Legs don’t work so brain must not either ?

koukla

Hi all, just wondering if anyone here has been overlooked, ignored, patronised and/or basically treated  like they’re a blathering idiot just because their ____ (fill in the blank, in my case it’s legs) don’t work?  

Not having always been a member of the disability brigade, I am very attuned/aware of the before and after attitudes proffered by joe blogs members of the public.  However and often much to their surprise, these people soon find out that whilst the legs might not work too well, the brain and mouth are in perfect working order ?

Does anyone else come across these attitudes and if so, how do you respond?

Ami2301

Hi @koukla
You have hit the nail on the head...people treat me different since I've become disabled and if I'm having a bad day then I will say " I do have a brain, I am still sane and I shouldn't be treated like I don't know what I'm doing or what's going on"

Richard_Scope

Yes, I have experience of this. I just say "I can speak and understand quite well, so how about you speak to me?".

koukla

@Richard_Scope and @Ami2301

cheers for your replies ?. It annoys the hell out of me when people see the disability and not the person ??. Well as long as my brain and mouth still work (albeit not always together ??) I’m happy to deal with these muppets.

Richard_Scope

It's important that we do deal with it!

exdvr

Hi @koukla, join the club! Also @Ami2301.    I posted something very similar a few months back and agree that it drives me bl00dy mad when this happens.  Very often they may think they're trying to be helpful and not patronising but my mouth tends to run away with itself, result is only more grief and hassle for everyone involved. I'm not the most patient person on the planet and as things get worse so do I.  Rest assured that you are not alone...but no easy answers unfortunately.

koukla

@exdvr Definite kindred spirits here! I for one do not suffer fools gladly and like you, am not the most patient of people when it comes to morons.  I was once sitting in the park on my (Harley Davidson LOL) scooter and some **** comes up to me, never met the guy before, never saw the guy before, didn’t know the guy from Adam and says what’s wrong with you?   I said do I know you? Or you are you a complete imbecile with whomever you meet? On that note I scooted away LOL They say that karma is a ****, I hope she lives up to her reputation with some of these idiots ?

Chloe_Alumni

Hi @koukla, I too can really relate to this!!! I use a wheelchair on a part- time basis and also notice a change in people's attitudes when I use my wheelchair. Attitudes do need to change!

koukla

@Chloe_Scope. Hi back ?. Yep totally agree, that’s why I make damn sure when I’m speaking with people I focus on projecting WHO I am and not what - I’m using (scooter or mobility aid), have (conditions),  etc.  I really do believe that much of how people see us is in  good part based on how we project ourselves.  As for the ignoramuses, they just need a kick up the butt ??

Ami2301

Well said @koukla

koukla

@Ami2301. ????

axwy62

I've actually had someone pat me on the head and tell me I look really pretty when I was waiting outside a (totally inaccessible to wheelchairs) shop for my son. I was so gobsmacked my gob didn't actually work for several minutes. I'm 56, wasn't wearing anything special, oh, and I have a doctorate. 

koukla

@axwy62 jaysus!  Do they come any STUPIDER?.