As someone who has experienced disability-related hate crimes on a number of occasions and has become used to the issue.
I write this post, fast losing the words to express the impact and influence it can have on individuals and the wider community.
Over the course of a month, I have been laughed at on the street for the way in which I walk three times.
With two of these occasions being within a week and a half of each other and by individuals of the same group.
In the past, I have just tried to forget about it when people make passing comments.
However, while reflecting on the work I am currently completing for my dissertation on the human rights of disabled people I wanted to inform others about what had happened to raise awareness as it is an ongoing issue.
After talking about my own story and the impact it has had on my mental health I have been inundated with messages of support and people sharing their own experiences with me.
Stand With The Chand Awareness Walk
After sharing my story online, a number of friends have come forward wanting to help raise awareness.
With help from my local newspaper the Bournemouth Echo, my story has been shared across social media.
On Friday 17th June at 10:30 am a group of friends have organised a walk from Bournemouth to Boscombe Pier to raise awareness and talk about the issue in our local community.
If you would like to find out more, please do follow me on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. You can also show your support using #StandWithTheChand.
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Chandy Green is a member of the Speakers Collective and we were shocked to hear about this recent abuse. As a collective, we are fully behind Chandy and proudly #StandWithChand.
If you are interested in finding out more about Chandy's campaigning, speaking and training please do contact us via info@speakerscollective.org.
The Speakers Collective is a Social Enterprise and we work together with a shared commitment to challenge stigma, facilitate important conversations and promote learning on a variety of social issues.