![Living in Mumbai With a Disability [Including London & NYC]](http://allthingsendometriosis.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/living-with-disability-mumbai.png)
What is it like living in Mumbai with a disability? How was it to spend time in London and New York with a disability? How do people behave? What’s the accessibility like? Are there any good doctors?… I’ll answer all this and more in this post…
Please Note: Everything I speak about here is my personal experience and I’m not pitting any city/country against each other. Every city has its own pain points and systems that make it easier.
In my last post, which was my podcast titled: The Art of Being Angry, I spoke about how I moved to Mumbai from London 15 years ago – while recording that podcast, I realised that I haven’t spoken about what it’s like to live in Mumbai with a disability… so now I will…
15 years ago, I was 21.
At that point I had only been diagnosed with endometriosis and PCOS.
My legs did hurt, but I hadn’t had the massive Ehlers-Danlos syndrome attack which took place in 2015 that got me on to a wheelchair and eventually onto using walking sticks making me visibly disabled.
I hadn’t really experienced living in London with a physical visible disability at that point, but I did spend a few months in 2017 there and I spent a few months in New York in 2019 – which is why I’ll also explain some of my experiences from there as well.
Accessibility in Mumbai
With inconsistent pavements and rubble around, Mumbai isn’t a walkable city for sure. Yes you will have beautiful promenades at Marine Drive, but that’s the most consistency in side-walks you’ll get (well, it’s very consistent, but the rest of Mumbai is far from close to such quality).
View this post on Instagram
What Mumbai does need is smoother pavements with nothing blocking it like a car, a scooter or a random small cubicle type shop, which is why many times abled people resort to walking on the road because the pavements are the way they are.
So there is no way a person on a wheelchair can expect to be independent by stepping out, but thankfully I can because I use walking sticks – but genuinely it’s not ideal.
Most old colonial buildings don’t have step free access, and sadly despite their being rules in place, many new buildings don’t either – so whether it’s a café, a movie theatre or a government building (some have tried making modifications) – I’m constantly having to negotiate steps, which is why going to watch a movie is a huge dislike now.
Malls are all accessible, their entry, the washrooms, escalators, elevators – it’s all there so if I’ve ever needed to go shopping, malls are so much better than individual shops on the street. Also, malls provide wheelchairs too – which I haven’t needed to use yet but it’s a facility that’s available.
I need to make sure that all my days out are planned based accessibility so I can pace myself and also assess the possible pain levels I may have to endure later.
O’ I almost forgot to mention… If I’ve needed to cross a busy Mumbai road, I obviously wait for the green man to come on before I walk, but yet, to make sure no one breaks the traffic lights, I have seen traffic police stand in front of the traffic to make sure I can pass – it’s a really nice gesture and shows that there are people out there who take pride in their responsibility.
Here’s a video I made on the importance of us taking responsibility on the right to access in India:
Transportation Accessibility in Mumbai
I don’t use public transport because I don’t need to, but I would avoid it because there isn’t a system in place for getting onto a bus or the local train – everything needs you take steps – although in a local train there is a handicap coach which requires a medical certificate from a railway official but Mumbai is a very populated city and everyone is in a rush, so I’d never feel safe to give it a go.
At least with the metro service there are escalators and elevators but I haven’t used the metro since having to use walking sticks – but maybe one day, I’ll attempt it.
I also struggle getting into a rikshaw because you have to climb in – plus rides in them are not great for the back – unless it’s a short distance.
Here’s a throwback image of when I modelled in TV commercials and shot an advert in a rikshaw for Nokia’s then new navigator phone:
View this post on Instagram
Regular taxis and Uber are my saviours – although more expensive than the other options, they are the safest and most accessible for me.
But frankly I don’t need to step out for the basics – the only thing I HAVE to step out for is the doctors.
All bills can be paid online, everything can be delivered home, including vegetables, groceries and medicines. If I have essential bank work, medical insurance claims or any such thing and can’t step out – someone will come home from those respective offices and take the required paperwork.
Mumbai is a very service oriented city – anything can come home.
