Yeah, I've had the same experience with Native American shamans.  Go
figure....

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael H. Collis [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, December 09, 1999 10:27 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Talking to adults about disabilities


The same goes for some Christians, Betty!  I avoid some churches like
the plague, because whenever I go, there are always a few people who
want to lay their hands on me and pray that my body be delivered from
the "curse" of C.P., while I'm praying that their eyes might be opened
to see that society makes the disability a liability, not the person
with the disability. :D
Mike

Betty Alfred wrote:
> I call them "snake oil" salesmen Kathy.  I get this all the time.  It's
> practically destroyed some old friendships, and relationships with some
> relatives.  As soon as they found out I had a neurological impairment,
they
> decided that they would throw every vitamin regimen and mountain man cure
at
> me they could think of.  I avoid some of them like the plague now, because
> they won't let up.  Every encounter is their open door to "practice
> medicine."
>
> I don't know why, but I figured if you had a disability that has always
been
> a part of you, that people would consider it sacred territory and leave
you
> alone.  I didn't think they hit on people with CP too.  I guess I have a
lot
> to learn.
>
> Betty