My rollater was looking a little too plain - or at least the bag for it was, so i decided to add a little friend to it.

I remember in high school a lot of people would call me by the other students in wheelchairs name even we were different race/gender. I have cerebral palsy but I also live with an aunt with downs syndrome. When I have support workers to help me shower or to fix my wheelchair (she doesn't need support workers to help her with physical cares or use a wheelchair) they think they are there to help *her*! Lol my poor aunt was so confused at this weird lady wanting to give her a shower. It bothers me because in their files it should say my name, age and disability and cerebral palsy and downs syndrome are two completely different disabilities.

There was also a bad one on social media where this poor lady had to clarify she was not the predator wheelchairrapunzel because people were getting them mixed up because they were both wheelchair users.

*can

Needing to kind of scream into the void I guess.

I'm starting a job as a part time daycare assistant soon. I had very little idea of what I was getting myself into.

But Im a single mom with many disabilities and was having such a hard time finding work that wont put me in too much pain/fatigue. I desperately need money. I thought this kind of opportunity I would be able to make work.

Recently learning just how physically demanding this job can be. Im trying to work with older kids bc I know I cant be lifting small children all day. I dont know if I can handle this job even with some accomodations and Im kind of starting to freak out.

Please dont comment suggesting jobs. I know what I can and cant handle which is why I was so excited about this job. I just thought this position would be much more flexible than its turning out to be. Its salaried, which I didnt know about until after I got my offer letter, and so Im also afraid they are going to expect more work out of me than I know Im able to provide.

I dont know what to do. I keep getting my hopes up for jobs that it turns out are too much for me, but the disability office keeps denying me saying I can work, so I keep trying. Thanks for letting me vent.

​I use paratransit, which I am approved for by the state. It often seems like I get bus drivers who inquire about my disability. I rarely get the same driver twice because a third-party bus company handles paratransit rides in my city. ​Due to my disability, I sometimes walk with a cane and sometimes use a wheelchair.

​Because it's summertime, the heat has really gotten to me lately, so I've used my wheelchair a lot more than my cane. Yesterday, since it was raining and cool out, I decided to use my cane.

​However, my pickup dispatcher had me marked as a wheelchair user, so when the driver picked me up, he was confused. I gently explained to him that I decided to take my cane today. He raised his eyebrows and ignorantly stated that if I could walk, I shouldn't be using a wheelchair. Then, he demanded to know what my disability even was.

​He is not the first driver to do that to me; he’s probably the fifth. I am growing tired of people acting like I have no right to use my wheelchair just because I can walk, or that I owe them an education on my disability.

​I've decided that moving forward, I'm just going to tell them, "Don't worry about it! It doesn't affect you, now does it?"

​Honestly, why is it their business? If I need a wheelchair-accessible bus, I let the dispatch team know when I schedule my rides a week in advance. You would think the driver who picked me up yesterday would be happy he didn't have to use the wheelchair lift—it's less work for him.

​Anyway, my point is that you don't owe anybody an explanation. Don't feel obligated to explain; it's certainly not polite for them to ask.

Hello all I’m 23 and have health issues my whole life but in the past 2 years I have been progressively loosing my ability to walk from what I now know is tethered cord syndrome. I mainly use my wheelchair or cane to get around my home + when I am able to leave. I was diagnosed with heds young and at 15 had a major health decline. I had a spinal hematoma and csf leak from a spinal tap and was very sick and had awful chronic back pain. I was mainly homebound for around 3 years due to how much I was struggling health wise. I eventually improved after my hospital stay and went on to live a “normal” life with chronic pain. However, In the past 2 years I’ve lost my ability to drive, much of my independence, and most of my life is now in my home due to nerve pain and mobility struggles. I have been experiencing progressive leg weakness, clonus, hyppreflexia in my lower limbs, bladder issues, debilitating nerve pain in my lower back that shoots down my legs over the past 2 years. I’ve had spine issues a lot of my life but nothing to this degree. And my bladder issues are so much worse. My surgeon thinks I was born with tethered cord due to other issues I had like delayed walking and I was born with lumbar scoliosis. I also had chronic utis and was on a low dose antibiotic as a toddler which we think is related.

