Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav
Community /

Disability Support Forum

Create a New Thread
Gif Photo Link
ScrabbleBrain profile picture
Things you wish weren't said or assumed about your health conditions (seen or invisible)
by ScrabbleBrain
Last post
August 30th
...See more Inspired by @Jesusredeemedme2425 because she always makes varied and interesting topic discussions :) 1. For some of us, we can't just pop a painkiller and have the pain, symptoms or discomfort magically washed away, those don't work for me. That's why I personally choose natural remedies, like heat and rest and binaural beats. 2. Why don't you take my word for it, that I can't manage that action because it aggravates my body or mind and leaves me broken in pieces for a long time.. You make me do something and after that I can barely function, then your response... Oh sorry, I assumed you were exaggerating because you don't look sick to me.. 3. Oh just smile and carry on, there's nothing you can do about it, so might as well be happy.. Nope sometimes I want to wallow and be miserable that is all too much, accept my mood, yours can be whatever you want! 4. Why don't you join us? Because it's a long taxing journey or activity and I cannot manage it. I'm not being difficult or dramatic. I have to think carefully if there are places to sit and rest, how long it takes, will I be standing or walking for a long time, you may not have consider these things but I do! 5. Stop judging a book by it's cover Yes I may look younger, I may look healthy, I may walk un-aided, that still doesn't mean you get to judge or assume I am not struggling inside or desperately grabbing onto walls or trying to give myself the mental fortitude to take another step instead of collapsing or resting because this time I don't think I can make it home.. 6. Illnesses vary from one person to the next, yours could be textbook, mine are not. Just because something works for you, doesn't mean it will for me. Stop assuming you know my body, my health better than I do. You've read something? Good for you, I know what works and what doesn't! 7. When I say, I can't manage much. It's extremely taxing to go to more than one place/do more than one activity, let alone several.. Don't scoff and laugh, like I'm being a Princess. I physically cannot manage it, it's not an exaggeration. 8. Stop being lazy! This one makes me scream. Taking care of myself, limiting my movements, napping or getting a lot of rest, helps my body repair itself. I'm not doing nothing, I'm preventing a potential strain or injury that has become all too frequent for me.
MistyMagic profile picture
Don't Turn Your Back!
by MistyMagic
Last post
August 30th
...See more Don't Turn Your Back! It can be hard sometimes to know how to act, What to do, What to say, When we see someone in a wheelchair, On crutches, Or with other visible disabilities. I know I used to feel like that, Until I was actually in a wheelchair. I am the same person, But I get treated differently now. I still have the same smile, But others don't. We are people too!  Real people, With real feelings, With real emotions. We sometimes get stuck on ramps, or steps, or in the sand, Even in doorways! So don’t turn your back, Say hello,  Smile, Don’t turn away!
CaringBrit profile picture
2026 - Taglist Disability Support
by CaringBrit
Last post
March 30th
...See more This thread controls an auto-updating tag list. To see the current list, go to Disability Support [https://rarelycharlie.github.io/taglist?3ec913e645043cdcd31f94a3324ab37c]. To add yourself to this tag list, press the Post to Thread button above and write the exact words Please add me. To remove yourself from this tag list, press the Post to Thread button above and write the exact words, Please remove me. This Taglist will be used for the Daily Check-Ins could even be used for Events etc. What happens after you join the tag list? You will notice an icon for a little bell up in the right corner of your screen. there is a letter icon, then the bell, then a jar, and then the icon for your account. That bell will tell you about your notifications. When we tag you, it will show up as a number on the bell. Click on the bell and a drop-down menu will appear and it will show you the link to the post where we tagged you. Current taglist as at January 1st 2026 @777Bre777 @adaptableOcean4193 @adaptablePomegranate1587 @adequatelyInadequate @adventurousBranch3786 @AffyAvo @agreeableTurtle1021 @AguaNector6700 amazingFlamingo2054 @amusingTalker1267 @Aqua1494 @Arsalanahmed @Ashleylovescats @AttentiveEar @audienta @AutiBoy @Averayne93 @azuladragon34 @BacktotheTrail @BeyondTheInvisible @BlindGrapefruit @blissfulTouch29 @Bndonovan02 @bouncyBreeze44 @bouncyVoice4149 @Breezy2013 @cal1860 @CheeryPotato @CheerySandi @ChildGoddessFlute @Chloe1644 @cinnamoncocoa @CocoaCassie @Colorfulcatsofhope @communicativePond1728 @CompassionateMoon4024 @considerateBunny7436 @Countrygirl095 @crystallizedrequiem @Daisy7cups @Daydreammemories @DichotomousDetia @disneymoonlight @Disneywoman @DoISayIt @DonaldK @DylanMark @Edobre399 @Emiliako @emotionalTalker2260 @enigmaticOcean8813 @enthusiasticOwl866 @enthusiasticTortoise6681 @fairmindedWater1140 @Fireskye13 @FrenchMarbles @friendlyEars8792 @goldenSpruce1512 @greekcatperson @IcedCoffee211109 @IndigoWhisper @InfiniteThoughts2k19 @Jamesjones10123 @Jewels012222 @jovialButterfly6752 @JoyfulUnicorn @JoyIntoDarkness @JustLikeMellie @K87 @kenzixo @killaj0ule @Kittibear @KuhnDisabled101 @kwheelz @lightTriangle7748 @LikeABirdWithoutWings @lovelycoacoa @lovelySun2900 @LoveMyRotty @magnifiedfaith @ManinblacK @MartianGirl347 @MeaningfulSilence @Meowsicle @MistyMagic @mnhtx3 @modestHickory2783 @modestOcean1286 @moosprbrk @MyNameIsNicole @NaomiR @nessdamess @NevaehRose @norasnook @NotKhan2 @Ofenkartoffel @OneErased @PerfectHarmony10 @philosophicalAcai7803 @PhilosophicalWillow1426 @pinkbunnywabbit @Pixiechu @placidMoth @Plantsaremybestfriends @Poppia @PotFullOfSky2020 @rainbowVibes @Raysofsunshineandrainbow2005 @Reachforthestars00 @redGrapes1822 @Redheadmadeofglitter94 @repen13 @reservedCat9143 @reservedOwl6476 @RiggsMortis @Rose1324 @sabeyesofblue3535 @Seachele @SereneEnergy9119 @SmolBurrahobbit12 @Smolperidotsbreakdown  @SparklyCat @specialPurple1582 @StarsOrchidsOwls @stuffiessytem @sunshinegiraffe123 @tearstruck @theboymoana @TimidBear @TomatoEmi @turquoiseHemlock900 @u2canwin @wahmbrenda @Walker7957 @WeedyGarden @WishUponAStar968 @wonderfulRainbow817 @xandia @xxParkerxx @Zed786 Updated by MistyMagic
pinkiepie1724 profile picture
flat feet
by pinkiepie1724
Last post
September 8th
...See more I have recently discovered that I have flexible flat feet. meaning that my feet do have an arch, bit once I stand it flattens. this explains the fact that that I feel distracting leg pain while in grocery lines or walking short distances. I thought that was normal!! anyway im probably going to get insoles for my shoes. but im a little shocked because when I told all this to my best friend he said (he has chronic pain) "oh... thats technically chronic pain" weird
ScrabbleBrain profile picture
Things you wish weren't said or assumed about your health conditions (seen or invisible)
by ScrabbleBrain
Last post
August 30th
...See more Inspired by @Jesusredeemedme2425 because she always makes varied and interesting topic discussions :) 1. For some of us, we can't just pop a painkiller and have the pain, symptoms or discomfort magically washed away, those don't work for me. That's why I personally choose natural remedies, like heat and rest and binaural beats. 2. Why don't you take my word for it, that I can't manage that action because it aggravates my body or mind and leaves me broken in pieces for a long time.. You make me do something and after that I can barely function, then your response... Oh sorry, I assumed you were exaggerating because you don't look sick to me.. 3. Oh just smile and carry on, there's nothing you can do about it, so might as well be happy.. Nope sometimes I want to wallow and be miserable that is all too much, accept my mood, yours can be whatever you want! 4. Why don't you join us? Because it's a long taxing journey or activity and I cannot manage it. I'm not being difficult or dramatic. I have to think carefully if there are places to sit and rest, how long it takes, will I be standing or walking for a long time, you may not have consider these things but I do! 5. Stop judging a book by it's cover Yes I may look younger, I may look healthy, I may walk un-aided, that still doesn't mean you get to judge or assume I am not struggling inside or desperately grabbing onto walls or trying to give myself the mental fortitude to take another step instead of collapsing or resting because this time I don't think I can make it home.. 6. Illnesses vary from one person to the next, yours could be textbook, mine are not. Just because something works for you, doesn't mean it will for me. Stop assuming you know my body, my health better than I do. You've read something? Good for you, I know what works and what doesn't! 7. When I say, I can't manage much. It's extremely taxing to go to more than one place/do more than one activity, let alone several.. Don't scoff and laugh, like I'm being a Princess. I physically cannot manage it, it's not an exaggeration. 8. Stop being lazy! This one makes me scream. Taking care of myself, limiting my movements, napping or getting a lot of rest, helps my body repair itself. I'm not doing nothing, I'm preventing a potential strain or injury that has become all too frequent for me.
