Father of son with disability calls for more hidden disability awareness

Fri, 15 Nov 2019

Credit: Facebook

The father of a boy who has a hidden disability has called for more awareness of different levels and forms of disabilities.

Rob Crookall posted his frustrations on social media last night, after someone unknown had left a note on his wife's car, which had a blue disability badge displayed, advising not to park in a disabled space when visiting Ballakermeen High School.

Mr Crookall posted a photo of the note, which read: 'Please do not park in disabled bays when visiting BHS.'

Speaking to Energy FM Rob said: 'I would like BHS (if it was indeed one of their members of staff) to remind all members of staff first to check the vehicle for a displayed blue disability badge (which was indeed present), but I would also like to highlight the fact that there are varying levels and forms of disability...not all disabled people need a wheel chair etc.

'My son has a hidden disability.  He has been assessed, the relevant criteria was met and a badge was issued. It was highlighted in the UK press only 2 weeks ago that Paddy McGuiness and his wife have 2 children with Autism and they too were subjected to something similar because some people just arent aware that some disabilities are hidden.

'Just because my son is an able bodied walker, it doesn't mean hes hasn't got a disability. My wife (or anyone else for that matter) should never be put in a situation where they feel upset and panicked or distressed, all because of someone uneducated to this.'