To be annoyed that I get glared at for having a blue badge

[Sparklebelle1024]

I try not to let it bother me but I’m young ( 35) and I have a blue badge because I have a few health problems which put me into the category of disabled and entitle me to pip and a blue badge. I do work (only part time as that’s a struggle but I do it for my own mental health but I think even that might have to go soon but I’m trying to last as long as I can) and almost every time I pull my car into the disabled spaces I get dirty looks and “badge checked” by the older generation and it’s ALWAYS older people !! It’s like younger folk can’t have disabilities!! Yet I can literally go from being okayish one day to hospitalised the next (I have a very understanding manager) and my car is a lifeline. I do try to brush it off but today I had a run in with an older man and he asked to see the photo on my badge to prove it was mine, I obviously told him he’s not entitled to that information and it’s not an elderly badge it’s a disabled badge and I cried when I was driving home.
it’s not fair…. I’m sick of being judged because I’m not “old” and don’t “look disabled” whatever that should look like. I know it shouldn’t bother me but it really genuinely does. So AIBU to be annoyed at being judged by the older generation because I use a badge I’m legally entitled to??

Fair points @Elleherd particularly about the signage.

I agree the majority of people must have some level of understanding and respect for your life choices/disability (surely? I mean I’m starting to lose faith in mankind reading these anecdotes 😫)
but god some people are obnoxious twats eh?

Some people are indeed obnoxious twats, but I'm hoping a change in official government rhetoric on how society solves issues of disability within the population might just reduce some of the individual twattery.

Buy it from the official website instead, it’s half the price

Absolutely..Tory Government provisions and general attitude towards disabled citizens has been appalling.

You don't think people are jealous of us?

In their eyes, we get a "Free" brand new car, free money, better parking spaces, special treatment at certain places, better toilets etc.

They simply don't care that we get all this stuff because our lives are so hard in every other way. They just want it for themselves, but without the disability. Jealousy from ableds is one of the main issues at the moment.

I need the door to open fully to get in and out of the car.

I applied for a blue badge recently for an older person who was struggling to do it. I was surprised at how stringent it was, in terms of the criteria, and how much proof /evidence was required. People don't get these badges for no reason, regardless of age.

I agree that they dont now but there was a period when it was almost a case of getting your blue badge in the same day you got your pension book. That created an expectation of old = blue badge.

I think you’ve been very unlucky. My son has a blue badge, he doesn’t look disabled, is completely mobile and we’ve not ever had anyone stare or question us.

I just wouldn’t engage with these people, smile and walk away.

Interesting. They now say, and I am quoting, that being over 90 and walking only short distances and very slowly is NOT a good reason. That age is irrelevant.