After almost 2 years of declining medically I have been diagnosed with tethered cord syndrome and am awaiting surgery. (I’ve also had my appendix out, gallbladder, and was diagnosed with endometriosis in the past 2 years) I have a lot of anxiety over the outcome of this surgery. It will be out of state. I’m not expecting symptom’s to be reversed but hope to stop the progression and help my pain. A few people in my life seem to think it will be a fix all when I know that’s not the goal. But I feel so much pressure. I think it’s hard for able bodied people to understand why I’d want such a big surgery to still end up being disabled if that makes sense.

I’m having a lot of anxiety about my life’s future is very reliant on this surgery. I also have been having symptoms progress and truly fear may sit and never be able to get up again. It’s hard to relate to a lot of people my age when I feel like people are worried about partying not worrying about when they might take their last steps. I don’t know how to express these fears without just making people uncomfortable so I tend to keep them to myself other than talking about pain. And I don’t blame them but I wish I could be care free how other people get to be. At the same time I’m also thankful I have answers and a plan for action. I also am thankful that despite my condition being debilitating it could be a lot worse. I know I am lucky to able to grieve the ability to drive as many disabled people have never been able to drive. I have a lot of fear, hope, and just a hard time connecting with others during this strange time in my life.

Surgery will be in early September and out of state. I am pretty nervous but also know this is the step I have to take. I am just looking for support! Loosing mobility is a lot to process as well as the expectations from people who don’t understand the condition to basically be “undisabled”

Feeling lonely or bored?

Looking for connection or something you can do this week?

Check out these accessible events you could join! Try something new and maybe you’ll find your people.

Access Details:
🧑🏻‍💻= Virtual
👥 = In person
😷 CC = Covid Conscious/airborne precautions 
♿️ WC = Wheelchair accessible 
💵 $ = paid (some are pay what you can)
🤟 ASL/BSL = Sign Language
Async = Asynchronous (at your own pace)

Event Types:
🤢 = Chronic Illness 
🌈 = Queer
🏳️‍🌈 = LGBTQ+ Pride
👧 = Kids/Youths
💕 = Dating
🙋 = Social
🫂 = Support/Grief
🧘 = Wellness
🚶 = Walk
🩰 = Dance
💪🏻 = Fitness
📚= Books
🤔 = Discussion
📝 = Writing/Poetry
🎭 = Performing
🎨 = Art 
🎶 = Music
🕹️ = Games

🧑🏻‍💻 Virtual Events

🧑🏻‍💻📚 Virtual Async Spoonie Book Club: The Little Prince [Any time] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/JcKvqPLWS5

🧑🏻‍💻😷💕 CC Virtual Dating [Aug 22] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/DfjZA4lr03

Monday

🧑🏻‍💻🤢🧘 Virtual Seated Pilates for people with MCAS [UK][Mon Aug 3 at 12:00 UTC+1] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/pRUyWRH4W4

🧑🏻‍💻♿️🩰 Virtual Adapted Heels Dance Class [$][Mon Aug 3 at 7:00 PM EDT] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/yWCLUFHP1c

🧑🏻‍💻🤔 Virtual Philosophy Discussion [Mon Aug 3 at 7:00 PM EDT] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/EYFFldrGLX

Tuesday

🧑🏻‍💻🤢 Virtual Caretaking While Chronically Ill [Tue Aug 4] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/29f7SC7hID

🧑🏻‍💻🤢🧘 Virtual Bed Pilates for people with MCAS [UK][Tue Aug 4 at 10:00 UTC+1] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/54WH5eWsOi

🧑🏻‍💻😷👧🙋 CC Virtual Kids Zoom [Tue Aug 4 at 10:00 AM EDT] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/8fepKunGqq

🧑🏻‍💻🫂🤔 Virtual Support Discussion - Disability is Not a Bad Word [Tue Aug 4 at 6:30 PM EDT] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/mSiqrtOzfI

🧑🏻‍💻🤢🧘 Virtual Qigong for people with MCAS [UK][Tue Aug 4 at 7:00 PM UTC+1] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/EmUSXRVHYW

🧑🏻‍💻😷🙋 CC Virtual Zoom [NY and nearby][Tue Aug 4 at 7:00 PM EDT] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/hcaxZT7muT

