Barry Corbet I think the answer depends on what sphere of life you’re talking about. If it’s finding a mate, it may be more difficult for women because men are such jerks about dating women with disabilities. If it’s the workplace, I think men are more driven to slay the dragon, sometimes to the detriment of their health and relationships. You could ask your question about anything else. My bet is that it comes out even and that Disability is what you make of it, not what it makes of you.
Harriet McBride Johnson I wouldn’t dare to generalize. Disability is too diverse, and so is “our” culture. But I have thought that my neuromuscular disease is easier in some ways for me as a Southern woman than it would be if I were a Southern man. I’ve never felt social pressure to be physically strong or self-reliant. Power comes from other sources — the Steel Magnolia and all that. But other things, like disfigurement, may fall harder on women.
Karen Hwang As a SCI Quad, I’d say quadhood is probably harder on women than on men, for two reasons. First, because only 15% of SCIs are female and most of the clinical rehab and research reflects male interests. And it’s still a REALLY sucky way to meet men. Also, despite the feminist advances of the last 30 years, a lot women’s societal value is tied to how she looks, and for many women her self-esteem is still tied to how she feels and how she looks. Having a visible physical disability quite obviously puts you way out of the running — even models in wheelchairs always look like Abs sitting down; no atrophied limbs or quad bellies allowed.
Joe Ehman I think in general it is the same for both men and women, because in my experience society sees the disability before the person. And even as disabled people we tend to see our disability before we see our “self” as a whole. But American society, as does Mexican society, puts a higher standard on women. Just compare the women’s selection versus the men’s selection of clothes at your local department store. Formal wear for women is vibrant, alive while all we men have are dark boring suits. Thus, a woman has a higher standard to meet than a man.
*2002 Dodge Caravan “Entervan” (Braun modification); app 18,000 mi; remote operated oil recently changed; mechanic confirms excellent condition; used only a little more than 2 mos.; $34,000. Call 859-492-7971.
*Ford 1997 Econoline Van; 100,140 mi; $16,000. Hunter Green-gray; new tires & brakes; “loaded”; call 270-786-4547; ask for Dale.
*1994 Dodge Caravan, equipped with lock down for driving; cruise control; tinted windows; 56,000 miles; good condition; $14,000; contact Ina Hogan at 241-7849.
*Hoveround MPV4; used only one year; 36” long; 23 1/2” wide; load capacity 300 lbs.; two direct drive motors; turning radius 17”; speed 5 mph. Asking $5,000 or best offer. Call 671-7656.
*Jazzy Electric Wheelchair; $2,000; 812-867-0137.
*1985 Komfort Koach Van with Power Lift; V-8; 350 BB; 5 liter engine; wheelchair safety straps; hook; television; power window and door locks; 127,000 mi; excellent condition; new tires; AC/front and rear vents; cruise control; AM/FM radio; tape deck; CB radio; game table and window shades; trailer hitch. Asking $2,995. Call 425-0314.
*Heavy Duty Scooter; used less than 50 hours/2 new batteries; $1200. Call (502) 348-9305.
*Liberty Stairlift/Set for 13 steps; $1500 soft; 937-9492
*Video tapes for sale. Various topics related to spinal cord injuries. Call David Allgood or Buddy Lawson.
***If assistance is needed to pay for any of the above items, contact Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation atfor information on loans at 5% interest to qualified candidates.
