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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
FusRoDamnAndBreathe profile picture
PSA: You Don't Have To Be Okay Every Day
by FusRoDamnAndBreathe
Last post
1 day ago
...See more I'm a Listener - granted, I'm new but I show up. I care. But I'm also human. And lately, human has been hard. I had some dark thoughts recently. Made a plan. Didn't act on it. I sat with it instead and I'm still here. I'm not sharing this for sympathy. I'm sharing it because I know I'm not the only one who sometimes (or more than just sometimes) pretends to be fine when they're not. We put on the "I've got this" face because we don't want to worry people. But sometimes, we need to just.. say it. So here it is: I'm not fine right now, but I'm still here. And that has to count for something. If you're not fine either - you're still here too. That's not nothing.
HomelessPersonInSanFrancisco profile picture
I'm a homeless person on disability.
by HomelessPersonInSanFrancisco
Last post
Friday
...See more I have bad knees, vertigo, and reading comprehension problems. As a result, I can't do a lot of jobs that require physical labor. And I'm too stupid for school. About the only thing I can handle is being a receptionist.
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
Odette2434 profile picture
I need a Listener for a Client w/Disability
by Odette2434
Last post
September 5th
...See more Hello my name is Josephine and good afternoon. I have a client with a disability who requires patience, consistency, and steady support. Today is my last day, and I’m hoping one of you can reach out to me so I can connect you with her and offer your services. She’s very anxious about my departure, but I’m transitioning into another internship and need to ensure she’s supported. I’ve prepared an introduction, a questionnaire, and a script she can use when you contact her. If someone is able to message me by today, I would truly appreciate it. Best Wishes, Josephine
jesusredeemedme2425 profile picture
For My Chronic Illness Friends...
by jesusredeemedme2425
Last post
September 5th
...See more
StarlitPath7 profile picture
Celebrating the resilient spirits in our lives (human & rescue pets!)
by StarlitPath7
Last post
September 5th
...See more Hi everyone! I just joined this community and wanted to share a quick bit of encouragement 🤗 Living with mobility challenges or physical differences brings tough days, but watching how adaptable animals are always grounds me.  My three-legged rescue dog shows me every day that missing a limb doesn't stop him from zooming around and living life to the absolute fullest 🐶  How do you or your pets find ways to celebrate small daily victories?
orangeOak2232 profile picture
Looking for people like me
by orangeOak2232
Last post
September 5th
...See more I have multiple mental health and physical disabilities. All of which are invisible. I feel so utterly alone because I have no one in my life who just understands me and can sit with it like I have to everyday. The most difficult thing to deal with lately is the pain that comes with autoimmune arthritis. But I manage. But would be nice to have someone in my life who could support me too. Anyone else feel alone like me?
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!
Magicpawsoffuture profile picture
Genetic testing
by Magicpawsoffuture
Last post
August 29th
...See more  What help me with genetic testing to help find out what cause a disability. 1 make sure its something you really want to do 2 bring it up to primary care doctor. 3 work with your insurance to to see if it covers the testing. 4 do the testing. 5  keep a open mind . I was told in most cases they do not find any things but some ceases they find someone thing. Prepare your self just in case they do not find anything. 6 when you find  out give time let things settle in and it okey to talk about it as needed. 7 if your condition have possible concerns that can come with it do the tests so you can rule out the concerns that might be connected.
Disneywoman profile picture
Disabled Advocy sinnce adulthood
by Disneywoman
Last post
August 28th
...See more So I'm wondering ever since I became an adult.  If I have always been an disability advocate even if I didn't know it at the time.  I had to contact the local bus company a ton of times.  Two of them had was during college.   At least twice was during Day-program.     One year during my too many years of college,  that there was a new stop at the one corner and coming home after a couple of times of getting off there- a driver didn't let me off there and said "they never stop there".  I emailed the bus company about that problem.  Another time I emailed them to complain about the walk between that bus stop and the other bus stop I need were too far apart. (what I didn't tell them in the email is: The only guarantee way I would have been able to catch the last bus of the home-ward  based  bus would be if the driver of the bus opened the doors for me at the the side of the sidewalk.  Which at least one bus driver did.) Two times I did it during the day-program.  So FYI because of the College-bound bus I got a fear of back doors this is important. So I developed a habit of  going out the front of buses.  This is important for one of the emails I sent.      One time the AD for stops was turned off or wasn't working.  A friend at the program had a blind friend who occasionally came to the program.  This was in my pre-Molly watching days so I didn't know how to interact with a blind person at the time.  So I was on the bus going to the program, and  the AD was not functioning and at some point the blind friend asked if we're at (street before the stop for the program) and I spoke up and said  "No we're not.   I can tell you when its time to get off".    As soon as I got to the program and used their computers (I was obsessed with their computers after they got them in 2015?) I wrote the bus company an email about how I had to assit a blind friend off the bus because of the AD not working. The other time,  I was forced to go out the back door, because I couldn't go through the front door because there were 3 strollers at the front of the bus.  One stroller had been there first and 2nd of 2 more strollers blocked the pathway to the bus.  At some other time, I can't remember where I was going but it was someplace new at least for me and I was solo on the bus.  So I asked the driver when to press the button or bull the cord and the driver was rude "You will know when we get there" but how was i suppose to know when I never been there before?.    I emailed sometime after that. I emailed them about the buses being late past the Pickwick Mall in Toronto when there should have been a bus at 4:05pm and there isn't a bus until 5:25pm.  The 2nd bus is on time.  The 2nd to last time was March 2024,  when I emailed them about lack of buses on weekends from the regional train station.   They told me about the "on demand" app, but they also told me you need to book it in advance.    That would have been useless for two out-of-town women who wanted a bus,  who didn't know about it,  and one woman's  phone was dead, even if she had known about it.  I wrote an whole accessibility email to them in June to tell them my concerns because I had to miss their accessibility panels in April due to other commitments.   It's not just the bus,  I had to write to Go transit once.  I should have done it twice.  But I can't fix the past.  I just will make sure If I see an elevator out of order at a  train station again email company right away    But the one time when I actually did someone was this year (2026).  The other Month Mom and I went into Toronto.  But we found out that the elevator was too slow to close it's doors so we decided that going downstairs was faster method for us.  When we got back to town we're told by staff the that elevator was working.  But when we tried it it was the same as it was that morning.    
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

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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