A MUM from Kilcreggan who is campaigning for changes to be made to disabled signs says she has been overwhelmed by the support she has received.

Bev Burns suffers from a hidden disability and is fed up getting dirty looks when she uses disabled toilets or parks in disabled bays.

The mum of three, who has constant pain as a result of fibromyalgia and other complications, says well meaning but misguided people think she looks normal and has no right to use disabled facilities.

Bev says the traditional disabled signs which carry a wheelchair logo are misleading because many people with disabilities do not always need to use a wheelchair.

As the Advertiser reported recently, Bev wants the signs to carry an A for ‘accessible’ or ‘adapted’ - indicating it is for those who have a need for specially adapted equipment or spaces.

Bev said this week: “Since the article was in the Advertiser the campaign has really taken off.

“My online petition now has more than 1,150 signatures and Jackie Baillie has managed to get a motion at the Scottish Parliament for the campaign so it looks like things are happening.

“I’m over the moon to see that there is hope to make this much needed change.

“I’ve also been in touch with a local business person who is willing to change signage in several of their businesses.”

Bev added: “On a personal level I have met so many other people suffering with similar issues as myself and benefited from their knowledge too.

“It’s amazing to think that a crazy idea I had in bed at 1am one morning when I couldn’t sleep has come to this in just a few weeks – and pretty much all from my bedroom!”

Now Bev is hoping to collaborate with a 12-year-old girl from Prestonpans who is running her own campaign after experiencing judgemental looks from strangers.

Grace Warnock, who suffers from Crohn’s disease, has received widespread acclaim for designing a new sign to show that not all disabilities are visible.

The sign shows a man and a woman with a wheelchair in the middle to show that the person is included.

There are also two hearts, the first to represent invisibility and the second to remind others to have a heart and not judge what can’t be seen.

Grace has already won praise and support from MSPs at the Scottish Parliament for her initiative.

Bev said: “Grace is a very inspiring young lady and I hope to share ideas with her as we are working towards a common goal.”

There is a link to Bev’s petition on her “Smiling Through” Facebook page.

You can also see Grace’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gracessign10/