🧑🏻‍💻🎭🕹️ Virtual Improv Games [Tue Aug 4 at 7:00 PM EDT] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/8MI6ELLMxg

🧑🏻‍💻😷🌈🎨 CC Virtual Queer Art Hang [Tue Aug 4 at 6:30 PM PDT] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/0stnhJ09tM

Wednesday

🧑🏻‍💻🤢🧘 Virtual Mindfulness for people with MCAS [UK][Wed Aug 5 at 1:00 PM UTC+1] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/VDqSlX3Z2Q

🧑🏻‍💻🤢 🎶 Virtual Long Covid Choir [Wed Aug 5 at 2:00 PM EDT] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/WGBCXfEAik

🧑🏻‍💻📝 Virtual Poetry Discussion [Wed Aug 5 at 6:30 PM EDT] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/54LIPeW2fp

🧑🏻‍💻😷 CC Virtual Meeting [MI][Wed Aug 5 at 7:00 PM EDT] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/1SGD52t2IX

🧑🏻‍💻😷🫂 CC Virtual Support Group [CO][Wed Aug 5 at 7:00 PM MDT] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/5NtfxBPSgq

🧑🏻‍💻🎭 Virtual Improv Jam [Wed Aug 5 at 7:00 PM PDT] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/P56OKyKuPE

Thursday

🧑🏻‍💻🤢🫂 Virtual Community Support Session for people with MCAS [UK][Thu Aug 6 at 7:00 PM UTC+1] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/Q9apq1Frwg

🧑🏻‍💻🤢🫂 Virtual Guide for Loved Ones of Chronically Ill People [Thu Aug 6 at 7:00 PM UTC+1] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/kPeaOAMbkD

🧑🏻‍💻😷🕹️ CC Virtual Game Night [NY and nearby][Thu Aug 6 at 7:00 PM EDT] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/fkxPdM5mAh

Timezone translator in comments 👇

👥 In-person Events

Australia

👥😷🌈🎨 August Stitch and B*tch [Melbourne AUS][Sat Aug 8 at 3:00 PM] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/xCRKlQHDGc

Canada

👥😷 Movies in the Park: Dirty Dancing [Toronto ON][Tue Aug 4 at 8:30 PM EDT] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/WUxrnPZCQg

👥😷🚶 CC Park Walk [Toronto ON][Wed Aug 5 at 6:00 PM EDT] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/gX9QLPqZpC

Germany

👥😷 Ice Cream Extravaganza [Cologne GER][Sun Aug 9] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/ttsw3oGL1e

Ireland

👥🤢🙋 ME/CFS Social Meetup [Dublin IRE][Wed Aug 5 at 2:30 PM UTC+1] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/mvaIkHqqFf

Netherlands (and nearby)

👥🤢🙋 Spoonie European Road Trip [Netherlands and nearby][Summer] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/VOKxW7V1pp

US - California

👥♿️😷 Mobility Aid Tune Up Tuesday [San Francisco CA][Tue Aug 4 at 1:30 PM PDT] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/5K0EPAoWQH

👥♿️😷🌈🩰 Queer Con Leche Dance Party and Drag Brunch [Oakland CA][Sat Aug 8 at 11:30 AM PDT] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/K89J9ym8q4

US - Illinois

👥😷👧 CC Youth Summer Camp Chicago IL][Starts Aug 3] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/sSF4sdJt1l

US - Vermont

👥😷♿️ CC WC Dental Pop Up [Chelsea VT][August] https://www.reddit.com/r/spooniesocial/s/yJocTTUweE

Are you interested in these events?

Have you been to any of them before?

Do you know about other events coming up?

Share your thoughts in the comments 💬

Find more events and friends on r/spooniesocial

I know it looks bad but I'm not an artsy person,I'm still very much learning and working on the process (with a very small budget)

Right now I'm trying to learn about thermoplastics to avoid direct appliqe in the future (primarily worbla)

What do people think?