Iammyownheart profile picture
Living with Meniere's Disease.
by Iammyownheart
Last post
August 21st
...See more I was diagnosed with Meniere's disease about three years ago. It is an inner ear disorder in which there is too much fluid in the inner ear tubes. Symptoms I have personally experianced include extreme vertigo, tinnitus, aural fullness, and roaring in the ears. I am currently being treated for this condition by an ENT who has prescribed a diuretic (fluid retention reducer) and I recently had surgery to place ear tubes to improve my balance and hearing. Does anyone else suffer from this disease? How are you managing with it?
monaaai profile picture
UPDATE: Living with the guilt of chronic pain as a young adult
by monaaai
Last post
August 9th
...See more Hello everyone, I hope that all is well. My last post I express how living with chronic pain (chronic costochondritis*) is affecting my mental health, and the support I got was beyond amazing, I really appreciate you all.  A day ago, I went to the rheumatologist and well, there’s a lot to unpack for me. Firstly, after listening to my heart they said that there’s an unusual sound, and it is possible that it’s a pericardial friction rub, basically it is an abnormal, high-pitched scratchy or squeaky sound heard through a stethoscope when the inflamed, rough layers of the sac surrounding the heart rub against each other as it beats. So i need to do an echocardiogram to see what’s going on.  They also said that I could have fibromyalgia, a pain condition. Also, right now my symptoms are atypical, not pointing towards anything specific so, I need to do a blood test as well to rule out autoimmune disorders, and sickle cell, and then do an ultrasound on my thyroid.  I need to do these tests within two weeks, because the heart condition could be very dangerous, if it’s what they suspected.   Right now, it’s just a lot, honestly too much for little ole me. Sigh, but that’s the update for now. I am trying my best to cope and take care of myself in the process.  *At this point, i am not sure if the chest pain is because of the costochondritis i was diagnosed with or a possible heart condition. 
monaaai profile picture
Living with the guilt of chronic pain as a young adult
by monaaai
Last post
August 6th
...See more I am 26, female, and I really just want to vent. I am not sure where this is going to go, but there’s a lot on my mind and I just need a safe space where I can get everything out to have a lighter heart, and maybe feel less pain, because strong emotions trigger pain for me. My official diagnosis is chronic costochondritis. I’m not sure if that’s the only diagnosis I’m going to have because I have an appointment with a rheumatologist next month. When I go, I will find out why I have been having this pain for 11 to 12 years—whether it is a symptom of something else, mechanical, stress/trauma-related, or autoinflammatory. As a young adult, you can imagine the burden living with chronic pain comes with when you’re unable to do certain things compared to your peers. Because my condition is inflammatory, it doesn’t just affect the part of my body where I have pain; it causes me to feel unwell all over and brings extreme fatigue. With chronic pain plus extreme fatigue, there is a lot of mental and physical stress. It is also hard because right now I feel like a burden to my mom. I live with her and cannot work, because my mind is preventing me from going out there and executing the tasks I need to do. I cannot do anything physically work-related because then I’ll be in pain. I also cannot do anything that requires too much brain power, because with extreme fatigue, trying to concentrate or remember certain stuff genuinely feels like it’s causing my brain to shut down. I am a clean person. I like to organize, and normally I would be all over the house cleaning and doing basic tasks. Recently, I cannot find the motivation nor the energy to do simple things, which honestly sucks. I can’t even find the strength to clean up my room, and it needs to be cleaned. I drink coffee for energy, but it takes away from my energy, causing me to feel burnout or sleepy, and that’s a waste of time because I am risking a lot. I am risking drinking caffeine for energy when it also contributes to my pain. I