InstantForum.NET v4.1.4Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis Forumhttp://www.spinalcordinjury-paralysis.org/forums/Information@ChristopherReeve.orgTue, 22 May 2012 20:09:04 GMT20http://www.spinalcordinjury-paralysis.org/forums/Topic4411921-6625-1.aspxHi Tiffany,I know what you mean. Personally, I prefer physically or mobility challenged, although once my Post-Polio Syndrome started to weaken my stamina to work even part-time, I legally became disabled and a benefits recipient. Prior to that, I did work from my wheelchair and just considered myself mobility challenged for many years.There are many people who are physically challenged, but do not consider themselves disabled. Never the less, I think all of us want to maintain as active and as independent as possible, but just appreciate having the means to do so. I find myself at a slower pace now, but at the same time, living in a different appreciation of the daily gifts I ignored or missed out on before. Any where I go now, I really notice the beauty around me and I have to admit, that for many years all I did was try to make deadlines. Maybe in a sense, I have a better quality of life now, than I did during my less challenging days. My husband is also physically challenged with MS, but has such a dynamo of a character that I feel like he is a force to be reckoned with regardless of his mobility. He does keep my world spinning!Cheers,10CSun, 10 Oct 2010 18:29:43 GMTTencyhttp://www.spinalcordinjury-paralysis.org/forums/Topic4411921-6625-1.aspxHi Tiffany,Thank you for asking the question. I dont think I have ever thought about your question the 28 years that I have been paralyzed. I have always thought of myself as Buzzy the Boy/Man who had an accident that took away his ability to walk. I hate labels and how everyone tries to put people into boxes. We are all very unique indivuals with our own unique abilities. I am not offended to be called "disabled" or "handicapped" as I am secure with who I am and in no way does it define me.Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:00:37 GMTCherryllhttp://www.spinalcordinjury-paralysis.org/forums/Topic4411921-6625-1.aspxI too don't care for the terms handicap and disabled. I have never like labels and have "marched to a different drum" long before I became a "wheeler" almost 8 years ago, 2 months after I turned 50 and my divorce was final.When I contact someone or someplace that doesn't know me I try to give the impression that I am a person who's legs are wheels.Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:40:20 GMTGinnyhttp://www.spinalcordinjury-paralysis.org/forums/Topic4411921-6625-1.aspxI'm a wheelchair user. I am not confined to a wheelchair. The actual wheelchair is a good thing:)Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:14:28 GMTjanettehttp://www.spinalcordinjury-paralysis.org/forums/Topic4411921-6625-1.aspx[color=purple][/color] I see myself as paralyzed but if someone ask me about my disability I don't mind either. Most people I meet don't treat like I have a disability or that I am any different than someone who is walking and I appreciate that. I am never offended when someone asks me how I ended up in my wheelchair, especially if it's a younger person asking. I think it helps little kids understand that just because someone may be different from them doesn't mean they have to treat that person differently.I hope this makes sense.TiffanyTue, 31 Aug 2010 15:27:21 GMTTiffanyhttp://www.spinalcordinjury-paralysis.org/forums/Topic4411921-6625-1.aspxPHYSICALLY CHALLENGED, THATS WHAT WE ARE!!!Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:16:37 GMTCHILLhttp://www.spinalcordinjury-paralysis.org/forums/Topic4411921-6625-1.aspxTiffanyYou are an inspiration to me. I have been dating the most unbelievable man ever :)I am so excited to have him in my life. I see the love you share with your husband, and understand how you feel.I dont see my man as anything but a man.. So I have asked him to respond to your question. I have learned so much about him and his "disablity"; but as I said, I think he is more of a man then most men I know!!!And.. we all have some kind of disablity; some just can be seen.....Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:34:50 GMTCherryllhttp://www.spinalcordinjury-paralysis.org/forums/Topic4411921-6625-1.aspxI have been a T6 paraplegic for 4 years. I don't see myself as anything but paralyzed. There are things that are harder to do or not doable but there were things like that before I was hurt.Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:27:37 GMTKarengphttp://www.spinalcordinjury-paralysis.org/forums/Topic4411921-6625-1.aspxThis is the question that has haunted me for 44 years. I HAVE NEVER FELT DISABLED OR ANY OF THE OTHER NAMES. I was injured at age 17. Kinda makes me old. I have lived in the time of nothing - stay in the closet - to now - limited access. BUT the turms and how people look at me seem to be in a time warp. I continue to "Build Bridges to the HEART" with some success.Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:51:04 GMTBethhttp://www.spinalcordinjury-paralysis.org/forums/Topic4411921-6625-1.aspx--Hello Friend, you are great, in caring for a "Husband" !!To me, the words "Disabled" and "Handicapped' are Sameand the gravity of each such case is better emphasised by pre-fixing any of these Two Words, "Partially" & "Totally" . --It is an Irony that our people do not remember their plightsfrom the Birth-Day. Were they "Disabled" and "Handicapped' ?--To know more, Please read my Comments on the following:---"IS the OWNERSHIP OF A TELEPHONE, A BOON or BANE FOR the ICT ? CORRUPTIONs? (Inbuilt) into the Arena of Disability/ Old-Age Related Inability visa-vis the Penalties for Defaults & Pangs of Filing of 'Nil'- Income Tax Returns year after year, till Death and even afterDeath, by the Heirs. " ( in Bangladesh Context)==Regards, From "Disabled2002" ; A former Tax-payer, in Troubles, for having a -T.I.N / Tax-payer's Identification Number, but No Taxable Incomes for the last 10 years ]. = E-mails:- mamussowir@yahoo.com , Mobile- +880 171 605 4996 Sat, 28 Aug 2010 21:02:12 GMTDisabled2002http://www.spinalcordinjury-paralysis.org/forums/Topic4411921-6625-1.aspxHi. I was curious about some things. My husband in a C-6/C-7 quad, but I don't ever look at him as someone who is disabled or in a wheelchair...he is just my husband. My husband says he doesn't identify with the term disabled or handicapp, he considers himself paralyzed-his actual medical condition. I think the term disabled is a matter of subjectivity to those who are "considered" disabled and those who are categorizing them. I am going to call it "subjective mindset". If you meet someone who you would not consider disabled and then later come to find out they are part deaf and require hearing aids...does that make them automatically disabled?Here is my question...do you consider your self disabled or handicapp or just paralyzed? If you are paralyzed, do you identify with the term "disabled?"Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:38:21 GMTTiffany