It is such a nice day, the sun is shining and the air feels fresh and invigorating. I just left a meeting and I feel worn out, sad and angry. "Why?" The truth is I was meeting with a small group of people complaining about things like apartments, transportation, clothes, medical care. I don't know anyone who can't complain and is right to "b_ _ _ _" about the amount of money these things cost and how hard it is to find quality. What "makes me sad" is that having a disability and poverty go together way too often. The folks I was meeting with all have disabilities and they are poor.

When I asked what they want the most, it was everything.

When I asked How it would be paid for, I was basically told — it didn't matter they had disabilities and were entitled.

Now just to clarify and not paint a negative image of all folks with disabilities. Most of the people I talk to want jobs, education, and to be a part of their community.

When I asked this small group of people about schools and care for the elderly, they wanted that, but felt they were a priority.

We talked about every group feeling they had priority. Parents want the best education for their children and the importance of having a well educated society. We talked about caring for people who are elderly, OF COURSE all this is important. We talked about healthcare for people who are working but can't afford insurance, or they get very poor quality insurance. The price of gas, food and housing without section 8, food stamps or ME Care., makes it almost impossible to get ahead or even stay out of debt.

Then we talked more about being part of a community and feeling disenfranchised, as individuals with disabilities often feel. When I asked again what people wanted the most it was, opportunities, to be part of the world, not perceived as a burden, or as dangerous or weird. But, to be able to help a neighbor or help with a project, not always taking but also to give back.

We all better be more careful about answering the question "What do we want." All the communities we want to be a part of only hear only the demands, they feel like they are being taken advantage of by all the different good causes and no one sees that the folks who help pay for ME Care, schools and seniors, the environment, the roads are having a hard time.

We need to stop being disabled because we are different — by learning what needs to be done and sharing what we can give back and being sure we treat people equally and respectfully. Look around — learn to be part of your community or church not just by demanding access but by finding out and sharing anyway you can. This is a tough time for everyone we are all frightened whether you have a disability or NOT. Let's get real we are not any more entitled because we have a disability but we do need support and help because it is the right thing to do. But we also have an obligation to be thoughtful and give back when we can.

You heard it here — Ranting Rayleene

Talk back to Rayleene at: abilitymaine@gmail.com
Put "Rayleene" in the subject line.

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