So I shared, as I occasionally do, a pavement obstruction in my local Facebook group. It’s not the first obstruction or obstacle I’ve faced today, in fact it’s one of many, but it’s the first one I had the confidence to share publicly.

My confidence with sharing these issues can be fragile. It fluctuates, and it’s difficult, even though I know I’m right to share these problems.

This issue is the inadvertently the cause of some of the people I share it to. So pointing it out is easier. But other issues aren’t as black and white. It can be harder to pin point who exactly causes the issue, so it can be harder to share.

Who’s fault is it that a lift is broken? Machinery brakes. It takes time to fix. It wouldn’t be fair to blame a specific person for this issue, when it’s a system. But does that mean I’m not allowed to share it? I don’t always know to be honest.

I definitely couldn’t share all the issue inaccessibility issues I face on a daily basis. It would be too difficult to share, and would mean I’d be focusing unfairly focusing on the negative for me.

So just remember when someone gets the confidence to share an issue with you, it’s rarely all that they are dealing with. They’re sparing you the full picture. Be kind.