James, I feel your pain and frustration. It’s hard having a disability that isn’t always instantly apparent. People like to see these things in black and white terms. And grey area is confusing and possible upsetting because it throes their preconceived ideas and pre-programmed responses into upheaval, and they don’t know how to respond.

You have an excellent point when you say a disability can happen to anyone at any time. I would argue we’re a reminder of that for able-bodied people — a rolling reminder that this could be them under different circumstances. I never thought I’d end up in a wheelchair, and yet, here I sit, nearly 16 years after that accident that put me in one. All it took was a few unfortunate seconds, and my life was forever changed. It’s a story which plays on continuous repeat.

Thanks for reading, James. I hope you stay safe and well, too!