student has launched a campaign to change the blue badge for the disabled to make it more inclusive.
sam Vestey, 20, who has a chromosomal condition that often makes him feel fatigued and in pain, said he is often challenged by people about how disabled he really is.
“There are many people like me with disabilities that affect our mobility over time, meaning we need wheelchairs for when we are tired,” said Mr Vestey.
“However, because we can walk much or little of the time, many people are questioning our need for a disabled badge asking whether we are disabled or not, especially if we don’t look disabled from the outside.”
Just because people can’t see my disability, they don’t understand how much pain I am in and how tired I get
Mr. Vestey, from Bishop’s Cleeve, nearby? Cheltenhambegins his second year at National Star College next month.
He has a chromosomal disorder called DiGeorge syndrome and survived a pineoblastoma brain tumor as a child.
“DiGeorge syndrome gives me a split palette affecting my speech and scoliosis affecting my back. I have no learning disabilities and have normal intelligence,” he said.
“Just because people can’t see my disability, they don’t understand how much pain I am in and how tired I am. That’s why I have a disabled badge.”
He calls for the disability badge to be more inclusive and to include a standing figure to represent invisible disabilities, and is lobbying local MPs.
“I don’t blame anyone, even I do this, but over time I’ve learned that we have to think outside the box, as only people who know you very well know how your disability affects you on a day-to-day basis,” he said .
“If we had a stick figure that was both upright and one in a wheelchair, people would understand that there are people with hidden disabilities that get worse over time or hidden disabilities in general.
“I would also like to have more information about this on the board.”
National Star, a Gloucestershire charity supporting young people with complex disabilities and learning difficulties, is supporting Mr Vestey and his campaign.
“National Star is passionate about helping young people with disabilities become equal and active citizens in control of their own lives,” said CEO David Ellis.
“That’s exactly what Sam is doing with his campaign and we applaud his determination.”