http://www.disabledonline.com/community/blog/category/society/ Blog categories... http://www.disabledonline.com/community/StoryQueenRules/blog/hear-my-voice-poem/
You look at me but you don’t see me.
You speak to me but you talk down to me.
Have you ever felt like a prisoner in your own body?
I ...]]>
You look at me but you don’t see me.
You speak to me but you talk down to me.
Have you ever felt like a prisoner in your own body?
I have a soul that yearns, a heart that beats, a mind that thinks,
But you only notice the legs that don’t work, the chair that I’m bound in, the speech that is slurred!
I’m a person too,
I’m sick and tired of being overlooked,
You will hear my voice,
I won’t be ignored!


(c)Lena Holdman, all rights reserved 2012]]> http://www.disabledonline.com/community/StoryQueenRules/blog/hear-my-voice-poem/ Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:02:06 +0000 Lena Holdman http://www.disabledonline.com/community/adelesmith84/blog/looking-for-new-freinds/ Hello my name is Adele Smith, I am in a wheelchair and have been for the last 5 years. I am just learning to get back on my emails and the internet. ...]]> Hello my name is Adele Smith, I am in a wheelchair and have been for the last 5 years. I am just learning to get back on my emails and the internet. I am looking for people to talk to both male and females so if you feel like a chat please email and talk to me. I used to play golf and enjioyed word games and going out definitely going out. i look forward to enjoying my life now by using this wonderful site,

Love Adele]]> http://www.disabledonline.com/community/adelesmith84/blog/looking-for-new-freinds/ Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:08:27 +0000 adelesmith84 http://www.disabledonline.com/community/jaybird/blog/new-york-city-against-adding-wheelchair-accessible-taxis/
B...]]>
But he doesn't stop there. He also adds, "If you're in a wheelchair, it's really hard to go out in the street and hail down a cab and get the cab to pull over and get into [it],"

That's right, the mayor of the most populated city in the US actually said this. Does he not realize we come from all walks of life? We are taxpayers, war veterans, retirees, business owners, contributors to the arts, and innovators of science and technology.

We may not all be "able-bodied" but we are "able minded". Deserving of equal rights and equal access. We mustn't let his words go unpunished. If we do, then we prove that his words are true. I don't believe they are true. I know many of you agree. Please read the entire article and vote on their poll: http://nydn.us/okj9ki]]> http://www.disabledonline.com/community/jaybird/blog/new-york-city-against-adding-wheelchair-accessible-taxis/ Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:22:11 +0000 jaybird http://www.disabledonline.com/community/jaybird/blog/reduce-costs-by-expanding-medicaid-funding-for-home-and-community-based-car/ Please sign this petition that can affect so many people with disabilities and seniors: http://wh.gov/4PD Please sign this petition that can affect so many people with disabilities and seniors: http://wh.gov/4PD http://www.disabledonline.com/community/jaybird/blog/reduce-costs-by-expanding-medicaid-funding-for-home-and-community-based-car/ Thu, 06 Oct 2011 01:01:22 +0000 jaybird http://www.disabledonline.com/community/jaybird/blog/my-one-issue-in-las-vegas/
As most of you know, I celebrated my 35th birthday in Las Vegas. Anyway, I had an encounter that kind of bothered me at one of the resor...]]>
As most of you know, I celebrated my 35th birthday in Las Vegas. Anyway, I had an encounter that kind of bothered me at one of the resorts. I sent an e-mail complaint to their customer service department, but I wanted to share with you the incident. I would like to know your feedback and whether or not I'm overreacting. Below is most of what I wrote in my complaint:

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Because of my physical disability, I have very low stamina. I only weigh 60 pounds. I can only sit in my wheelchair for 20-30 minutes before I need to lie flat, to stretch out my body. I eat and drink lying down. When I'm in Vegas, I contact restaurants that have private dining rooms, to request to dine inside them, along with a roll away bed delivered from housekeeping to the private dining room. This way, I'm able to eat at the restaurants with my friends. I also like to frequent casino lounges that have couches. We ask the bartender or manager of the lounge if we can use it for me to lie on while we drink and enjoy the environment. I've been most fortunate to receive wonderful accommodations from many resorts with these unique requests.

