compensation a few months later. Turns out that a new company had taken over assistance services that day and weren’t organised.

[@evelynkrull5268]

I was that kind of person with those jokes as a kid and now just got my first mobility device after 10 years of suffering but battling with internalized ableism. I'm not sure if a smart ass little kid would have become a smart ass adult, but I can say I'm glad I ended up with perspective and didnt grow up thinking that was okay. I'm so sorry about that!

[@tyrstyranny7060]

Aghh I am so sorry that happened... It’s honestly so sad how little people use common sense. Unfortunately I have had many experiences ranging from bad to much worse and it really just makes me want to go hug anyone who has had to go through things like this.

[@differentlythesame9708]

I went to the movies once and the person who walks you to the movie seat area said “ I wish I had a chair like that to I don’t have to walk” In my head I was like “🤦🏾‍♂️why?”

[@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084]

I’m so sorry you had to go through that and thank you for sharing your story I hope they learned more appropriate behavior in the eng of many years. It reminds me of the Paratransit in the county it’s a good service and there many nice people who facilitated but the drivers don’t receive any training on how to communicate or perform conflict resolution or just employ common sense related to working with people disabilities in a client centered area particularly when it comes to negotiating around assisting with mobility aids and navigating environments.

[@victoriaanderton2393]

The other day my son and I decided to go out for a shop and a pub meal as I hadn't been out for ages. At the end of the day we called a taxi and a Mercedes turned up he was fine with my son but when he clocked me he said the chair wouldn't fit in this car. It was a cold, vile day with the wind going through my clothing, its very cold when you're sitting right? My son argued with the man with this huge gold, serious car which no doubt he uses for weddings didn't want me to go inside, I know it's only the dirt on my wheels but it made me feel really beneath everyone. Loads of people use shopping trolleys with wheels but he was freaked out by slightly bigger wheels?

[@alexandriaadamsonmusic-aut4575]

I’ve suffered this kind of discrimination from many staff at Gatwick airport, which has resulted in never travelling through Gatwick again. Especially the train station staff being blatantly ableist, about me having severe high functioning autism and cerebral palsy, I didn’t get fully supported through the airport and train staff denied me support as my request was made before leaving for Vegas last year, all the staff especially the flight crew were vile! I’m going back over there in December from Manchester hoping for marked improvement in service. This time I’m in Vegas for ten days and Orlando for 10 before Christmas!!

[@keepthefaith2923]

I've had people poke and prodd my legs asking me "do you have any bones in them", I've had NURSES AND CONSULTANTS from stepping hill hospital in Stockport Manchester tell me "you don't Look like you have spina bifida, you're legs don't look deformed enough" I have been told it is a "miracle I have children but disabled people SHOULD NO HAVE CHILDREN" and so much more. it is DISGUSTING and outrages me everytime. just this morning on my way home from dropping my kids off at school I had a group of chav "mothers" whom were gathered in a group smoking and chatting, swearing etc (you know the type) and the scruffiest one shouts "oh my god I NEED ONE OF THOSE" as she pointed at me and my wheelchair. her friend, as shocked as I was said "what did you just say" and the STUPID FOOL REPEATED IT "I f&@#ng want one of those" while staring right at me... 😡😡😡😡😡 i have had SO many ppl tell me i "don't NEED a wheelchair" and similar bs, I am completely wheelchair dependent and cannot stand or walk at all. we don't need to deal with the WORST disability of ALL time daily which is SMALL MINDED CHEEKY AND IGNORANCE.

[@HarmonicaMarco]

I arrived home at Gatwick once and getting into my wheelchair upon exiting the aircraft I notice the entire frame was warped. The chair only wanted to go left. Must have been crushed. I told the guy helping me that I had to report it and he said, literally, "No your chair is fine, it's been raining so it may have got wet"... true story.

[@RoseBeariess]

I make the “it’s a miracle” joke to myself with people who know me very well. And I’m okay with those who know me well making it, but I’d feel very awkward if a stranger did it. And I try to educate those around me that just because I’m okay with this joke, doesn’t mean others are, so always make sure you know wether or not the person is okay with it, and if you don’t know then don’t say it….

[@Uduplr]

Same thing was said to me as I was playing pool and rolled up to, locked my wheels, and pulled myself up to rest against the pool table to make a shot. I wanted to hit him with my cue stick.

