Is it discrimination to ask for proof of disability?

[Morph2lcfc]

I’ve seen this said quite a few times over last few months that’s it’s discriminatory to ask for proof for mask exemption.

My son has an invisible disability (autism) and we’ve had to provide proof of disability for lots of other things in the past as I’m sure other disabled people have and I’ve never heard it being an issue until now. So for example blue badge, ride access pass for theme parks, cea card so can take a carer to cinema etc etc. Why is it suddenly an issue now? Is it just anti mask people saying this or are some people genuinely offended at being asked for proof?

The only other time previously I heard proof couldn’t he requested was in some parts of the USA but also that in those states it was illegal to impersonate a disabled person anyway so it kind of balanced out.

It’s not really an issue for us currently as my son doesn’t really go anywhere at the minute where he has to wear a mask anyway, I go shopping on my own etc but realise this isn’t always possible for everyone. I just wondered really why it’s suddenly become such a thing to not be able to ask for proof when prior to the pandemic it was an everyday thing that just happened

I will show my exemption card but I will not say to shop workers/security guards why I am exempt. Which has happened a couple of times.

"and it's so hard to provide proof anyway, but still say it must be done under the circumstances."

So what is the proof?

A panic attack is a manageable mental health condition. It really does a great disservice to disabled people to suggest if you have a panic attack you are disabled. What next PIP and a blue badge?

Obviously one panic attack doesn't meet the disability criteria, which require the condition to have a long term effect. But a mental health condition which causes people to have panic attacks when undertaking normal daily activities can certainly be a disability. Whether a condition is manageable is utterly irrelevant; would you like to claim that a person dependent on a wheelchair isn't disabled just because they live and work independently and manage fine?

lots of places have no support groups anymore for going to shops for people etc
This is a mumsnet myth, there are NHS responder and Covid-19 mutual support groups set up in every location, supermarkets have CEV lists and local authorities have resources as backup. It's actually really problematic for people to keep perpetuating this myth, because it enables people to say "oh I won't isolate, I have to go to the shop" instead of looking at their local options.

No I don't believe it is discrimination. Id be happy to provide proof if I was not willing to wear a mask.

I would be classed as exempt but choose to wear one regardless.

I'm with you OP. I'm disabled and have always had to prove it (quite rightly) to get concessions. It would be weird if I hadn't had to otherwise anyone could say it. I don't understand the "it is discrimination" brigade

There is no proof. No one has an official document stating they cannot wear a mask. No one can provide something no one has

"I would be classed as exempt but choose to wear one regardless."

There is no such thing as would be classed as exempt. If you can wear a mask you are not exempt.

No I don't believe it is discrimination. Id be happy to provide proof if I was not willing to wear a mask.

But what proof would you provide, @Willyoujustbequiet? Doctors won't provide exemption letters or certificates currently.

You clearly have no idea how hard it is to get a blue badge. That is a really offensive remark, and demonstrates just how downright nasty people have become about disability. It was bad enough before Covid, now it is way over the top. You should apologise for that comment, but anyone with the grace to do so wouldn't have been stupid enough to make it in the first place. Your comment is disgusting and uncalled for.“

? My husband has a blue badge.

Sorry that I offended you? I was just answering the question.

That was in r to Moondust001

@DenisetheMenace - don’t worry I think @Moondust001 must have misinterpreted what you said somehow, I don’t think you said anything wrong!

@MRex

lots of places have no support groups anymore for going to shops for people etc This is a mumsnet myth, there are NHS responder and Covid-19 mutual support groups set up in every location, supermarkets have CEV lists and local authorities have resources as backup. It's actually really problematic for people to keep perpetuating this myth, because it enables people to say "oh I won't isolate, I have to go to the shop" instead of looking at their local options.

It's not a myth. In the first lockdown loads of people were off work and volunteering. Now there are far fewer people off work and many of them are volunteering in vaccination centres, not doing shopping. I wouldn't have the first idea where to go if I needed a delivery and didn't have any friends I could call on (as it is, I'd put out a Facebook plea to my local friends, tell them I was eg isolating and could they bring some wine and chocolate!) As for the local council don't make me laugh. All they're good for is putting preachy posts on social media telling people not to drive for exercise.

But people who can't wear a mask don't need others to go shopping for them, you can get an online delivery or do click and collect - that is one thing that definitely has improved since the last lockdown (as long as those who can shop themselves don't hog delivery slots).

@redsquirrelfan - have you tried asking both NHS responders and your local authority for help, and been denied? Actually asked?

@MRex

This This is a mumsnet myth, there are NHS responder and Covid-19 mutual support groups set up in every location, supermarkets have CEV lists and local authorities have resources as backup. has irritated me big time.

The fact that all these things exist for everyone who needs them is more of a myth. Because my medical condition isn’t physical and so doesn’t appear on any CEV lists, I can’t get any supermarket slots or help related to deliveries. There’s no kindly neighbours or Facebook groups available round here. GP can’t help. School can’t help. Social services WON’T help. No friends or parents from school to ask (because sometimes a person’s medical conditions isolate them before a pandemic hits funnily enough).

So there you go. People ask and get denied.

Grooticle

@DenisetheMenace - don’t worry I think @Moondust001 must have misinterpreted what you said somehow, I don’t think you said anything wrong!“

Thank you! Nothing hurtful intended at all.

I cannot believe that instead of being angry at the Government for the lack of simple solution to this issue, people angry at each other and declaring their own made-up rules.

Why couldn't GPs be provided with a method of providing patients with an exemption card on request?

No details other than maybe name and address?

A distinctive design with some sort of watermark on it maybe similar but smaller than the new plastic banknotes?

Who would call their GP and claim to need one unless they did?

OK maybe a few people but surely that is better than the present way?

Starcat2020 I think the issue is thst gps are busy enough at the minute without having to do extra work otherwise it would be a simple solution.

@PrivateHall

I don't think it is discrimination to ask as such, but it is discrimination to refuse to accept a legitimate exemption. Or to refuse access to someone with no mask because someone doesn't want to state in a large queue a personal reason, eg PTSD from being restrained during a rape. I am not sure someone should have to try and explain their reasons, obviously a letter would be much better like you use for theme parks and blue badge scheme, which were your examples. But no one wants to commit to a letter for masks, for theme parks you just need a diagnosis letter, not a letter stating that someone would be incapable of queuing for example. The mask thing is less straightforward.

Theme parks do actually ask for just that now.

A letter explaining why someone needs a pass. They don't accept a diagnosis. Because a diagnosis is just a medical condition and doesn't explain how it affects someone.

It's the same with mask exception.
Not everyone with autism will need to be exempt, not everyone with asthma cannot manage one.

Except a diagnosis is just enough for exception here.

And it's not discrimination to ask. Discrimination is to treat someone less favourable due to a protected characteristic.

Everyone not wearing a mask is asked.