The Non Visual Disability
Many years are folded into the this subject because I haven't felt up to posting about it.
Fading are comments like:
What's wrong with you?
You don't look disabled?
Well, you can get around.
Oh, everybody feels that way.
It's all in your head.
You need to try harder.
However, prejudice and misunderstanding have a way to go. It can be very difficult for a person with a non visual disability to escape the looks, skepticism and out right discrimination. It feels to me at times, we, those with no visible disability, have to build ramps out of thin air. The frustration can be overwhelming, the burden sapping one's energy.
Close to almost twenty years ago, dealing with the prejudice was so bad for me, I considered smashing a hand with a hammer so I would have the gnarly mess to shove in people's faces. Extreme frustration can be that painful. Committed to not hurting myself, I changed my life to minimize exposure to situations heavily impacting negativity on me. I can now stand up for myself better as well.
If you find yourself overwhelmed, then please find help, and don't settle until you do. There are tremendous resources out there. Please, always remember, your beautiful self is worth the effort.
Wise words indeed. Hit home for me from the standpoint of depression and being met with too much of the 'it's all in your head' mentality, along with the needing to try harder. Oh, and then there's those that brush you off with a cheery ' oh, everybody gets the blues once in awhile'. They don't understand it unless (as the saying goes) they walk a mile in your shoes.
ReplyDeleteSpot on, Maryanne
ReplyDeleteThe it happens to everbody doesn't sting like it use to because now I reply...What happen to me, is mine. They didn't live mine. I did.
Seems to shut most people's dismissive attitude down.
Great post. So true! Thank you for posting this!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marie.
ReplyDeleteNot an easy post, I unpublished once, and posted it back again.
Nobody should have to deal with their disability status being challenged.
Very well said.
ReplyDeleteMine is depression, which comes and goes.
This is a beautiful, brave, deeply thought-provoking post, May, and one that deserved posting. I hope many see it. There are many non-visual disabilities and they can be such struggles for the one who must deal with it every day. Depression is a biggie. Those of us who have dealt with it personally and/or with family know how damaging those words can be.
ReplyDeleteWilliam,
ReplyDeletePrayers and good vibes that you are managing well.
Depression takes strength to cope with. Bravo to you!
Jranie
ReplyDeleteThank you. It took a lot to keep the post published.
A reminder that appeared recently caused old woes to resurface. It gave me a push to advocate for change. ADA accommodation requests are not easy going, IMHO.
I'm very glad you decided to post after all. It's important.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Liz
ReplyDeleteThe importance gives the issue a stronger voice.
Thank you for leaving this post published. It's something the world at large needs to hear.
ReplyDeleteLorrie,
ReplyDeleteI agree.
Sharing our truths can further understanding.
Wonderful post my friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debra
ReplyDeleteThis gives me courage to post more about living with disability challenges.