Accessibility in London & New York
London and New York are filled with listed building – buildings that are preserving history and therefore lack accessibility. But because there are so many such places, it can be very tough to avoid stairs.
Outside many New York shops there are these automated ramps and stair lifts, but for that, you need to ring the store bell and someone will come out to assist you with it, whereas instead of such fancy-ness they could put a standard ramp in many of these places which would not only help those with disabilities but those who have kids in strollers too!
The same goes for some of the transportation in these two cities…
I just love how London buses have the ability to kneel down to pavement levels and also have ramps which make it easier to get on – I haven’t experienced New York buses to be able to judge.
London black cabs are very expensive, but they have the ramp and space to fit in a wheelchair user. New York cabs now have larger yellow cabs added to their standard fleet that provide accessibility.
The issue I see most with both London and New York is with their tube/train system.
Majority of the stations are older – some are even listed stations and so they lack step free access, and even if you do get to the train platform, there can be a really large gap between platform and train. There are many in England that have been campaigning for trains and platforms to be on the same level rather than the trains being higher.
Accessing Healthy Food in Mumbai
Considering India is a country that is rich in agriculture, all sorts of vegetables, spices, flours and non-dairy milk are easily available in Mumbai. And it’s been very affordable for me to be able to make the switch to such foods that work better for my condition.
And like I said earlier, anything I want is delivered home.
There are loads of organic, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan cafes in Mumbai as well and I really enjoy discovering them.
I’ve even written a post about my favourite ones.
Helpful Read:
- 7+ Mumbai Cafes Serving Gluten-Free & Catering to My Endometriosis & EDS Diet
- My Diet for Endometriosis & Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Another bonus about living in India is house help. It’s affordable to get someone to do the dishes, clean the house and even cook for you. These can be part-time helpers or full time.
You’re not having to do everything on your own and that’s a huge help and a blessing.
![Living in Mumbai With a Disability [Including London & NYC]](http://allthingsendometriosis.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ATE-banners-for-headings.png)
Accessing Healthy Food in London & New York
Both these cities are great for quality food – whether it’s cooking at home or stepping out to get something that suits my diet – it’s never been a problem.
How do Abled People React to a Disabled Person in Mumbai?
Sad but true, the general public in India are not used to seeing someone with a disability going about their day in cafés, offices and on the street – it’s just not standard.
Since roads and overall infrastructure do not provide equal accessibility then the abled public won’t see a lot of people with disabilities who are looking to live an independent life. For all cities in general, we need to be sensitised to those with visible disabilities and that can only happen when we create spaces that are accessible for all.
I’ve walked into restaurants, cafes, banks, shops… where people just stop and stare… I even did an IGTV video for someone’s Instagram explaining my plight!
In case you wish to see that IGTV video the link is here:
View this post on Instagram
Some days I smile – some days I stare back – some days when people have stared far too long and keep looking up and down and give me sorry looks, I tell them off… but most days, I ignore it.
All this is worse on days the taping is visible on my legs – so usually I keep it covered as the air conditioning is too strong in most places which just adds to my pain.
On a positive note, it’s nice when random people help, open doors for you or give you way when you’re walking or when a self-service café attendant serves you at your table, or when a street food guy gets you a chair – I know these are basic things, but it’s still nice – and none of these people who are helpful have this ‘I-feel-sorry-for-you’ look – they’re just being helpful.
How do People React to a Disabled Person in London & New York?
I believe there is more sensitisation in comparison to Mumbai when seeing disabled people around in London or New York, but yet you still get some odd weird looks – people looking (overly) curiously as to what’s wrong with you – I just wonder if they realise that their staring is pretty obvious?!
So yes, it happens in London and New York too, but it’s definitely worse in Mumbai.
The oddest experience I had in New York was when that particular day, my jaw was taped and I walked into a coffee shop – I was suddenly looked at as if I was weird or probably from out of space. The person serving looked flustered and conscious and nope, I wasn’t helped to the table with my cup of tea and cake either.
People in general are weary but I hope over time this changes.
