Bad attitude to disability?

This letter is published in today's Leicester Mercury:

Bad attitude to disability?

My good lady friend is somewhat disabled; due to a heart condition and to arthritis she cannot walk in comfort, and the distance she can cover before she has to stop is approximately 50 yards.

Clearly a visit to the shops – one of her great pleasures – is impossible without some form of assistance.

When she first became ill we tried a conventional wheelchair with me as the power source. Be it recorded that I never stopped in the right place or at the right distance for her to examine whatever she wanted to examine. We therefore resorted to an electric disability scooter.

It would seem, judging by your columns, that these devices are not popular with a certain section of the community. In fact, it has suggested that only qualified persons with driving certificates, insurance and tax should be allowed to drive these vehicles.I would like to know more about these objectors. I have a vision (all too common in reality, I am afraid) of able-bodied persons, Walkman or mobile telephone glued to their ears, gazing at friends and/or shop windows and expecting everybody to get out of their way. Worse, I imagine these people riding bicycles, especially in areas where it is illegal.

Disillusion me please; why should the disabled and elderly be house-bound so that you can walk about at your pleasure? Why are you not condemning bicycle riders, especially children, some of whom have no thought for anyone, as well?

Could it be that the sight of disability disturbs you? If so, what are your thoughts on those who are fighting and being wounded on your behalf abroad?

Dr D A C McNeil, Birstall