To say if they mandate mask wearing they need to ensure some way for the exempt from masks to prove it?

[BuffaloCauliflower]

I am not anti-masks at all, I can see they are often very useful tools in infection control when used correctly (though it doesn’t seem they are by many people) but as someone ‘officially exempt’ from wearing them - in my case due to asthma - I’m increasingly panicked at the thought they’ll be made mandatory in shops and other places.

I have been able to avoid public transport thankfully due to furlough/wfh but I’ve wanted to shop, help the economy etc. and I fear I’ll have to stay away completely if masks are mandatory because I don’t think my exemption would be believed, or that I wouldn’t have people having a go at me for being out without a mask. I’ve tried many times to wear them and they make my symptoms (already far worse than usual due to pregnancy) ramp up even more. It’s very distressing, especially as it causes coughing, and I’m then removing the mask (touching the mask and my face, definitely not mask best practice) repeatedly to try and regulate my breathing. I’m following all other guidance sensibly, lots of hand washing, keeping my distance from others when out, but all things considered I think I’m more risk to others in a mask than without one should I be carrying CV.

I am very worried that despite being exempt I have no way to prove it to shops or other businesses. I carry my inhalers but that relies on others understanding, the government have previously said there won’t be anything official to prove exemption, though public transport companies have come up with different options (I’ve printed the TfL card just in case, but technically anyone could do this as it’s not verified) I’ve already been told once that someone ‘didn’t agree’ with exemptions to mask wearing and I should basically suck it up. People who want to be mean won’t check for exemption before having a go I’m sure of it.

But at the very least shouldn’t they ensure there’s some official way I could prove my exemption, a letter or card I could apply for from my doctor perhaps, that’s recognisable to others so I’m not at risk of not being believed or being yelled at? There are many people who will be in the some position.

I also think it's selfish that those who have a disability don't think they should have to explain. I think the public, who are at risk of catching covid from those who can't wear masks, deserve to at least know that the people wearing them have a legitimate reason

I think you are absolutely right. Some people with hidden disabilities choose to use sunflower lanyards in some circumstances, I've heard, so perhaps something along those lines? But it would have to be mandatory, not just something they could do if they want to, or it'd just be open to abuse, and we really do deserve an explanation as to why someone would be so reckless and put our very lives at risk. Something nice and bright and easy to spot would be good...maybe a nice big yellow star? And while we're on the subject, what about separate sections on public transport for non-mask wearers, so those who can wear masks don't have to get too close to them. No?

#DisabledLivesMatter.

@vanillandhoney

You should perhaps feel somewhat relieved that people can’t see your disability (and that is meant respectfully in good innocent faith as someone with no experience in this!)

Oh my God. This comment is absolutely vile.

vanilla best just to ignore it I think. Some people just have no clue whatsoever.

You should perhaps feel somewhat relieved that people can’t see your disability

How lucky my sons are to have non-visible disabilities. It's like the consolation prize in the disability lottery.

we really do deserve an explanation as to why someone would be so reckless and put our very lives at risk. Something nice and bright and easy to spot would be good...maybe a nice big yellow star? And while we're on the subject, what about separate sections on public transport for non-mask wearers, so those who can wear masks don't have to get too close to them. No?

Wouldn't the next logical step be some sort of safety compound in which we could relocate all of the disabled people to? In order to protect them, of course. We could even refer to these compounds as camps, keep it nice and jolly sounding to maintain morale and avoid upsetting people?

Obviously I'm joking but reading some of these posts makes me believe there are actually people who would vote for something like that.

You should perhaps feel somewhat relieved that people can’t see your disability (and that is meant respectfully in good innocent faith as someone with no experience in this!)

Having an invisible disability isn't that great tbh, it's still a disability. Also, it can be much harder to access things you are entitled to when you don't fit society's image of a disabled person.

It's not just stuff like being challenged for having a blue badge, or for using a disabled toilet. It's also stuff like being taken seriously by people you need to take you seriously - (some) medical staff, employers even family and friends.

When people can't see your fatigue or pain for example they don't understand why you can't do XYZ. Or perhaps you could do X last week but can't today.

I have had more than one employer try and refuse me reasonable adjustments at work on the grounds of 'well you can't be that bad as you look normal!' And 'you're only 22, you're too young to be unwell'.

The worst employer accused me of faking the whole thing. They said I must have lied to several GPs and my Rheumatologist. Apparently I also faked ultrasounds, x rays and blood tests too so I could get more time off for liver scans etc. Whilst I'm flattered that they saw me as some kind of result faking genius who could sneak undetected into a hospital lab to switch my blood sample with someone else's, and that that someone else just happened to have the condition I was trying to fake, it was really fucking annoying and patronising. Not to mention their behaviour was illegal (I decided not to persue the tribunal claim due to the costs as my boyfriend was earning so I didn't qualify for legal aid, but I was assured by a legal firm that I had a strong case).

