Denise,

        Good point as usual! and it really pisses off that some of these
seniors
have used up everything they put into the "system" the first year they drew
the Social Security and Medicare!!

Bobby


>Vince, a belated, but heart-felt welcome to the list!   My name is Denise,
>I'm 34 and also have spastic diplegia.  I remember when I first found a cp
>support board on AOL, (from there, I found this list).   My entire life
>(except for pre-school) I'd not had much contact with anyone who was
>disabled.  I lived as what I've heard called, a "passer."
>
>Unconciously I avoided anybody who threatned my dillusional belief that I
>certainly was not one of "those" disabled people.  Once I hit 30, the denial
>was harder to maintain.  My mobility was on the decline, and just like in AA,
>I hit my disability "bottom."  I'll never forget the first time I posted.  I
>felt like I was in recovery.  A disability "12 Step" program.  You know?
>"Hi, my name is Denise and I have cerbral palsy."  Anyway, I can certainly
>relate to how important it is to discuss issues which affect your life, with
>people who have actually "been there."  Which brings me to your advice
>request ....
>
>You said (in reference to your neighbors) "They're an older couple who
>apparently resent me for my handicap."  First, I think Stehpen Margolis, gave
>some excellent information.  Personally, I wouldn't move.  Why should you be
>forced to leave?  I'd make full use of the law.  After all, someone went to
>the trouble of legislating these issues, best to make full use of any and all
>legal recourse.
>
>Second, and I know this is going to sound bizzare, but over the past few
>years I've observed a strange phenomena.  I call it the Patriarch Privilege.
>At first, I thought I was imagining things, but I'm telling you I really
>think there is some validity to my theory.  I'm use to people staring at me
>in public.  Most gawking is just normal.  People who look at someone because
>they are a little different.  Curiosity mostly, not malovence, EXCEPT for
>senior citizens.  I can park and disembark from a handicapp parking place ten
>times.  Most people will look over, take brief notice that yes, I'm disabled
>and have the right to park there.  End of story, EXCEPT if the person happens
>to be a senior.  Yes, I know this sounds paranoid and strange, but I swear, 8
>out of 10 times I park, if there are seniors around, they glare at me with
>hatred!  Like "How dare I use 'Their' parking place!"
>
>I'm telling you it feels like a turf war.  I hate to generalize, but most of
>the older people I've met have the attitude society "owes" them.  They are
>entitled to certain privliages, just because they managed to live longer than
>most.  It's almost as if certain seniors resent anybody who might have access
>to the resources they feel are theirs alone.
>
>Vince stated one comment his neighbors made, "You sure know how to take
>advantage of the system."  I wonder?  Do these same people receive Social
>Security and Medicare?  Do these same people "take advantage" of senior
>discounts at the movies or restaurants?  I'd wager they themselves take full
>advantage of "the system" which offers perks to the elderly.  Why is it then,
>when someone else who has a legitimate claim to any special services, are met
>with such resentment?  Do some seniors feel the disabled are dipping into
>"their" kitty?
>
>Like I said, it's just my personal observation, but I've felt the hateful
>glare of those seniors who seem to think I've encroached on the Patriarch
>Privilege. Anyway, Vince, I know this isn't any solution for your problem.
>It's more like food for thought.  Sometimes, at least for me, it's easier to
>maintain a good attitude in the face of discrimination, when I understand why
>someone reacts to me in a negative way.  Of course your neighbors just might
>be nasty old folks who don't like anybody :D  Whatever their reasons, try and
>keep your spirits up!  I'm certain you've fought long and hard in your life,
>no reason to give up and move now.  Sincerely- Denise and her long-winded two
>cents!
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> The comfort I found from talking to others who had "experienced" the same
>things I too had felt was of immeasurable help.