don’t think that I can force it anymore, but I feel very guilty. By being laid-back, I’m just allowing my mom to take on so many responsibilities. I feel like a burden, incompetent, and like I should be doing more, pulling my own weight, telling myself "oh, it’s just pain, suck it up and push through it." It is very frustrating, especially because what I am dealing with is an invisible illness. People around me cannot know that I am not feeling well unless I tell them. Whenever I voice that I am not feeling well, it feels like I’m complaining too much. To be honest, people don’t always want to hear that you’re not feeling well every single time you talk; for them, it is mentally draining. So sometimes, even when you’re not feeling well, you have to suck it up, pretend like you’re OK, and just mask. Currently, I am dealing with feeling guilty for not being able to bring in income to support myself and my mom. I know that she’s tired and really wants to stop working, but she doesn’t have anyone to finance her. I feel so guilty that I cannot help her, and like a burden because she’s doing everything for me. I feel incredibly selfish that I am allowing her to do this, even though she’s not complaining, because I know that I am old enough to do certain things. It is hard because people don’t understand. Where I am from, we are not educated enough about anything outside the norm. If I go to someone and say, "I have costochondritis," I do not expect them to understand what comes with that, because it is more than just chest pain. Even if they research it, I cannot expect them to understand the severity. For me, it is very difficult and comes with a lot of pain and mental strain. I cannot cry because it causes physical pain, but if I keep everything inside, it causes a buildup that leads to even more pain. So whether I cry or don't cry, I’m going to feel pain either way. I cannot do certain activities because they trigger pain. It’s just a lot, and there’s so much more I want to vent about, but this would be too long. This is just the tip of the iceberg of how I am feeling and the guilt that I’m going through.
humorousTiger9410 profile picture
Health issues
by humorousTiger9410
Last post
June 23rd
...See more I have 2 health issues dat is chronic which is asthma and epilepsy. As a child my mom was there to see I was ok then many years later my late husband was overly protective after he learned of my illness and now I have no one. My daughter seems angry bout it and stated she doesnt Wanna anything to do wit it. Me on the other hand am really scared. I am 66 years old-female and as I get older my epilesy diagnoses has changed from where it once was and has caused me to experience some very frigntening moments and asthma only twice did I have a scare. I have said I dont know what is worse-having an asthma attack and not being able to breathe watching and feeling it as its happening wit no one there to help or go unconcious or literally be awake but not know how to get home or ask anyone for help. I had a situation where I couldnt even identify people from buildings. Docot stated although I at times Chat which isnt all the time do I Chat but he said I seize 24/7 and myworse ones are while I am sleep. Dat scares the heck out of me of somethin’ happening while I am alone and no one finding me til its too late. I tried getting into assisted living but was told I dont qualify cuz financially I dont get enough to afford it. I even tried going online to see if anyone was willing to have me live wit them. No many of them I didnt know but they too were in my age bracket wit health issues and I thought in a case like dat we couldve helped each other out but it didnt work so I am at a loss as to what to do.
beachlover5008 profile picture
COPD
by beachlover5008
Last post
June 17th
...See more Looking for others who have COPD or related lung diseases. I have been on oxygen for a few years now. Would love to chat.
stormieandpaws profile picture
TW medical test
by stormieandpaws
Last post
May 8th
...See more today had the EMG test on our legs was odd feeling test with them putting needle in and sending like  a shock wave through them  then that reported things on computer  was  over a hour long on our back that always hard on us  she said that we had mild nervrapthy and a pinch nerve in back  but not sure what be in the report to doctor but we also know that they DXed us years ago with Fibromyalgia and no test for that used so the long listed on health issues is getting to us also the 24/7 high pain but glad it not worst as we feared due to having issues with falling and pain in legs  not sure what  they do next either the kidney  test coming up on may 21st to see what going on as right kidney  only working at 20%  this kinda scary for us worst  part is have no one to go with to the tests and other stuff medically so alone in this seems to us 