[@WholeFoodSpark]

WOW. Totally inappropriate!! The first time I flew with my wheelchair the security lady didn’t notice my bag hanging beneath my lap until I showed her. It was funny. I wasn’t hiding anything, just a huge wad of cash I didn’t want disappearing going through the X-ray conveyer belt. 😆 I’m flying with my wheelchair again in a few months and I’m hoping and praying everything goes smoothly.

[@katiespitzer4147]

My best friend is blind. In high school other students would say things like “what are you blind” and she would just ignore them. I told he once when I heard this she should say “no I am deaf”. The joke being she heard their comment and is walking through the halls with a white cane to assist her in what, hearing. Another time in the mall in the American Girl Doll store we were looking around and at this point she had a guide dog and one of the workers said she had to leave or pick up the dog. The dog was a German Shepard. Ironically we were standing by a display that had a guide dog for the dolls. Believe me she didn’t let it fly and neither did I. My mom and grandfather also didn’t put up with it. They made sure to talk to the manager and make sure it didn’t happen again.

[@fairygrammy]

I'm new to your channel, but I'm glad I found it. I am also disabled. I was thrown from a horse and dragged about a block when I 21. I've had people make remarks to me also that were not nice. I can walk, just not for long periods of time. It does make you feel bad, and angry at the same time. The people they hire to work in airports are very poorly trained in customer service, something that is really lacking here in the US! I don't blame you for give him the 'what for', maybe next time he'll think before he speaks. 😉

[@karens2324]

thankyou gem for such a great channel...your videos are brilliantly useful and empowering. I've just travelled through the new Gatwick Special Assistance area, and although I try to be a positive person who keeps their cool, I unusually had to make a complaint about the attitude of some staff here and their indifference to the stress and anxiety that can be created when travelling in a wheelchair (which they made much worse through poor organisation of the care we received). They have been brilliant in the past but this year there seems to be a real gap in some of the staff training 😢. Hopefully this was a one off.

[@TheSmbrown]

My first grade teacher convinced my mother that I was "mentally retarded" she was very mean to me, she would pinch me, throw things at me, grab me and drag me by my clothes. I hated school because of her, and my own mother started treating me differently. Long story short, my older sister insisted that I wasnt retarded and made my mother take me to the doctors. Turns out I was 98% deaf in both ears. That's why I couldnt communicate with anyone but my sister. After several surgeries, I had my hearing back, mostly, and then needed 3 years of speach therapy to be able to speak clearly. I was bullied by other kids, adults, even teachers because of this. It taught me that people are just mean, and pick on those that are different.

[@POKEYDOO82]

Great job putting him in his place that’s so not ok I’m not in a wheelchair yet but I have a lot of different disability’s love ur channel

[@dianebajorinas5832]

I have MS which means that my body doesn't always cooperate. Lately I've been using a cane but this was a few years ago when I was using a walker. The staff at the big book store is great. Some of the idiots who go there...not so much. One day as I was going into the store, I saw a guy smoking right outside the door. He saw me coming and hurried to put it out. I thought "cool! I won't have to struggle with the door!" Wrong! He opened the door barely enough for him to get through, letting the door slam on me. One of the lovely staff ran over and helped me in. Her suggestion for dealing with inconsiderate, self-centered morons was for me to carry a dozen rotten eggs to throw at people like that. So, okay...I'm too nice to do something like that, but it is fun to think about!

[@jamesfennell4224]

I'm autistic, different kind of disability i know but i feel like its still relevant , the one i hate the most is "oh everyones a bit autistic."

[@maaggiied2554]

I can walk a few metres but have peripheral neuropathy so have weakness and numbness and always get looks when I get out of my chair and back into the car because I get up and take a few steps instead of straight transferring. People who aren’t legally blind where glasses doesn’t mean they don’t need them and just wear them all the time

[@sidbrown1415]

When the alarm sounded as I passed X-ray going to get paperwork at the court. I told them it was my Coil I’d just had fitted. No smart comments at all. I could have anything under my seat, this time I was ready for a comment. I always have one tucked away in my brain incase it is needed. Love your channel.

[@ij4572]

There's a John Mulaney joke about seeing empty wheelchairs. "Something happened here. You hope it was a miracle!" I love him to bits, but I hate that joke. It's always bugged me but it bugs me even more since I started using a wheelchair.

