Disabilism (Discrimination against those with disabilities) is alive and well

[aspiemama]

Just a warning beforehand, this entry is going to ruffle feathers, but I am writing and posting it anyway.  I am posting it because this is an ongoing problem, not only in my life, but in the lives of autistics all over the world and because it is a problem that NEEDS TO BE STOPPED.  Immediately, if not sooner

Comments

Perfume

[anonymous]

Dear Jenni,
I am so sorry the perfumes and ignorance continue to be problems. In our ward they have repeatedly announced in RS that there are several who would like to attend but cannot because of scented lotions and perfumes and yet there are still a few who don't get it. I know of several who have addressed specific "offenders" and faced mixed reactions. One person has some sort of device that she wears around her neck that apparently helps filter the air - have no idea if/how it works. Biggest problem for me are those who only attend a few times a year but seem to wear a year's supply when they do and there's concern that a suggestion might drive them away. I need to avoid musk or rose scents because they trigger migraines, not as serious as your challenge but still painful. One fragrant friend comes more often now because of our 2011 schedule and I'm grateful she has a new perfume because it has a woodsy scent and doesn't affect me - as much

Re: Perfume

[aspiemama]

Try printing this out and handing it to them. I think I am going to. It has an extensive list of symptoms/effects of exposure in sensitive people. Some of them are downright scary. I had no idea how much this one issue was affecting my health till I found this last night. I had been thinking that there were multiple issues affecting my health. Now I think maybe there is just this one.

http://www.drkatherine.info/environmental_medicine/Symptoms.htm

I don't expect people to understand everything about me. I just hope that reading my thoughts on it will open some people's eyes and end some of the fear and discrimination. Hopefully the release of my book will help with that.

[sareah]

agreed. i am in a whee;lchair; i must be retarded.

[dorothy060]

It is ridiculous for people not to see and use your talents. You can relate to this child partly because of your own challenges and partly because of your training in ABA.

It makes me angry too when people can't see beyond their biases.