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From: Pam Mertz
Date: 06 Oct 2010
Time: 19:36:28 -0500
Remote Name: 67.248.218.106
I agree with you - self identifying as having a disability is very complex,and quite shameful for some people. It is very often a careful choice whether to disclose or even self-identify as having a disability. I do not consider my stuttering as a disability - I may have years ago when my fear of stuttering publicly severely limited my communication, which is part of the definition of disability. It was my fear that disabled me. Now, as an adult, I stutter more because I am open about it, but with that open-ness comes a freedom to communicate, which certainly does not disable me. I think the real issue is the shame we attach to being perceived as different. When I interviewed for the job I have now, I was very open about my stuttering, talked about it,and made it clear that I am quite comfortable with it. I work as a career counselor in a high school. Lots of talking! And lots of stuttering sometimes! But I don't feel limited and and don't feel I have a disability. Interestingly, the first time I had a formal evaluation, my manager wet over all the usual stuff, gave me feedback, set goals, etc. He then went on to say (as if he was proud of it), did I notice that he never mentioned my disability? So he considered my stuttering as a disability . . . when I didn't! Yes, very complex! Thanks for sharing this great article!