[@animallover57774]

I J i know which jokes you’re meaning, and i don’t think eh had bad intentions in that one? p sure he saw a tipped over wheelchair with nobody anywhere around

[@animallover57774]

I J tho i can see why you’d be annoyed by that, it could come off as a bit insensitive

[@Kales0505]

I can walk but short distances because I have POTs (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) & standing up too long causes me to either pass out and/or have a seizure. I am so paranoid every I get out of my wheelchair. I am sensitive in general but the idea of someone being rude about it scares the dickens out of me! I am so sorry this happened to you! That just isn’t right😞

[@adondriel]

The worst part about this is, having watched rslash and the entitled parents threads, there are SOOO many people who will doubt your disability for their own gain (whatever that gain may be, even if it's not actually gaining them anything.) Making a show of a disabled person being able to just barely stand up, in front of a large crowd of people is insanely rude, not just because of the embarrassment, but because it could cause more trouble for you down the line. One of those people in line could have seen the commotion, and said "I just saw her stand up, she doesn't need a wheel chair" and then tried to confront you, even though it is entirely untrue. That man should not be working in that area.

[@Neryssa111]

The one thing that will always bug me and will bug me is the time I went on a Family Trip to an amusement Park. There was an elderly woman in my part who was not able to climb stairs or walk far distances. (She came on the trip because this amusement park had a lot of shows to offer) On our way from the parking lot there is a bus that is free to transport the general public. The bus driver lowered the bus to allow individuals with disabilities to go up a little ramp into the bus. Now when were heading back to the parking lot with the bus, the idiot bus driver said it was “impossible for a bus to have a ramp or a lowering device”. If I would have had a moment to speak with that man I would have yelled at him for not having proper training to operate the bus. Because yes there was an access point on that particular bus but he refused to allow this woman to use it. So we had to pick her up through the stairs. To this day I’m furious thinking about the stupid bus driver.

[@GrowYourOwnLife]

Shocking, as someone who has an invisible disability I find I get things like this a lot... one of the reasons why on my channel I have started to talk more about disability. Keep fighting the good fight :)

[@adelia988]

I got accused of making it up because I stood for a tiny moment and had security guards follow me. Pinterest has pictures of people who get out of their wheelchair for a moment and they say it’s a miracle. I have anxiety shopping now, I’m unable to stand long without severe pain and balance is off.

[@AmberZak83]

Adelia Hammond sane. I can stand for about a minute and walk 5 meters with a wall to hang on to. But I’m scared of people watching me transfer in and out of the car for this reason. I think having an active user expensive wheelchair has helped though.

[@LouiseFranksArt]

I can't believe that guy said that. How bloody ridiculous! Sorry you had to put up with that :(

[@Rockhopper1]

TSA made me crawl on the floor at Las Vegas Airport

[@KiKiQuiQuiKiKi]

NO--that's reprehensible!

[@stuckinmopro8533]

I was waiting in line in a store one day and a man in front of me turned and said how lucky I was to get to be in a wheelchair so that I could sit down while waiting in line. I said yes, that was my thought also when they amputated my leg. I sure was lucky! His wife looked so embarrassed but he didn’t have a clue as to what he said wrong.

[@intotheunknown1991]

I'm new to this channel I was recommended by Megan Evans , I've been to Gatwick airport the staff are shocking , the men in the yellow coats outside are awful . Anyway I have a trapped nerve in my groine and it causes pain in my left leg and I'm unable to walk without a crutch , the crutch helps me get about , and one day a few weeks ago I was going to see my besty at work he works for Aldi, and one of his colleagues was talking about me and he said " she looks so stupid with that crutch" like you don't say that people , I have been in pain for two years and it's not nice at all , I did tell my best friend what he said and he did get told off for saying it

[@mamasaurus4856]

What an awful person. I'm so sorry.

[@intotheunknown1991]

@@mamasaurus4856 yes he is an awful person

[@tiahbeautement2502]

Not a wheelchair user. So, of course, only REAL disabled people do. So I have crap said to me all the time. Or just well meaning idiotic acts, like squeezing my braced arm in “sympathy “ that was healing from nerve damage. (I almost puked.). But the most famous tale is the woman, who could have gone around, and eventually did, pushing her trolley into my braces knee and calling me a b!tch at the checkout at the grocery store b/c I was in her way (I was paying for my groceries).

