• THE Blue Badge scheme is an important and essential part of ensuring that disabled people can participate and live their lives in society.

As such Visually Impaired in Camden welcomes the extension of the scheme from August 30 to people with “hidden disabilities”, including people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health conditions, which represents the biggest change in the scheme for 50 years.

The expanded scheme coincides with the launch of a new task force to toughen up enforcement and help councils tackle fraudulent use of the badges.

So it was somewhat dismaying to read James Redmond’s unsubstantiated assertion of a widespread abuse of the scheme and referring to a “scam”, (There are problems with the blue badges, July 11).

In his letter we have yet another example of the scapegoating of disabled people having become a respectable, mainstream part of British culture in the last decade. And scapegoating comes with consequences.

Charities, including the Royal National Institute of Blind People, have reported they are regularly contacted by people who have been taunted on the street about supposedly faking their disability, with others saying the climate has become so hostile they avoid going out.

Society does little enough for people with hidden disabilities. The new guidance will offer a lifeline to people who often find road travel difficult by providing better access to work and other amenities. It will also help combat loneliness by enabling them to stay connected with family and friends.

If we are to truly have an inclusive society that works for everyone, the Blue Badge scheme is an essential component of this. Visually Impaired in Camden hopes this change to Blue Badge guidance will make a real difference to people’s lives.

ROSEMARY NICHOLSON
Visually Impaired in Camden