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
wonderousCat9699 profile picture
Small wins
by wonderousCat9699
Last post
July 22nd
...See more Sometimes the things that feel like a big deal to us might look small to other people. But they matter to us. What's one small win you've had recently? Something that made you think, "Yeah, I did it." I'll start — I made a pizza the other day, and it turned out great. No mess, no chaos, nothing went wrong. If you know what it's like when cooking is an adventure you can't fully see, you know why that counts. 😄 I'd love to hear yours. No win is too small.
MattyGoofball profile picture
Being disabled and isolated with no social contact
by MattyGoofball
Last post
July 17th
...See more I wonder if there are others out there in a similar situation, being disabled and isolated to the point of never being able to achieve autonomy, whether due to not having a car or not living in a city. Being stuck at home with no friends or social circle is incredibly isolating. If you are experiencing this, would you be willing to share your story? I have never spoken to anyone in the same position.. and navigating this without a support system feels incredibly lonely, thanks a lot! :)
AffyAvo profile picture
Disability Pride Flag: How do you relate?
by AffyAvo
Last post
July 3rd
...See more [The Disability Pride Flag] The disability pride flag has so much symbolism! It was created by Ann Magill [https://capri0mni.dreamwidth.org/830431.html], in consultation with others in the disability community. This is an updated version, the original can be seen here [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Disability_Pride_Flag_Ann_Magill_copyrights_waived.svg]. It was changed as it had a zigzag pattern, which represented how disabled people must move around and past barriers. along with very bright colours. In discussions with others, it was found to be a problem for some with epilepsy and migraines. So it was updated! That's part of disability inclusion, learning and adapting as needed! This new one has desaturated colours for online use, but it is public domain and can be adjusted as needed, for example, textures can be used on physical flags for those who are blind and more vivid colours are also suggested for physical flags as they don't cause the same disturbances they do on screen. The Grey/Black Field - A colour of mourning and rage, for those who are victims of ableist violence. Rebellion and protest. Having all 6 Flag Colours - Signifies the Disability Community is pan-national, spanning borders between states and nations. The 5 Colours Band - The variety of needs and experiences Red - Bodily/physical disabilities, including pain and fatigue Gold/Yellow - Neurodivergence (think chemical gold symbol Au for Autism) White/Light Grey - Invisible and undiagnosed disablities Blue - Mental/psychiatric disabilities Green - Sensory disabilities These stripes being in parallel - solidarity within the Disability Community The 5 Stripe Bend Dextor - The disability community in solidarity, moving from the Canton, a place of honour, to the Fly, the wider world. This diagonal also represents cutting across barriers that separate disabled people, creativity and light cutting through darkness. Source - Ann Magill, her blog and public posts on social media sites. Which of these aspects do you relate to? If none of the specific symbolism mentioned above resonates, raising the flag, raising us up counts too! See the Disability Pride Masterpost [https://www.7cups.com/forum/DisabilitySupport_47/Events_201/DisabilityPride_281833/] for other activities this week!
AffyAvo profile picture
2023 Adult Disability Discussions
by AffyAvo
Last post
May 17th
...See more @AffyAvo will be hosting discussions in the Adult Disability Room Sunday Dec 3 Sunday Dec 3rd, 4 pm ET -Romantic Relationships Time converter [https://rarelycharlie.github.io/7cupstime] - to find out when these are in your timezone Subscribe to this thread to stay up to date on the adult disability discussions this year. To subscribe click the subscribe icon at the bottom of this post, I have circled here in red
HazelOlive98 profile picture
I feel like I'm going crazy
by HazelOlive98
Last post
January 17th
...See more Hi, I'm completely new to this. This is my first time posting anything. I am so sorry in advance for the long rambling here. Bit of background, Im 37 and have MS. I was diagnosed 4 years ago. Ive been with my boyfriend for 9 years and he and his family are "supportive". Im not severely disabled, by looking at me and watching me work you wouldn't think I have a disablity. I do have days when my symptoms flare really bad and Im not functional for the day or I'll have a relapse (very rare). Here's where the issue starts, I'm not sure if everyone is just very ignorant (despite having everything explained to them) or if there is some sort of control issues here.  I do all of the grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, caring for animals, caring for my boyfriends children, on top of working for/with him at his company (I do shipping and receiving), plus handling online sales for him on his website in the evenings/nights AFTER a full, busy day.  He's tried telling me that I'm just thinking that I'm capable of things and I'm really not. He's told his family I can hardly walk (i do about 8-9k steps a day?), someone will ask me how I'm doing and I tell them I'm fine, nothings bothering me today and he will blurt out random things like "no she's not ok she's just lying to be polite. She's having a very rough week" even when I've been asymptomatic for months. He'll ask me how I'm feeling throughout the day and I'll tell him I'm doing alright, I'm feeling good today and he'll go on about how "no you're not, the other day you were (insert unrelated thing). I feel like none of my work and effort is seen at all. I can be doing something basic like taking a bag of groceries out of my car and my boyfriend will send his 18yo daughter outside to grab whatever I'm holding because Im "not capable". She has become a sort of mini wife since I got my diagnosis. Thats a different issue though. Every day I am talked down to and treated like I'm just completely incapable of doing anything. This morning we had breakfast with his family and at the restaurant one of them asked me if I needed help eating... my hands and arms are completely functional and this is a person that sees me at least twice a week. Then at the end of the meal I had some hash browns left on my plate and I was asked if I needed them cut up more for me to eat. I told her "um, no, I just got full" and my boyfriend interjected that "yeah she cant handle certain foods because of her condition, the MS makes her full too quickly." We all ordered the same meal (it was on special) and everyone else had a comparable amount of food left. Another instance similar to this was a few weeks back after a buffet for lunch, a couple hours later my husband wanted to go out to a local diner for dinner. I told him no, I was still full from the buffet. He then went to his family and told everyone that I have an eating disorder and I'm "having MS complications" all because I didn't want another big meal right after a buffet. Am I crazy? Am i delusional? Is eating that volume normal?  His mother turned to me the other day and randomly blurted out that "people with MS that have kids produce children that come out with 6 arms or some other freakish deformity" then went about the day.  I had surgery to correct a bunion last year and I need my other foot corrected this year and him and his family have been talking about how "MS is eating my bones" and that's why I need surgery. Every minor ailment i get they turn into this huge overdramatised fiasco. This is just off the top of my head , there has been countless variations of this garbage over the last few years. I feel like I'm going insane and I'm delusional despite my doctors and everyone else around me telling me that I seem fine the majority of the time unless I'm having a flare or going through a treatment.  Does anyone else deal with weird things like this from people around you? This is driving me insane 
MistyMagic profile picture
It's October!
