This is a fascinating thread. From 1948 to 1981 (14 to 47 years old) when
I used only a cane and one long leg brace and walked with a limp I was
seen usually as non-disabled by the people who for some reason or another
told me. Some people in the disability community (where I was the lead
organizer of a cross-disability state-wide coalition) told me that I was
not disabled enough to be a leader. When in 1981 I began using a
wheelchair, the "more disabled" people began to accept me. Earlier from
ages 9 (when I contracted polio) to 14 (when I had various operations) I
used crutches and two braces. I identified as (what I would say today) a
person with a disability, but I was too young to really understand what
was happening. And there were very few pwds around except for disabled
veterans who were always treated differently. Luckily I never had special
education or rehabilitation. But I knew that I was in a separate group
from most kids. Now that I am officially a frail elder I am just an mean
bastard.....David
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David Pfeiffer, Ph.D.
Resident Scholar
Center on Disability Studies
University of Hawaii at Manoa
[log in to unmask]
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One small step for mankind and I fall flat on my face.
D. Pfeiffer, July 4, 2003
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