I have found it surprisingly difficult to ask for, and accept, help from others.  By nature I am a fairly independent sort of person, which probably doesn’t help, and my disability is ‘non-visible’ which means that I have an extra invisible barrier of perception to break through as well.  I am sure that people who don’t know about my disability must assume that I am ‘able-bodied’.  This invisible barrier of perception not only affects other people – after all why would they think to ask if I need help carrying my wheeled bag up or down stairs – but perhaps most importantly can affect my ability to pick up the courage to ask for help. 

I have to say though I have received a huge amount of help from some amazingly kind people, whether they are members of the public, shop assistants, work colleagues, friends or family.  I would encourage anyone who needs help to ask for, and accept it.   It’s daft not to really isn’t it!