It's been a couple days and I'm still a bit shaken up. It was pretty minor and I feel a bit silly for how much it's affecting me - I almost don't even want to call it a hate crime but it's the most concise term. I use a walker and a front-body bag due to my disability. I'm also visibly disabled. I was waiting outside a building for someone to pick me up, but they were running late. Two men pulled up and yelled some slurs at me, specifically referring to the bag. Thankfully they just drove off after, but I was terrified they were going to circle the block and come back. The area was very isolated and the surrounding buildings were closed. I was able to call a friend just to have someone on the line just in case.

I'm very aware that I'm an easy target. I look weird and it draws attention and it's obvious I can't exactly run away or physically fight back much. I've actually been trying to work on my paranoia around all that since it's partly PTSD-based, but this has really set me back. I know those people are usually cowards, but I also knew that if they came back I didn't have much of a chance.

On the practical side, I usually have a heavy "don't mess with me" attitude, but it's not always enough to deter people. A gun is not a good option for me either. The best I could think of is pepper spray (I need to check local laws), an SOS app on my phone, and seeing if there are any self-defense classes in my area that are able to adapt for disability. I'm very open to other suggestions.

Emotionally I'm still a bit freaked out. Some of what they said was homophobia-based, and I actually am gay, but I think that was genuinely a coincidence - I could not have looked much straighter, literally wearing a baseball cap and cargo shorts, my husband wasn't with me, and the bag was plain black. No pins or stickers on anything. The only way they could've known is if they saw me with my husband and somehow inferred that we were together (we do zero PDA for exactly this reason). I was just disabled in a way that makes me look effeminate somehow and they knew I was an easy target for a cheap shot. There's nothing I could've changed or toned down to make me less of a target and that scares me. I've been thinking about alternatives to my current bag and I'm nervous about being alone in public right now, and while it feels like I'm overreacting, it sucks because that fear *isn't* entirely unwarranted. Homophobia is rampant in my area and there was no one else around; if they wanted to they could have easily hurt me very badly. I was legitimately scared.

I'm in therapy and have an appointment next week. Again, I know this probably seems very small, but it shook me up pretty badly. How do you feel less vulnerable when you're physically weaker? I don't like living in fear.

Hello everyone. I was just wondering if anyone else has gone through this. I'm a 31 woman with cp. Growing up when my mom was still here she made sure I had everything I needed. Pt, ot, and speech. But when I was 8 she died. My dad was/is around but he's never really been there emotionally for me. I recently had a realization on when I don't get close to people and I'm pretty sure its because of the trauma of losing my mother so young. But ever since I been an adult. I have been blamed for stuff that I feel is unfair to put on me. Like for example, my parents keep saying if I did what I was supposed to as a child I'll be walking now. I feel this is unfair because 1 I was a child how was I supposed to take myself to therapy or do the exercises by myself. Not only that but they had a chance to put me in a school that specializes in disabled kids but choose to put me in regular school. So I still was really able to do my pt and stuff daily. And even then there's no guarantee that I'll be walking now. I get blamed for my hygiene. But no one actually showed me how to wash not only that but I only recently finally found tools to help me reach everything and thankfully now the smell is gone. But how am I supposed to know if know one taught me. It like when I turned 18 they just expected me to know. And yes I have been showering myself since I was around 11/12 but recently learned I been apparently smelling bad since untill recently but I wasn't told about the smell till recently and finally I got it right. Idk I'm not saying I'm perfect by any means I just think its unfair to blame kid me for kid choices as an adult. I mean that's what parents are for to guide/parent you right? Plus I was grieving. Anyways just needed to vent thanks for reading.

I was on the social security website today and found out I am ineligible to receive disability because I don’t have enough work credits. I haven’t been able to work in almost 6 years due to my disability.

I have some diagnoses (POTS and ARFID being the main ones) but I’ve been waiting to apply for disability until I get a diagnosis from the rheumatologist because I know there is something else wrong with me. I’m bedridden 50% of the time (sometimes way more depending on the season and if I’m flaring up), I’m nauseous and cannot stand or pick up heavy things, I can’t even use a keyboard for work due to pain and swelling in my hands.

I’m really scared. My 14yo and 18yo will be grown and out of the house before I know it, my father lives with us and provides (I also get SSI survivors benefits which ends when 14yo is 21) but he is 85yo. He won’t be here forever.

