#1
In restaurants... By Domino's delivery people.
That and random strangers walking up and pushing.
#2
don't uh.... don't just grab people's head and stick your fingers in an orifice, it's weird and alarming.
#3
I have a mobility, C-PTSD, medical alert and response service dog. As I entered Walmart 2 workers start yelling at me from the exit (which isn't close and I thought they were yelling at someone else) then a random lady near by though it was a good idea to grab me by the arm that my service dog was actively doing some Forward momentum pull (which can be dangerous for both of us). The lady then "guided" me to the workers because she thought I was blind. I was so shocked tbh.
Turns out the workers just wanted to see the proof of my service dogs training (which is part of my province laws). I showed them the program proof of training and they let me go shop in peace.
It just s***s because it caused alot of distress for me. I had a big adrenaline dump during my shopping trip which I had to go on the ground. The yelling didn't affect me as much as getting grabbed. Getting grabbed triggers my C-PTSD especially when I don't consent to be touched. I also felt called out although, I follow the service dog laws in my province to a tee. It s***s that this happens because people fake service dogs all the time. If people realized that there actions do have consequences... bringing your dog Fido to the store and pretending he's a service dog, does harm disabled people.
The stories people shared are not isolated incidents, but rather lived experiences of people who belong to the world's largest minority. According to the United Nations, more than one billion people, or roughly 15% of the global population, live with some form of disability. As Accessibly highlights, the most common types of disabilities include those affecting mobility, cognition, hearing, and vision.
A crucial point often missed by the public is that many of these disabilities are "invisible," meaning a person can be living with a serious condition without any obvious external signs. This lack of visible "proof" is often the trigger for some of the most infuriating and invasive comments shared in the thread.
#4
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#6
So, why are these rude encounters so common? Research suggests that the root cause is often not outright malice, but a deep-seated and pervasive social awkwardness. A landmark study by the UK disability charity Scope found that a staggering two-thirds of non-disabled people feel awkward around disabled people.
This discomfort leads to a range of negative behaviors, from patronizing language to outright avoidance. The same study revealed that many people are so afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing that they choose to do nothing at all, which in itself is a form of exclusion. The stories of being ignored, talked over, or treated like a child are the direct result of this profound societal discomfort.
#7
...about me having normal human emotions while struggling with a physical disability.
#8
#9
Many of the most shocking stories are rooted in a fundamental violation of a person's dignity and autonomy. As outlined by the New Zealand government's disability support resources, a core principle of respectful interaction is to always presume competence and to recognize that a disabled person is the expert of their own life.
Unsolicited "help," prayers, or advice completely undermines this. Furthermore, it's essential to understand that mobility aids, like a wheelchair, cane, or walker, are an extension of a person's personal space. Grabbing, leaning on, or kicking them, as some stories horrifically describe, is not just rude; it is a physical violation.
#10
#11
To make matters worse, I was parked at that building to go to my monthly accessibility committee meeting.
#12
Thanks Jan, but I don’t base my self worth on how valuable I am to capitalism.
Individual rudeness is often a reflection of a much larger, systemic problem: a world that is simply not designed with disabled people in mind. A report from the United Nations on accessibility in urban development highlights how physical barriers in our cities, from a lack of ramps and elevators to inaccessible public transport, are a constant, daily message that disabled people are not fully welcome in public life.
This "societal ableism" creates an environment where the needs of disabled people are treated as an afterthought or an inconvenience. The person who complains about a wheelchair "taking up too much space" is merely vocalizing the same principle that an architect applies when they design a building without a ramp.
#13
The rudest person I had to deal with recently was my last boss. She equated sitting with going slowly, and there was no convincing her otherwise.
#14
#15
I once had a class-mate take several minutes to explain to me how stupid it looked that I had been walking around with a cane for 3 days, when I one day came to class without it.
Ok, buddy, I am sorry it offended your eyes that much, but how the f**k am I supposed to get around without it? My whole foot feels like the bones a splintering with every step I take.
After reading these infuriating stories, the natural question is: "How can I do better?" The path forward is surprisingly simple and all about dignity. The principles are clear: always speak directly to the disabled person, not to their companion or interpreter. Use person-first language (e.g., "a person with a disability" rather than "a disabled person," unless you know their personal preference).
And, most importantly, always ask before you help. Instead of assuming what a person needs, simply ask, "Would you like some help with that?" and respect their answer if it is "no." These small acts of respect are the antidote to the dehumanizing experiences shared in these stories, fostering a culture of equality rather than one of pity or awkwardness.
Have you ever been on the receiving end of any of these bizarre and rude behaviors? Share your experiences in the comment section!
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#18
About 15 years ago my folks and I were visiting my Aunts cottage in Maine. I went out one morning to explore the area. I’m used to drawing attention when I’m in the states (I’m Canadian) as there aren’t as many people with high end power chairs. (They are pretty common in Canada as everyone can apply for funding).
I had just enjoyed the fact I could use a walkway to get my feet to the sand and was heading back to the cottage when I hear a little kid yell out, frightened…”Look mommy, a monster!” I started looking around and spotted a kid around 8-10 years old with his mom.
I was still confused and figured he maybe saw a giant bug or something. Then he said it again, at that point the mom took his hand and said “Shh, I know…just keep walking.”
It took me a second to realize that I was the “monster”. I just sat there in shock. Eventually I made my way home and by that time I was in tears.
I just couldn’t fathom being called a monster. It wasn’t even that from the kid, I mean kids don’t always understand. And even though he was bit older I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt in case he had his own issues. It was the mother’s response. Validating and confirming the child’s view and then the way she rushed them to the car, watching over her shoulder. As though even being within yards of me would contaminate them.
Still gets me to this day.
#19
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