A Kilcreggan woman’s petition calling changes to signage to disabled parking areas has so far gained 1,000 signatures.
Bev Burns has a blue badge but says that because she looks ‘normal’ despite her disability, she has been abused by members of the public.
Her online petition to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the UK Parliament was only started three weeks ago but Bev said: “I’m blown away with the amount of supportive messages I’ve received from all over the place – it’s obviously a much-needed cause that’s overlooked.”
She has also launched a Facebook page called Smiling Through, referring to the approach often taken to life by people with invisible disabilities.
Despite not needing a walking stick or wheelchair, many people suffer chronic pain which leaves them almost housebound and still need a blue badge for extra space to get in and out of the car, or to reduce the distance to shops and public buildings, she says.
“I’m now at the point of being scared to use my little piece of hope due to the amount of filthy looks, tutting, eye-rolling and on occasion verbal abuse for using it – completely undeserved I may add,” said Bev.
“My case is nothing in comparison to many others who have had serious confrontations in front of their children, others have had abuse leaving the disabled toilet, mothers with disabled children and many more equally horrendous stories.”
She says that signage for disabled spaces and facilities should be changed to A for accessible or adapted, replacing the wheelchair symbol.
The petition is online here.
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