Oh, you don't need that...

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. Too much going on with school and everything, I was lucky if I found the time to check my email. But now school's over, and I have a very small window of time before I leave for camp. But onto the post.

Over the last week, I have had a number of people try and convince me that I don't need the modifications/equipment I have and/or are trying to secure. It all started when my OT commented on my neat handwriting. She knows I use an Alpha-Smart for notes, so when she saw my neat handwriting she said: "Oh, I don't even see why you need an Alpha-Smart!" Now, as any person who knows me would tell you, the reason I use an Alpha-Smart is not because my handwriting is messy, far from it. The reason I use an Alpha-Smart is because I hold a pen very awkwardly due to my CP and this results in hand pain if I even write as much as one sentence. Needless to say, I hastily tried to explain this to her before she could march up to the special ed department and demand that an Alpha-Smart be removed from my IEP. She didn't look convinced...what, am I lying now?

Then last night my dad was on the phone with the Scooter Store (yes, that is the name of the store), trying to get the scooter that I need. I can't walk long distances, and since I'm going to college in a few years, I need some sort of vehicle to save my stamina so I don't collapse upon arriving at class. There's a ton of red tape and stupid stuff to wade through before you actually get a scooter, especially if you're not filthy rich, so my dad was trying to coordinate things between the Scooter Store, my orthopedist, and the insurance company. And guess what? Apparently our insurance doesn't cover a scooter/powerchair unless you can prove that you need it for use INSIDE!! So since I walk inside, I must not need a scooter! The truth is out! Yes, that's right, I just want a scooter for a nice ride, like a car, but less expensive! Grr...

And then today put the icing on the cake. It's on my IEP that if I need it, I can dictate and someone will write my answers for me. I don't use a writer unless I'm truly desperate, so when the teacher in my room for the math regents today asked me if I wanted her to write for me, I politely declined. Later, when I was handing in the test, the teacher was flipping through my answer booklet, and she goes "Oh, you don't need a writer, your handwriting's perfect!" *explodes with annoyance* Uh, yeah, and do you know how much my hand hurt after that test? I just kind of smiled and was like "Oh, my hand gets tired really easily." because I didn't feel like going into the whole explanation. Hmm....maybe if my hand falls off, they'll finally believe me! I don't have to prove myself, people. I am not learning disabled or any of the other stereotypes you try and put me in. I am purely physically disabled. Is that so hard to comprehend?