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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
PicklesANDOcean4ever profile picture
am I in the wrong
by PicklesANDOcean4ever
Last post
August 25th
...See more I was born with something called symbrachydachdally which causes your hand to form incorrectly In the womb and I've lived with it for 16 years with two surgeries and support from my family. but I feel like whenever I perform that's all that people notice and I hate it. ofc I've delt with people asking me about it pretty much forever and I've had my fair share of rude or disrespectful people but recently there was this one encounter that just rubbed me the wrong way. I was joking around with my friend about my hand at rehearsal one day and all the sudden this kid walks up to me and he's probably twelve and he gets uncomfortably close and says "May I see the hand??" and ofc I shake my head and walk away and he FOLLOWS ME and keeps asking me the same questions over and over "what happened to your hand" "let me see it" "may I see your hand" and honestly I was getting *** and turned towards him and pushed him away from me (not hard just enough for him to get the message) and that wasn't right of me I know, but his mom needs to teach him some respect and boundries because not only was he being disrespectful and rude, he was making me and my friend incredibly uncomfortable. when you are 12 I think you should know not to ask about someones physical disabilities in such a rude way. anyways do you think I was the one in the wrong because honestly idk
ravioliball profile picture
Coping with early life disability in dating
by ravioliball
Last post
August 14th
...See more I got diagnosed with MS when i was 17. im now 24, barely diagnosed with POTS and other conditions of the brain. I also have been diagnosed with autism for a long time. Ive been using a walker/cane interchangeably.  In social settings like my college, i feel like i am often an afterthought, or im not as socially 'appealing' as others in these circles. I did become officer of a club, but on an officer team outing, i asked if i can pay the Uber we are sharing to make an extra stop between (because it would be a long walk for me back from the shared stop) and they said they ordered it already, i said thats okay, but when the driver canceled, i asked again, and they placed the order without replying. Those are ways I feel like an afterthought, and I kind of had to turn my head the other way to avoid anyone seeing me tear up. I have a friend who came to this college with me, and they have already seem to have had experiences, but I have yet to know if ive yet even made a friend at this college (im autistic as well, and i cant tell until someone calls me their friend), and I have been to mixers, but people kind of have  a different energy towards me.   I try to be considerate of the fact people may not know how to interact with me or people like me, but it can be discouraging. 
OverReactingDucklin2007 profile picture
CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth desease, a nerve and muscle illness)
by OverReactingDucklin2007
Last post
April 3rd
...See more It's a pretty unknown desease, are there people on here who have it too? I have type 2
PeppermintSnowflake profile picture
Wheelchair Users
by PeppermintSnowflake
Last post
December 9th, 2025
...See more Hi everyone- wondering if other wheelchair users would like to connect? Would be nice to offer tips/tricks, a place to vent when you've had a problematic interaction with a stranger or celebrate a positive interaction! Including: manual or power chairs full time user or part time user Anyone that is possibly transitioning to needing a wheelchair may also find this thread useful. I found a lot of blogs and youtube videos helpful before I started using mine- prepared me for some things (like strangers grabbing my push handles), how to get through non-automatic doors and tips like pneumatic wheels being better than solid rubber. I currently use a manual wheelchair out of the house. I have a power chair (perimobil F3) that I occasionally use inside the house. I cannot push myself very far in my manual chair so I need assistance to leave the house. I am in process of getting a rear-entry automatic ramp van so that I can use my power chair out of the house unassisted. I'm also a listener here so if anyone wants to chat 1:1 about this, please feel free to message me and we can set up a time! I'm on the east coast of the USA for time reference. <3
AidenMicahz47 profile picture
Disability Rant?.. [TW...]