MythologicalMayhem profile picture
Finally getting somewhere! (IBD)
by MythologicalMayhem
Last post
April 13th
...See more For the past 6 years, I've been confident that I've been suffering from IBD flares. I would get quite severe flares with all of the symptoms you expect from IBD, as well as minor short lived flares and these would happen a few times a year. I had investigations done which showed inflammation in the bowel but doctors didn't diagnose me with anything because I didn't present like other IBD sufferers and a lot of my tests came back normal. I was told I'd have to wait until it got severe to get anywhere with a diagnosis, so I was left untreated for 6 years. Recently I went into my longest and most severe flare up which has lasted about 3 weeks now. I've got a high pain threshold and the only time I've cried because of pain was when I dislocated my knee, but this pain led to me crying on the toilet multiple times and howling like I was in labour which ultimately led to a trip to A&E; the third time I've been sent to hospital for this. As you can imagine, I'd been feeling so fed up with all of this and it was getting me down because I knew there was an issue and I knew what I was experiencing wasn't normal but no-one was taking it seriously and helping me. Work was also on my back being very unsympathetic, assuming I was off with IBS cramps! 😡 Well I very luckily came across a really kind and caring doctor who ran some tests and finally, it's got severe enough to show up on tests this time, except I'm now on the very far end of the inflammation scale and my doctor asked if I wanted to be admitted to hospital but I'm managing it enough at home thankfully. He also signed me off work for a while so I now can rest properly without having work on my back, whilst I wait for my (third or fourth) gastro referral to come through. Ironically, all this news came through the same day I left work early because I was still having symptoms. I expected the results to come back normal but thankfully they didn't and now hopefully the gastroenterologists will be able to diagnose me and I can start treatment.
HopeisWorthLiving profile picture
Epilepsy
by HopeisWorthLiving
Last post
January 13th
...See more Here to support anyone with epilepsy
Trying profile picture
Living with Chronic Illness
by Trying
Last post
December 26th, 2025
...See more I found these tips a while back. They were from a book but I forgot to note the reference. If anyone recognises these tips and knows the book reference, please update. I apologize for not remembering the reference and noting it  along with the tips. I felt they were worth posting in any case.  Tips for living with pain and chronic illness * Your body is not the enemy. Quite the opposite; it’s working hard to support you. There’s a chapter in the book titled “Appreciating the Wondrousness of the Human Body.” Your body is indeed wondrous. Even so, it’s also vulnerable to illness and injury, so it deserves your compassion, not your anger [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/anger]. 2. It’s not your fault that you have health problems. Everyone struggles with his or her health at some point in life. Don’t make things worse by adding self-blame to your list of challenges. 3. Accepting that life is uncertain, unpredictable, and doesn’t always conform [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/conformity]to your wishes is the first step toward making peace with your circumstances. In the book, I call this making peace with a life upside down. 4. Don’t spend your precious energy worrying about how others view your medical condition. Instead, spend that precious energy taking good care of yourself. 5. Forgive yourself—over and over and over again. And when you realize you’re not taking good care of yourself, forgive yourself immediately. Although taking a good hard look at how and why you acted as you did is a good way to learn from your mistakes, the “hardness” should stop there. Learn and move on. Self-forgiveness [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/forgiveness] is a form of self-compassion, and self-compassion is one of the major themes of the book. 6. To the extent possible, stick with those who support you. That said, some people may genuinely feel supportive of you, but not be good at showing it. We do a poor job in this culture of preparing people to be around illness and pain. For many people, supporting loved ones in need is an acquired skill. 