This was my fourth trip to Las Vegas. I stayed at Aria from July 27-August 9. Since Aria is so close to The Cosmopolitan, we spent many dinners at that property. Prior to August 8, we had 6 meals at Cosmo's restaurants, 2 visits to their pool and we booked one night in the wraparound terrace suite. We felt quite comfortable at this resort.

On August 8, my friend and I walked from Aria to Cosmo. I was physically tired and needed a place to stretch out. We arrived at the bar called The Chandelier Lounge. The place has many couches and chairs. It was around 5:30 PM and the place (Monday) was practically empty. I always bring my own straws and blanket wherever I go, we asked the bartender if we could use a couch that we could use and he said sure. So, I was lying on my own blanket that was on the couch, while my friend sat next to me. I ordered a lemonade and was relaxing to the live jazz music. My friend wasn't feeling well, I did not want to leave because we had dinner reservations upstairs in a few hours. I told my friend to go back to Aria and come back in an hour or two for dinner.

He didn't want to leave me, but I assured him I was comfortable & fine. I'm 35, verbal and have never shied away from a little time alone. I convinced him to leave, so here I was on the couch, in the lounge listening to the music. After about an hour or so (estimating because wasn't wearing a watch) a large security man came up to me and said something like "Sir, are you okay? Do you require any assistance?" I understood his concern, so I pretty much tried to explain to him what I told you in the above paragraphs. He said that he was told that I have been alone for over an hour and he would like to know where my friends are so they can return. I asked if I was in some kind of trouble. He said no, but there are lots of "knuckleheads" around and for my safety, I need to have my friends near me. I told him they will be returning, I am okay and I would prefer to remain here and enjoy the music. He said he will be back in 30 minutes to check on me and see if my friends have returned, I said okay and asked for his name. His name was "Bob".

20 minutes later "Bob" returned with an additional security man. This new security man said "Sir, this area is for paying customers only, are you a guest at this resort?" I immediately said, "I paid for this drink, am I not welcomed at this bar?" He immediately started to backtrack saying "no no no, but we would prefer you are a in your wheelchair because in case of an emergency, it would be much safer to access." I said that I'm comfortable where I am, my friends will be coming back and when they do, we will leave for our dinner reservations. I also explained that I didn't appreciate being constantly badgered and looked over. Then he said this is only for security measures. In case someone or something tried to take advantage of my situation, my friends aren't here to assist. I said I'm okay, I have no medical needs or requirements. I'm completely okay.

I need to mention that the music is somewhat loud so it was hard for me to speak over the music, but they did understand everything I was saying. I also was getting offended by the constant badgering and I even asked "why did you say this area is for paying customers, when I have paid for this drink?" They were totally backpedaling and said they will be in the area to check up when my friends return. I said okay.

15 minutes later, I saw another security man standing near me. I made direct eye contact with him and he came over and sat down. Basically, the same thing happened where he was told to look for my friends when they arrive and I explained my situation. He told me his name was "Sam" and we were just talking straight, but I was feeling very uncomfortable because not only was I being watched by security, but now regular patrons were wondering what all the security is about and what is this disabled individual doing lying on a couch.

As we were talking, a man in a suit with three firemen/paramedics arrive. The paramedics place blue plastic gloves on their hands. I can't express to you how embarrassed and upset I am by this scene. I immediately looked at the man in the suit and repeated the questions I asked earlier to the security man, "am I in some kind of trouble? Am I not welcomed here?" He said no no, we are just concerned because your friends have been gone for over an hour and they really need to be in this area in case you need some kind of assistance. Now, I was really upset and frustrated and I asked for his name. His name was "Joe", a manager at the resort. I asked for his card and he gave it to me. I then said this, "if you are so concerned, why didn't you just come up to me an hour ago and ask me face-to-face?" I told him I felt insulted and humiliated by his actions. He said if he could go back and do things differently he would have taken my advice. The firemen asked me if I need any medicine or if I would like to be transferred I said no. I said my friends will be here shortly.

I was trying not to lose it, everyone was staring so I said to "Joe", "if you Google the phone number to Aria, I will call my room and have them come down." He said sure, no problem. We did that and when I did call, there was no answer. I concluded my friends were on their way over to Cosmo.

