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From: cnorman@weber.ucsd.edu (Cyndi Norman)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: hidden disabilities
Message-ID: <15268@handicap.news>
Date: 1 May 91 03:37:05 GMT
References: <18963@bunker.isc-br.com>
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Reply-To: cnorman@weber.ucsd.edu (Cyndi Norman)
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Index Number: 15268

In article <18963@bunker.isc-br.com> Carl.Raskin@f113.n163.z1.fidonet.org
writes:
>Index Number: 15140

>I would like to know if there is anyone on this echo who has a hidden
>disability and would like to exchange views/experiences.

Among others...not being able to be in the same room or, even
outdoors with, a cigarette (I vary from being able to tolerate a
few whiffs to getting sick at the first smell).  It makes no
difference if it's tobacco, pot, or insence.  Symptoms include:
headache, nausea, spaciness, irritibility, learning disabilities,
worsening of my hypoglyemia, and (my personal favorite)
hyperventalating until I become numb, nearly pass out, and fall to
the ground clutching my asmtha inhaler.

The irony is I can't go to rallies, marches, parades, or outdoor
gatherings with other people with disablities.  I'm excluded even
from participating in action to help myself.  Many people (and it
only takes one!) refuse to believe these symptoms exist and won't
change their behavior to accomadate me (I am intruding on their
rights, they say).  Though my disabilities aren't visable, I
probably have access to fewer public places than someone using a
wheelchair as well as reduced job and other oppurtunities.

__________________________________________________________________________
"There's nothing wrong with me.  Maybe there's                Cyndi Norman
something wrong with the universe." (ST:TNG)         cnorman@ucsd (bitnet)
______________________________________________ cnorman@ucsd.edu (internet)