Intolerance, preconceived notions, and prejudice are just a few of the things that confront me as a disabled person. The American’s with Disabilities Act cannot address the behaviors and feelings of the non-disabled population beyond assuring some basic rights for those of us who must overcome obstacles and barriers. People who work with individuals who are disabled may themselves be intolerant of co-workers who present observable disabilities. One must learn to have thick skin or else he or she will crumble

One recreation therapist asked me as we were discussing the implications of being an MS patient, if I preferred the terminology physically challenged rather than disabled. To me, the words physically challenged have a negative connotation. Yet, the word disabled is not much better than the word handicapped. Both terms describe conditions that limit “normal” functioning. As a person with multiple sclerosis, I feel uncomfortable with of these terms.

Labels such as physically challenged, cognitively challenged, impaired mobility, hard-of-hearing, disabled and sad affect all seem to point to the preponderance of labeling. Professional therapists assess, categorize, classify and label the various limitations of specific individuals. Labeling helps the therapist plan and implement a specific protocol for treatment. Ultimately, there is not a nice way to say one has disabilities. Until one is faced with such a condition, the ramifications of labeling are difficult to understand.

Life continues to present challenges for everybody who has any kind of condition or disability. Being a diagnosed MS patient presents the professional recreation therapist in me with a chance to better understand what clients, program participants and others go through everyday. Maintaining my leisure repertoire is a daunting prospect. I hope to achieve continued success professionally and personally for as long as possible. I used to want to retire early, now I retired due to my overwhelming condition. I do not want to be limited by disabilities.
Regardless, I am often in a quandry when faced with outside forces that limit my ability to go out to dinner or take in a show.