you know even if it is iqnorance, you tell them the truth once, if they
persist, tell them "if you persist in this, you'll have to do without my
friendship."  then be prepared to back it up.

-----Original Message-----
From: Betty Alfred [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, December 09, 1999 9:51 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Talking to adults about disabilities


In a message dated 12/09/1999 9:17:58 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< I would like to turn the focus on this message on adults. . .  I ran in
to
 two adults that told me everyday for fifteen years that I could walk and
get
 over Cerebral Palsy later in my life.  (They are sisters.) They claimed
they
 loved me.
  >>

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