Sunday 12 October 2008

More to Prove

I'm curious tonight.  And I'm thinking.  The two together aren't necessarily the best thing ever but what can you do?!

I'm beginning to think that as a PWD I have to do more, overall, and try harder in order to prove myself.  Prove to others that I'm capable and able and a functioning member of society.  Because as much as things have changed there is still the assumption out there that being disabled means you are to be pitied and that you aren't capable.

The other day someone commented to me on some work that had been carried out on the path in front of my house.  I'd seen they were doing it but hadn't seen the specifics.  In fact they'd only done it that day so I'd avoided that area (fresh tarmac not being something I want my wheelchair on).  And I told them that, adding that I'd used my back door when I'd gone out that afternoon.  But their immediate response (despite the fact they know I volunteer) was to assume that I don't get out much and hadn't been out at all that week.

It took me a while to make them understand and I was getting a little bit snappy with them it must be said.

That and some other things have me thinking about how I have more to prove than able-bodied people and how it is automatically harder for me to do so.

I am curious though, does anyone else feel like that?

3 comments:

Christamae said...

Absolutely!! I always feel like I have to be 200% perfect for people to realize that I just might be capable. I never had that problem until I changed schools in 9th grade (Oklahoma). I was in gifted classes and at my first education meeting they wanted to put me in an enclosed special ed room. Then I had to prove to the choir teacher I could sing (despite having won medals at state). She did turn around and embrace my ability especially when I made state honor choir. Another year the special ed director and counselor tried to block me from taking honors classes. Only when my current teachers supported me was I allowed. Grrr. People always seem to assume things...Totally frustrating! I can sympathize.

Diane J Standiford said...

Often. I have become more disabled since age 33, so I know what being able-bodied is like. One EX: When I call the police to complain about, drug dealers outside my window, a naked/screaming woman sitting on the sdewalk, a need for safer crosswalks, an illegally parked car---and I can't give them all the info they want,"what do they look like?" "Did you try to help?" etc, and I have to tell them I am disabled and can't___fill in the blank; they dismiss me. When a product is out of stock at the grocery---dismiss me; when I can't reach the debit card scanner---dismiss my complaint. "WHY," my Dr. asks, "didn't I do this test or make THAT appt.," and I must explain AGAIN my van didn't show up or m carerer didn't arrive---I am blamed. MY fault. AND THESE ARE DOCTORS! So, no, you are not the only one. And most people assume I am mentally unsound since I'm in a wheel chair. AAARRGH Well, they only are commenting on themselves.

Jonny Yerly said...

I agree with what everyone has to say I am in a wheelchair and people also assume that I am mentally disabled.I do have a large family and lots of frieends that are great to be around but everyoe wants to do everything for me. I really enjoy your blog keep up the good work

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