Ableism

Sunny Amerman, of Insomnia Doodles and The Mighty author, wrote a post on her Insomnia Doodles blog on why she celebrated being approved for disability support by going bowling, titled:

Why I decided to celebrate winning my disability hearing by going bowling:

"I know that headline caused some eyebrows to jump towards the ceiling, so please allow me to explain:

Disabled ≠ Incapacitated

I repeat- Being disabled does not necessarily mean that you are physically incapacitated.

This is something I wish more people understood, and the taboo imposed on those of us with debilitating invisible conditions is so great that I honestly had to think long and hard about whether or not I was brave enough to write this article. I mulled over the idea, worrying about the potential backlash of ableism and judgement that might follow. When I realized just how afraid I was to write this, that’s when I knew I had to."

( Continue reading here.)

I think some people are going to learn a great deal from it and those like me who have Panhypopituitarism know that you might get a rare good day and most of the other are a struggle. It’s very important to socialise and to celebrate with friends, especially after a very long and drawn out process to being approved for disability support.

Like Sunny, I get ableist remarks from some people, mostly when I use my Mobility scooter. Just because I can walk short distances doesn’t mean I can do it all the time. I might look like I have fully functional feet because I wear Colorado boots every day of my life to lock my ankle so I don’t walk over my heels. I do walk for exercise but I often use my scooter for shopping trips and to carry my bags.

I have a bad neck and can’t drive due to a fall down 23 stairs and a car accident. I can’t turn my head most days and I have muscle wastage from the degenerated discs in my neck. I’ve had people make snide comments under their breath or straight to my face that I should ‘get of your fat ass and walk, you lazy bitch’. Yes, people can be very judgemental.

The last person who said so got an education in not judging a book by its cover when I explained my medical history and they apologised and gave me a hug and said it was amazing I was getting around with a smile despite Chronic pain and Chronic Illness. I usually don’t let people’s harsh words ruin my day but sometimes I decide to turn the situation into a learning experience.

I am trying to walk more, only on level ground or I twist my ankle and can’t walk at all. I signed up for Walk For Autism which starts tomorrow. 10,000 steps a day (roughly 6km) for 8 days - a mammoth task for me but I’m going to do my best - especially when it helps people with autism!

I use a mobility scooter to get around most days and whilst some people are downright rude and point fingers at me for being a 'young' woman (47 years old) riding a mobility scooter when I don't look disabled. 

I do find that if I put a smile on my face and apologise if I get too close to someone (usually their fault) and smile then most people smile back and say 'no problem'. It's all about the attitude in my experience. I put myself in their shoes. Having a moving vehicle getting close to pedestrians can be scary for the pedestrians.

I am so grateful for every kindness shown to me, which can be as small as a smile, stepping to the side so I can pass, or cars stopping so I can make it across traffic (something which can be hair-raising at times! I am very fortunate that the majority of people are nice and understanding.