YOUR headline "You're not disabled enough" (The Press, April 28) struck a sympathetic chord, because it affects me too.

Like Tracie Sampson, I too have one hand and have had an uphill struggle all my life coming to terms with bureaucratic nonsense.

When I started driving many years ago, I had to endure the indignation of being discriminated against with driving insurance. The premiums were doubled in price because of my disability.

The reason being is that disabled people were perceived as dangerous drivers. To prove a point in my driving ability, I took an advanced driving course and have enjoyed a no-claims bonus for many decades of driving.

I also have built my own kit car and, after 22 years, my car has survived better than its tin-can equivalents. It still attracts admiring looks wherever I drive.

Disability carries a tunnel vision perception by some able-bodied people who see merely the disability (wheelchair, white stick, one arm etcetera) not the person.

To add further insult, our mental capabilities are also questioned, whether it's trying to get a job or simply attempting to get on with life.

All we ask is an occasional help up. Is that too much to ask?

Phil Shepherdson, Chantry Close, York.


* WITH reference to disabled badges and the refusal of them to someone losing a hand or limb, I suppose one would have to prove that a missing arm affects a person's ability to walk; in this case, refusal has arisen.

The criteria would have to be changed to alter such a situation, as these refer to walking. In the case of a disability such as angina, stroke or similar problem, they relate to discomfort on walking over a given distance for the badge to be issued.

Maybe this issue could be taken up with the many disabled groups to see what changes are possible within this type of disability, and whether the Government will accept those who have lost their hands.

A concession for the future, maybe?

Keith Chapman, Custance Walk, St Benedict Road, Nunnery Lane, York.