The main advantage my invisible disability grants me is that I don't get weirdos on the tube try to remove my guide dog and proclaim me cured by the power of their religion, which has happened to my colleague on a worrying number of occasions. Same with my grandfather but substitute guide dog with white cane.

The main disadvantage is that it's less obvious when I need help, and I get glared at for sitting in the priority seat on the tube. Also, people seem to feel it's ok to challenge me, or just assume 'oh that young woman is so selfish using a priority seat - look at her, she's young and healthy and couldn't possibly need it' (this was an elderly couple on a tube train talking to each other whilst sat opposite me and giving me evils).

Yes, I suspect you're right @TicketToTheWrongFilm. Not worth engaging with it really!

www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/local-news/disability-horncastle-blue-badge-4313613.amp?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar&__twitter_impression=true

Woman with hidden disabilities left in tears after being abused over parking in disabled space
One in five people in the UK suffer with some form of disability

A young woman has spoken out about the abuse she received from a stranger for parking in a disabled spot - because she 'didn't look disabled'.

Sophie Ann Thomas was left in tears after she was called 'disgusting' and accused of 'scamming the council' by a stranger who didn't believe she was disabled.

The 24-year old, who suffers from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and tendinitis in her hips, is one of the 70 per cent of disabled people whose condition is not visible.

She was walking back to her car at a car park in Horncastle, when a woman approached her and started taking pictures.

"I was with my mum and she nipped to the toilets while I got in the car," said Sophie.

"I could see the woman from afar shaking her head at me, but after my mum had gone to the toilet, she came over and started taking pictures

When my mum got back, I told her and my mum went over to the woman. I got out the car and went with her to talk to the woman.

"I tried to explain to her about my disabilities and that's when she called me disgusting.

I showed her my blue badge, but she wouldn't believe me. She just told me that I must have scammed the council."

Sophie's various conditions mean that she is often in pain and her tendinitis means her hips regularly 'lock' leaving her unable to walk or move.

She says often faces discrimination when she's out and about on her 'good days' as people assume she doesn't have a disability based on her outward appearance.

"I do get a lot of stares whenever I go out, said Sophie.

"Whether it's when I'm parking in a disabled spot or using the disabled toilets, because I don't 'look' disabled people immediately jump to conclusions."

It's estimated one in five people in the UK have a disability and seven out of ten of them have impairments which are not visible to the naked eye.

In August last year, the government's blue badge scheme was extended to support those with 'hidden disabilities'.

Under the new guidance, parking permits were extended to those with hidden disabilities, including people who cannot travel without risk of serious harm to their health and safety or someone else's, people who cannot travel without 'very considerable psychological distress', people who have very considerable difficulty when walking, meaning 'both the physical act and experience of walking'.

Sophie says it's the lack of public awareness surrounding hidden disabilities that leads to the abuse she has faced.

The woman who called me disgusted was shocked that I could walk, said Sophie.

"People have this misconception that disabled people should be in a wheelchair, locked away at home.

"I have good days. I go to work. I even sometimes look nice and wear make-up. But when I do these things, people look at me and judge me. It's like people believe disabled people shouldn't have a life."

Sophie says she wishes people could see her on her bad days, when she is unable to get out of bed or even lift her arms to wash her hair, so people could understand.

There are days when my mum has to wash my hair, because it hurts to lift my arms, said Sophie.

"There are days when my mum has to bring me food and drink to my room because I can barely sit up in bed.

"You have to jump through so many hoops to get a blue badge, it isn't just handed over.

"I think it's getting better. The younger generations are becoming more aware of disabilities. It's about raising the awareness."

Taking pictures? someone on this very board was threatening to do this on public transport.

Ah and there the typical mumsnet hysteria starts. Comparing a lanyard to the stars worn by Jewish people during the ww2

Disabled people absolutely should not have to explain themselves to 'the public' 

I agree they should not have to explain themselves to joe public.

Something should be in place where you GP grants you a badge so you can show it at stores, like they have to do to park in allocated spaces, or when getting on public transport.

No one is comparing the lanyard to yellow stars. The comparison being made is between the yellow star and the attitude of some posters here (yourself included) who believe they ought to have access to private medical information and that disabled people should have to justified their non-masked state or wear/carry something which identifies them as disabled/exempt.

@GreytExpectations

Ah and there the typical mumsnet hysteria starts. Comparing a lanyard to the stars worn by Jewish people during the ww2

Except nobody has done that.

@GreytExpectations

Ah and there the typical mumsnet hysteria starts. Comparing a lanyard to the stars worn by Jewish people during the ww2

Yeah, maybe try reading it again.

I think the public, who are at risk of catching covid from those who can't wear masks, deserve to at least know that the people wearing them have a legitimate reason.

Bollocks to that, my life is nobody else's business and if someone gave me grief and demanded to know, it wouldn't end well for them.

"Oh you aren't wearing a mask, you must tell me immediately why, so I can decide if it's legitimate!".

What a load of entitled shit.

thiis.co.uk/face-mask-exempt-badges-aim-to-reduce-disabled-people-being-challenged-and-judged/

@tigger001

Disabled people absolutely should not have to explain themselves to 'the public' 

I agree they should not have to explain themselves to joe public.

