I was perturbed reading John Cawley’s letter (‘System is flawed or plain wrong, Your Views, March 5).
He is not alone in his confusion at watching so many perfectly mobile people darting around in supermarket car parks. However, it would be wrong to presume these people do not deserve a blue badge because a disability is often not visible at first glance.
Most surprising was his doctor’s statement that only people in wheelchairs were now eligible for blue badges.
Most holders are not in wheelchairs; even very few use crutches to move around. Illnesses such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME), osteoporosis and severe arthritis, are a few of the many hidden illnesses that may cause more disability than the loss of a limb.
Some may even go in remission for a short period but this is less likely after the age of 70. So it is essential assessors take into consideration the age of the applicant and how long the person was able to retain the badge.
Changing the goalposts should not automatically disqualify the applicant.
Unfortunately, the medical profession is so often out of touch with reality and unknowledgeable about these hidden disabilities and illnesses. The fault partly lies with us, the public, as we expect every facility should be free — unwilling to pay even a small amount for such privileges.
Bhupendra Gandhi
via email
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