Last post Sun, Jun 01 2008 6:49 PM by Shygirlwithtats. 16 replies.
HI GUYS
I AM TRYING TO ANSWER SOME QUESTIONS OF DISABILITY. IT'S AN ARTICLE FOR MY PSYCHOLOGY CLASS PEASE HELP.....
Age
Gender
Disability
Is your disability acquired? If so when?
What type of barrier bothers you most?
Lowest 1 2 3 4 5 Highest
Physical
Self imposed
Social
If you encounter someone looking at you do you...
a. pretend you didn't notice
b. stare back without speaking
c. try to talk to them
Who do you find has a more difficult time dealing with disabled people?
a. children
b. parents
c. both
Do you think other's expectations shape your performance in school or the workplace?
Yes/No
Positive/ Negative
Do you find the term handicap derogatory?
Have you ever been given money by a stranger who assumed you were asking for money
0
1-2
3-4
5 or more times?
When strangers try to help you do you find it hinders or makes you uncomfortable?
Always
Almost always
Sometimes
Rarely
Never
If your disability could disappear would you do it?
Most of your relationships have been with disabled/non disabled partners?
What is your opinion about having children?
You are a parent
Some day
Undecided
If you have a physical disability...
Do you find the part(s) of your body affected by your disability less attractive?
When dating, do you find that you focus on that physical aspect of your partner more/ less?
If you use a mobility aid do you decorate it or choose the best looking style?
THANX
female
47
stroke
amputee
strokes 1997 and 2004
amputee 2007
5
4
NO
IM A PARENT
YES
A
C
SOMETIMES
violeta240: Age 46 Gender Male Disability CP Is your disability acquired? If so when? Ya, picked it up at Target, It was on sale. Actually, it was from birth. What type of barrier bothers you most? Lowest 1 2 3 4 5 Highest Physical 2 Self imposed 5, Can I use 10? Social 2 If you encounter someone looking at you do you... a. pretend you didn't notice Who do you find has a more difficult time dealing with disabled people? d. None Do you think other's expectations shape your performance in school or the workplace? Yes Positive/ Negative Do you find the term handicap derogatory? Neither, I don't really put that much thought into it. Have you ever been given money by a stranger who assumed you were asking for money 0 Never and wouldn't accept it. When strangers try to help you do you find it hinders or makes you uncomfortable? Sometimes, but I just will usually think them and move on. If your disability could disappear would you do it? When I was younger I'd say Yes, Now, I think it's made me a better person. Most of your relationships have been with disabled/non disabled partners? None What is our opinion about having children? Making them is fun. But if you cannot physically and financially care for them yourself, you shouldn't have them. You are a parent Foster parent If you have a physical disability... Do you find the part(s) of your body affected by your disability less attractive? Nope. When dating, do you find that you focus on that physical aspect of your partner more/ less? No If you use a mobility aid do you decorate it or choose the best looking style? Just the cleanest best looking crutches. But it's not a deal breaker. As long as they work.
Age 46
Gender Male
Disability CP
Is your disability acquired? If so when? Ya, picked it up at Target, It was on sale. Actually, it was from birth.
Physical 2
Self imposed 5, Can I use 10?
Social 2
d. None
Yes
Neither, I don't really put that much thought into it.
0 Never and wouldn't accept it.
Sometimes, but I just will usually think them and move on.
If your disability could disappear would you do it? When I was younger I'd say Yes, Now, I think it's made me a better person.
Most of your relationships have been with disabled/non disabled partners? None
What is our opinion about having children?
Making them is fun. But if you cannot physically and financially care for them yourself, you shouldn't have them.
You are a parent Foster parent
Do you find the part(s) of your body affected by your disability less attractive? Nope.
