It's been my experience that if you work with parents of disabled
children, they either put you on a pedestal as a "shining example and
brave person" or they ever so subtly put you down. I can see the
former but the latter has always puzzled me. Surely if they want the
best for their child, then shouldn't they treat any disabled co-
workers or professionals the same way? I have begun to think it
might be an element of jealousy. Who knows?
Or it could be as simple as every disabled person is instinctively
seen as someone to baby or guide, not let them be totally independent.
But in any way you look at it, it's distasteful to me. I simply
ignore them and go about my own way. If they are clients or co-
workers, you need to establish the ground rules. If, for example,
someone jumps in and says
"oh no, you have to do it this way," or whatever, I'll just say
"thanks, I'll think about it." If they push you about it, you can
say "Well, I thought about it and I'll do it my way, thank you. It's
what I think is best for me." No explanation needed.
I also keep my personal life out of the office whenever possible.
That gives everyone less of a chance to pull such shenanigans and
keeps things on a professional level.
Kat
On 14 Jul 2006, at 06:11, [log in to unmask] wrote:
Hi everyone,
I have a question. I feel it's odd and I've hesitated to ask, but I
really
need to know if I'm the only one with this issue. (my bet is yes)
For a few years, I've worked in various settings providing services to
people with disabilities.
My co workers have been mainly parents of children with disabilities or
medical professioonals such as physical therapists. I'm finding a
lot of
prejudice and resistance to my abilities which is in contrast to my
typical
experience. Usually, if people under estimate me because of my
disability at first,
they change when I show my abilities. Maybe it takes time, but
usually it
becomes ok. Not so during my recent experiences and I feel like I
may as well
be banging my head into a brick wall. There's no use!
Has anyone had a similar experience with professionals in the field of
disability?
Thanks!
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