Handicaps require respect: iLIVE

The lack of respect shown to disabled people is frightening in this day and age.

In several centres I've waited outside an occupied disabled toilet, to be confronted with an emerging able-bodied occupier.

Earlier this month I used the disabled toilet at Cavendish Shopping Centre in Cape Town. The lack of cleanliness was appalling. The disabled toilet also functions as a baby changing room and a bin is provided for used napkins. There is no lid for it and it had not been emptied. It is not only applicable for Cavendish, but is a general situation with varying degrees of problems all over Cape Town.

In addition one finds parking spots for disabled drivers are occupied by non-disabled drivers. This should be tackled by centre managers.

They seem to have given up clamping cars and this gives the impression it is okay to break the rules. I appeal to the public and the centres to have consideration for those less fortunate. Their situations could change suddenly, and they would be at the receiving end of inconsideration.