When dating, do you find that you focus on that physical aspect of your partner more/ less? No
If you use a mobility aid do you decorate it or choose the best looking style? Just the cleanest best looking crutches. But it's not a deal breaker. As long as they work.
violeta240: HI GUYS I AM TRYING TO ANSWER SOME QUESTIONS OF DISABILITY. IT'S AN ARTICLE FOR MY PSYCHOLOGY CLASS PEASE HELP..... Age 28 Gender F Disability CP Is your disability acquired? If so when? Birth or pre-birth What type of barrier bothers you most? Lowest 1 2 3 4 5 Highest Physical 5 ++++ Self imposed 2 Social 3 The physical limits are by far the worst thing about my disability!!! Next is social and accessibility is a distant third If you encounter someone looking at you do you... a. pretend you didn't notice b. stare back without speaking c. try to talk to them Who do you find has a more difficult time dealing with disabled people? a. children b. parents c. both d, Elderly, people of my grandparents generation Do you think other's expectations shape your performance in school or the workplace? Yes/No-I don't let em. Positive/ Negative Do you find the term handicap derogatory? Nope-I have WAY bigger things to worry about Have you ever been given money by a stranger who assumed you were asking for money 0 1-2-I was just wheeling down the sidewalk and this guy gives me a 20, tried to refuse but he just drove off, who said there's no such thng as a free lunch. 3-4 5 or more times? When strangers try to help you do you find it hinders or makes you uncomfortable? Always Almost always-usally I just want to be left the hell alone!! Now if I am bleeding AND un-conscience OR screaming rape-yea please step in but other then that LEAVE ME ALONE! (Unless you're a cute guy and I am trying to wheel up a hill in 100 + degrees) Sometimes Rarely Never If your disability could disappear would you do it? Hell yes!!!!!!!! You know it baffles my mind that ANY one would say no to this one...It's like asking a 25 y.o. do you want to get cancer at 50 spend the next decade of your life either kinda sick or really sick and worried about money, family, then die. OR Do you want to be 95, pay 18 holes, go out to eat with freinds, go home and go to sleep and not wake up? What's there to debate????? Who would you want raising your kid-Jose & Kitty Menendez OR the most loving, kind couple you know- What's there to debate????? Most of your relationships have been with disabled/non disabled partners? Both What is your opinion about having children? If you cannot care for a child finacially, physically and emontionally care for a child-you should not have em. I cannot physically care for a small child, so I would not have one. You are a parent Some day Undecided My goal is to be a foster parent for older teens but I am a long way from that. If you have a physical disability... Do you find the part(s) of your body affected by your disability less attractive? Umm-Hate that I have a hard time makeing my hair look good, hard time doing mackup, my cloths alwys get stained, shoes always get scuffed When dating, do you find that you focus on that physical aspect of your partner more/ less? N/A If you use a mobility aid do you decorate it or choose the best looking style? Hell no to the first, yes of course to the second.
Age 28
Gender F
Birth or pre-birth
Physical 5 ++++
Self imposed 2
Social 3
The physical limits are by far the worst thing about my disability!!! Next is social and accessibility is a distant third
d, Elderly, people of my grandparents generation
Yes/No-I don't let em.
Nope-I have WAY bigger things to worry about
1-2-I was just wheeling down the sidewalk and this guy gives me a 20, tried to refuse but he just drove off, who said there's no such thng as a free lunch.
Almost always-usally I just want to be left the hell alone!! Now if I am bleeding AND un-conscience OR screaming rape-yea please step in but other then that LEAVE ME ALONE! (Unless you're a cute guy and I am trying to wheel up a hill in 100 + degrees)
If your disability could disappear would you do it? Hell yes!!!!!!!!
You know it baffles my mind that ANY one would say no to this one...It's like asking a 25 y.o. do you want to get cancer at 50 spend the next decade of your life either kinda sick or really sick and worried about money, family, then die. OR Do you want to be 95, pay 18 holes, go out to eat with freinds, go home and go to sleep and not wake up? What's there to debate?????
Who would you want raising your kid-Jose & Kitty Menendez OR the most loving, kind couple you know- What's there to debate?????
Both
If you cannot care for a child finacially, physically and emontionally care for a child-you should not have em. I cannot physically care for a small child, so I would not have one.
My goal is to be a foster parent for older teens but I am a long way from that.
