As someone who is registered blind, I can relate to Lorraine’s post. I haven’t experienced the extreme behaviours Lorraine has. I have, however been patronised on account of my visual impairment. I have, however found that most people treat me with respect. All of my close friends are non-disabled and I live independently getting around with my guide dog Apollo, or, occasionally with the assistance of a long white cane. All disabled people are individuals and their experiences differ as is the case with all people, whether they have a disability or not. The bottom line is that everyone should be treated with respect irrespective of whether they are disabled or otherwise.
To begin with, I HATE that word disabled. I do not know another one though.
It is amazing how some people seem to think about us. I want to say that I am quite normal, whatever normal is lol. It seems that some people think I have lost my marbles just because I am blind and in a wheelchair. Although on occasions I can still walk with two canes and was hoping to get better at that.
Anyway, let me tell you what happened to me at the church where I used to go. For years I had played my flute at the Sunday evening Mass until people started to view me differently. They used to give me a hug quite often, until i became more blind and disable. Ugh, how I hate that word. Anyway, they started to avoid me. Also they ridiculed me and my husband. This was…
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K Morris - Poet 
I agree with her pronounced comment on Lorraines Posting, Kevin, but I am also sure that there are different situations worldwide.So it can be very difficult to live ideally in a village or in a rural environment. xx Michael
Thanks for commenting, Michael. You make a good point about rural environments, In London (where I live) public transport is, on the whole extremely good. It is easy to catch a train, bus or the underground to travel from A to B. However, in many rural areas there is a lack of good public transport links, and those lucky enough to own a car use it frequently. Obviously blind people can’t use cars! Best wishes. Kevin
Here in our small village I have been scolding for years. The EU has made many means available to fix obstacles, but nothing has happened. In the past few years they have tried not to incorporate two wheelchair lifts.They would have taken the money for themselves. ;-/ xx Michael
I’m pleased you have “scolded” your local village to ensure they make facilities available for disabled people, Michael. Hopefully you will be successful in your scolding.
Thank you for sharing Lorraine’s post, Kevin. The way she and her husband were treated by their church was appalling. Quite frankly, I was shocked.
You are welcome for the share of Lorraine’s post, Liz. I also was shocked. The way in which Lorraine and her husband where treated is terrible. I’ve been refused entrance to restaurants and the use of taxis due to my guide dog, despite the Disability Discrimination Act (now the Equalities Act) making it clear that service animals must be allowed under law. However, I haven’t experienced anything as extreme as the situation encountered by Lorraine and her husband.
The fact that her priest told them they belong in a home is beyond the pale.
I agree with you. It was a disgraceful comment and especially shocking as it came from a man of the cloth.