No, we’re not all the same

September 8, 2011

I saw a story on the news the other night about a woman who went to McDonald’s with her two autistic sons and their service dog.  The store manager was there (though not working at the time) and told the woman that the dog was not allowed because they weren’t blind.  The mother offered to provide documentation, but the manager insisted that they leave.

There’s more to this story, but I want to focus on the common misconception that only people who are visibly disabled would need a service dog.  Invisible disabilities can make life easier in some ways, because you can “pass” for healthy.  On the other hand, invisible disabilities mean that people often don’t believe you have a problem.  And visible disabilities that are misunderstood?  You’re out of luck there too.  We need more education.  We need people to understand that service dogs are for people who are blind, and also for those who are autistic or suffering from PTSD or who have epilepsy.  There are many many more reasons why someone would have a service dog.  People need ways to learn this.

When I was in elementary school, maybe around 4th grade, we had a program on disabilities.  Someone came in and spoke to us.  They taught us how to sign the alphabet, and we had to communicate with each other that way.  We were blindfolded and led through the hallways by a classmate, trusting them to guide us safely.  We had our dominant hand tied behind our back, then were told to write with the other hand.  We learned what to do if someone has an epileptic seizure in front of us and what to do if a diabetic needs insulin.  This was long before I had any health problems of my own, and as far as I knew, none of my friends or family had any problems either (I was wrong, but hey, I was a kid – what did I know?)  Still, I paid attention.  Obviously this program had a real affect on me, because I remember it all these years later.  Imagine what would happen if we offered programs like these in each grade, adjusting the material for each age group.  Imagine how much more understanding the next generation would be!

People make a lot of incorrect assumptions.  Sometimes the person is at fault, but very often they just lack the knowledge needed to make informed decisions.  Let’s help them by giving them the knowledge they need.  Let’s educate them!

 

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Leave a Comment » | Educating, Expectations, Frustration, Insensitive, Politics, Rants, Unpredictable | Permalink
Posted by chronicrants

Wanting solid info from the RMV

September 7, 2011

It’s not like I want to have a handicapped placard.  I would like nothing better than to be healthy enough to not need one.  Since I do need the placard, I use it.  I just wish I knew more about the laws around it.

After a lot of searching, I finally found some info here and here on the MA RMV web site.  After all that searching, the site doesn’t inspire confidence.  For example, it provides information on handicapped plates, but when I tried to get one years ago, I was told they aren’t offered anymore, only placards are offered.  Either I was given wrong information, or the site is very out of date.  Both seem very possible.

Now, try finding info on where you can use it!  #7 in the FAQ seems to be the place, but it’s incredibly vague (and wrong.)  Can I use it in HP Van spaces if I don’t have a van?  It doesn’t mention that.  I can disregard some parking meters but not all – that’s NOT HELPFUL!  Why can the MA Port Authority manage to not exempt placards?  Do others do it too, or is it just them?  Please be specific!  And about all U.S. States recognizing the MA placard, well, maybe that should be more specific too.  Parts of Washington D.C. didn’t, the last time I was there.  I also stumbled upon a city in Connecticut this summer that didn’t recognize them.  Why is this?  And why doesn’t the web site mention it?  And according to the FAQ some parking rules must be followed but not others.  What if there’s a 2 hour parking limit?  Do I need to obey that?  If so, doesn’t that run counter-intuitive to the exempt meter rule?  If not, then say so!

I know many people who have had the same frustrations.  When I call to ask questions, I can’t seem to get someone on the phone who knows what they’re talking about.

These placards are provided by the state RMV.  Many rules apply to them.  Would it be so horrible to let us know what those rules are?

 

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Leave a Comment » | Educating, Expectations, Frustration, Limitations, Pain, Parking, Politics, Rants, Unpredictable | Permalink
Posted by chronicrants

Bodies going bezerk

September 6, 2011

Any day can be unpredictable when you’re dealing with an autoimmune disease, but some are worse than others.  My guess is that today’s problems are worse because of my meds, but it could be the conditions themselves, or the weather, or just randomness.  Who knows?  I sure don’t!

A dog accidentally scratched me the other day while we were played.  It left a mark, but didn’t break the skin or anything.  The next day, there was a small bruise.  Today there are 5 bruises, some large, and they’re blue and sensitive to touch!

Sunday night I got what I thought were 3 mosquito bites.  The next day there were at least twice as many.  Today there are even more!  Maybe they aren’t mosquito bites after all?  Maybe my body is telling me something?

And then last night pain set in, along with some swelling.  Great.  It hasn’t gone away yet.

I was doing ok a few days ago, and now my body is going haywire.  I don’t know what caused it.  I don’t know when it will go away.  In the meantime, I’m treating myself to a night of tv and unproductive web surfing.  Productivity can wait until I’m feeling better.  Tonight is about relaxing.

Leave a Comment » | Expectations, Frustration, Isolation, Limitations, Medication, Pain, Rants, Symptoms, Unpredictable | Permalink
Posted by chronicrants

Germs: Prevention or Paranoia?

September 4, 2011

When your immune system isn’t what it should be, it’s extra important to avoid germs.  Well, obviously some germs are ok.  Some are even good for you.  But then there are certain viruses and bacteria that we need to avoid.  In the next month I’ll get my flu shot.  I wash my hands a lot.  Beyond there, how much more can I do?

When someone is clearly sick, I try to keep my distance.  I try not to get too close to a sick co-worker or friend.  When people seem to be healthy, I tend to assume that they are.  Sure, they could be carrying something, but I don’t want to be paranoid.

So that takes care of the black and white, but what about the gray?  What if a person was sick, and now they feel ok, but they’re still

coughing?  What if it’s one of those hacking coughs?  Is it ok if they were sick 2 weeks ago?  What if it was 2 days ago?  And then there are still trickier situations.  What if my friend is fine, but her kid is sick?  Obviously I’ll stay away from her kid, but should I still meet her for dinner?  Maybe going out is ok, but we shouldn’t hang out at my place, in case she’s carrying around some germs.  Or maybe that’s being overly cautious.

I don’t know what the answer is.  I know I caught a “cold” a few months ago.  My friend had it for about a week.  She didn’t miss work, just felt lousy.  She was asymptomatic when we had lunch together.  Even though we weren’t that close, didn’t hug, didn’t share food, I caught it.  I was sick for two weeks.  I missed five days of work.  I felt horrible.  My immune system just couldn’t seem to fight it off.  So I know I have to avoid colds.  But I can’t live in a bubble, either.  Where’s the balance?

Leave a Comment » | Decisions, Limitations, Rants, Symptoms, Unpredictable | Permalink
Posted by chronicrants

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