Also it doesn't make me feel self-conscious as I'm so obviously disabled
anyway.  I'm in a wheelchair, no big deal.  When I was able to walk, I
limped.  Again no big deal.  I'm just glad the elevators, parking spaces,
ramps, etc., are there for me to use when I need them.

Kat
----- Original Message -----
From: "bhester" <[log in to unmask]>
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.c-palsy
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, June 30, 2002 3:41 PM
Subject: Re: Terminology (was re: New web site idea)


> At 12:31 AM 6/30/2002, you  [Joy] wrote:
> >Me too.  On that note, there's something that's really been bothering me
> >lately.  I live in Maryland, in one of the suburbs of DC, when I'm not at
> >school.  I have a job in downtown Washington, and I use the Metro (our
> >subway) to get there.  The Metro elevators play a recorded message when
you
> >get in that says, "Please give priority to senior citizens and
handicapped
> >persons."
> >
> >I agree with the sentiment, but it makes me feel extremely self-conscious
> >when there are other people in the elevator... like they're looking at
me,
> >going, "Yep, she's handicapped, that's what they're talking about."  I
much
> >prefer "people with disabilities", which some of the stations do use
instead
> >of "handicapped".  There's something about "handicapped" that just makes
me
> >feel inferior... like "retarded" or "crippled".
> >
> >I've been thinking about seeing what I can do to get this changed.  What
do
> >you guys think?  Do you feel the same way about the term?  Am I
overreacting
> >here?
>
> Yes.   I'd use it (elevator, ramp, etc.) even if sign read "For old people
> & cripples only."
>
> BOB