The Dichotomy Of Disability...

[James Stewart]

Q: "Are you disabled?"

No - certainly not.  I can't run a marathon - but then I never could.  I
can't pilot a space shuttle either - so?

Most of us spend our time doing the things we want to do.  It may take a
little creative thinking or a few minutes longer but we get the job done.
We feed ourselves, interact with others in a normal way and communicate
just fine thank you very much!  No, personally I don't drive at night as my
night vision is poor but that's not what I'd call a "disability".  Lots of
others don't drive at night.

There are services in our area that will provide transport but first you
are required to prove how "disabled" you are.  A recent new member of our
support group (BK) was refused these benefits because she *can* walk.  Poor
kid can barely make it down to the end of the hall where our meetings are
held!

Then along comes tax time and my planner advises me that there's a $3200.
exemption if my doctor certifies that I AM "disabled".  What a ridiculous
situation.  None of us would hesitate to claim that extra room as a home
office if it meant a tax benefit but I, for one am troubled by the concept
of selling my self-respect for $3200.

I'll match wits with anyone, converse intelligently about just about
anything and debate on issues I have a handle on.  So ask me if I'm
"disabled" and I'll answer with a resounding "No"... unless you're the
government... <grrr>

JS

James F.L. Stewart
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
:CAPS Newsletter: 
 http://ntfp.globalserve.net/sds/current.htm

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."

Frost, Robert. 1920. Mountain Interval