7. Expect to be let down by friends and family now and then. Everyone feels let down by others at times. More likely than not, it has to do with what’s going on in their lives, not yours. 8. With practice, you can turn envy and resentment into feeling happy for others. It’s hard to be limited in what you can do, but feeling envious [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/jealousy] and resentful of others when they’re out and about having a good time only makes you feel worse—mentally and often physically. With practice, you can not only overcome envy and resentment, you can learn to be happy for others when they’re doing things you can’t. And that, in turn, will bring you happiness [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/happiness]. 9. Teach yourself to ask for help. Many of us were taught that asking for help is a sign of weakness. It’s not. It’s an act of self-compassion. 10. It’s okay to feel lonely. The effects of isolation and loneliness [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/loneliness] can be so hard to cope with that I devote an entire section of the book to this subject 11. Help others when you can. Reaching out to others in need can ease the pain of isolation and also give you welcome respite from always thinking about your health. 12. Remember that even if you regained your health, your life would not be perfect. In other words, don’t fall into that “if only” trap that has you thinking that your life would be trouble-free if only you were healthy again. 13. Don’t forget to thank your caregivers. I devote two chapters in the book to these hidden heroes. 14. Patience truly is a virtue. There’s no escaping it: you’ll encounter difficulties and annoyances in life. Patience can help you weather these storms without exacerbating your symptoms. It’s a skill you can learn. 15. Realistically assess what you have to give up and work on letting go gracefully, so you can make room for a new way of life. Getting stuck in old identities can be a great source of suffering and can keep you from seeing new possibilities right before your eyes. In the book, I write about how I’m trying to look upon my new life as an adventure. I hope you’ll try this too. 16. With rare exceptions, when your body says “no,” you say “no.” Saying “no” takes practice. I know because I’m still practicing. It’s another act of self-compassion. 17. Don’t feel bad if you’re not a member of the outside workforce. Taking care of yourself as a person with chronic pain and/or illness is work! In fact, it’s often a full-time job. 18. It’s okay to feel fed-up sometimes. I often say it’s okay to be sick of being sick. A bad day is just that: one bad day. Tomorrow, you can start over. And if it’s a bad day too, there’s the day after. Sooner or later, the universal law of impermanence will come to your rescue. 19. Become your own unconditional ally. With practice, this can become a lifelong habit. If you’re quick to direct negative judgment at yourself, pause for a moment and imagine how it would feel if you spent the entire day being friendly, caring, and considerate to yourself. If you can imagine it, you can do it. 20. Never forget that despite your health challenges, you’re still a whole person. And don’t let anyone try to convince you otherwise.
slowdecline48 profile picture
An unpleasant fact [cw: adult subject]
by slowdecline48
Last post
December 25th, 2025
...See more [cw: adult subject] Disabilities &/or chronic ailments make a love life impossible. Not a nice thing to say, but it's the truth. Sex requires a certain level of energy & a sense of physical well-being, among other prerequisites. (Quite a few would also add "emotional connection", which I would not dispute) Those of us with conditions that cripple us, that make us less than well, do not have those things. Most nights when I'm home, either I wait for sleep to come or go down a YT rabbit hole because those are the only realistic options. When your body is permanently dysfunctional, you don't feel the urge...or if you do you don't have the energy to pursue it. Also, most healthy people are hesitant--if not outright avoidant--of us chronic folk where romance is concerned. I can't really blame them, as if I were healthy & vital I wouldn't be chomping at the bit to get involved in someone else's incurable personal problems either...but it doesn't make the enforced monasticism any easier. That is disabled/chronic folks' lot: solitude & cold nights. I would know.