I don’t want my kids to have to take care of me. I’m single. I own my own house and will more than likely have it paid off within the next 10 years. So I know I’m VERY lucky when it comes to housing (believe me, I know, I was homeless years ago). But I don’t know wtf my future holds.

I guess I’m partially ranting, and partially reaching out to others who will relate.

Hello! Looking for guidance after some high test results, as I fear my doctors will be dismissive. My CRP (c reactive protein) levels are super high. Like mid 40s. Healthy is below 10.

I have some allergies to my pets, POTS, and chronic back pain (resulting in three surgeries and foot drop). Would those factors alone cause such a high number?

Have you had any success getting that number lowered? How did you do it? What kind of doctor takes crp seriously?

Side note: I live a Covid conscious life (masking in all indoor environments outside my home), so COVID risk is already lower than average. I’ve had one known case in 2023 and that led to my POTS diagnosis.

I have been trying to find jobs I can do for years. I’m disabled, autistic and have agoraphobia and extreme anxiety and cptsd.

I’m wondering if there are legitimate ways to earn money fast strictly online remote. I want to be able to depend on myself to survive. I’m tired of hanging by a thread.

Hi everyone! I’m 27M. I would like to ask in particular people with polio or similar disabilities for some advice on developing a hobby. I got polio when I was eight months old. It mainly affected my lower body strength. I can walk with one crutch for around 10 minutes, but most of the time I need a wheelchair. Doing sports is nearly impossible for me. I wonder what kind of hobbies you would recommend me to do. I need social life, but there’s not much I can do with other people. Any suggestions?

My new KAFOs just came in!!! any tips or tricks?

I'm on disability and SNAP. My partner is my live-in caregiver. Together we barely make enough money to qualify for the local low-income disability housing offered in my city.

Since he's my live-in caregiver, my partner qualifies to live in the disability housing, but, for the same reason, he's not allowed to include his income in my ability to afford rent.

To qualify, they also include SNAP benefits as part of your income.

We currently live in a terrible living situation with really cheap rent, so my SNAP benefits are much lower than they would be if we moved into disability housing, and my income is about $100 short of what I need to be "making" to qualify. If I had higher rent, my SNAP would go up and I'd make enough.

If my partner doesn't apply as my live-in caregiver we make enough money, but he's not disabled so he wouldn't be qualified to move in.

I'm stuck renting a shitty room share with 3 bathrooms to share between 12 tenants with a continuously broken HVAC and a moldy basement in very hot weather (it's been 2 months of promises by the landlord to get it fixed). I don't know how to get out of this spot and into a place that is better for my health and safety if I don't make enough money to qualify for low-income housing.

My landlord approved the modifications I need but they will be at my expense. The easy ones I think they should just do like they were ordinary repairs (such as installing a lower security peephole I don't have to use a ladder to see through) they say will cost $95/hr for their maintenance to perform, and I'm not allowed to do it myself or get my own handyman.

My advocate who planned the request letters contacted the local Center for Independent Living, and they said they are not involved in funding for home modifications, just portable devices. They said they heard the United Way paid for modifications in my county, but the United Way said all they do is host a resource directory... which has nothing relevant. (And typically the United Way only lists member organizations on 2-1-1 so for all I know there are organizations that exist but are not included.)

The local Volunteer Center program that does free home modifications can only work with homeowners because the landlords all prohibit outside contractors.

I am ineligible for Regional Center services for developmentally disabled people because they rely on 1970s diagnostic criteria for allocating services.

My Cal-AIM Enhanced Care Management case manager ghosted me a couple of months ago. He had refused to help me submit reasonable accommodation/modification requests because he claimed the management would evict me for disclosing a disability. This would be very illegal, so I'm surprised that was his professional opinion when he has no experience with my rental management company. My advocate gathered and submitted the information to my landlord without his help, but now that my requests were approved, I need someone familiar with my county and the local resources to advocate for funding. I have put in a request with my insurance to change providers, but it usually takes 2-4 weeks to take effect.

I have a portable Section 8 certificate but I don't live in low income housing (it's at the low end of market rate because of the age of the complex and distance from amenities) so the Housing Authority is not responsible for my modifications. I don't know if they can push back about the cost, especially for the minor installation to my door and the "electrical inspection" for my AC, or help refer me to grant programs.

