Hidden Disability

[Guest guest]

When I first started working at my job, which is a disability advocacy

agency that tries to employ most of their staff with people with

disabilities, my boss was the only one who knew I had CMT. I couldn't

believe the cold shoulder I got from alot of other members of the

disability community.

Because they couldn't see my AFOs or weren't around me daily to witness my

fatigue, they assumed I didn't have a disability and I guess they were upset

that I got the job.

Then, about a year after I started working here, I had surgery and was in a

wheelchair for 6 months. Of course, they were all asking what happened and I was

able to explain about my CMT. It was crazy how their attitudes changed. I was

suddenly let into the club!

I think it is really sad when we even discriminate amongst ourselves. At times

I had thought about sending out a letter and info regarding CMT to our list

serve, but I didn't because I felt I didn't have to justify myself to anyone.

Least of all the people who should really understand what it's like to have a

disability.

So, my point is, if disabled people are still so biased against those of us with

hidden disabilities then it's no wonder that the general community is still so

uneducated about our situations.

in AR

[Guest guest]

in AR,

Thanks for working in disability advocacy! It is needed.

I am a social worker and should be going into my final 3 months of my masters in

social work program.

I had to file charges with the EEOC and the Dept. of Education's Office of Civil

Rights.

The school said that I don't have a right to a minor time accommodation at my

internship - that working in Child Protective Services is too stressful for

someone with my condition - and that I should resign from my grant (and contract

to work for CPS for 2 yrs.) and pay back the 27k that I received in grant money

so

far.

Now they wont let me take classes until I resign from the grant in writing. I

am a strait a student with excellent recomendations from previous social work

jobs.

The EEOC and Dept. of Ed office of Civil Rights are a godsend. I would be lost

without their advocacy.

Good Health,

Chris