The Hidden Struggles of Invisible Disabilities: A Girl Refuses to Give Up Her Seat and Faces Backlash
Public transport often becomes a battleground for debates about priority seating. While these seats are meant for individuals who need them the most, not all disabilities are visible, leading to misunderstandings and even public shaming. A recent viral story highlights this struggle, as an elderly woman confronted a young girl over a reserved seat, insisting that she wasn’t “disabled enough” to use it.
The young woman, who lost her left leg in an accident and now uses a prosthetic, shared her painful experience:
"I can walk and even run with my prosthetic, but balancing on a moving train is still difficult. The constant motion strains my body, and standing for long periods can be exhausting. I was sitting in a priority seat when an elderly woman approached me and demanded that I move. At first, I tried to explain that I needed the seat, but she wouldn’t listen. She accused me of being selfish, loudly insisting that I was young and capable, while she needed the seat more. She even called the train conductor over to force me to move."
The girl was put in an uncomfortable position—tired, frustrated, and forced to justify her need for the seat. Instead of continuing to argue, she made a bold decision.
"I rolled up my pant leg and showed her my prosthetic. I told her again that I wasn’t giving up my seat. She turned red, muttered something under her breath, and got off at the next station without another word."
The incident struck a nerve with many, especially those living with invisible disabilities. Countless individuals came forward to share their own experiences of being judged or shamed simply because their conditions weren’t immediately obvious.
One woman recounted how her husband, who relies on crutches, often faces criticism when using disabled parking spaces. "When he’s sitting, he looks perfectly fine. People glare at him, sometimes even accuse him of taking advantage of the system. It’s only when he stands that they realize he genuinely needs the support."
Another person added: "I’ve had multiple leg surgeries, and while I don’t use a wheelchair or crutches, walking for long periods is painful. I often get side-eyes or even rude comments when I park in a disabled spot or sit in a priority seat. People assume I’m just lazy. The truth is, not all disabilities are visible."
This viral story serves as a reminder that assumptions can be harmful. Just because someone appears physically capable doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling. Disabilities come in many forms—some visible, others hidden beneath the surface. The key is empathy. Instead of jumping to conclusions, we should trust that if someone says they need a seat, they probably do.
The next time you’re on public transport and see someone sitting in a reserved seat, consider this: they might not “look” disabled, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t fighting an unseen battle.