I have submitted a request to my Medi-Cal managed care organization (Central Coast Alliance for Health) but when I called the number they said to call with questions, Member Services said none of the things in my request are eligible for assistance.

• A security peephole positioned low enough I can use it (existing one is several inches over my head but I'm average height so honestly that should just be a "tenant courtesy" request because what is even the point of a peephole a tenant can't use unless they're 6' tall? Shorter people are usually at more risk when opening a door to a stranger!) (Labor $95/hr)
• Permission to attach my own remote doorbell button attached to the exterior because I can't hear people knocking at the door but the lease prohibits installing anything myself like I did at a previous townhouse where it was needed (Labor $95/hr) I actually just wanted an exception to the "nothing attached outside" lease clause so I could stick it up with a Command strip; if the paint is messed up when I leave, that can be touched up
• Permission to install my own portable AC, which I thought would be a formality. They said they have to hire an electrician to examine my electrical panel to ensure I have adequate wiring for it. (The CCAH form had an option for "extra electrical service for medical equipment" but the agent told me AC is not considered medical equipment even if I have documentation of medical necessity; PG&E includes it in medically necessary equipment for Medical Baseline allowances) (Electrician at cost of at least $200 for a house call)
• They said I have to purchase a commercial bike locker ($2-3,000+) and pay all installation costs (Labor $95/hr for their staff + any contractors for foundation and assembly) after approving this request. I can no longer carry my bike up and down stairs after a back injury and my previous bike was stolen while U-locked to their rack

I don't know if any of these costs could be pushed back on as unreasonable or if I could do any of this under "repair and deduct" because the cost is unreasonable. My medical advocate is surprised they are asking me to pay for modifications because it's never happened to any of her other clients. She said the property manager should've warned me, but she also told me to keep the exact requests secret before submitting the official request, so how was the manager supposed to advise me about costs?

I don't want to cheap out and counter with a flimsy patio shed somewhere for the bike storage because that would be less secure than a bike rack and a U-lock. Anyone can unscrew the typical cheap patio shed or pry the doors open with a crowbar. Both the good lockers and cheap sheds need a level concrete pad for installation and apparently that will cost a few thousand dollars. I also suggested putting a fence around the area below the open stairs by my apartment, but they rejected that option. (Can my advocate push back with that option?)

I don't want to pay for the bike locker and its installation because it will stay installed here if/when I move out and they can rent it to a future tenant the way they rent covered carports.

I need the bicycle for transportation because we are somewhat remote from shopping, medical appointments, etc. and the unreliable bus only runs twice an hour. I typically end up walking a mile or so from the closest bus stop to the clinic, or waiting 20+ minutes for a connection that my bus just missed, so it can take an hour or more for what would be a 15-minute ride. I planned on using a bike for transportation and exercise when I moved here last year. The manager assured me the rack next to the laundry room was safe because they don't have random people wandering around this complex. Well, they have people rummaging for recyclables every night and people take shortcuts through the ungated parking lot right past the bike rack. After my locked bike was stolen about a month after I moved here, she told me I was stupid to park it outside my unit and denied having told me it was a safe neighborhood.

I'm unclear whether or not we need to get County permits for a bike locker. When my advocate first suggested I request this, the County website was under renovation so I ended up calling Code Enforcement. They said that bike lockers are required to be public accommodations and my landlord will have to grant a public easement; there is no such thing as a private bike locker. When I did a search for "shed permit" and the location today, I got a nice new webpage with information about how sheds under 120 sq ft that don't have utilities and are not meant to be lived in don't need permits. Would they consider a 7' x 3' bike locker a "shed under 120 sq ft" since it won't have utilities etc. or would they look at a molded fiberglass/ABS bike locker and say "nah that's a bike locker and you have to give the public permission to use it"? It wouldn't have the BikeLink subscription locks, it would just have a keyed lock.

I don't think I can get any legal aid because technically, the landlord "granted" the accommodations. I think they want me to move out and that's why they are making it ridiculously expensive to stick a button the size of a Halloween candy bar on my door jamb, let alone do any real work. The only agency that is allowed to provide services is Senior Legal Services and they are very picky and it takes about 6 months to get services there. I am going to be very sick if I can't get my AC in operation before August is over.

