Disability hate incident? Have you experienced it? This minor event has scared me.

[Amanita]

I had an unpleasant experience recently, and wonder if anything like it has happened to you - and what did you do?

I use an electric wheelchair for "walks" longer than about 100 yards. I live alone and don't have the luxury of a companion to come with me.

It was a fine evening and I went for a "run" round my village. There was virtually nobody about.

On the way home I had to cross a side street. There was a bunch of 4 or 5 youths opposite - apparently about to cross towards me. Instead they stayed, and stood aside - but in an exaggerated, mock-polite way. I thanked them as I passed, but felt uneasy.

I was immediately aware of footsteps right behind me - one of them was following - and was very close indeed. But of course I couldn't see him or his mates.

This was quite intimidating; my chair's maximum speed is 4 mph, and I was starting to be afraid they would follow me the 100 or so yards over the main road and along my road.

The lad behind me then said "Can I borrow those crutches?" and I replied "No, I need them".

Miraculously the following stopped, and they were 20 yards behind when I crossed the road - and had vanished by the time I got to the other side.

It was 8pm and broad daylight (this is Scotland). They hadn't exactly done anything - but I felt scared and vulnerable in a way I never have before. If i met them again, would they feel emboldened to "do something"? Did they take photos? Will they discover where I live?

I have informed the police - not because I expect them to take any action, but I think they ought to know, in case there is another incident.

How would you have reacted?

[REGreen]

Dear Amanita,

I am sorry you had such an unnerving experience and hope you soon feel less shaken by it. So far, also in Scotland, nothing like that has happened to me and, by and large, people are kind and helpful. I hope this is your experience in the future.

As to how I would have reacted, I don't know. I am less incapacitated than you so less obviously a target, and as I live in the depths of the country am only out and about in the daytime in the centre of a small town for shopping so not so exposed. I think I might have been a bit more upfront in those circumstances and told them to behave themselves. Easy to say in a street with other shoppers, who know me, about. I shall be a little more watchful in the future.

Hoping you are not affected permanently by this event,

RE Green

[Timmo4349]

I can honestly say in my 77 years if have never experienced this but of course there will always be a few morons about but I find most people to be most kind and helpful

[Amanita in reply to Timmo4349]

Hi, RE Green and Timmo,

Many thanks for your supportive comments.

This isn 't a big village and it's quite easy to go right round it and see nobody except perhaps a dog walker.

The other day I thought I saw the same group of youths in the distance, so I lengthened my route and by the time i got back to where they had been, fortunately they had gone.

They probably have nothing to do and are bored, but I just wish they had not picked on me, and that I hadn't felt - and been - so helpless.

I agree, most people are fine, most of the time.