‘Face mask exempt’ badges aim to reduce disabled people being challenged and judged
A charity is aiming to reduce the chance of disabled people being challenged for not wearing a face mask by creating simple and effective badges communicating their exemption to others.
Disabled access review site Euan’s Guide has produced ‘face mask exempt badges’ which are available to order online for those who are unable to wear a mask.
According to the charity, the motivation behind the badges is to make people feel more comfortable visiting places where the majority of people will be wearing face coverings.
It comes as face covering policies across the UK were updated last month, mandating the use of face masks in certain settings.
In England, it is now a legal requirement to wear a face covering when travelling on public transport, as well as encouraging the use of face coverings in enclosed public spaces, such as small shops.
In Scotland, face coverings are also mandatory on public transport and public transport premises.
Both England and Scotland, however, allow for exemptions in specific cases, including if the person has a disability that means they cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering.
In Wales and Northern Ireland, there is no mandatory requirement to wear face coverings.
The aim of the badges is to quickly signal to others why that individual is not wearing a mask, reducing the chances of being judged or questioned.
Research from Disability Rights UK noted that 60 per cent of people who cannot wear a face covering fear being challenged for not wearing one – something the charity says was it was hearing from its users.
“We know how upsetting it can be to be confronted by a stranger and so our hope is that our badges will do the talking on your behalf,” says Euan’s Guide.
The simple badges contain just the charity’s logo, website address, along with the clear and concise message: “face mask exempt.”
With a limited number of face masks exempt badges available to order free of charge, the charity is requesting people only order as many as they need and is also asking for donations to help cover the cost of production.
“Donating helps us cover some of the costs involved,” says the charity.
“It is costing us £10 to send out badges to five people, so if you can pay it forward you will help ensure we can keep offering badges for longer.”