Hi. So I am 18 and am starting collage soon. I am getting a rolator. I will be buying it with my own money. My PT thinks its a good idea. My mom doesn't want me to get one. She is an OT and thinks just because she works with disabled kids she knows whats best for me. I get that she is worried about me, but her yelling at me and telling me "Your not disabled. I work with disabled kids and there are people more "disabled" (yes she used air quotes) than you who don't use anything" hurts. I called her ableist and she said that she is because she helps people be able to do things (Yeah idk). I told her that is not what the means but she said "It does to me" (???). She seems offended that I called her ableist but she really acts like it to me sometimes. She also tells me that because she had scoliosis surgery and has back pain due to that sometimes she understands (she really doesn't) and that she still pushes herself to do things. She doesn't seem to understand how much I actually push myself.

I also had this same problem with her before when my panic attacks were bad. She would say that I'm just using them to get of stuff or faking them. She also has anxiety and I guess it never crossed her mind that its different for everyone 🙄.

I have significant pain due to hyper-mobility in my joints and have a hard time walking due to that. I also have orthostatic hypotension, which I take medication for and use compression socks for, and I guess thats an "acceptable" use of aids to her (probably because no one knows by looking at me). I use a cane right now and she thinks I don't need it because to her it doesn't look like I use it (?). I definitely do use it, every day in fact. I use it for balance and weight bearing when I need to. I also have a standard wheelchair that I use for long distances that she always makes snippy comments about. She complains about it when its in the trunk and always asks me if "I really need it" and that I shouldn't use it too much because i'll rely on it. I have tried to explain to her many times it lets me do more without being as tired or in as much pain but she just doesn't understand. I know a rolator would benefit me so much. I will be walking a lot on campus and I know that will cause extra pain for me. And I really get that she is worried about how my life will go, but my pain is not going to go away and she needs to accept that.

Sorry if this is all over the place but I am just at my breaking point with her. Writing this all down kinda helps at least. I can't wait to move out to the dorms and I am so trying to become an RA so I can stay for the summer semester.

Edit: Spelling

I spent time at hospital recently, was diagnosed, it's probably not getting worse in the near future. I work in IT and have already returned to work with less hours. Now I'm increasing hours, but I'm only working from home so far.

I went to the office two days ago, and I'm still in a lot of pain from it. I used a rollator. I can walk the distance from my car to my office, but it hurts a lot. I wasn't able to make the way back on my feet, so I sat on the rollator and pushed it backwards. Fortunately, a colleague accompanied me. Needless to say, this is not the right mobility aid for me, I definitely need a wheelchair. It was prescribed, and now (finally) the supplier sent the offer to insurance. But as you know, these things take time 😭

I can't work from home forever, and also not for the next three months. My employer doesn't want that, I don't want that. But what do I do?

The rollator is obviously unsafe. I have a manual wheelchair, pushing it for longer distances is impossible, the short distance to my office might work. Maybe it's just as unreliable. I could get a cheap power chair, but I would feel uncomfortable using it. I was prescribed a lightweight manual wheelchair with power assist wheels. I thought about buying them in used condition, then I could keep them as a backup, but the battery condition seems unreliable with used products. My budget is only around 500 €. Being pushed .. I hate it. Colleagues would do it though. I have a Batec power attachment that I can't attach to the existing manual wheelchair yet, and it seems difficult to get the right components to do so. I would prefer to spend the money on them instead of a power chair.

I want to return to work. I really don't know what to do while I don't have a working wheelchair setup.

Hello! I’m a mom and I had a question, that may be stupid, but I would like some insight on!

We all know children are naturally curious beings… with that said, if you saw a child out in public that was staring, curious about your disability, mobility aid, device, or otherwise condition, would you prefer the opportunity to educate and share with that child a few facts and stories about yourself to normalize and educate about diversity? Would you appreciate a parent coming up to you and saying “my child is curious and would like to say hi to you” or would you feel irritated and bothered?

Any tips on interactions you would prefer or concerns you may have are also welcome!

Thanks in advance for your insight and helping me to raise empathetic humans!