Frustration
So, I am officially on Plan X.
I talked with my DVR counselor and my mission is to find a third party to be my job coach. So, I went through the list today -- just to see if any of these firms have web pages so I could check them out before I call. Can I just tell you how much I hate being equated with the developmentally disabled people? All these third parties seem to exclusively help people with DD. I need help too! And wonder of wonders, I have a brain!
I mean, developmentally disabled people have a right to live and be productive members of society and yada yada yada, but it seems like they get more services and help. I mean, I have a brain. Why would I possibly need help? I should fend for myself. I have actually been denied services because nothing is wrong with me mentally. I am on the verge of going crazy? Does that count?
I am disabled. It affects my ability to walk and to drive around and a few other things. But I can still do stuff. No one at school doubted -- at least for very long.
I had this health class upstairs once. To my chagrin, the building it was in had no elevator, and stairs were beginning to get dangerous for me. So, I was told I had to change to another class, so I did. The teacher of the new class was told of my circumstances, so she would let me into her class. This was ten years ago, but I still feel the condescension and pity she gave me. She promised to go slowly for me and told me I would do fine in the class. I said nothing, but I cried once I got home. How dare she? I AM NOT DUMB! Was this what I was always going to deal with?Hopefully, I taught her something when I ended up with the highest grade in the class. At least, she never condescended to me again.
I just need a chance. I always got one at school. They had to give me one. I paid for it. And I succeeded -- everytime.
I naively thought I could change minds as easily in the real world. But no, I am stuck on the short bus because some if my limbs don't work, which must mean I am an idiot as well.
So, I prove I have a normal mental capacity and get no help.
Those 3rd party folks make as much for a so called detailed eval of you than probally you get in Soc. Sec. for 6 months. And, the worst part is that they really do you no service. They and DVR scratch each other's backs at the expense of taxpayers. That was my experience anyway. They tried to tell me I was not intelligent enough to learn medical terminology to take a medical billing course. They work with DD very well and I asked why it was a person with DD could get help through DVR and the 3rd parties and was told that DD are easy to work with. My sense is that they (DD) do what they are told and don't ask questions or make requests or want to be treated respectfully. My DVR counselor was such a lier. She was good at playing dumb. That may work with DD. Even the state office that handles complaints are not doing the job taxpayers pay them to do. I went through all that with DVR for 2 1/2 years. I don't know what the answer is for you. I do know you wrote a beautiful letter for me that impressed the doctor. And, I like the way you put together you thoughts and words in your blog. And, you are so much fun to be around. We really miss you in art class when you are not there. You seem to wash away stress by your presence. We did not laugh in art class until you joined. And, look at your art work. Like Andy Warhol. You finish your pieces! I have lots of UFO. You have drive and commentment along with humor and intelligence. Nothing dumb about you!
Reply to this