General Disability Lifestyle

Posted on: Mon, Sep 1 2008 6:51 PM

Posted by: Lieslmcq Posts: 2,303

Good question. I had my job before I became disabled (technically), so that doesn't apply to  me. I often fear that my crutch has become a part of my identity which is scary because it might be harder to get rid of it.. And I definitely think I can get rid of it if I get off my ass and work at it.

I consider myself an activist in this way: I use disability in my classes to demonstrate ethical principles. I know many of my students would not have the opportunity to be confronted with disability so directly and it does change them or makes them think. I didn't do this before I was disabled, though. So, disability has helped define that part of my life.

Also, I am a better person for being disabled. I was never the kind of person who would misuse handicap parking spaces, nor would I even use the handicap stall in the bathroom if others were available; but I am far more aware of other peoples' differences and experiences than I was before being forced to accept limitations I had not previously had. It humbled me to a large extent. I am far, far less judgmental than I used to be. 

Posted on: Mon, Sep 1 2008 7:13 PM

Posted by: DSB Posts: 767

 Ah I would have to say I define what I am and I've always been sort of an activist, out going community involved person. The disabilities arrived one fast the rest real slow but pretty much the gimps is just stuff I deal with not unlike work, family issues or any other event in life. My gimps have really changed the people around me more then anthing else they can accept some simple facts about me and I usually define them as stupid gimp tricks not only because I laugh at myself sometimes when stuff happens at work on the street with a sense of humor it makes everything more approachable for them and I get to laugh and keep my diginity at the same time. But my gimp define me nope it a part of me.

Posted on: Mon, Sep 1 2008 7:57 PM

Posted by: unrepentantpigsnatcher2 Posts: 0

All the experiences in my life have shaped the person I am today including my disability.  I do believe that my challenges including disability have made me more compassionate.  Although many may not believe the sarcastic pig has compassion.  My disability has also made me more outspoken because when I became disabled many AB people patronized and marginalized me.  I fight the good fight to refrain from being unkind or unfair when I voice my thoughts or opinion and I always try to see the positive that can be made from a negative in any situation.  I believe my disability is also the predominant factor in seeing the positive no matter how bad things are.

Posted on: Mon, Sep 1 2008 8:15 PM

Posted by: DSB Posts: 767

 Very well put Ms. Pig all of life events do indeed make us into the people we are the good the bad the ugly and heart breaking events of life do make us what we all are today. I know I am not the same man I was when I was 21 that would be spooky to me to hold out and stay in that one spot. The same time I am not going to let the Disabled community tell me what I must say or do to be a ligit gimp including my choice of words or whom I may or may not get along with here. In short I've never sucked up and always spoke my mind expect those days when all that was required was yes or no sir. Was different back then :)

Posted on: Mon, Sep 1 2008 9:47 PM

Posted by: Lynn Posts: 1,035

If I were AB and not disabled I would be a very different person in many ways.  My MS has taught me patience.  I can get things done just not as fast or in the same way.  I wouldn't have as much compassion for others.  You can really know that each person is worthy of acceptance even if they look or act different or in a wc or on a respirator.  The physical body doesn't make us who we are.  Without having to learn this first hand I would have truly understood it. And many disabilities are invisible.  As for being an advocate, I know firsthand the horror of being in a nursing home and understand what it feels like to want to be in my own home.  I have protested and marched in Washington DC for the right of choice -our homes not nursing homes.  Being disabled makes me a more passionate activist and advocate.  Everyone should join ADAPT!!! 

Posted on: Tue, Sep 2 2008 9:48 AM

Posted by: Vinny Posts: 746

Being in a chair does not define me its just how I get around now. Would I be in colleg trying to get a degree in Psy, probably not well I should say absolutely not. Prior to my accident I had worked in the Oil and Gas industry for 30 + yrs. I have always had compassion and been an advocate for the ideas I believe in. Now I will be able to help people on a professional level. Great thread Tridog!

Stay Strong

Vinny  

Posted on: Thu, Sep 4 2008 3:50 PM

Posted by: Finetooner Posts: 496

Nice question, TriDog.....This is a portion of a blog I did awhile back and it best defines who I am and what shaped me, if you care to read........ 

It began back in 1956 at the age of 11 on a schoolyard in Sunnyvale, California. I was swinging from a high bar when I lost my grip. Reflexively, I put my right arm out to cushion my landing.  From about 10 feet up, my entire body weight caused my right elbow to literally explode.  I staggered to my feet and knew that I had injured myself badly.  I instinctively held my right arm straight out to inspect it. All I saw was a stump of red flesh and the jagged end of my humerus bone. I was horrified, thinking that I had torn my arm off at the elbow. (well I practically did)  I reached down and gently felt my totally numb and paralyzed forearm dangling like a pendulum, held on to my upper arm by the skin and flesh at the back of my elbow.  I had fractured my wrist in two places, my elbow joint had been broken in four places and the humerus had broken off just above that, shredding my elbow like a can opener.  Tanbark and dirt had been jammed into the gaping wound and I was bleeding profusely.  I spent three weeks in the hospital and endured 2 surgeries where my joint was pinned in two places and internal wiring reattached muscles and tendons. I battled a raging infection which caused me to come within hours of having my arm amputated.  Then, there was the issue of nerve trauma.  My main ulnar nerve miraculously had not been severed but unnaturally stretched over the injury site.

For almost a year, my arm would neither bend nor flex and it was paralyzed from the elbow down. My orthopedist suggested I take up bowling as a means to try and straighten my arm.  I did just that and it slowly straightened out.  I had some grip but could not extend my fingers or wrist.  This, too, slowly improved.  The only lingering effects of my injury now are some phantom sensations on the top of my forearm and the inability to fully bend my elbow. 

For over a year, I was a "guest amputee" unable to completely look after my own needs.  For an 11-year old boy, it was the height of frustration.  In that defining moment, I realized my vulnerability and the cold, sober fact that the disability community was the "joinable" minority.  While friends and classmates continued to either tease, shun, or riducule other children with disabilities, that behavior left me forever.

I had teetered on the abyss of permanent disability and had been pulled back. Later, due to a series of orthopedic incidents and a genetically pre-disposed syndrome in my feet and ankles, I now totally identify myself with the disabled community.  My admiration for this community grows as I read about and witness how those with disabilities draw up incredible stores of resourcefulness, creativity, patience, and humor to cope in a world where most are still kept on the periphery. 

Thanks for the opportunity to share.......