Umm-Hate that I have a hard time makeing my hair look good, hard time doing mackup, my cloths alwys get stained, shoes always get scuffed
N/A
Hell no to the first, yes of course to the second.
Age 42
Disability Cerebral Palsy
Is your disability acquired? If so when? No I was born this way
What type of barrier bothers you most? hieghts
If you encounter someone looking at you do you... try to talk to them
Who do you find has a more difficult time dealing with disabled people? Adults
Do you think other's expectations shape your performance in school or the workplace? No
In a way, I like the term cripple I can take it as a joke more often
Have you ever been given money by a stranger who assumed you were asking for money NO
When strangers try to help you do you find it hinders or makes you uncomfortable? it hinders me from doing what I need to do when I fall to get myself up..
HELL NO, it's part of who I am
No havent had a disabled in my life since the mid 1980's
I have 3 of the best girls I could ever wish for
No
My wife is Hotter than Hot!!
If you use a mobility aid do you decorate it or choose the best looking style? Don't use any really
violeta240:Age 58 Gender M Disability Neuropathy Is your disability acquired? If so when? It's acquired and progressive due cervical deterioration What type of barrier bothers you most? Stairs, climbing & uneven surfaces Lowest 1 2 3 4 5 Highest Physical 5 Self imposed 1 Social 2 If you encounter someone looking at you do you... a. pretend you didn't notice b. stare back without speaking c. try to talk to them Who do you find has a more difficult time dealing with disabled people? a. children b. parents c. both Do you think other's expectations shape your performance in school or the workplace? Yes Positive/ Negative Do you find the term handicap derogatory? No Have you ever been given money by a stranger who assumed you were asking for money 0 1-2 3-4 5 or more times? When strangers try to help you do you find it hinders or makes you uncomfortable? Always Almost always Sometimes Rarely Never If your disability could disappear would you do it? No Most of your relationships have been with disabled/non disabled partners? What is your opinion about having children? You are a parent Some day Undecided If you have a physical disability... Do you find the part(s) of your body affected by your disability less attractive? NO When dating, do you find that you focus on that physical aspect of your partner more/ less? If you use a mobility aid do you decorate it or choose the best looking style? Yes
Age 58
Gender M
Disability Neuropathy
Is your disability acquired? If so when? It's acquired and progressive due cervical deterioration
What type of barrier bothers you most? Stairs, climbing & uneven surfaces
Physical 5
Self imposed 1
Do you find the term handicap derogatory? No
If your disability could disappear would you do it? No
Do you find the part(s) of your body affected by your disability less attractive? NO
If you use a mobility aid do you decorate it or choose the best looking style? Yes
35 years old / female/ myotonic muscular dystrophy/ adolescent onset / physical barriers/a/c/ retire/somtimes yes/ non disabled/ have one son I hope answering this has helped you but disabilities covers a wide range of people with hundreds of different problems mine has not changed my looks much my eyes droop some you cansee that on my profile (eeyoreaim) I have recently started see somebody with a similiar disability and it seems to work better because we undestand the others limitations and i have been looking at prettier canes but am too cheap to buy one at this tim. I do not focas on my partners disability and he doesnt mine i just eanted to write thid to let you know your survey is cut & dry disabilities atren't
violeta240: HI GUYS I AM TRYING TO ANSWER SOME QUESTIONS OF DISABILITY. IT'S AN ARTICLE FOR MY PSYCHOLOGY CLASS PEASE HELP..... Age 48 Gender Female Disability Right below-the-knee amputee Is your disability acquired? If so when? Yes, after cancer surgery on January 3, 2005. What type of barrier bothers you most? Lowest 1 2 3 4 5 Highest Physical 5 Self imposed 1 Social 1 If you encounter someone looking at you do you... a. pretend you didn't notice Who do you find has a more difficult time dealing with disabled people? b. parents Do you think other's expectations shape your performance in school or the workplace? Don't work or go to school. Do you find the term handicap derogatory? No Have you ever been given money by a stranger who assumed you were asking for money 0 When strangers try to help you do you find it hinders or makes you uncomfortable? Rarely If your disability could disappear would you do it? If I could grow a leg back, you bet. Most of your relationships have been with disabled/non disabled partners? No What is your opinion about having children? Already had them, they are 16 and 18. You are a parent See above. If you have a physical disability... Do you find the part(s) of your body affected by your disability less attractive? Yes When dating, do you find that you focus on that physical aspect of your partner more/ less? I'm already married. If you use a mobility aid do you decorate it or choose the best looking style? I have a bright blue cane that I picked for it's color. I put a sticker on it with my name and a flower on it, because I left it at the hospital one day when visiting my mother there. I also have a cane made of Tennessee grape vine that a man gave to me one day after I had commented on how cool it was. He just gave it to me and walked away. Really cool. I love that cane. It has a whorled or twisted part near the bottom, that looks like a spiral staircase. I use this cane the most. THANX
Age 48
Gender Female
Disability Right below-the-knee amputee
Is your disability acquired? If so when? Yes, after cancer surgery on January 3, 2005.
