From my very first folk club , back in 1968 , there have been "different" members. I am sure that most clubs have the blind member or two on their books; thank God they are usually treated as anyone else in our environment. Some people just have a slowness about them and and seem to live slightly apart from the main stream. The re-assuring regular faces at the folk club must be a relief from comments and stares which must greet them daily. Many clubs have a regular member with what today we call severe learning difficulties (a phrase I find insulting in itself by the way).
Yes sometimes these people can be disruptive, but thank your stars that you only have to put up with them for a few hours at most - a sensitive carer will usually take the more disruptive home early. Meanwhile, almost without exception, in my experience they contribute joy by radiating the sheer enjoyment of the music. I make no apology for referring again to our great "Family of Folk", all these individuals are just that, individuals. They are probably part of a loving, caring family and as far as I am concerned a valuable part of "Our" family.

Andy