This morning (Monday the 24th of March, 2025) whilst out and about I was approached by a gentleman in the street whilst minding my own business and just getting on with my day.
He (the gentleman) tried to engage with me as I wheeled up a hill after crossing a busy road, because I did not hear him when he first tried to grab my attention he decided to grab onto my chair and stop me from continuing forward.
This failed because I use a powerchair and it was too heavy for him to turn around which would have left me facing the opposite direction.
At the time of the incident which took place around 9am I was on the phone to my best friend who heard everything that was being said. As I continued heading the direction that I was going he continued following me and asking questions like ” how long have you been disabled”.
At this point my sole purpose was to get away from him as fast as I could with my best friend staying on the line and asking questions that could only answered with either yes or no.
The key question that he asked was “are you being followed” to which I of course replied with yes, however at this point we (myself and the gentleman) had come out of the underpass that leads into town and this is where he eventually disappeared.
My message to other lone wheelchair users who find themselves in similar situations in the future is a clear but simple one and is this, try not to engage with the individual who is making you feel uncomfortable and go to a place of safety.
I did not have the chance to find a place of safety so was forced to keep moving in the direction I was going with the hope that he would get board and disappear, much to my relief this did happen just as we entered town and I was able to get on with my day in peace.
On another note I want to make those within society aware that the disabled community don’t appreciate having our mobility aids touched by random strangers that we come across in the street, if you see that I might need some help ask me if I do, don’t just grab on to the back of my chair.
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As always I would like to thank each and everyone of you, my loyal readers and social media followers who continually take the time out of your busy schedules to read my latest post it does not go unnoticed and is of course very much appreciated.
Cam
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