by MistyMagic
Last post
October 2nd, 2025
...See more Hey everyone! Don't you just love October? The clocks change for most people, falling back one hour, so we get longer, darker, nights. We also have Halloween and pumpkins! Yes I love pumpkins, they are so full of good nutrients! Can you share with us what plans you have for October. . .  How does October affect your mental health and chronic pain? Do you ever wear orange?
AffyAvo profile picture
July Check In!
by AffyAvo
Last post
July 29th, 2025
...See more July is Disability Pride month, to start off with something fun and light - share your beach tips! [A gif of Ken from Barbie, walking with a surfboard text reads I JUST WANNA BEACH] Any way to improve access and enjoyment at the beach with a disability is welcomed! Sand can be tricky with mobility, there's so many sensory inputs and the heat, water and sun can be create challenges.. What are your goals for July? Is there a topic for disability pride you would like to see? Adult listeners are welcome to PM me, and all can PM @MistyMagic [https://www.7cups.com/@MistyMagic] or share here! How are you doing today?
notthere profile picture
:)
by notthere
Last post
July 27th, 2025
...See more Hi, I’m here to find some people I can talk to about my experiences with epilepsy. I couldn’t find a community in my own city or even online. I was diagnosed 6 years ago with generalised tonic-clonic seizures, but had my first seizure 12 hours after I was born. Hope I can meet others here. I sometimes feel a bit outcasted or misunderstood by the people around me, since I’m the only person they know with epilepsy
Saftey578 profile picture
Epilepsy Struggles
by Saftey578
Last post
June 12th, 2025
...See more As of 2024 I have been diagnosed with Epilepsy, it’s hard to get jobs due to not being able to drive unless I am seizure free for 6 months to a year. Financially I am struggling. Being 20 and still living with my parents feels trapping however living on my own would be dangerous. My most recent seizure last month was grand mal and I was foaming at the mouth. My job at the time (Mcdonalds) had to call an ambulance. I am unsure if I will have to foot the bill and I’m stressing with 150$ left over in my account. I had a nasal spray that stops seizures however they called an ambulance instead of using it. I feel useless without a job and I feel like I’m not contributing enough at home. I try. 
Dolit profile picture
Diabetes
by Dolit
Last post
June 5th, 2025
...See more Hi there! Would love to chat with anyone who struggles with diabetes also!
WellsFiction profile picture
International MPS Awareness Day
by WellsFiction
Last post
May 18th, 2025
...See more Today is international MPS awareness day. I have MPS disease type one. It's basically storage enzymes  that are suppose to recycle GAG aka complex sugar molecules in different cells. Since I don't have the correct enzymes this means different parts of my body such as my liver, lungs, or stomach can get damaged overtime.#notcool    I receive enzyme replacement therapy. It helps my body to function, stay healthy and be well. Although having this disorder can be difficult, I'm thankful for all the amazing people it has brought into my life. There is so much research going on, seeking new, better treatments and ultimately a cure for my disease and many others.  Whether you have a rare disorder or not our health matters and it's important to seek medical help and also to remember we're not alone. Let's all shine a bright light together 😊💪💜🖤 https://mpssociety.org/ If you'd like more information please visit the MPS society website. Rock on!
MistyMagic profile picture
Welcome in May!
by MistyMagic
Last post
May 5th, 2025
...See more May!  Now for most of us in the northern hemisphere we can look forward to longer days and more warmth.  I love May. Still beautiful blossoms, less hayfever, and less rain! * What are your plans for May? * Does the heat if warmer days help support you? * Do you have any holidays planned? * Any tips for making holidays run smoothly and without problems? * Are you a Star Wars fan? Wouldn't it be great to have 'the invisible force' helping us? May The Force be with you!

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