In message , Henry writes
Why is it that to many people, "disabled" means "wheelchair users" and
absolutely nothing else?

"Disabled" covers a wide range of physical problems, many of which do not
involve people needing wheelchairs.

As an example, just look at the number of people on public transport who
need a walking stick to get around.

Deafness, blindness . . . . . the list is endless, but they are all serious
problems for the individuals concerned, and yet so many people just think of
wheelchairs.

Indeed and as I've posted here before such groups often have conflicting
requirements. My mother has trouble with low floor buses because she
can walk but is just a bit unsteady; that means that the wide open
areas for wheelchair circulation reduces the number of stanchions
available for her to hold on to.

O a trip to London last year she was full of praise for the bendis but
confessed to finding access easier on Routemasters. Sorry, I know that
*that* will start a fierce debate........
--
Ian Jelf, MITG, Birmingham, UK
Registered "Blue Badge" Tourist Guide for
London & the Heart of England
http://www.bluebadge.demon.co.uk