[@octoberna7949]

Oof...in a wheelchair but also have people in grocery stores doing that. I don't understand able bodied people??

[@smallmanbigmouth2699]

I can't...I don't know what I'd do...but I dont think I could let that go. I am PROUD OF YOU standing up for yourself the way you did.

[@wozzyk4361]

A similar situation happened to me at a Labour conference at the Brighton centre in the late '90s. The security asked me to stand up out of my wheechair so they could search it. I told the last time I did that unaided it involved alcohol at college. Honestly gem, don't worry about it. There are dumb asses everywhere!!

[@sheilarough236]

I literally just finished watching Music Within. A film about Richard Pimental , who developed a training program for government agencies to deal with and hiring the disabled

[@EmmelyHu]

I also had the miracle thing at the zoo. They were washing an elephant and I couldn’t see a thing and people weren’t moving. So I decided to stand up and somebody said “It’s a miracle”. I had the same feeling like Gem. But I was in such a stage of shock I couldn’t say anything. Wish I had though

[@EthicsOnWheels]

Woah that is shocking its like people assume that wheelchair users are glued to their chairs when we are capable of standing and sometimes even a couple of steps walking ❤️❤️

[@maiseelauj]

Wow.... I am praying I don't go through that during my trip in the upcoming days. Thank you.

[@thetoothfairy7688]

My experience at Gatwick is at this date only great. I do constantly compare the accessible service to my own country(Sweden) and Denmark though and I find them much worse. They have forgot/missed that I need extra service(help on board the plane) several times so now I tell them when I book, I point it out very strongely when I check in so they can call and make sure that I will get help and I report to the service desk if there is one at the airport. I also make sure that I’m at the airport at least 3-4 hours before departure so I don’t need to rush or get stuck anywhere. I think that the service overall is better in the UK/Ireland and Spain then back home. I once was at King’s Cross in London with a friend going hto Heathrow and we went to the wrong entrance. Sure thing the escelator down to the Piccadily line was right there but the lift did NOT go there. This nice big man (who worked there) came up and asked if anything was wrong and told us that yes the lift is at the other side of the station. He also said he didn’t have an insurance if something would happen but that he would be happy to help me down the escelator(I use a wheelchair) and I was very grateful since I’ve done that before but could not do it with my friend and both our bags. There is and will always be people that don’t know when to shut up or are ignorant about anything then themselft(and they should be told so!) but the overall treatment I get from people, both professionals and the public is mostly positive.

[@Kez_abi]

Well done you for standing up for your self! Your amazing

[@LouiseFranksArt]

Nothing would surprise me of Gatwick's customs officers. Sadly there's little in the way of deterrent for them as they know they have the upper hand. I have horrendous anxiety and it was really bad this particular day. Had a fast track but sadly no staff to operate a fast track lane. Customs officer interpreted my anxiety as me being awkward or who knows what? She knew we were in a rush for a connecting flight and was deliberately obstructive. She then refused to give me her name so I could make a formal complaint. Well done Gatwick. They totally made my travel anxiety ten times worse!

[@EmilySuydam]

I've had people say that to me but never from someone that was supposed to be a professional! The only ignorant thing I can think of right now said to me by a professional was a doctor. She brushed off my pain as not being too bad because I "put makeup on today so you aren't struggling too much if you still put effort into your appearance "

[@lauragrimsley7064]

Hey just found your channel and binge watched nearly all your videos, your honestly such an inspiration!! Wondering if you can help me out? As a wheelchair user myself i often find it very difficult to find jeans that fit well around my little legs and just wondering where you get all your gorgeous jeans from?! And what shops would you recommend to check out? Im in Scotland so should have the same shops up here but can be a struggle to get out very often so if theres any online shops you would recommend for jeans or just some nice bottoms i would be so grateful, so sick of being restricted to just fitting into leggings haha!! Thanks :)

[@homocatphenomena7168]

I feel physically heated after hearing about that oh my god. As if being able to stand at all means you don't need a wheelchair. That is absolutely ridiculous. And he's at the entrance with assistance??? Why was he put there? What on earth is going on?

[@DonPepeelToro]

I love your sweater; it’s so cute!

[@punky19761]

Able bodied people think that one is hilarious, and asking us to race when they see 2 or more wheelchair users together. 🙄

[@Anne-ambesten]

Not all able bodied people, but it should be none 😕

[@AmberZak83]

Or ‘have you got a licence for that?’

