Invisible Disability, Visible Rudeness
I’m a woman in my thirties with invisible disabilities that make it hard to climb stairs at the best of times. As it’s peak hour and pouring rain, I decide to take the lift. I’m waiting with an elderly couple when a woman in her fifties walks up to us. I’m listening to music through headphones and don’t immediately realise she’s talking to me, but then I notice her trying to get my attention. I remove my headphones.
Me: “Excuse me?”
Woman: “The lift is for disabled people.”
Me: “Firstly, no, it’s for everyone to use. Secondly, not that it’s any of your business, but I am disabled. Ever hear of invisible disabilities?”
Woman: “Well… I’m disabled, too!”
Me: “Good for you! I honestly didn’t know being an old b**** was a disability. I guess you learn something new every day.”
I watch her do her best impression of a tomato and gape like a fish for a minute before storming away.
I turn to the couple who has witnessed the whole exchange. They are both laughing.
Me: “I’m so sorry for my language, but she just got to me.”
Man: “No worries, love; if you hadn’t said something, I would have.”
The woman didn’t even look disabled herself.