Social 1
If you encounter someone looking at you do you... a. pretend you didn't notice
Who do you find has a more difficult time dealing with disabled people? b. parents
Do you think other's expectations shape your performance in school or the workplace? Don't work or go to school.
Have you ever been given money by a stranger who assumed you were asking for money 0
When strangers try to help you do you find it hinders or makes you uncomfortable? Rarely
If your disability could disappear would you do it? If I could grow a leg back, you bet.
Most of your relationships have been with disabled/non disabled partners? No
What is your opinion about having children? Already had them, they are 16 and 18.
You are a parent See above.
Do you find the part(s) of your body affected by your disability less attractive? Yes
When dating, do you find that you focus on that physical aspect of your partner more/ less? I'm already married.
If you use a mobility aid do you decorate it or choose the best looking style? I have a bright blue cane that I picked for it's color. I put a sticker on it with my name and a flower on it, because I left it at the hospital one day when visiting my mother there. I also have a cane made of Tennessee grape vine that a man gave to me one day after I had commented on how cool it was. He just gave it to me and walked away. Really cool. I love that cane. It has a whorled or twisted part near the bottom, that looks like a spiral staircase. I use this cane the most.
OK, but you have to show us the article!Age 32Gender MDisability T-6 paraIs your disability acquired? If so when?Yep, Dec, 1993 What type of barrier bothers you most?Lowest 1 2 3 4 5 HighestPhysical 4Self imposed 5Social 1I have the most actual trouble with physical barriers. But whenever I find myself artificially limiting myself in some way - and it doesn't happen often - it really, really pisses me off.
If you encounter someone looking at you do you...a. pretend you didn't noticeb. stare back without speakingc. try to talk to themThis question/answer structure is flawed for this question. Multiple choice imposes a mutual exclusivity that does not exist in the real world in this particular scenario. The answer is d. any of the above or something else entirely depending on the situation and the people involved. Sorry, but this is a badly posed question that probably won't help you gain any relevant knowledge. Who do you find has a more difficult time dealing with disabled people?a. childrenb. parentsc. bothParents/adults - the kids are more free of preconceptions and notions of what might or might not be appropriate. Their responses are genuine representations of their perceptions. Do you think other's expectations shape your performance in school or the workplace?Yes/NoPositive/ NegativeYes, but no more than before I was paralyzed.+/- Mostly positive. If their expectations are high, I aim to validate them. If they're low, I aim to make them think twice about underestimating me.Do you find the term handicap derogatory?No. Here watch this: Handicapped, disabled, person with a disability, crippled, differently abled, handicapable - never once did my condition change. I've heard people say "handicap" with respect just as I've heard "person with a disability" spoken with derision. It's the person providing the term's intent, not the term itself I find derogatory or not.Have you ever been given money by a stranger who assumed you were asking for moneyHaha, no. They would've gotten slapped. When strangers try to help you do you find it hinders or makes you uncomfortable?Sometimes. When people try to help me transferring in or out of my chair it can actually be dangerous for me. Again, it depends on the situation and the person's approach. If I clearly need a hand and someone offers it, I'm grateful and say so.
