Loads of my patients when I worked in stroke wanted crutches - because they "look young" - and I suspect also because of this exact thing

Yes absolutely! I think that is the crux of it

I'd use equality to in most UK contexts too fwiw - I think partly because of the way the Equality Act shaped language and policy here?

Oh amazing news! It's so so needed. I've seen a lot of issues through my work over the years. Landlords often decline even quite minor adoptions suggested by nhs trusts or social services. It's always seemed like discrimination towards disabled people to me. Fingers crossed it goes through 🤞