As a disabled individual, how has your life changed?  Were any of your civil rights taken away?
921816
In a way yes I feel like I have no rights. As a child I was diagnosed with 2-3 different disabilities, but they are considered mild or slight, meaning that I'm still mobile, and somewhat mentally capable, according to definition and I often feel like life has dealt me a hard blow. I feel like I can't really enjoy the basic pleasures (and even displeasures in life:) LOL. People have all these preconceived notions about you and don't give you a chance in the social and economic. Luckily I have made good friends in my life but I've had my share of bad ones, and not all the good ones were disabled and not all the bad ones were completely fine either but it's a really hard road. It's even hard for me to answer this question. I know that I diagnosed and labeled disabled by professional, but am I really? What's considered normal, and why must the "normal" people feel they have to label "weird" quirks. And I know some people like the benefits they get from being disabled, but I don't want extra help from the government. I've been lucky to almost finish college, finish high school on time without skipping a grade, and very few of my classes per year while in high school were special ed. On average I only had one or two special ed classes. And I am considered exceptional for someone in my conditions but I always feel like I could better and I expect good things, extraordinary things out of my life. Some things not even a normal person could receive. I have been lucky to have worked before but people aren't kind. And I think it's sad that the average disabled person can't make a good living.
642466
You have been WOEFULLY wronged! Your civil liberties got violated in the most harsh way possible. \nThis is the worst thing to have happened since segregation.\nContact ACLU right away -- they will send out a team of commando-lawyers to handle your case and restore justice.
342585
I can't say I know a ton about Pharmacy and the oppertunities available, but I do know quite a bit about MS as my mom has it as well.  She isn't wheelchair bound, but she is very reliant on a cane/walker.  She is able to accomplish many daily tasks.  I think she is actually more active now that she has been forced to retire (due to the MS) than when she was still working.  She occupies her time with new hobbies, such as painting, and sewing.  \n\nJust because you are wheelchair bound doesn't mean you can't make huge contributions.  You could mentor pharmacy students with a local college, or speak about MS and the effects it has on life to students in the health related field.  You could volunteer with your local MS chapter.  They will often come and pick you up.  You can set up a website dealing with MS or pharmacy related issues and information.  Maybe you could start your own ebay business.  You could write a book about your life and experiences in pharmacy and how MS has affected your goals and life as well as family.  There are endless possibilities.
214444
This would be a real challenge for me since I've never met such a person. I would definitely try to communicate with him/her using body language or signing or maybe writing down what I would like to say. \nIn general dealling with such a person in my opinion shows us how "disabled" we "normal" people are in dealing with others!\n: )
210398
Having a job, contributing to your own income and support, providing for yourself, is a wonderful feeling. I worked with mentally retarded people, and even they felt good to have their own money to spend, that they had earned doing work at the work center.\nHelen Keller was blind and mute and still was able to work, People who are paralyzed are able to work doing phone work, ... even with a disability..you could do things that are of value to someone. Give yourself credit for the things you can do. Whoever is forcing you, is actually doing you a favor, even if they don't mean to be nice.\nFocus on your abilities and make the most of your life that you can.\n\nLook at this guy with no arms and legs, yet he finds a way to work - http://www.bretteastburn.com/html/about_brett.html\n\nBest of luck
41254
I have whats known as hidden disabilities.  I have also been in a wheelchair from time to time due to injuries and I can totally relate to what you are saying.  People that are ugly towards you because of your disability are not only mis informed, but incredibly shallow.  If they cant still see the real you inside, as much as it will hurt, I say dump them cause they arent worth your time and never were.  I have had to do that to a few people and while it hurt like hell, it made them look like idiots in the process.\n\nGood luck to ya, sweet person.
352902
My aunt had a friend in law school who was visually impaired.  She went to work for a civil rights group, of course.\n\nYou can take your bar and practice law, you can take it or not and work in consulting, you can take it or not and teach.  Either way you could do wonders with doing low pay or pro bono work for civil rights and discrimination cases.\n\nI plan to work for a non-profit group and maybe for DSS helping protect the Innocent and prosecute the deserving.  (Yeah, at least I am going to try my darnedest)\n\nYour being visually impaired is really not a factor in your possible career choices.  Choose whatever you want to do.
309830
When I see someone in a wheelchair, I realise that that person is physically challenged, however that doesnot mean he is a handicap in his life situations. With latest technologies and assistive devices , it's amazing how enabled a person can be for most of his life situations inspite of his physical limitations.
125665
I think it differs by where you are located but your best bet is to find out who your ADA Coordinator is and contacting them about getting special accommodations for those with disabilities. If I knew where you were located I might be able to be more help.
534751
I have MS, and our support group doesn't even meet anymore.  I haven't met the first person with MS, and it was May 4, 2005 when I was diagnosed.  I've heard that it can be depressing, if you see others that are bound to a wheelchair.  I have RRMS, and am very mobile.  I just have problems with balance and coordination, fatigue, some muscle cramps/spasms, minor numbness occasionally, sensitivity to heat (Which SUCKS!  I live in Mississippi), and occasionally depression.  I don't think it would depress me to see others that have progressed, however.  I think you should go and give it a shot.  If ours still met, I'd go.
855400
Has your brother in law tried applying for disability status?  Is he qualified for medicare? Social Security? How did he get injured initially? Is he a student? Has he seen a chiropractor?
293909
Check out http://disabilities-r-us.com
846624
People with disabilities have, historically, been put into institutions. They were kept apart from the community and abuse was very common.This has only changed in the past 30 years. I am unsure of exact websites but here are some search words that may help:\n\nmedical model of disability\nsocial model of disability\ninstitutionalisation\nChallinor Institute\nBasil Stafford Institute\n\nCheck out your local library too - there will probably be heaps to read.
130548
check yahoo for IDA...individuals with disabilities. they can help i bet
20515
You are probably young, but it depends on what you mean by "disabled". Blind, deaf, paralyzed ??? Most disabled people learn to live with their limitations graciously and lead FULL lives.
489933
Sadly it probably is.  America has horrible worker rights laws in most states, and I think VA is one of the sucky ones.  You might be able to claim discrimination due to disability, which is federal.  Talk to a lawyer about it ask if you have any kind of case.  Good luck.
526485
OK..HAD A REPUBLICAN FOR NEARLY TWO TERMS....NOW  LETS SEE WHAT HAS HAPPENED? LOST MORE OF MY CIVIL RIGHTS...SEEMS TO ME WERE AT WAR..HMM...OH THIS IS A JOKE ... RIGHT ... FUNNY HAHAHAH