I have a disability (I have been diagnosed by a neurologist and am on medication for it, NOT made up) which makes it impossible for me to stand unsupported or even walk very slowly without debilitating leg tremors (that will cause back spasms if I'm forced to try to stand longer than my body will allow). Walking at a normal pace, I appear normal.
I preboard simply because I am physically incapable of standing in the boarding line or shuffling slowly with the boarding crowd down the jetway and being forced to wait in the plane as people get to their seat/get things arranged- so I do technically need assistance boarding the aircraft. The gate agents are great and understanding about this, but man oh man some of the things I've read here are scary!
Seeing all this hate about people who everyone thinks "look normal" preboarding just heightens my anxiety, which is already extremely high when I am in a situation where there are lines for food, bathrooms, etc to be negotiated. I really wish people would understand that a disability may mot be visible and still be very real.
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