We need to open our eyes to hidden disabilities
Student Megan writes play to highlight the private challenges facing people like her boyfriend Greg, who has spina bifida
WHEN Greg Cumming met Megan Smith, he never dreamed she would become his fiancée and the champion of his hidden disability.
You would not know it looking at him but the 25-year-old has spina bifida and faces daily struggles with a variety of symptoms including leg, back and chest pain.
But as his condition is not physically visible, Greg often feels judged by people who think he is a fraud when he uses disabled facilities.
Angered by the way her partner is often treated and wanting to raise awareness of hidden disabilities, Megan, 18, was inspired to write a play highlighting the private challenges facing people like Greg.
The acting and performance student, who describes her fiancé as the love of her life, would like to see the play entitled Blinded performed in schools and colleges across Scotland.
Megan, of Armadale, West Lothian, said: “Most of the time, when you see a character with a disability in film, television or on stage, it’s visible.
“They are portrayed with a wheelchair or crutches, a walking stick or guide dog – but that’s not always the case.
“I had been learning about literary techniques and script writing and felt the medium could lend itself to the subject, being informative without being overly preachy.
“I found it was such a great thing to write about and it was easy for me to get my feelings and opinions across.
“By being with Greg, I’ve learned that not all disabilities are visible.
“I wanted to capture what people can be dealing with privately without anyone ever knowing and highlight that we shouldn’t judge someone for using a disabled toilet or parking space just because you can’t see a physical disability.”
The short play tells the story of two teenage boys, Max and Dylan, who have been friends since childhood.
Dylan mentions that he has noticed Max often slipping away to be alone after sports practice, wearing his shorts pulled up unusually high and never being without his bag.
The comment sparks an emotional exchange between the two friends, where Max finally admits he has spina bifida. He tells Dylan about his daily challenges, including changing his catheter in school and dealing with judgement from strangers.
Megan, who would love to be an actress, said: “The play has been really well received. My class members told me they felt moved by the piece and can now better understand the challenges of hidden disabilities.
“It was great to be able to start the conversation in this way.
“People with hidden disabilities, including mental illnesses, developmental disorders, and conditions such as Crohn’s disease shouldn’t have to constantly justify themselves and we need to be more aware that not all disabilities are visible.
“I think people should take a moment to think that if people are using the disabled facilities or have bus passes or sitting in the priority seats, it’s for a reason.
“I would love it if my play could be performed in other schools and colleges in Scotland.”
Greg, of Grangemouth, who has to catheterise daily to stop his bladder leaking, often fears confrontation because he feels he doesn’t fit the image of a person with disabilities.
He said: “I was getting on a bus one time when the conductor looked me up and down after I showed him my disability pass and accused me of conning the system.
“The way he reacted made me feel rubbish – he simply didn’t believe me and thought I was making it up.
“I get that quite a lot and it is upsetting.
“To the public, I look like a normal young man but they don’t realise the pain I experience on a day-to-day basis.
“I’ve come up against people telling me I’m lying, I’m joking or that I’m simply ‘not disabled’.
“It makes me really sad and angry, especially the days when I’m feeling particularly unwell.”
Greg, who is a member of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland), admits Megan hadn’t a clue about his condition when he met her.
He said: “I don’t think Megan would have known I was disabled unless I had told her. I brought it up in the first
“I’d like to change the perception of hidden disabilities. It would help people affected, so they wouldn’t have to deal with the negativity they receive through judgment and a lack of awareness. I’ve come up against people telling me I’m lying, I’m joking or that I’m ‘not disabled’.
couple of weeks of our relationship as I didn’t want to be dishonest but some girls have dumped me as soon as they’ve found out.
“Through school I chose to keep my spina bifida secret, and was always making up excuses to cover up why I had to leave class or was at the doctor.
“But as I’ve got older, and I’m now raising money for SBH Scotland, I’ve opened up about my disability.”
Greg, who organises an annual race night to raise money for SBH Scotland, added: “I don’t want to be treated differently once people find out I’m disabled and I don’t want anyone feeling sorry for me, but rather not have to receive judgment for going about my life how I need to.
“Just because you can’t see a disability, it doesn’t mean whatever that person is going through isn’t as bad, or as painful.
“I’m not ashamed of my condition. It’s part of my make up and if someone could give me a pill tomorrow to take away my spina bifida, I would refuse.
“I was given it for a reason and that’s just the way it is.
“Megan says she wouldn’t change me for the world. I couldn’t wish for a more supportive girlfriend.
“She is one in a million and I was really touched by her play.”
Greg proposed to Megan at her 18th birthday party and the couple are saving up for a wedding.
Megan said: “Greg got down on one knee at my surprise birthday party, I said yes straight away.
“We are going to wait a few years before tying the knot as I want to give acting a go.
“I would love a Disney Princess themed wedding. We are very happy together and are looking forward to the future.
“We make a good team and will always stand up for each other.”
A spokeswoman for SBH Scotland said: “The charity offer support to those people in Scotland affected by the life-long, complex disabilities of spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus.
“The charity need to raise £1million every year to continue the crucial services they provide to more than 3500 people in Scotland, just like Greg and Megan.”