Do you interact with other disabled people in public?

I live in a medium-small city (less than 100k people) with very active public transit, which is how I get around. Since I became disabled and began strictly walking with a cane or other mobility device, I tend to chat with other disabled people pretty often in public. Especially if I see someone resting, I like to say something like “it’s so hard to get around in this heat when you can’t move so fast!” as I walk past them, and we often end up commiserating a bit or chatting about our days. It’s been lovely, actually! I get mostly ignored by people since I started using a cane which has been nice in some respects, and isolating in others.

Today I was hobbling to my bus stop per usual and a gentleman with a walker was absolutely SUFFERING in the heat waiting for the same line. We chatted a bit and sat next to each other once the bus arrived, and he wished me a safe walk home once my stop came up. It was a very small interaction, but it was really meaningful to me. (: I know people with disabilities are not a monolith so I can’t expect all of us to be nice back (and some have fully told me to fuck off, to which I say: mad respect, can do lmfao), but it seems like most other people who don’t get around so good are happy to have the interaction. And I am too!

Tell me about your experiences talking to other disabled (visibly or other wise) people in public!