[@Tat2Dragons]

amberzakfilmsuk Ahh yes... a classic. 😄

[@rexcaliburn]

i had thyroid issues i never knew about for years and despite all my attempts of working out dieting etc i always would gain weight so i am a big guy. due to several work related injuries i ended up being homeless for about a year, i have limited mobility i can walk but i dont have long range and i cant stand for long periods, i also have a history of PE as well as mental illness including major depression ptsd and anxiety, so anywho when i was homeless i went to the shelters thanksgiving meal (which was actually very good) and this one idiot looks at me and says "you cant be homeless you are fat" never under estimate human stupidity

[@ingridlim2801]

Thank you so much for sharing these video's! Your video's are so helpful!

[@clairefromtrollhunters3991]

Geez,I hope that you’re OK and you have recovered from what he said to you

[@rebekkasamuels8707]

I have a benign, but inoperable brain tumor. Just one of the issues this causes is mild autism. I get told that I don’t look autistic, that they draw too(artistic) etc I’m like I don’t need you commenting on my condition! My condition is now deteriorating to the point that I need a wheelchair so im getting one soon

[@joeldfisher]

I went to a hospital once to see a specialist, the doctor turns to me and says 'so, what's wrong with you?' I wasn't entirely sure what kind of specialist he was or why I was there so I replied 'I don't know, what's wrong with you?' I was 11

[@xxGraham1969xx]

My disability is not that obvious, and hidden disability comes with ' oh sorry, we forgot you were disabled, you're so intelligent ( for a disabled person ) ' type attitude

[@GarnettM]

Hi again I`m sorry I would have come unglued on that guy a border guard he should have lost his job i`M SHAKING LISTENING TO YOU HERE , When my mother was in her 20`s she was an MP in the C.W.A.C. of WW2 one day a officer was doing a random vehicle check Mom was driving she had mega broken legs but was able to stand with excruciating pain she took her time right , But this officer asked her to step out of the car after she was stopped so mom being on the heavier side she manuvered her rickedy leg out the door lifting it , But cop says can you hurry up well me as a kid watching ,She shut the door told the cop to look her straight in the face and told him that he has contraviened section such and such of the Policing morality act or of that sort and you will be in court on Monday morning took his name a badge number and drove away ; My mouth was open for an hour RIGHT ON MOM is all I could say , But she got an appology from his Sargeant and the officer in front of the Judge .So don`t back down YOU HAVE THE RIGHT !

[@VulcanOnWheels]

3:54 Some people! I so feel your pain! 5:00 Good On You! Some people are just...unbelieveable. 6:47 If you did then I'm sorry I missed it. Now I understand the letter of complaint you mentioned a few seconds earlier. A customs officer??? 7:01 I could not hope to agree more! I can understand why you censored your video, but I will say this. If you had left your video uncensored, then I for one would have understood completely.

[@chantelyork1348]

What about videos on how to handle these situations as a wheelchair user?

[@sketch__5972]

I'm not sure what the best way to handle these situations are.

[@natashakingston4738]

Theres a difference between training awareness and equality hun. It would be interesting to find out what they had.

[@EtzEchad]

To give him the benefit of the doubt (which he doesn't deserve) he may've literally not been thinking. Almost everyone has said stupid things on occasion. I know I have. Hopefully he learned his lesson and felt really bad about it. You did the right thing by calling him out on it.

[@rebeccahoferer7647]

I am able-bodied but I do have other disabilities, like being deaf in one ear and hard of hearing. I try to be polite and ask people to speak up and I've had a few who thought it was funny to talk even lower or start mouthing the words or act like they were talking on a cell phone with spotty reception cutting off words and making "static". Totally rude.

[@EmilyCheetham]

Unfortunately some people are just idiots and don’t think before they speak.

[@sativamae5743]

That is terrible! And he worked there!! I went back to work for the first time in a wheelchair yesterday. Because of hippa regulations work couldn’t tell anyone so Ofcorse I’m rolling past office doors on my way in and someone looks at me eyes wide.. What happened 😳 Unfortunately It’s been a long time coming but Ofcorse my body gave out on me so I had to make the push had been pushing off & wasn’t really ready for.

