Social model of disability AND you.

[Lighttouch]

You're unique. You're special. You want to know why?

As a disabled person you are a specialist, a professional, someone who has all the answers about the 'disabling barriers' that make it difficult for you to join mainstream society.

Whether you are blind, visually impaired, deaf, hearing impaired, have a physical impairment or learning difficulties we all suffer from discrimination in one form or another. As it's a collective problem it was decided by the disabled peoples movement to put all these impairments under the banner of 'disabled people'.

You and I can't do much about the way we are - I'll never, in my life' get better!

So as we live in a civalised world - which is easiest - us trying to fit in with the way the world is run or should society try to change its thinking to take our needs into account?

At this moment I'd like you to contribute and tell me what stops you from leading a full and interesting life? Just accept that you have your impairment and you handle it the best way you can. What changes could 'society' make to improve your quality of life. Describe the 'disabling barriers' that you face.

For example, I can't open heavy doors as one arm doesn't work and I'm using an elbow crutch with my other arm so opening doors is a barrier to me getting through them. After consultation (a chat at work) the doors were made to open automatically when I touched a wall button. Problem solved! The disabling barrier had been removed.

It would be nice if you could share your story with us - what bugs you and what does society need to do to fix it.

[Trecelyn]

I suppose one of biggest ones I face is the "Not looking disabled" complex people have.
My knee operations scars are under clothing most of the year , my brain op scar is under my hairline. Other scars I have are also hidden from view. I don't always use my walking aids or use a wheelchair , so I have had "You know this is a disabled parking place" quote thrown at me several times. I always prefer them to say "You don't look disabled" so I can throw back the "and you don't look like a doctor" response. If they get stroppy from there I just throw a few medically technical words at them and they usually back off.
Will society change to fix this ? I doubt it. It has gone on too long now , for me at least , for a change to happen.

[Lighttouch]

Thanks Mr T for your story. That reminds me that there are also 'invisible' disabilities like being deaf - what disabling barriers do they have - the same if you're dyslexic. In fact some people have impairments but don't consider themslves disabled because they can pass as being non disabled.

Let's hear your story.