Welcome to the Disability Support Community!

This is an inclusive community where people can seek and provide support and post about topics related to learning disabilities, chronic pain, chronic illnesses and conditions, physical disabilities and developmental disabilities. You are welcome to join in even if you don't used disabled as a label for yourself.

There are a number of ways to get involved and be supported. We have a pop up teen chatroom and a 24/7 adult chatroom.

There are guides for Chronic Pain and T2 Diabetes
There are Q&A sections for Disabilities and Chronic Pain

Members may connect with a listener who has disabilities, chronic pain, cancer, diabetes, adhd or autism listed as a topic and there are listeners with disabilities supporting people with disabilities

We encourage people to post new threads and respond to others in the forums! Some good ways to get started are to introduce yourself and to join our tag list to be notified of weekly check ins and events. We also have an Interview Series: if you would be open to sharing more about yourself and want to be interviewed.

Looking to be even more active in the Disability Community? Join us as a leader!

*Note we are inclusive of all disabilities but ADHD and Autism each of their own communities which may be of interest to some of you.

Community Guidelines

🌟 Please be respectful of everybody's thoughts and opinions.

🌟 Don't think you are alone, so please share

🌟 Please be patient if you feel like your concern hasn't been addressed yet; we are working hard to add more leaders and supporters.

🌟 If you have any concerns, reach out to a leader or make a post.

🌟 For Listeners only - please remember that you are here to give support, if you are seeking support then please switch to your Member account.

🌟 Most of all - don't forget to be awesome! You are loved and accepted here, no matter what!

Guidelines For Using AI 


We all want the Disability Support Community to be a safe place where people are able to be their authentic selves and receive support. We understand that AI tools can be helpful in reducing barriers, allowing people to better express themselves, and allowing those with some disabilities to be able to read, write, and post, but excessive, or complete use of AI can feel robotic and reduce supportive person-to-person interactions. It can also lead to false impressions of the poster. We want to try and avoid this and help our Community to be as inclusive and as welcoming as possible to all users.


What is AI?

AI is short for ‘artificial intelligence’ which is software, a program or algorithm that works to sort, order, and combine data to give a response or answer to a question or input. Artificial intelligence is the ability of a computer, software, or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks that are commonly associated with the intellectual processes characteristic of humans, such as the ability to reason. As yet no AI’s match full human flexibility over wider domains or in tasks.

Some of the most common examples of AI in use today include: 

  • ChatGPT: Uses large language models (LLMs) to generate text in response to questions or comments posed to it. 

  • Google Translate: Uses deep learning algorithms to translate text from one language to another. 

  • Netflix: Uses machine learning algorithms to create personalized recommendation engines for users based on their previous viewing history. 

  • Tesla: Uses computer vision to power self-driving features on their cars.



If using AI tools please adhere to the following:


  • Include some of your own personal expression. This could come from a detailed, personal prompt to the AI tool or include some of your own words with a post.

  • Cite which AI tool(s) you used, which applies both to AI-generated and AI-edited text as well as images too. For instance, if you use Dragon to voice type then say so and if the text is AI-edited include that fact too.

  • Avoid posting misinformation. AI sometimes creates personalized anecdotes, facts, or references. If you are sharing an experience, don’t post an AI-fabricated one. If posting information check that it is correct and aligns with trustworthy sources.

  • Cite the source of your information. It can be important to know and understand the source of information posted, AI-generated content may draw information from their database so try and use factual sites that can be checked and that aren’t misleading.

  • Don’t make threads in excess. AI can make it fairly quick to create a lot of content. We want to give everyone’s posts a chance to be seen. Please don’t post a large amount of threads in a short period of time, this is called ‘flooding’ and can prevent other posts from being seen.

  • If you do feel like there’s a lot you want to state on one topic, consider making multiple posts within the same single thread. Or create your own ‘Disability Diary’ thread and post there, this will increase your visibility, and those who reply will be notified when you add another post.

  • Follow the guidelines. You are responsible for what is posted from your account, even if AI was used in the creation of the post, so please double-check what you write and post!


For more information please read this post by @Heather225 - 7 Cups Community Director.


Do’s ✅  and  ❌ Don’t List:


Do - Humanize your post with your own expression and words

Do - Cite the AI tool(s) you use

Do - Make ONE thread and post to it if there are several posts you want to make

Do- Read things over and ensure the guidelines are being followed

Don’t post something that is entirely AI-generated with little input from yourself

Don’t post misinformation

Don’t flood the forums with AI threads, or multiple threads


If in doubt please ask @MistyMagic  (Adults and Teens) or @AffyAvo (Adults) or consider joining the Disability Community Support Team. More information Here







Community Leaders
Community Mentor Leader
Room Supporter