Anyway, "Joe" said he will return when my friends arrive. The firemen and paramedics left me alone. 10 minutes later, my friends arrived and I was like "you guys aren't going to believe this" as I was explaining the situation, the security and "Joe" introduced themselves to my friends explaining their concerns. My friends apologized and said they didn't mean to take so long and they felt very bad. The security and "Joe" understood and said that they were just concerned because of safety measures.

This was quite humiliating not just to me, but for my friends. As my friends arrived, a pedestrian came up to one of my friends and said, "I don't know you, but you are a f'n a-hole for leaving your friend" Others gave them dirty looks and we all felt incredibly uncomfortable.

Now, I understand all about safety and liability issues. However, if the resort manager would have simply come up to me originally, instead of security, then paramedics & firemen, I believe it would have saved everyone a lot of hassle. I know my situation is unique, but I don't feel I should be singled out for such accommodations. This was not the way we were hoping to spend our last day in Las Vegas.

Also, not one server ever bothered to ask me personally if I wanted another drink, but I saw them visit other tables. It made me feel quite isolated.

I hope you will genuinely review this complaint and devise a better communication plan to prevent such an embarrassing incident for future guests.

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Okay, sorry for the superlong composition. Anyway, please let me know if you would've handled the situation differently.]]> http://www.disabledonline.com/community/jaybird/blog/my-one-issue-in-las-vegas/ Sat, 20 Aug 2011 19:58:13 +0000 jaybird http://www.disabledonline.com/community/rainey/blog/jerry-lewis-no-longer-mda-s-national-chairman/
Lewis, 85, has been the MDA's national chairman since the early 1950s and has hosted the Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon since 1966.

He announced in May that he was retiring as host of the telethon that has become synonymous with his name. But Lewis added that he planned to make his final appearance on this year's Sept. 4, show and planned on continuing to serve as MDA's national chairman.

MDA Chairman of the Board R. Rodney Howell said in a statement that Lewis "will not be appearing on the telethon" and "we will not be replacing him as MDA national chairman."

Howell added that Lewis "is a world-class humanitarian and we're forever grateful to him for his more than half century of generous service to MDA."

The statement did not provide any further explanation for the moves, and calls to the Tucson, Ariz,-based nonprofit weren't immediately returned Wednesday night. Representatives for Lewis, a publicist and a manager, also did not immediately respond to messages left for comment.

Lewis, a Las Vegas resident, has in recent years battled a debilitating back condition, heart issues and the crippling lung disease pulmonary fibrosis.

MDA officials said more than $1 billion has been raised during Muscular Dystrophy Association telethons over the years and a national network of some 200 hospital-affiliated clinics has opened since Lewis became involved in the telethon.

Lewis' first live Labor Day weekend telethon in 1966 was broadcast by a single New York City television station. It raised more than $1 million in pledges.

The telethon moved from New York to Las Vegas in 1973 and had stints in Los Angeles before returning in 2006 to Las Vegas.

Last year's Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon aired from the South Coast hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip and was broadcast by more than 170 stations. It raised almost $59 million to fund research to find a cure for muscular dystrophy and ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease.

The live telethon usually lasts 21 1/2 hours. Sometimes Lewis would sing or tell lighthearted jokes. He introduced guests and other performers like a ringmaster. Sometimes, he turned serious and shared stories of people afflicted by the disease or who were helped by the association. All the while, he urged donors to contribute while a tote board rang up pledge totals.

