Do We Look Disabled To You?
This is a picture of my friend and me catching White Bass on clouser minnows in southwest Missouri. My friend has a very messed up leg and PTSD from stepping on a booby-trap in Vietnam, as well as a heart condition that limits his exposure to extreme temperatures and activity level. He is totally disabled.
I suffer from multiple concussion syndrome that has left me with severe tremors, no feeling in my left hand, and severe chronic pain in both arms. Sometimes, this pain spreads to my legs, back, and head and gives me mygraine headaches that run from my heels to the top of my head - totally crippling me for what can last from a day to a week. I also suffer from severe PTSD and mild Bipolar Disorder. My short-term memory, cognitive brain functions, and ability to speak have all been impaired by the MCS. Once one of the top competitive debaters and public orators in the country, some days I can barely string a sentence together. Yet I can write and type unimpeded. I am totally disabled.
Both my friend and I lead very productive personal lives because we have learned to adapt to our disabilities and manage our conditions with the help of doctors, therapists, and medication. But we have limitations that still prevent us from maintaining gainful employment, such as reliable attendance, consistent communication skills, or the ability to work well in groups and stressful environments...just to name a few of my own.
What you think you know about disability may not be the reality that people with disabilities live with. But I assure you 99% of us do not bite. We would be happy to educate you. In fact, most disabled people are pretty lonely because we are generally shunned, avoided, and conveniently forgotten. But disabled people have some very rare advantages and benefits, too! We tend to have a good bit of free time. Disabled people generally love to volunteer. And people with disabilities get some useful benefits such as the best parking spots (mobility-impaired only) and free access to all federal recreational facilities for ourselves and up to 3 additional adults. So the next time you want to go fishing at one of those nice federal park spots that is pay-to-play by reservation only, take a disabled person with you! Get to know them. Teach them to fish if you have to. They'll be grateful that you did. And you will get a great parking spot and free admission.