by Carlos Atwell
The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society of Barbados is continuing its call for greater recognition and understanding.
Vice president Nickaela Cumberbatch said MS sufferers often did not present overt symptoms and ended up being disadvantaged.
“One of the things we keep talking about is how those with invisible disabilities are often abused by the public and disadvantaged by business places such as them not having easily accessible washrooms, not allowing the public to use their washrooms at all – which could be dire for someone with a disability – or even by simply not having places to sit and rest.
“There are also well-meaning people who may see us park in the disabled spaces and want to attack, but people need to be aware not everyone with a disability is in a wheelchair or uses a walker – they could be suffering from extreme fatigue, have balance issues or suffer with their eyes,” she said.
During the society’s general meeting earlier this month at Golden Sands Hotel, Maxwell, Christ Church, Cumberbatch urged those affected by MS to speak up in the hopes more people with the condition would come forward and share their stories as she believed turning invisibility into visibility could help others find comfort within the community and locate necessary resources. (CA)
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