A seating for people with disabilities psa...

[karriemouse]

Just wanted to leave a message in the hope that the people sitting behind us at the 4.30pm Lights, Motors, Action show on Friday would read it.
We sat directly in front of you in the seating for people with disabilities section, and my daughter has just told me that you were muttering to each other that 'THOSE seats are for disabled people'.
Well I have Multiple Sclerosis - is that enough of a disability for you? My balance is very poor because of this, especially on stairs, and the cast member obviously noticed what you did not and suggested I sit there. To avoid the possibility of falling down the stairs, I gratefully accepted.
As my issues have only got worse relatively recently, this was my first experience of 'using the disabled facilities' and your comments have now made this a very bad experience. I wish I had heard you at the time, as I would have (politely) said something rather than being angry now.
If by chance you do read this, please remember in future that there are many disabilities, most of which you can't see, but which are very real. It's bad enough living with them without having to cope with hurtful comments such as yours.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Do you seriously think these people will read this?

Ignorant people are everywhere; just ignore.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I get that you are venting your frustrations. But all your post is going to do is start a thread that is going to get heated and eventually shut down. It doesn't ask any questions or offer any advice that could be useful to others.

 

[utterrandomness]

I'm really sorry that this happened to you. Ignorance is a terrible thing to have to deal with, especially at Disney. I hope the rest of your holiday is free of such ignorant jerks. As someone with a once invisible disability (I now use crutches, which seem to make me actually invisible sometimes ) I totally understand your frustration and your need to comment about it. Don't let those people ruin your holiday.

 

[SueM in MN]

There have been many threads on the Disboards about similar subjects. They do tend to end of rather heated, because unfortunately, most people without disabilities see anyone using a wheelchair or ECV as 'not needing it' if the person looks well. The same for people with invisible disabilities not using a mobility device.
Many people have posted the same negative things on multiple threads UNTIL they end up with an invisible disability or needing assistance. That is when they finally get it.

I feel bad for you, OP that you were subjected to that - it happens

 

[minnie mum]

Sorry you had to experience that OP, and I'm equally sorry to say that it's not an uncommon thing and it will happen again. Ignorami abound. You can't change these fools, only the way you react to them. Ignore them and concentrate on the important things.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Sorry you had to experience that OP, and I'm equally sorry to say that it's not an uncommon thing and it will happen again. Ignorami abound. You can't change these fools, only the way you react to them. Ignore them and concentrate on the important things.

I unfortunately have to agree with this. There are some very understanding people in this world, but there's also a large contingent of ignorant people. I'm very sorry that you had this unpleasant experience. It helps to develop "selective hearing."

 

[olwyngdh]

Just wanted to leave a message in the hope that the people sitting behind us at the 4.30pm Lights, Motors, Action show on Friday would read it.
We sat directly in front of you in the seating for people with disabilities section, and my daughter has just told me that you were muttering to each other that 'THOSE seats are for disabled people'.
Well I have Multiple Sclerosis - is that enough of a disability for you? My balance is very poor because of this, especially on stairs, and the cast member obviously noticed what you did not and suggested I sit there. To avoid the possibility of falling down the stairs, I gratefully accepted.
As my issues have only got worse relatively recently, this was my first experience of 'using the disabled facilities' and your comments have now made this a very bad experience. I wish I had heard you at the time, as I would have (politely) said something rather than being angry now.
If by chance you do read this, please remember in future that there are many disabilities, most of which you can't see, but which are very real. It's bad enough living with them without having to cope with hurtful comments such as yours.

Just in case it makes you feel a little better, or at least gives you a giggle, here is a story for you.

We were at that show at one point, I was on my scooter with my husband beside me, and my daughters seated behind us, like you are suppose to do. A woman behind them was complaining to her daughter about us taking all the "good seats," but she was doing it in spanish and calling us all sorts of names she figured we couldn't understand. Well, she was right with all of us but my oldest, whose then fiance (now husband), is hispanic. Although she speaks very little spanish, she understands a lot because his family floats back and forth between the languages and she has dated him since she was 15. She finally turned around and told the woman, in spanish, "You know, I can understand every word you are saying, and you should be ashamed using that language in front of your child." The woman grabbed her child and left in embarrassment. Sadly, I missed the whole thing because I had fallen asleep on my scooter.

