Real People

I found this article rather interesting...

2008-05-07T18:04:45Z

...and also thought-provoking. I also use language that can be considered offensive, even though I am a disabled person. To me, the word "lame" doesn't refer to gait problems - it refers to something or someone's actions that fall far short of sensible. However, there are folks that would find my use of that term offensive.

Alright, enough of my blathering. Here's the link to the article:

On Making Argument: Disability and Language, by Wheelchair Dancer

Handy-dandy article

2008-03-26T09:57:58Z

How to Interact With People Who Have Disabilities

As a matter of fact, the entire site is handy!

Hi! I'm new!

2008-01-19T11:10:44Z

Hi! My name is Efrayim, and I'm twenty. I was born at 26 weeks gestation, and suffered grade 2 brain bleeds. As a result, some of my brain functions are impaired. I have an impulse control disorder, that is mostly related to my lack of sense of danger/fear, and an autism spectrum disorder, both of which are relatively well managed. I was also diagnosed with hyperactivity, and was put on Ritalin at age 4 and came off that at 14. I would now say that the ADHD diagnosis in my case was real--I was among those kids who actually have phyisical, measurable symptoms, like lower blood flow in the brain stem. I know that Ritalin is often pictured as evil, and most of the cases I agree, but my case was different.

Some of the things I had to deal with as a child was a very strong oral aversion--I got my nutrituin through a g-tube till I was three--very low sleep needs--3-4 hours a day--and a sensory integration disorder. Most of these no longer interfere with my everyday life.

I still struggle with autism and impulsivity. Luckily I have an awesome family and wonderful friends who made it possible for me to strive and even serve in the IDF for two years.

Hi, also from Hungary

2007-12-26T21:59:23Z

Hi, I'm Éva [aka bozotkutya on the net

I'm leading a rather simple life in Hungary with my hubby and two kids, plus a bunch of dogs and a zillion of bees. Luckily, my only health-related issue is a useless left eye due to congenital glaucoma. I'm a huge fan of dogs, and been into dog training for a while, now I'm thinking quite seriously of going on to service dog training, especially guide dogs for the blind. I'm also friend of Hevel. I'm here to find friends and learn from them.

Hi from Hungary!

2007-12-25T18:02:13Z

Hello! May I introduce myself?

I'm Hevel. I am 25 and live in Hungary, though I am not exactly Hungarian. I live with my partner and our three sons in Budapest. I'm a two-time cancer survivor!

I have multiple disabilities: I am deaf due to meningitis following brain surgery. I have a cochlear implant, and while I can use it in face to face situations and to watch TV/listen to music, I can't use the telephone or for online voice chat. :-( I hope with further therapy that will improve.

I also have a spinal cord injury, and incomplete C7 level one. It effects my hands to a degree as well. I hope to undergo stem cell treatment in the spring or in the summer. My first date had to be postponed because of a diagnosis of autoimmune hemolitic anemia.

One of my less physical problems is PTSD, which I am trying to keep under control. I struggle with bouts of major depression, but it is usually well managed.

I receive some disability benefits, but I also work full time at two different part time jobs: for a charity helping people with various disabilities through providing services the state can't or wouldn't, and I teach English at my kids' school.

Welcome!

2007-12-25T15:28:23Z

Welcome to Real People, a community for disabled folk. Here, we can gather together, find friends, learn new things, tell stories, share resources. Caregivers are welcome as well but their posts must concern their disabled friend, spouse, or family member.

Let's start out by introducing ourselves:

My name is Leesa. I have been dx'd with MS since 1992, and have had problems as far back as 1986. I also have Degenerative Disc Disease, Degenerative Joint Disease, Fibromyalgia, Depression, OCD, and non-combat PTSD.

I am an AF vet and currently receive my medical care from the Veterans Administration. I am medically retired from work since the age of 35, and am on full Social Security Disability.

I was born and raised in Wisconsin, and after going on disability, I moved back there from Ohio, where I'd spent my time in the USAF followed by a brief career as a civilian programmer/analyst for a military contractor. My mom was also on disability with COPD and her health took a real nosedive not long after my return. It turned out she had a very aggressive form of cancer, and passed away in a short amount of time.

I continued to live there for the next ten years, and then last year, I sold my house and moved cross-country to Southern California, to live with the love of my life, and my caregiver, Michael, aka nebris. Now I do my best to keep CommieJournal running, I DJ for 9412 The Rock Station, and own/operate the Heavenly Place IRC Network.

I guess once a puter geek, always a puter geek! The difference now is that I can manage these things on my own time, allowing me to avoid stress, eat well, and sleep as much as my body needs it. I also have wonderful volunteer staffers here on CJ and on HeavenlyPlace who can take over in a pinch when I'm not feeling well.
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You don't have to have this long of an intro, but a small blurb about yourself is desired.

Again, Welcome!