Able-bodied Kristina Chetcuti spent a day in a wheelchair to test how disabled-friendly public areas were, but found cultural issues were more worrying than infrastructural ones.

Getting around on wheels was difficult enough, but the worst part was people’s reactions.

For example, getting on a bus was relatively straightforward once an ex-Arriva bus arrived - the old ones are not equipped for wheelchairs.

When she asked about the fare, the driver politely said she was exempted.

"This did not go down well with some, and across the aisle a woman politicises the issue: “Ara veru m’għandhomx għax igergru taħt dal-gvern ta! B’xejn!”

"When things calm down, the two women opposite start discussing my life and what my tragedy could be – as if I’m a painting on a wall."

There was a sharp difference in attitude: while Maltese people pretended not to see her, or else gave a forbearing look and turned away, foreigners approached and ask if she needed practical help.

See an account of the whole experience on The Sunday Times of Malta or the e-paper on timesofmalta.com Premium.