Doctors & Physiotherapists for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in Mumbai
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is seen as a rare condition but more than it being rare – it is rarely diagnosed.
Luckily, I have a brilliant rheumatologist in Mumbai who managed to figure out what was wrong with me. She has been the most open minded, kind and informative doctor that I have ever met – and very importantly, she is willing to learn more to help me more.
She is forever talking to others about my case in the hope to find insights that may make life easier for me.
Most importantly, she trusts me.
In the same hospital as my rheumatologist, I have a really understanding physiotherapist. He hadn’t treated anyone with EDS before, but has made efforts to know more and handle me with utmost care.
He has introduced me to taping properly, wax therapy, aqua therapy, manual therapy, pelvic floor therapy, resistance bands – all keeping my hypermobility in mind.
And thankfully this hospital isn’t too far from home.
As for medical insurance, five to six years ago, my medical insurance company did not cover my outpatient appointments (it only covered hospitalisation) but now it does cover a certain percentage of it which does help (although we would all wish for our insurances to cover more but I’m quite glad I get some support). 🙂
Relevant Read:
- My Experience: Treatments to Manage Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
- My Journey: Being Diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
In case you’re interesting in taping then here’s how mine is done:
Doctors & Physiotherapists for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in London
I haven’t met a physiotherapist in London, but I did see a specialist doctor at the London Hypermobility Unit to get a confirmation of my diagnosis.
It was a private consultation which was not covered by my Indian medical insurance company, but the money spent was worth it (in case you’re interested, the consultation cost was £300 in 2017).
A confirmation in diagnosis provides an immense amount of confidence and stops the crazy search to know what’s wrong, so the money spent for that peace of mind was worth it not only for me, but for my family, doctors and to help pave a treatment plan.
I was treated with a lot of care as the doctor heard me out and then performed some tests. Later, I was emailed what was discussed in my consultation so that I too have a record of it.
I haven’t experienced being treated in New York for EDS so I can’t say anything about it.
Government Help for Disabilities in India
A couple of years ago the Government of India started a ‘Person of Disability’ registration and eventually they’re to go through all those registered state by state providing a unique identification card to each person confirmed to have a disability.
I believe anyone with a disability should have an identification to help them get recognised and to avail of any government schemes. To know more about Government of India schemes and benefits, click here.
The only reason I have registered for this is to have proof of being recognised by the government – it may just help me later on in terms of travel or taxes but I guess I will only know more once the disability ID is issued. But really, it’s just to be recognised.
(I’m not aware of how the councils and states in London & New York work when it comes to disabilities, so I’m not including it here as I’ve not experienced it myself.)
So overall, Mumbai has its issues, but it gives me great medical care and access to most things right at home along with house help too. But I am privileged to be receiving all this – most with disabilities are not and I hope that changes not just in Mumbai but all over the world because many aren’t being treated too fairly. I hope more work-from-home opportunities open up helping us stay away from spaces that don’t provide accessibility.
Thank you for making it to the end and reading through – it means a lot.
If you would like to share your city experiences or have specific questions about what I’ve written… or just want to drop a comment then please do in the comments section below.
If you’re a social media person, then you can follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. I am a patient and have created this platform to share my experiences. This is all purely informative and in no way am I providing medical advice. Please consult a medical professional.
It’s really interesting learning about your diversity of experiences in different places, I’ve only lived in one city since I became disabled. I’ve been to NYC (and was not impressed with its accessibility), but it was cool to learn about London and Mumbai.
As a Londoner, I think things have got a little better with public transport in recent years. It’s definitely far from perfect but a lot of train and tube stations now have lifts down the platforms, which is good. But as you say, many are listed buildings so it is more difficult for them to be upgraded.
What a helpful post! It brings awareness and help to those who are dealing with issues you talk about here. I love, too, that you share without resignation, strong in who you are. This helps others to get to that same place in themselves.
There are very similar issues (if not the same) where I live in Michigan, so while this is about Mumbai, this post really can help bring awareness throughout the world.
I love reading about cultural differences whether about disability or not. This was great insight into public healthcare worldwide. Thank you!