anyone good with witty responses?

I’d just deadpan and say ‘and you’re welcome here too despite gestures at them your own issues’

or just be honest ‘now do you realise how saying that might come across like you think you’re providing charity instead of welcoming a colleague like any other?’

Witty comebacks are meant to express displeasure. So they will feel snarky. It’s tricky to blend ‘I’m upset you’ve mentioned my disability’ with ‘I’m open for questions about my disability’. I totally get why those comments are othering but perhaps the best way forward is therefore brutal honesty to provide a learning moment.

Think the first 2 comments, same back to them.

'And you're welcome in the room too, please keep showing up.' With a suitably baffled expression.

To the comments about diversity training 'really, I might suggest you try a different provider'

'Could you repeat that, please?'

Followed by

'And again ..... only this time, listen to yourself'.

Another good one is 'what do you mean by that?'

A colleague of mine used to say that a lot, not necessarily to pick people up on ableist comments but it was very effective. Don't know whether she learnt it in a management course.

People can’t resist suggesting rude comments when you’ve said you can’t be rude as they are clients.

I think wittiness may have to be jettisoned. It's arguable that the comments, as tin earred as they are, come from a good place. It probably makes them warm inside. Although imo, regardless of the intent, they're patronising and othering. The answer might be for you to be sincere. Look them in the eye, acknowledge that the comment was well meant and tell them to fuck off, that it had the opposite effect but, if they really wanted to be welcoming, you took milk, one sugar and were there any biscuits?

I don't mean to pry, but what is the condition? I'm amazed so many people feel empowered to speak to you like this!

I have an actual missing limb and I've only had one person corner me (in the bathroom!) in about 15 years of working in an office. But I also have a chronic resting bitch face, so maybe that helps! 😅

I agree you can't be too rude, I think people feel a lot of things around people with disabilities. I once came across a guy in a wheelchair and we were both dithering about how to help each other, each assuming that the other was less capable 🤦 it was so embarrassing, but I think in the moment, brains just weren't really working properly.

”I’m perfectly fine thanks but thank you for your concern” - should cut it short !