If your disability could disappear would you do it?In a heartbeat. Most of your relationships have been with disabled/non disabled partners?Assuming you mean romantic relationships, non-disabled, other than their mental psychoses. What is your opinion about having children?You are a parentSome dayUndecidedAren't your provided answers statements of fact rather than opinions? My opinion about having children is it's generally a good thing as it serves to perpetuate our species, though it does contribute to crime. The fact of my circumstance regarding children is I do not currently have children, and am undecided as to whether or not I someday will. If you have a physical disability...Do you find the part(s) of your body affected by your disability less attractive?Yes. Subjectively and objectively.When dating, do you find that you focus on that physical aspect of your partner more/ less?On which physical aspect? Do you mean just in general? If so, then I focus on the physical aspect less now, though I think that's more a function of my maturing than a response to my disability. If you use a mobility aid do you decorate it or choose the best looking style?Well, I certainly didn't go through the catalog and say, "Hey that one's frickin' ugly! That's the one for me!" My priorities when purchasing a new wheelchair are balanced between functionality, cost & style.
Age 34
Is your disability acquired? If so when? Birth. Got worse in my late 20's and worse again in my early 30's.
Physical 3
Social 4
If you encounter someone looking at you do you... A
Who do you find has a more difficult time dealing with disabled people? B
No. I decide my own expectations.
Do you find the term handicap derogatory? No.
Have you ever been given money by a stranger who assumed you were asking for money?
No.
Always hinders and makes me uncomfortable. But I try to be polite anyway, since they don't know they're making me uncomfortable.
No. I've always been this way, I'm used to it. I wouldn't want to have to adjust to a new way.
Most of your relationships have been with disabled/non disabled partners? Non Disabled.
Love it. I have 2 boys, ages 6 and 8. We want to have more kids once I get used to my recently lowered level of mobility.
Do you find the part(s) of your body affected by your disability less attractive? Yes. I wear pants whenever possible to cover up my legs.
When dating, do you find that you focus on that physical aspect of your partner more/ less? More. My lower legs have always been my weakest part, and I learned I could tell a lot about a man by looking at his calves and ankles.
Yes. I don't decorate it, but I did shop around until I found one that both looked good and had good function. Instead of a normal forearm crutch, I use a Strongarm that I found on this site: http://www.strongarmmobility.com/. I picked the copper-brown one, and I like how it matches a lot of my outfits. I also get a lot of comments on how cool-looking it is.
Age 37
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Is your disability acquired? No
They think I was born with it...but it manifestet at age 6
What type of barrier bothers you most? Attitudinal, physical, mobility
b. stare back without speaking B...at times
c. try to talk to them, if they approach me
Who do you find has a more difficult time dealing with disabled people? (people with disabilities) Adults
Do you think other's expectations shape your performance in school or the workplace? NO (thank God)
Do you find the term handicap derogatory? I see it as the obstacle one has due to disability...but, at times...depending on context
Have you ever been given money by a stranger who assumed you were asking for money? NO
When strangers try to help you do you find it hinders or makes you uncomfortable? At times, it hinders me.
If your disability could disappear would you do it? No...For me, it would be like me undoing being Black. It's who I am, apart of me...
Most of your relationships have been with disabled/non disabled partners? partners without disabilities
What is your opinion about having children? Some day
Do you find the part(s) of your body affected by your disability less attractive? It's affected by it. some of my scars aren't cute, but i can live with them. :)
When dating, do you find that you focus on that physical aspect of your partner more/ less? I don't focus on them.
