Disability discrimination..by the public.?

Question

I have a disability and live in chronic pain. I am so frustrated by how those of us with 'unseen' problems are treated.

Most disabilities are NOT obvious. It seems people expect them to be; be in a wheelchair, or one's mobility so impared it's obvious; then they 'approve'. How arrogant! I have only so much activity I can tolerate a day, so I have to conserve this.

A person's medical condition is b/n them and their Dr. I get dirty looks when I park in the handicap space, and ugly comments. 'It doesn't look like anything's wrong with you!',or 'You don't look handicapped to me'.

I couldn't walk a year ago. After intense treatment, I get about with strict limitations.Though I still live in chronic pain, it's worse when walking. I didn't care about my apprearance and was very depressed.
I finally improved on this, and appear 'normal'.I guess I should appear on death's door to qualifty to park here. (I use my hc tag)
All due respect, most in w.c.'s aren't in pain, so curb access

Sorry, rest of this question is in psychology category.

Basically why are people so judgemental, and how to better handle it?

Answer 1

I know some people can be so cruel. As long as you have a valid parking sticker don't worry what others think. I know that's hard to do but what else can you do. If you really want to get at them ask them what they are starring at or better yet say take a picture it might last longer. lol Good Luck!

Answer 2

Life is more pleasant when you learn to ignore the ignorant and teach the teachable. If you overhear someone making snide comments, point out the situation briefly ("My doctor suggested the handicapped permit because of the pain I have in my legs and back, but thank you for caring!")

There never will be perfect fairness to those with disabilities. You yourself dissed others with disabilities ("All due respect...") who I know need safe, accessible spots as much as anyone. There is no such thing as 'universal access'. Actually, chair users would be better served by parking spots off to a side with less traffic rather than right out there in the heaviest traffic spots on the lot.

As for your situation, frankly, if you can walk around freely in the store without help, I am unsure why a space a few stalls closer is necessary. I understand being in pain, and if you went in the store and immediately took a scooter, I'd be on your side. Otherwise, there is a large group of people who deserve a closer spot on about the same level of need as you have- people with respiratory distress, arthritis, pregnancy, bad hearts, etc.

We will never be able to draw that line perfectly fairly, andf the average public will never understand exactly why this is so challenging to do.

Answer 3

Sorry Deane, you've gone and got the same ignorance here, as in the above answer. Boy oh boy. She sure crawfished as we say down here! She's just a snipy spiteful person.

You don't have to defend or explain yourself to anyone and don't lower yourself to give them an answer. Ignore them or say something that makes YOU feel better.

You don't have to explain in detail your abilities or disabilities to anyone, as to how many feet you can walk and why or why not. Live your life.

She assumed you can sit better than you can walk. My son has a back problem that causes him to have to stand much more than sit. Some folks have said the same thing, not knowing what the heck they are talking about.

I have a back problem, and I tell you, every single foot I save walking that day equals one more foot I can use toward not lying in a bed.

I can walk each day about a total of a few hours.
If I save a total of 10 minutes walking during that day, between parking lots at each Drs offices, around huge hospitals, therapy, pharmacies, I can spend that time with my grandkids. Or I can stay up and join in a conversation with my family, not be miserable trying to hear it lying in the bedroom, feeling left out.
I can stand in the driveway a couple minutes and say Hi to my neighbors and feel almost like normal.

People, don't try to figure out what's wrong with someone. You're not judge and jury. Remember, you'll be judged on this behavior one day.

Answer 4

My dad had a disability you couldn't see; it was his heart & lungs, so he could walk fine but only a very short distance, as soon as he had to go even a little further he got out of breath. I don't think he cared too much about strangers but it did bother him sometimes that when friends visited him at home -and as long as he was just sitting in his chair you really couldn't hardly tell anything was wrong- they just didn't understand when he told them how he was doing, sometimes you could see they thought he was making it worse than it was, because after all sitting there he looked fine! It took even some close friends a long time to understand, that visual input is so contrary to what you're hearing... that did hurt... but from strangers I don't think he ever really cared, after all they do not know any better, he'll never meet them again, oh well...

My dad did park in normal parking when there was a free parking space close enough, but I think that was more out of consideration towards wheelchair users (who needed the extra-wide space in addition to being close to the store) rather than out of concern of what people thought, as long as he didn't have to walk far he could get in and out just fine... if you can get out of the car okay then you might consider that but if you do need the extra room so you can open your door wide and all without worrying about the car next to you, then by all means park in handicapped, it's your right. Let people think whatever they want to think and try not to let it bother you!

Answer 5

inner maximum faculties do no longer ought to handle each and every style of each and every incapacity. because of the fact they're certain by making use of the ADA, they only ought to offer 'life like lodging' for an in any different case qualified student. you're paying because you're able to right performing and retaining up with their curriculum and expectancies of 'sturdy student'. The smaller instructions and instructor interest are (probably) additionally going to be utilized by making use of scholars without gaining wisdom of disabilities. so which you does not be getting individualized help because of the fact of your incapacity. Public faculties are greater effective. right here, guy or woman practise plans could be designed for those with gaining wisdom of disabilities who want particular practise centers. If some thing does not paintings--the standard public college won't be able to kick you out. they should flow back, and devise yet another curriculum interior the section the place you do want added and individualized help (the IEP).

Answer 6

Hi i have a 10 year old son who was born with only one leg ,he wears an artifical limb so when he wears trousers you cant really notice only that he has a limp ,we have has countless agurments with people especially the old ******* when we park in a disabled spot as we have a badge for him ,the old folks seem to think cause they are old they should be the only ones parking there ,in short i have lost any respect for the old people and wouldnt piss on them if they were on fire ,sorry but the problems we have had with them and it is mostly the old ones ,people should look properly or learn to keep there mouths shut because one day they will do it to the wrong person.

Answer 7

I feel for you, because I know what it is like. It is the same as with mental illness.

I guess it is human nature to see visual proof for them to believe anyone is ill. It isn't fair, but then again, life isn't fair.

It is a good idea to bring awareness of your illness anywhere you go. Create a T-Shirt (or bumper stickers on your car) that says, "Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it isn't there" Or "Meet me and talk to me one-on-one, before you judge me".

I wish I knew what else to say, but I can't. People now-a-days are way too cynic to believe that there are still honest and good people around them.

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Stay away from anyone born under Sagittarius, and you'll have a better chance of not finding so many judgmental people, LOL

Answer 8

First off, congratulations on looking "normal" after not being able to walk at all.
Second of all, ignore those ignorant losers. It's not your job to prove anything to them.
If you must say something is return to these twits, you could say, "You don't look ignorant."