Almost every single disabled person will have encountered an accessible space being inappropriately used as storage, forcing us to wait while someone scrambles to clear it; it’s practically a rite of passage for us. If we’re lucky, we’ll get a million empty apologies and excuses, but sometimes we’ll have to argue to access the only spaces available to us. Whatever the response, it always boils down to the fact that people would rather inconvenience a disabled person over anyone else.

I have lost count of the number of times I have been placed in this situation; squeezing past boxes of stock in accessible bathrooms and changing rooms, sitting awkwardly to one side while some people glare at me for having to move their luggage and others glare at me for being in the way, kicking down barriers because security neglected to consider the need for ramps or lifts. I’ve been complained at for scuffing boxes, argued with for pointing out that the law states wheelchairs take priority over prams, or whined at for being an obstacle when I can’t get into the space I need. I am nearly always told to be more patient. Most recently I couldn’t get into a local pub since the access ramp was being used as storage for kegs, and I had to leave and go elsewhere. Unfortunately, my experiences are far from abnormal.

It is understandable that people are frustrated over the lack of space for prams and luggage because public transport has prioritized cramming as many ticket-buyers as possible into small spaces, but this does not justify forcing disabled people out of accessible facilities. People don’t dump their belongings on the inaccessible seating, or if they do they are ostracized for their socially unacceptable behaviour, yet placing their items in the accessible seating area or wheelchair space is perfectly normal. Blocking the seats of disabled people simply does not carry the same weight as doing the same to able-bodied people, and it is this attitude that proves it is a discriminatory act, not simple carelessness.

The blocking of accessible facilities is one of the reasons I avoid public transport, especially trains, and certain venues I know have a penchant for blocking accessible routes around the building. This “harmless” behaviour is pushing disabled people out of public spaces as the constant fighting places a significant mental and physical burden upon us.

I often joke about how I should simply drive over people’s belongings (note: not babies in prams) if someone chooses to dump them in the wheelchair spot, but in reality this could damage my wheelchair or even result in some kind of misdemeanor charge for damaging someone’s property. Frustrating as it is, it seems that all I can do is challenge this behaviour as I encounter it (providing I have the strength at the time), and write this article explaining why it’s never OK to use accessible facilities as a dumping ground.

Taking up space as a disabled person is hard enough when we are considered to be an inconvenience or even a fire hazard, but invading what little space we have can be the difference between our being able to integrate with society or being forced to remain indoors and out of sight. Simply put, your carelessness is not victimless.