If you use a mobility aid do you decorate it or choose the best looking style? No
I hope this helps....what's the premise of your research?
violeta240: Age 54 Gender Male Disability Polio, age 4, now arthritis, PPS Is your disability acquired? If so when? Yes, 1958 What type of barrier bothers you most? Lowest 1 2 3 4 5 Highest Physical 3 Self imposed 5 Social 4 If you encounter someone looking at you do you... a. pretend you didn't notice -- usually. Who do you find has a more difficult time dealing with disabled people? b. parents -- Kids often ask me to give them rides on my wheelchair. Only one adult has ever done that. Do you think other's expectations shape your performance in school or the workplace? Yes Depends on situation/setting. Positive at work, negatively when I encounter a real jack-ass. Do you find the term handicap derogatory? No Have you ever been given money by a stranger who assumed you were asking for money Yes. I often like to talk about things I want to do to improve my home, my castle. I constantly think about ways to improve things, yet when I talk about them people tend to want to "fix it" for me. That is absolutely NOT my intent. I just like to discuss my ideas, yet I have to be careful what I say and to whom I say it. For example, I was talking with a friend about things I could do to help me get up a hill into my backyard. I had a simple plan for a relatively inexpensive project. Next thing I knew, this friend had gone around to lots of our friends and (without my knowledge or consent) asked for donations of time and money. While I appreciated the help and the kindness, the finished project was far more than I needed to get the job done, and if he had only asked me first, I could have pointed out several things I needed much more than that expensive walkway. When strangers try to help you do you find it hinders or makes you uncomfortable? Almost always If your disability could disappear would you do it? No way. I don't like my handicap, but it has given me insight into myself and life in general that would be impossible to get any other way. I would refuse it if the choice is to have my current life, vs. never having had the disability in the first place. (Only if I could keep my life and loose the handicap today would my answer be YES) Most of your relationships have been with disabled/non disabled partners? Non disabled What is your opinion about having children? I am a parent. I was fortunate enough to have a good job and with my wife was able to provide physical, emotional, spiritual support for our children. If you have a physical disability... Do you find the part(s) of your body affected by your disability less attractive? For many years, yes. For the past 10 years or so, no. I wear shorts at every opportunity now, I wouldn't have been caught dead in them when I was 30. When dating, do you find that you focus on that physical aspect of your partner more/ less? N/A If you use a mobility aid do you decorate it or choose the best looking style? Both. All my equipment is heavily modified to suit me. Some call me the "red-neck roller-boy" THANX
Age 54
Disability Polio, age 4, now arthritis, PPS
Is your disability acquired? If so when? Yes, 1958
Self imposed 5
a. pretend you didn't notice -- usually.
b. parents -- Kids often ask me to give them rides on my wheelchair. Only one adult has ever done that.
Yes Depends on situation/setting. Positive at work, negatively when I encounter a real jack-ass.
Yes. I often like to talk about things I want to do to improve my home, my castle. I constantly think about ways to improve things, yet when I talk about them people tend to want to "fix it" for me. That is absolutely NOT my intent. I just like to discuss my ideas, yet I have to be careful what I say and to whom I say it. For example, I was talking with a friend about things I could do to help me get up a hill into my backyard. I had a simple plan for a relatively inexpensive project. Next thing I knew, this friend had gone around to lots of our friends and (without my knowledge or consent) asked for donations of time and money. While I appreciated the help and the kindness, the finished project was far more than I needed to get the job done, and if he had only asked me first, I could have pointed out several things I needed much more than that expensive walkway.
If your disability could disappear would you do it? No way. I don't like my handicap, but it has given me insight into myself and life in general that would be impossible to get any other way. I would refuse it if the choice is to have my current life, vs. never having had the disability in the first place. (Only if I could keep my life and loose the handicap today would my answer be YES)
Most of your relationships have been with disabled/non disabled partners? Non disabled
What is your opinion about having children? I am a parent. I was fortunate enough to have a good job and with my wife was able to provide physical, emotional, spiritual support for our children.
Do you find the part(s) of your body affected by your disability less attractive? For many years, yes. For the past 10 years or so, no. I wear shorts at every opportunity now, I wouldn't have been caught dead in them when I was 30.
When dating, do you find that you focus on that physical aspect of your partner more/ less? N/A
If you use a mobility aid do you decorate it or choose the best looking style? Both. All my equipment is heavily modified to suit me. Some call me the "red-neck roller-boy"
34, Female, Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida is a birth defect, thus acquired at birth
Bothersome barriers: Self-imposed (1), Physical (3), Social (5)
If a child is staring, I try to talk to them. If an adult is staring, I stare back, (if looks could kill...)