[@NOTINTERCEPTER01]

When we went to Gatwick with a wheelchair and customs was was really decent and was ok but when it came to me i had to be searched as mums carer i said could i have some professional courtesy i wasone of you and now im a carer that was that they said ok.

[@maryjennings4913]

Your sound effects, for censoring yourself are pretty funny!! They remind me of the American TV show, Mythbusters!!! 😂😂

[@rockykoast7065]

He may be the sort of person who says stupid annoying things to many people...he's either in the wrong job or needs better training.

[@douglas724]

Disgusting individual...good for you for saying something!!

[@xyzagirl]

As far as here in the states, So I knew a member of the TSA. As far as I could tell no they don’t clearly get extra training. They do like messing with people. They are cranky and enjoy making people’s lives difficult. TSA are the folks who check your bags and search you before you fly in the states. TSA is not customs though. They are beneath customs. I of course enjoy messing with them back when they get cheeky. Nothing too terrible but I remember one time telling a guy oh I put paper in my boarded bag so have fun with the hand search. He was surprised how much I knew about the process and treated me with kid gloves after that out of fear I might tattle on him.

[@mc8180]

4:28 and I literally lost my horse ....so relatable 😅

[@SohiTheTinyKittenHuman]

Hugs!

[@franlats0705]

You have to wonder as this obviously wasnt the first time hed been flagged for it if he has a hard time empathising or I know some people do joke in inappropriate situations as a coping mechanism. I know it in no way excuses him and if this si the case he shouldn't be working in special assistance. I am dreading someone approaching me, I use my wheelchair when it is necessary but try to be up and about when my pain levels and POTs allow. That does mean I can walk and get my chair in and out of my car on my own (even if my hr doesnt agree). Not sure how well I'd deal with it to be fair

[@898688tim]

Gem, I also use airport assistance and travel a lot from my home base in Madrid. I have made friends with one of the supervisors who provide the service. He tells me he believes 60-70% of those people asking for the service are abusing it based on 20 years of experience. My disability is not immediately obvious either but it is a major limitation and what these guys do is fantastic but the abuse doesn't help any of us who truly need it.

[@leosreadalouds6970]

Tim Powell hummm, I wonder how he evaluates the level and type of each individuals highly personal disability before deciding that these 60-70% of people are deliberately faking their illnesses and limitations in order to abuse The System? After listening to so many accounts of disabled people where they are judged as soon as they don’t fit within the very small confines of societies expectations of ‘what disability looks like’, that ginormous statistic doesn’t sound terribly reflexive of how many cheaters there are, but maybe more about how many disabled people don’t present in a visibly socially correct manner.... with a small amount of system cheater hidden within that perhaps!

[@898688tim]

@@leosreadalouds6970 and thats a fair comment of course but I suspect that abuse is far more widespread that you might imagine. You avoid the lines and the long walks, help with bags and no proof of need is required. There is one flight here, from a South American city which always arrives with 30-50 wheelchair requests, every day. I would be happy to have to obtain some sort of certificate from a doctor as evidence.

[@KiKiQuiQuiKiKi]

@@898688tim In my observations, a great many of the people using wheelchairs headed to South America DO need assistance. They are elderly and most likely do not speak English or Spanish but a lesser-known indigenous language. Why hold this against them? The assistants get them safely to their gates and leave to help others.

[@EmilyCheetham]

If I were to think anything stupid I certainly wouldn’t say it out loud. Iv had opinions of people one or two times (not necessary about disabled people) but I definitely don’t voice them out loud for all to hear. I keep my opinions to myself as I don’t know the reason for said thing.

[@sarahasbury6608]

I was putting my mobility scooter together ome day at schopl and an older guy came up to me ajd asked me what i was outting together. I told him ajd this guy went "do ypu REALLY need that to get around.?" Me: yes. And he prpceeded to say "it's just ypu look a little too mobile putting it together." Wellnyes..but if i don't use it to get a lomg distance i'm gonna be so winded that standing up is gonna be a problem.

[@smallmanbigmouth2699]

WHOA I didn't realize it was a customs officer!!! Holy ...wow.

[@tonymacgrath7762]

Oh honey, I should puff whipped the flour with him, then got his name them got him fired...

[@starleencooley7773]

Iv had a hole Plethora of things said to me and it gets super annoying

[@rebekahbridges-tervydis5054]

Oh, I’m so sorry. I’m sure he felt bad for that obtrusive comment.