I believe that disabled people should get as much help as possible in coping with their disability.
IMHO, the charging for a wheelchair was wrong and Ryanair I feel have taken the wrong line in response to this result.
Personally, I would no longer provide any wheelchairs to anyone. People who required a wheelchair would have to bring their own - which we would not charge excess baggage for. If they don't bring their wheelchair and can't walk the distance then take the matter up with the airport who put the gates so far from check-in.
By simply not providing any wheelchairs Ryanair could have avoided this case.
Disabled people (or their friends and family) often have to purchase a wheelchair or at least pay part of the cost. Surely this decision makes it illegal for a wheelchair company to charge for supplying the wheelchair. - Free wheelchairs for all!!
Regards,
DFC