The growing visibility of young women using walking sticks and wheelchairs has sparked a viral debate about invisible disabilities and chronic illness, particularly after a controversial newspaper column questioned their need for these aids.
In August 2026, writer Kathleen Stock published an opinion piece in The Times titled “Why are young women using walking sticks?”, reportedly suggesting that online subcultures could be encouraging some young women to identify as disabled.
The column prompted intense backlash from disabled people, medical professionals, and advocacy groups, who argued that questioning people’s mobility needs based on their appearance overlooks how chronic illnesses affect the body.