by AidenMicahz47
Last post
October 17th, 2025
...See more Wow! I've read SO many amazing stories about everyone's illnesses, you all are like...amazing? I thought it'd be nice to share mine maybe...? (Praying for all of you ICONS.) When I was 10...so around 8 years ago, I was in a house fire. My face and several areas of my body were burnt, since than I've had scar revision surgery, and I look relatively normal except a small scar where you can see where they cut my skin when I was 12. One thing they could not fix was my leg. While attempting to get my sister out, a part of the roof had fallen on top of my leg, burning it and severely messing it up. I have to use a walking stick, and it's SUCH a hard thing to adjust to. I had to attend physical therapy several times per week before I could even walk again, spent time in a wheelchair and with a service dog who I love and still keep now that he has retired. Now that I no longer need to use the wheelchair, it's not an issue, but using a walking stick and a service dog is. It seems easy, but having to remind the service dog of some things to help me with as she is new is quite an issue. I cannot stand up instantly after waking up or laying down, and my leg is twisted severely. I need my pup to grab my cane for me, but sometimes she forgets! I love Charlie, but she cannot always remember everything, and sometimes my former dog, Syd will instead retrieve it even though he is old as well. I don't know if they should be fully trained because friends have told me that they've been giving not fully trained pups to disabled people now but goodness it's hard to have to help my pup finish her training and than deal with a disability! Lovely! Wishing you all the best, you all are amazing for sharing your disabilitys here!!!
peachThinker662 profile picture
ACDF 😢
by peachThinker662
Last post
September 17th, 2025
...See more Hi.  I’m not sure if it’s ok to post this here but, I’m just looking for some insight please ☺️ I had the surgery in May. I’m on the 6 week mark of transitioning back to work. I was out for 6 months. All of my disability pay is gone. So there’s no room for a gradual/accommodation return. I’ve tried.  I had the weekend off so I felt good. I worked yesterday and today my shoulders are sore. That muscle, ache sore that just wants the heating pad.  Feel stuck. 😢 between emotions, pressure with the house, finances. And not over doing myself. It’s hard.  Has anyone had this surgery? Know anyone? Any advice? Please and thank you. 
ShellyZz profile picture
Chronic Back Pain, and rant
by ShellyZz
Last post
August 9th, 2025
...See more Wondering if anyone has any advice for back pain from scoliosis.  Not sure about others with scoliosis but mine effects not only my back but also my hips.  And the past two nights it has been radiating to my left rib cage, so every time I inhale the pain goes up, exhale goes back down.  But it hurts so much.  My doctors got me a back brace, but told me not to wear it at night.  I also have had physical therapy on and off for 17 years.  Does anyone have any advice to hopefully help the pain?  I've had pain meds but the doctor doesn't prescribe them anymore.  I've had Ultram er a little less pain, gabapentin did nothing, tramadol a little less pain, Vicodin did the most but is hard to get a prescription for, ibuprofen 600 helps with other pain but not much if any for the back.  Pt helps a little for the day, brace helps a little too.  Tens unit can also help some but not a lot.  Cold or hot packs work a little if I can keep them on.  I also have Lidocaine patch 5%, helps a little if I can keep it on.  Sadly I'm pretty used to the back pain, but the rib pain is bothering me quite a lot.  I'm just so tired of being in pain in general.  It also makes my depression worse since doing anything is hard.  Thanks for listening to the rant.
