Isn't it a shame when disabled people feel compelled to give up through
perceived attitudes towards their impairment. Far be it from me to
psycho-analyse anyone but perhaps 'reality' for Derick Bird is one of
frustration and anger at his impairment arguably disguised as anger at the
academic establishment, particularly when he has achieved so much
academically already. However for those of us who have a different 'reality'
and have managed to 'get on with it', albeit with the indispensible support
of significant others and a positive, friendly, (mostly) accessible learning
environment in which to study, going on to postgraduate study is indeed not
impossible.
I too have MS. I live with pain and fatigue and have to prioritise all the
areas in my life about what needs to be done by me and what can be left for
someone else to do. I cannot be at my computer for long hours and I have to
rest regularly. However I started my PhD with the Open University 6 months
ago and although I am finding it mentally, physically and emotionally
challenging I won't give up on it. I am determined to do it because it is
what I want to do.Not only do I have the opportunity, I also have the right
to do it, and I will not let the irrefutable fact that I am disabled stand
in my way.
I, like anyone who has MS, have really no idea what tomorrow will bring but
I live by the philosophy that if I dont try I wont know, and I will keep on
trying until I can't try any more. Don't think I am 'supercrip' - that is
far from true - I just believe that life does not end with MS - it changes
certainly - and it can incredibly even change for the better - so if anyone
out there wants to apply to do a PhD, at Leeds or anywhere else - go for it
- Life is full of possibilities!
Jackie
Jackie Chapman
School of health & Social Welfare
The Open University
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
01908 654315
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