Parents definitely have the hardest time, children, like God, are differ-blind!
Depending on a person's outlook that you are associated with, can definitely hurt or heal your effectiveness. We tend to give people just exactly what we think they expect. And, as for the term "handicap", I am never handicapped unless my surroundings require me to be.
Growing up singing in church, I have been given lots of money because I allowed God to use me and it blessed others, but I don't think anyone has ever thought I was looking for them to give me money.
A stranger's "help" almost always makes me uncomfortable, and doesn't usually prove to be that helpful at all due to the fact that they usually do not know how to help. They usually have a good heart about it though!
I would not trade my disability for able-bodied life in the least. It has taught me many hard life-lessons and has made me who I am today! I have experienced a deeper sense of God's grace also than I think is available to able-bodied people.
I have only been in one relationship to the present. My fiance is also disabled, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Our bond is greater because we understand each other very deeply. Sometimes, even more than we tend to give each other credit for!
Chris and I will probably try to have children some day.
My legs and feet look funny to me, because I know they don't work. They are also malformed, but their perfect to God, Momma and Chris, and that's all that matters to me!
Chris has the same disability as I do. One time he asked me to rub his feet and I got all weird about it. I knew he couldn't feel it, but he said he enjoyed just knowing I was touching him. I did it as a love gesture, but didn't really get into it like I probably should have.
I don't worry so much about what my wheelchair looks like except color. It's gotta be a catchy color, because then I feel like I've got it going on anyway!
Hope this helps :-)
38
mild cp
physical-4
self imposed-5
social-5
stare back (with a smile)
children
no
slightly
almost always (stubbornly independant)
yes
non-disabled
I'm a parent
less
Gender female
Disability cp
Is your disability acquired? If so when? my disability is a birthday gift from god that was diagnosed at age 2 when I wasn't meeting "milestones".
a. pretend you didn't notice or tell them to take a picture cuz I won't be standing there too long-- the picture lasts longer.
a. children-if their parents teach them to just walk away, most of the time they just want to ask questions about the chair.
b. parents-- if they are closed minded
Yes- most of the time i feel like I have to continuously prove my abilities, I spend my time breaking others preconceived notions of people with disabilities. Most often I exceed their expectations and leave them with their chins on the floor. when they pull themselves together they apologize profusely for not giving me the benefit of the doubt, and thank me for changing their attitudes about people with disabilities. So I guess that's positive and negative.
Do you find the term handicap derogatory? YES, it's antiquated, incorrect and frankly nauseates me
No-- but I have had people stop their cars and ask if they could have permission to lay hands on me so they could pray for me to be healed. Then there's the all too frequent occurrance of when "good samaritans" are driving down the road and see me walking in my neighborhood and assume I'm in distress so they call police and EMS. that's happened about 4 times a year.. such a waste of civic funds
Depends on if I need or want help, but I'm always polite. I appreciate Acts of Random Kindness
I don't think so. Sure, there are aspects that I'd gladly give back to god, but overall, my disability is a part of me. for better or worse, I am who I am. I'm not sure I like me all the time with the CP I'm not sure I'd like me without the CP either. All I know is that it's like my skin color.. there are limits to what can be altered. I've accepted the CP as a part of me, it's not the entirity of the definition of me.
I don't limit myself to disabled or nondisabled partners.. If someone is interested in me I consider if I'm interested it him. If there's mutual interest we explore the relationship together.
That will ultimately depend on my partner, but as I'm not able to have children due to Ovarian and Uterine Cancer, adoption is the road that I need to take.
Not really. I think that everyone has some aspect of their body that they would hide or change if that were an option
What draws me into a relationship is my partner's mind and attitude and approach to life. then if I have to choose a physical trait I'm attracted to eyes.
I choose neutral or dark colors, usually black/blue. I like blue and I want people to focus on me and not my chair. I want my chair to blend in as much as possible.
