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!









 The comfort I found from talking to others who had "experienced" the same
things I too had felt was of immeasurable help.