Public transport often sparks debates over priority seating. Recently, a story went viral of an elderly woman demanding a girl with a prosthetic leg give up her seat, claiming she wasnât âdisabled enough.â
The girl shared her experience: âI lost my left leg in an accident and use a prosthetic. While I can walk and run, balancing on a moving train is hard. I was sitting in a reserved seat when the woman told me to move. I explained I needed the seat, but she got upset, called the conductor, and insisted I leave. Tired of arguing, I rolled up my pant leg, showed my prosthetic, and refused to move. She turned red and got off at the next station.â
The story resonated with many disabled people who face similar challenges. One shared, âMy husband uses crutches, but when seated, he looks fine. Heâs been insulted for parking in disabled spots or using priority seating, until he stands and people realize. Itâs sad we have to prove our disabilities before being believed.â Another added, âIâve had leg surgeries and often face criticism for using disabled spots when my pain isnât visible.â
These stories highlight the need for empathy and underst.