This morning, Friday the 25th of November 2022 I visited my local co-op store and once I had paid for my shopping I began to pack my rucksack in the normal way that I would.
Once I had finished packing my rucksack I proceeded to put it on the back of my wheelchair and this normally takes me a few minutes to do.
As I was putting my bag on the back of my chair there were a couple of gentlemen stood waiting to be served at the tobacco counter which was situated next to the self service checkout that I was at.
These gentlemen were watching me put my bag on the back of my chair and one of them asked if I needed some assistance and I replied with I’m okay thank you and then continued with what I was doing.
The other gentlemen who had been watching the proceeding’s unfold whilst waiting at the counter then said your not going to manage this and took my bag off the back of my wheelchair, at this point it is was already half on.
He then handed my rucksack to me in which in I replied with thank you and left the store in tears as I hadn’t felt I was being listened to.
Once outside the store I put my bag on the back of my wheelchair within seconds of attempting to do so and then walked home with my shopping.
I am in tears writing this blog because I feel that my voice doesn’t matter to those within our society as a result of what happened this morning.
My wishes were not respected this morning and if I had been given just a few more seconds I would have been able to finish putting my rucksack on my chair in the normal way that I do.
My message to members of our society is a clear one, if a member of the disabled community tells you that they do not require your assistance once it has been offered then please respect this.
I should not be having to write another of this nature to stand up for my rights as disabled person because we should be able to live independently if we so wish.
I would like to end this blog by taking the opportunity to thank my loyal readers and followers for taking the time out of your busy schedules to read my latest blog.
Cam
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