DISABILITY rights champion Dave Thompson has spoken out after being left deeply shocked by hostile and bigoted comments directed at disabled people during a weekend community event.
Dave, the founder of Warrington Disability Partnership, stated that the experience brought back painful memories of discrimination from nearly 30 years ago.
Dave, who set up the charity after breaking his neck playing American football—leaving him using a wheelchair with the use of just one arm—subsequently built a career as a full-time disability adviser in the health service.
While attending Lymm Historic Transport Day at the weekend with charity colleagues to showcase their Disability Heritage Project, the team was confronted by three separate incidents of public hostility.
The anger was triggered by a vintage, blue three-wheeled Invacar AC70 on display.
Members of the public argued with Dave that the government should force disabled people out of modern vehicles and back into the historic, restricted three-wheelers.
One man launched into a vocal, aggressive tirade directly at the charity team.”You disabled people don’t know you’re born,” the man shouted, pointing at the vintage car. “You’re given these posh cars free of charge from the government. You should all be given one of these.”
Despite attempts by the team to explain that the Motability Scheme requires disabled motorists to hand over their mobility benefits and often pay thousands of pounds in advance deposits, the man refused to listen.
“Millions of you sit on your arses at home watching daytime TV whilst receiving hundreds of pounds each week in handouts. You should be forced to work,” the man added.
Dave’s son, Gavin, pointed out that all the team members volunteering at the fundraising stall were employed, but the man continued his rant. Two other men made similar, though less scathing, comments suggesting modern Motability cars should be replaced by the old blue three-wheelers. Reflecting on the incidents, Dave expressed deep concern that old prejudices are being revived by recent press coverage.
“There is no doubt that the recent media hype around Motability and incorrect reporting on the criteria for obtaining a car through the scheme is fuelling prejudice, myths and misconceptions that I thought were dead and buried. Sadly, they are not.”
He compared the incident to a workshop three decades ago where a senior council representative nostalgically praised “the good old days” when disabled people were forced into low-wage roles like toilet and lift attendants. While acknowledging that public scrutiny of benefits exists, Dave defended the integrity of the disabled community, noting that the vast majority are genuine and undergo stringent assessments.
“Just when I thought awareness and acceptance of disabled people was improving, yesterday brought back an experience from nearly 30 years ago,” he said.
However, the charity leader remained optimistic about the wider community, concluding: “Thankfully, the number of people who do understand the facts, and who are compassionate and support inclusion, totally outnumber the bigots.”
Warrington Disability Partnership promotes a “can do” attitude which will be showcased at Disability Awareness Day at Walton Hall & Gardens on Sunday, July 12th.