Some telethon moments have made history.]]> http://www.disabledonline.com/community/rainey/blog/jerry-lewis-no-longer-mda-s-national-chairman/ Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:16:55 +0000 rainey http://www.disabledonline.com/community/Bumps2150/blog/worldwide-disability-law/ In 1973 the Rehabilitation Act began a ripple effect, which would have worldwide implications. In 1990 the ADA expanded the Rehabilitation Act. In t... http://www.disabledonline.com/community/Bumps2150/blog/worldwide-disability-law/ Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:17:11 +0000 Bumps2150 http://www.disabledonline.com/community/rainey/blog/melt-downs/ Just to help you understand a bit more why I have a melt downs. Life is not always easy for anyone and it is even harder being disabled. I had many ch... Just to help you understand a bit more why I have a melt downs. Life is not always easy for anyone and it is even harder being disabled. I had many changes in my life within a very short period of time, the biggest challenge was learning to live alone from a wheelchair. Sure I am doing OK but little things that go wrong just build up ...and then I melt down regroup and start again. What upsets me is when I am told I need to get control or I need to be medicated. I will not let anyone talk down to me or disrespect me for giving it my best. Little things that able body take for granted can be very frustrating for me, something as simple as making ice. I can guarantee you when I fill the ice trays not only do I get a bath but my floor gets washed as well and after cleaning it up three times in a row yes I do get frustrated. There is nothing major wrong I know I am lucky my heath is good and I am grateful I have a roof over my head and food in my mouth. What I would like the most from my family and friends is to understand getting older and living alone is a challenge for me and I do stumble but I am giving it my best and trying not co depend on anyone. Do you have them? A melt down is not self pity and nothing to be ashamed of. http://www.disabledonline.com/community/rainey/blog/melt-downs/ Sun, 17 Jul 2011 12:59:59 +0000 rainey http://www.disabledonline.com/community/becca_tx/blog/you-ve-been-served/ ]]> http://www.disabledonline.com/community/becca_tx/blog/you-ve-been-served/ Sat, 09 Jul 2011 22:20:40 +0000 becca_tx http://www.disabledonline.com/community/txtrulady/blog/our-moderator/ I would like to honor Rainey this day for all the hours she has spent online going over all the new features here on DO and sharing her knowledge wit...
D]]> http://www.disabledonline.com/community/txtrulady/blog/our-moderator/ Wed, 15 Jun 2011 03:02:21 +0000 txtrulady http://www.disabledonline.com/community/Donald/blog/embracing-the-hand-your-delt-in-life/ I feel like almost everything that happens to us shapes the person we are and our journey through life. If I suddenly had the opportunity to wake up t... I feel like almost everything that happens to us shapes the person we are and our journey through life. If I suddenly had the opportunity to wake up tomorrow and not have my CP I dont know if id take it. I feel like the experiences Ive had in my life and the person Ive grown to be would never be the same. http://www.disabledonline.com/community/Donald/blog/embracing-the-hand-your-delt-in-life/ Tue, 14 Jun 2011 06:22:05 +0000 Donald http://www.disabledonline.com/community/Donald/blog/we-all-have-our-moutains-to-climb/ A friend of mine and her daughter went to Mt Kilimanjaro in Africa which is the tallest mountain in the world. During their journey up the mountain th... http://www.disabledonline.com/community/Donald/blog/we-all-have-our-moutains-to-climb/ Sat, 11 Jun 2011 08:28:40 +0000 Donald http://www.disabledonline.com/community/Donald/blog/disabled-or-not-we-can-all-rock-the-world/ Years ago I was someone who had almost no confidence I remember how it was for me as a kid not only did I have CP but I was by my own definition and p... Years ago I was someone who had almost no confidence I remember how it was for me as a kid not only did I have CP but I was by my own definition and prob most other kids a nerd I was kinda like Steve Urkel with CP I remember always feeling nerves when I walked into a classroom or was around new people I felt different and always felt like I stood out because of my CP This lack of confidence stayed with me all the way through school and some of college up until my early twenties I finally realized DISABLED OR NOT WE CAN ALL ROCK THE WORLD! I finally realized that Just because I had CP my worth as a person wasent any less and I shouldent have to prove myself worth to anyone as I got older I always told myself man it would have been great if I knew as a kid what I know now that disabled or not we can all rock the world life is about confidence and a belief in chasing your dreams you should never feel like your dreams or yourself arent worthy You have to believe in yourself before anyone else will and not everyone will believe in you but as long as you do thats a major step in the right direction Im not saying everything is perfect and Im always confident and no were Im heading in fact some days I feel completely lost but with my friends family and girl friend I always find my way back on track to rocking the world and it feels great http://www.disabledonline.com/community/Donald/blog/disabled-or-not-we-can-all-rock-the-world/ Fri, 10 Jun 2011 09:09:21 +0000 Donald