Something should be in place where you GP grants you a badge so you can show it at stores, like they have to do to park in allocated spaces, or when getting on public transport.

It's not the same though. A blue badge for parking grants them access to something that they get, because they need it, that other people don't. A badge identifying them as disabled so that they can go to the shop and buy food is asking them - or forcing them- to wear a badge to be granted access to other things people get to take for granted. It's asking them to identify themselves to the general public as 'disabled' so that they can go about their daily lives.

I think the whole discussion is a bit moot, anyway. People don't need to prove their exemption to make mandatory (except for exceptions) mask wearing in shops worthwhile. More people will wear masks if they are mandatory than if they weren't. That will reduce the risk of infection at a population level. The fact that some people can't, and therefore won't, wear masks, or even that some people will choose not to without a valid reason, doesn't change that. If this all has shown us nothing else, it's that there are a hell of a lot of people out there who love to be given rules to follow. The purpose of making mask wearing mandatory isn't to make buying milk at the supermarket "safe" for any individual person. It's to reduce the risk in general so that we can relax the restrictions elsewhere.

[quote HeIenaDove]thiis.co.uk/face-mask-exempt-badges-aim-to-reduce-disabled-people-being-challenged-and-judged/[/quote]
There are so many of these popping up (I’ve in fact ordered myself an aforementioned sunflower lanyard on the basis of this thread) but again we run into problems where we have multiple different things, none of which you can prove you didn’t just order for the fun of it.

Honestly, I think even if official exemption cards were a thing, the arseholes who want to publicly shame people not wearing masks would do so regardless, especially as some of the reasons are things like PTSD/trauma triggers and autism, which people already criticise and doubt the existence of.

Rather than getting rid of legal rights, how about people stop assuming they know anything simply by looking at them? If it was that easy, people could tell what ignorant arseholes to avoid etc. We could save ourselves time getting to know a person for months, years even to realise they are a cunt.

There are legal exemptions when it comes to not wearing them. Rather than blame the individual why not take this to the government. However, just pause a moment, those exemptions are for everyone. They can be removed to have a drink.

China and Japan often get cited for their years of established mask use. One issue that rarely gets mentioned, they aren't using home made, and on the off chance they are, it seems they are also using filters.

If we had more education with conclusive info then this might help both sides.

@whattimeisitrightnow

Honestly, I think even if official exemption cards were a thing, the arseholes who want to publicly shame people not wearing masks would do so regardless, especially as some of the reasons are things like PTSD/trauma triggers and autism, which people already criticise and doubt the existence of.

Yes I agree, and that’s why I’ll just be staying at home. People here love to shame others, we saw that with the whole reporting neighbours for walking their dog twice etc.

You should perhaps feel somewhat relieved that people can’t see your disability.

Comments like this make me lose faith in humanity.

Honestly op, there are a number of legal exemptions.

You have a disability that means you cannot wear or remove a mask.
Putting on a face mask would cause you severe distress.
If you use lip reading to communicate, the person supporting you to use public transport does not have to wear a mask.
You do not have to wear a mask if you are using public transport to escape danger.

The full link www.keepsafe.org.uk/mask

The only place at the moment in England is public transport where they are mandatory. However, Joe Bloggs cannot demand to know your reasons. Just like any other time, only certain people can ask.

Then the fine depends if you have legitimate reasons or not. If it comes mandatory across England those same exceptions will also apply.

USA, Europe, Scotland and more have exemptions because of health. America is having an issue with fraudulent cards because they aren't free over there.

As for the lanyards, honestly the only time I see them mentioned is on here and some specific FB groups. Maybe check locally to see if they are aware of the system before buying?

OP, I'm also pregnant, almost 6 months. And where I live masks have been mandatory for all outside & inside activity since April. It's also summer, so hot and humid, yes it sucks, but it's not the worst thing. There are also NO medical exemptions and without a mask you are not allowed in supermarkets, shops or at the hospital. I feel much happier when I do have to go out, because everyone else is complying. Not sure why the U.K. is so weird about masks.

Paper ones are easier to breath in, than cloth if you haven't tried those.

Honestly, you are at a higher risk of Covid, there have been small studies showing vertical transmission and also increased risk of blood clots in women who have caught Covid during the pregnancy. I'm not in full shielding (because I I've had to go out for essential hospital appts) and have been mostly indoors since 6 weeks pregnant, I expect I will continue in the same way, essential trips out only, long after my Nov due date, due to normal flu season.

If anyone challenges me for not wearing a mask, they'll get one of two responses. Shop staff, police, etc would be shown proof of exemption. Anyone else will get a polite request to show me their ID, confirming that they hold a position giving them the right to stop and question me. At that point, I'd suggest busybodies should just walk away. I don't mind if they mutter or tut as they go.

Instead of a need for a single proof of exemption, I'd say there's a greater need for some people to leave their jackboots at home when they go out.