Quote From: sueramseyGreetings.
I worked for over 20 years as a nurse for mentally challenged children and adults. During this time, it took me over 22 years to obtain a degree in Psychology/Sociology. I had dreams of going into Christian Counseling until I contracted Guillian Barre last year. The doctors denial of my denial of being ill almost cost me my life. lost all ability to walk, talk, feed myself, and perform all daily personal care, and spent 6 months in two rehabilitation hospitals.
I truly took the ability to function without assistance for granted until I found myself in a wheelchair. One thing I did notice was pay telephones are not equipped for handicapped people. If I could not place the money in the slot in time my call was disconnected and I had to try to dial all over again. Also, I tried to maneuver the wheelchair into elevators, only to have the door continued closing on me. The one thing I did notice was that a majority of people are kind and are willing to help. But, there is also an equal or greater amount of people who stare and make very rude statements about my disability. I may not look sick on the outside, but live within me with all the pain and discomfort that I endure each day, and perhaps you too will see how hard it is to leave home. I know that children are inquisitive and will often stare, but when they are accompanied with an adult, they are not corrected when their remarks equal the same prejudicial remarks.
I once had a 6year old child comment that all wheelchair people should not be allowed in the stores because it slows regular people from shopping. I was deeply hurt, but increasingly mad at the parents who just chucked and walked away.
My one main complaint is that even though I am disabled now, there are few employers who will take the chance and hire you. Of course the Office of Vocation Rehabilitation is available, but when the unemployment rate in your living area is high, an abled person will be considered over the disabled.
Do you have any suggestions how I can become a viable person to society while I am still speed riding my wheelchair?
Sue
Wow. I would be hurt too. I usually only have problems with kids. Never the parents. I do have problems with adults sometimes but not often. So far and I do say so far, I've been lucky based on some of the things I've read. Like I tell other people, not everyone is that way.
Alisha