NobleSeeker profile picture
finally I'm about to talk about my disability & related topics
by NobleSeeker
Last post
July 26th, 2025
...See more First of all I would like to add a Trigger warning, please consider all your triggers before reading this, although it's mostly about disability. Where to start?... Well I start with the fact that I'm greatfull for every part of my life that I don't have control over. and that includes some of my physical health challenges too~ I remember most of the time that I would talk about recovery from surgery etc, I would usually post the thread in "General support" never in disability support community. One day I saw my post moved to this community. Ar first I got mad, I'm not diagnosed with disability!. I'm don't have... I doesn't... I.. I And those thoughts end up with: I don't want to accept I have disabilities..." Now it feels like the right time to start putting emotions into words and actually talking about disability. Ps it's hard for me to translate my ailments into eng so I won't name them properly, thanks for bearing.) From child hood: I remember feeling lots of pain (specially in my legs or arms) sometimes. Or I would got fractures & casts often. My body was very fixable ( I was great at swimming & gymnastics at the age of about 5) Whenever I would stop working out (specially during school days) the pain usually would get worse. My family helped me & supported me. They took me to any doctor that was necessary or would help me when I was in pain. But my country's medical system is very very poor... I remember one of my feet's finger's got dislocated when I was about 13 We went to a hospital, after taking the scans etc, they casted my dislocated finger with temporary cast (thank God it wasn't permanent) We returned home, I spent a one night with an dislocated finger in a temporary cast... Until we went to a very expensive hospital tomorrow about time of 8 am, Their doctor took som more focused scans & etc, he was assuming it was fracture too... Until he sent my picture to his teacher who was out of my country, his teacher told him about my true condition of finger. Then we went to another clinic & they fixed it or whatever it's called. Now that I'm talking about it, everything could have gone way worse. I even don't want to imagine how awful things could happen out of the lack of knowledge of doctors and other factors. Woah, I talked so much, I'm sorry but there's still so many things that I want to share, I'll probably be adding latter. I just can't be greatfull enough about each miracle that Lyes within my life... Every situation, medical challenge or etc, that could lead to things that I don't like to think about, Thank you God, & the great 14 persons. And thank you to evry human that deserves a thanks for me~ until next time~
audienta profile picture
Severe ME Awareness Day
by audienta
Last post
March 4th, 2025
...See more Hello everyone, I wanted to post here today as August 8th is Severe ME Awareness Day. (Source [https://worldmealliance.org/2022/08/severe-me-day-august-8th-2022/]) ME is a neuroimmunological multisystem disorder. The main symptom is a severe intolerance to any form of exercise, stress, and stimuli. It also comes with a lot of other symptoms including pain, fatigue, brain fog, orthostatic intolerance, gastroenterological issues, neurological symptoms and so on. ME is categorised into mild, moderate, severe and very severe. Today, we think of those who have severe and very severe ME and of those who have already died of this disease. People with (very) severe ME are mostly or completely bedbound, often have to lie in a dark and quiet room for most of their time, and some are even completely dependent on carers and a feeding tube to stay alive. So far, there is no treatment for ME. The only recommended strategy to deal with it is pacing, which means, staying within your boundaries to not trigger the bad response to exercise, stress and stimuli that I've mentioned before. Healing from ME completely is unlikely at the moment. We can only hope that research finds a solution for all ME patients soon.  Therefore, let's think of the severe(st) ME patients around the world today, hope for a better future for them, and grieve those who we have lost.  Thank you for reading the post. If you want to learn more about ME, here's a link [https://www.meresearch.org.uk/what-is-me/]. MistyMagic has also interviewed someone with ME in the past, so here's the link to the interview [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/InterviewsDiaries_2664/InterviewLivingwithCFS_328938/]. Take care, audienta
Jill7Cups profile picture
Fully ASL Starbucks
by Jill7Cups
Last post
December 3rd, 2024
...See more In October Starbucks opened their first fully ASL store in Washington, DC. All employees are fluent in ASL and all patrons are encouraged to communicate in ASL. You can read more here [https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/starbucks-sign-language-deaf-friendly-store_us_5bcf8e42e4b0a8f17ef1b436]. Have you ever been to a business this deaf friendly?
777Bre777 profile picture
Newly dxd with MS
by 777Bre777
Last post
July 16th, 2024
...See more I hate that I can no longer do the things I use to do. I was asked to run the sound system for a play my church is doing. I went for a few hours last night. I sat most of time but now I can't get out of bed today. I had to tell them I can't help them even though this is something I would have enjoyed doing.
Emm22 profile picture
I have figured something out!
by Emm22
Last post
March 27th, 2024
...See more I always get dizzy for no reason and headaches but I found out that tinnitus can cause it! Music is my new bestfriend

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







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