Swimming in the Mainstream

The non-profit organization where I worked, Natural Ties, was a disability-related organization, and the work we did coincided with the social activities of the organization. Our mission was to raise awareness of people with various types of disabilities, and this mission was accomplished through one-on-one friendships between a disabled person and a non-disabled person, who was referred to as a "tie." I often found myself talking to people not only about my disability but also how I found out about Natural Ties and what I thought of it. I'd say that talking about disability really depends on how one's disability was acquired.

I can't say I actually draw a line between my private and public life when it comes to my disability. I am an educator of sorts and use my own experience to teach about blindness.

I do draw the line though when it comes to appropriate behavior, whether or not related to my disability. There are off-limit topics, but they would be off limit if I was not disabled also.

Of course, I have some topics I bristle at -- the whole issue of whether or not there is a cure for what I have. I had a friend recently defend her boyfriend's telling me he hoped my vision could be cured by asking me why I begrudged him a positive approach. I had a hard time articulating that, to me, pining for a rescue is not positive. And her reaction came as close as I have to making me want to claim a right to privacy... I wanted to say that my destiny was a private issue for me.

http://www.nanhawthorne.com/

I think its every person for themself and what they want revealed (or not) concerning disability. Some disabilities have a stigma attatched; some don't. If you're willing to answer questions and educate co-workers regarding your particular disability, then it could be good. On the other hand, if you feel you are not ready to dive into any question and answer sessions, maybe it should not be revealed. Of course, we are talking about hidden disabilities -- correct? So, if your disability reveals itself by the way you function at work and it causes an obviously painful awareness, then maybe it's good to just air it out. It's up to each person. One answer, in my opinion, does not fit all.

I am happy to discuss my disability with coworkers when they ask, but avoid pushing it onto them if they don't. I do, of course, take every opportunity to positively discuss accessibility with coworkers who have already shown an interest. Though I used to get a little "bent out of shape" when people would try to help too much or ask questions I consider inappropriate, I have learned in recent years to take it easy and be happy I'm getting too much help rather than too little, and to consider the "inappropriate" questions about my disability as opportunities to educate the person, hopefully bringing them onto the good side of the isle on their next encounter.

Hello this is Betty Banks,
I am replying to what you said about private.
I feel what you are saying, but, I feel if you are at a job and dealing with people everyday meaning your coworkers, they deserve to know how to deal with you and what makes you tic.