Invisible Disability
I am a person with several invisible disabilitywhich severely impact my day to day life and which keep me from doing many things. Because of this I have thought of getting a service dog. The only reason I haven't is because of the invisible nature of my disabilities and the stigma of mental illnesses.
If I had a service dog he or she could be trained to recognize a panic inducing situation, to bring my my medication, to help me when that medication causes me to lose balance/mobility, to be a buffer between me and large crowds which cause me panic, and many other things. But I don't have one and am hesitant to go through with getting one because when I go into a store or restaurant or any other place that I am legally allowed to be in with them, I know I will be told that dogs are not allowed and I will have to fight constantly for my right to have them. ADA protects me, but it doesn't mean places actually know the law and that my disability is just as life-changing and disabling as physical disabilities. I have to fight with myself daily to go to stores and work and more, I don't want to them have to fight with people there about my rights, and so I keep pushing along. I shouldn't have to. I should be able to do what I know will help me live my life...
Hello AgapeEpisc,
I can understand where you are coming from. I see myself in your post as I was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy.Here they say I can not drive unless I am 6 months seizure free. How do I get to work, the store, or social events?
Many people in our shoes can not afford cab or bus everyday. It feels like it can take the freedom and fun out of life. Many people misunderstand the disadvatages people like you or me with invisible disabilities faced and are placed into. I'm here if you want to talk and vent. It will stay between just you and I. Just let me know when and I will be here. We could even chat now, if you'd like.
Hi there.
I understand about having an 'invisible disability'. I was diagnosed with hypermobility when I was 14 and it causes me to have a great deal of pain in my joints and makes me very flexible etc. Because I don't have a wheelchair or a walking stick or anything that would make me 'look disabled' people just assume I can do things and travel like any other person. It is difficult and only a few close friends and family know about it. It can cause depression and anxiety so you're not alone in feeling how you feel. You're not alone.
Hi @Agape. My name is Angel and i toohave several invisible disabilities. I have a service dognamed Bussa. He is a 158 lb Rottweiler. Im not sure what country you are in but if you are in the USA, as long ad your dog is wearing a service dog vest and has his ID, you will be allowed to bring him anywhere you go. It is against the law fir anyone to ask you if you really have a disability or to ask for proof of your disability at a store or restaurant. The only time you might have to provide documentation is to your employer or if you are going to school only so that your company or school can make reasonable accomodations fo you and your service dog. When i graduated from college, they announced ny dogs name with me! You would be really surprised at how people react when you bring a service dog into an establishment. If you have any questions about how to get a service dog or challenges you might run into please feel free to pm me.