Hidden Disability - I didn't handle it well

April 16, 2007

It's kinda ironic that when I looked at the post today, most everyone is

responding to Mike's regarding this hidden disability and how to cope with it.

I usually take Gretchen's approach and choose who, where and when I want to

discuss my CMT. But this Saturday I really came undone.

My sister and her husband were visiting and we took them to the Clinton Library.

As we were getting ready to tour my sister noticed that they had wheelchairs

over by their visitor's booth. She suggested that I request one since we were

also going to my son's art exhibit that evening. So, I stood in line and

politely asked for the use of a chair. The woman asked if I needed a regular

size or a large. Which I found rather odd and a little insulting

since I'm not that big. But, I kinda laughed and said " Oh, I think I can

squeeze into the regular one " . She then looked me up and down

and said " It's for you? We don't just give these wheelchairs out to

everyone " . At this point, the other people in line are also looking

me up and down. I was so embarrassed and angry that I told her never mind, and

that she shouldn't judge what she can't see and then I walked away with my heart

pounding and trying not to cry.

My sister told her that what she had done was rude, hurtful and very

unprofessional and explained about the CMT. Then the woman has the

nerve to come over to me at the elevator and say that the only reason she did

that is usually the wheelchairs are for elderly people.

Well, to I went off on her and started telling her how she was

discriminating against people with disabilities and that she should

learn some disability etiquette, especially in her position. Being

the stubborn person that I am, I wouldn't take the chair. Needless

to say, by the end of the evening I was exhausted.

But, my son had a great exhibit and it turned out to be a wonderful day overall.

This was also my 50th birthday, which is not any easy milestone to begin with!

My husband thinks I should write a letter to the Clinton Library and report this

person. I'm not sure yet what I'm going to do.

in AR

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