 

[karriemouse]

It doesn't offer any advice that could be useful to others.

Actually I believe it does, but unfortunately the people who need to hear the message are not likely to be reading it.

Thanks very much to those of you who have offered kind words, a 'virtual hug' or a giggle.

 

[POOHsie]

Actually I believe it does, but unfortunately the people who need to hear the message are not likely to be reading it.

Thanks very much to those of you who have offered kind words, a 'virtual hug' or a giggle.

 

[ttintagel]

I know people who wear T-shirts from foundations that support their particular conditions (American Cancer Society, JDRF, Arthritis Foundation, Autism Speaks, etc.). Of course, it goes without saying that able-bodied people ought to have some common courtesy and people with invisible disabilities shouldn't HAVE to make them visible just for the benefit of the ignorant, but at least one person I know well has said that since she started doing it the rude treatment has stopped.

 

[olwyngdh]

I know people who wear T-shirts from foundations that support their particular conditions (American Cancer Society, JDRF, Arthritis Foundation, Autism Speaks, etc.). Of course, it goes without saying that able-bodied people ought to have some common courtesy and people with invisible disabilities shouldn't HAVE to make them visible just for the benefit of the ignorant, but at least one person I know well has said that since she started doing it the rude treatment has stopped.

I wonder how that would work with my Fibromyalgia since I have been told, even by a Dr, that it is a fake disease and all in my head. I SOOOO wanted a Freaky Friday moment with that Dr.

 

[bidnow5]

It's a sad fact that people judge I seen it for 35 years it doesn't change

 

[emldrl]

I too have invisible disabilities, and am planning a trip next year. OP, your situation is exactly what I'm afraid will happen to me. I don't have a thick skin at all, and frequently cry at the VA when I'm treated like a faker, drug addict, told it's all in my head, etc. Even my husband does it. Even after CA, with fibromyalgia and possible lupus, and now a cardiac issue, I am still trying to convince myself not to use any disability access. Silly, right? Well, not for me, it isn't. When you are relatively young (I'm 36), and seemingly able bodied, people can be cruel, from people at WDW to medical professionals. How many times have y'all been told, you're too young to have ....! Anyway, I say vent all you want, OP, sometimes it just makes you feel better, and that's ok.

 

[olwyngdh]

Ya know, sometimes I think we need threads like this just so we know we are not alone.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) It is too bad about the comments.
2) But, I wonder what is worse,
. . . people who make unfeeling comments
. . . people who let unfeeling comments get to them
3) It isn't that important, so just let it roll off the back.

 

[LilyWDW]

When I hear comments like that, directed at myself or someone else, I just laugh to shake my head. It's not worth allowing yourself to get upset about it. Don't waste your time and energy on people like that.

I went to see Festival of the Lion King this past trip. I requested to sit on the floor due to severe tendinitis in both my ankles which made walking up the steps very painful. There were a few "Why does she get to sit there? She doesn't look like she needs it." when others were stopped and directed into the stands, but I didn't care. Those people don't get it and most likely never will. So no point in me caring.

 

[Goddesstree]

Why did your daughter have to share that with you? Did she feel the need to upset you? My policy is to let it go - why pass on info that just upsets someone else? How is that beneficial?

Now, put on the Frozen soundtrack and "Let it Go"

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Why did your daughter have to share that with you? Did she feel the need to upset you? My policy is to let it go - why pass on info that just upsets someone else? How is that beneficial?

Now, put on the Frozen soundtrack and "Let it Go"

I'd imagine that the OP's DD was upset by the comments and wanted to share her outrage with her family members. I think that is perfectly understandable, especially given that the OP's DDs are just 15 and 20.

And why did you feel the need to question the OP's DD? How is that beneficial to the OP? If I were the OP, I would be pretty upset to read your post.

 

[TeddyAllen]

I'm sorry to hear what you have been through, Karen.
Unfortunately, ignorant people are everywhere, and it's hard to change their perspectives. But well, you don't need to do that since you're living a happy life without them.
Hope you all the best, stay strong!