Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!think.com!yale!bunker!wtm
From: newmark@auvm.auvm.edu (Shandon Silverlock)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Guillain-Barre
Message-ID: <15021@handicap.news>
Date: 19 Apr 91 03:00:49 GMT
Sender: wtm@bunker.isc-br.com
Reply-To: newmark@auvm.auvm.edu (Shandon Silverlock)
Organization: The American University - University Computing Center
Lines: 24
Approved: wtm@hcap.fidonet.org

Index Number: 15021

I'm a newcomer to this group.  I'm not sure I can really call myself
handicapped anymore, but for 2 years I definitely fit within any definition
of the word.  And it entirely turned my life upside down.  Since then I
have become very interested in the areas of disability awareness, and
handicap accessibility.

In 1986 I was a Junior in high school and contracted Guillain-Barre
Syndrome.  It's a disease that attacks the myelin insulation around
the nerves.  Within two days I went from a fully active teenager to
paralyzed from the neck down.  Myelin grows back, but extremely slowly.
I spent four months in a hospital close to 9 months in a wheelchair,
and it was 2 years before I could say I was recovered.

A couple things:

1: I am interested in getting in touch with any other people who have
experienced Guillain-Barre.

2: I am interested in learning sign language, and wonder if any
particular book can be recommended.  (or course.  I go to college
in the DC area.  Nearby Galluadet, but I have no idea whether students
from other universities can take courses there)