by 25 people |
Do You or Does Someone You Know Live with Chronic Illness or Pain?
Let's face it, most people cannot comprehend what it is like to be sick or in pain for weeks, months or even years, because we are used to going to the doctor, taking some medication and soon feeling better. Consequently, unless we are educated about what life changes a chronic condition can bring, we may inadvertently treat our loved one as if they just need to "snap out of it" or "stop complaining." As a result, the only way to transform our well-meaning, but hurtful view is to understand that the illness can debilitate a person's body against their will.
Let us not treat those who are ill or have been injured as if they are just being lazy or malingering. Instead, let us take a closer look at what courage and strength it takes to live with a physical limitation! After all, they are displaying a perseverance through personal loss and an endurance despite disappointment that most people will never know!
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IDA is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization
Don't Judge By Appearances
Parking with Invisible Disabilities
Have you ever seen someone get out of a car parked in a space reserved for the disabled, who did not LOOK disabled? Did it make you very uncomfortable or even upset? Did you let them know of your disapproval by giving them a dirty look or yelling something at them?Well, you are not alone. Many people are very disturbed by the sight of a seemingly mobile person taking the space of someone who is truly in need of it. After all, we want to protect the rights of people for whom these spaces are reserved!
However, in our efforts to help those who deserve these parking spaces, we actually may be hurting someone who has a legal right and a legitimate need to park there. How can this be true, you ask? Isn't it obvious who does and who does not have a disability? The answer is... no.
The general qualifications for the accessible parking spaces include those using chairs, walkers, crutches, canes and assistive dogs. Nonetheless, most of us do not realize they also include certain impaired functions of the heart or lungs, as well as conditions which are worsened to a specified impairment by walking a certain distance.
As we can see, people with a variety of disabilities may qualify to park in these spots. Moreover, not all impairments are readily evident to the onlooker. Because of this, we refer to conditions which cause debilitating symptoms that are not so apparent from the outside, as "invisible disabilities."
There are millions of people who are forced to contend with serious illnesses, injuries and circumstances, which have left them with mountains to climb every time they take a step. Most people do not realize a person can have hindrances on the inside, that may not visible on the outside. Their restrictions may not be conspicuous at a glance, but their pain, limitations and inability to function normally can be debilitating.
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Copyright © 2004 The Invisible Disabilities Advocate
No part of this article may be reproduced without written permission
Who is IDA? What is Our Purpose?
The Invisible Disabilities Advocate strives to explain that even though the symptoms from chronic illness, pain and injury may not always be obvious to us, these "invisible disabilities" are very real. IDA was founded by Wayne Connell, President and joined by medical and business professionals on the Executive and Advisory Boards. IDA provides helpful links to sites and organizations of several diseases, disorders and conditions, as well as an
Invisible Disabilities Social Network!
IDA also offers informative articles, pamphlets and the booklet, But You LOOK Good! that can be handed out to friends, family, support groups and even co-workers, in order to help them to understand the challenges and difficulties of living with a disease or injury that can be debilitating.
But You LOOK Good! serves as a guide to understanding, encouraging and helping those who are limited by their condition. Moreover, IDA helps people see the courage and strength their loved has displayed, despite their losses, limitations and daily challenges.
But You LOOK Good!
A Guide to Understanding and Encouraging People Living with Chronic Illness and Pain.
ONLY $5.25 or Less for Multi-Packs!
Price INCLUDES Shipping (slightly more for orders outside of the US) Quantity Discount Packs Available!
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* More InformationProceeds from But You LOOK Good! go to IDA, a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization.
See What Others Had to Say About IDA!
"I sit here with tears in my eyes, because I finally found a website that says what I have been trying to say for years!! Now I think I can continue on without the feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. You have literally saved my life!" ..... Tammy, Ohio"I found your website the other day, and I honestly think it was heaven sent. The most difficult part of my illness has been the lack of understanding from friends and relatives, and your articles are absolutely brilliant!!!!!" ..... Shani, Georgia
"I just wanted to say THANK YOU! I had no idea that there were so many people 'just like me!' Thank You for your website and for making invisible diseases visible!!" ..... Lynn
"God Bless you. It is so difficult for those of us who have chronic pain. People just look at me and say, 'You're on disability? You look great!!' I bite my lip and as your article states, it makes me feel as though they think I'm a liar or faking it. Thank you for this site. It's a blessing for us who have to live in pain." ..... Nancy, Florida
"I love your site and reading the pamphlets on "But you look good" really was an amazing experience for me. It was the first time it felt like someone really understood how I was feeling...Great job!" ..... Jill, Dizzy Lounge.
"My husband has always been in chronic back pain and this information has helped me see him in a different LIGHT. Thank you for you very helpful website." ..... Frances, Washington
"I just read your booklet, But You LOOK Good! and learned SO much!!! I have SO much to learn when it comes to understanding and encouraging my husband's pain (both physically and mentally). I intend to read your booklet a dozen more times." ..... Ashley, Connecticut.
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Sick and Tired of Feeling Sick and Tired: Living with Invisible Chronic Illness, Second Edition
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Links to Our Main Websites
- The Invisible Disabilities Advocate
- IDA creates a better understanding of living with chronic illness and pain with articles, books, links, support group and more!
- The Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign
- A Campaign to Help the Millions Who Report Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), Allergic, Asthmatic, Immunologic and Neurologic Reactions to Chemicals, Perfumes and Fragrances.
- But You LOOK Good!
- But You LOOK Good! is a 52 page booklet that helps readers better understand how to better understand and encourage people living with a debilitating condition. It is full of practical ideas on "What to say," "What not to say" and "Why," along with "How to help."
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But You LOOK Good! A Guide to Understanding and Encouraging People Living with Chronic Illness and Pain
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But You LOOK Good! is a 52 page booklet that gives those living with chronic illness and pain a voice about how they feel, what they need and how others can be an encouragement to them. It is a convenient, informative way to educate loved ones...
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What Makes An Animal More Than Just a Pet? All About Service and Therapy Animals
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Have you ever heard of a Service Animal? Most people are familiar with Service Dogs such as Guide Dogs for those who are blind and Hearing Dogs for those who are deaf. Yet, we often do not realize that, “Service animals are not limited to anima...
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The Invisible Disabilities Advocate - Helping People Understand Chronic Illness and Pain
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Often the most difficult part of living with a disabling illness or injury is the lack of understanding the person encounters. Since most living with a chronic condition do not always "look” sick to us, we find ourselves struggling to beli...
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Living with Chronic Illness, Pain, Injury and Disability
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Often the most difficult part of living with a disabling illness or injury is the lack of understanding the person encounters. Since most living with a chronic condition do not always "look” sick to us, we find ourselves struggling to beli...
Tell Us a Little More About Yourself!
Have a Website That Pertains to Chronic Illness, Pain, Injury or Disability?
Let's Exchange Links!
Feel free to add your link here! However, we do ask that you also add our link to your page in exchange! To all reading this list, links do not constitute recommendation by IDA, nor can IDA be held responsible for the content. We also reserve the right to delete any link for any reason.
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Often the most difficult part of living with a disabling illness or injury is the lack of understanding the person encounters. Since most living with...
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