This was really hard for me to type and can be vulnerable for me to open up.

I have a really hard time filling in gaps of “free time” after not working for so long. I find myself getting cabin fever and the stuff I tried to fill in to do end up also costing too much money due to hobbies. The unstructured time is really hindering for me and while I do find things I can do that don’t cost a lot of money I don’t feel very fulfilled personally speaking. I often don’t feel like I have a purpose in life and overtime struggle with mental health issues more due to boredom a lot and feeling unfulfilled. I haven’t talked to my therapist yet even though I plan to, because I wasn’t sure if my feelings are valid on this or not. I often wish I can go back to work just to help curb these feelings honestly. I often also feel like a fraud in life whichever direction I go… I don’t want to be questioned over my disability if I go back to work but I also struggle with feeling unfulfilled when I’m not doing “much”. Hope it’s okay for me to talk about this, thank you.

The account is simply gone, along with the UnitedHealthcare food benefit that came with it. No notice. No explanation. Just gone.

That benefit was especially helpful since my partner unexpectedly lost SSDI well over a year ago, and the case has been stuck in perpetual review ever since.

Thankfully, we live in a disability-friendly state, so we’re optimistic that Medicaid will at least provide sufficient coverage. Still, it’s difficult to ignore how deliberate and intentional this appears to be.

I strongly encourage everyone to seek out a trusted advocate or support group. Having that kind of backing can make a critical difference when vital services or benefits are suddenly taken away, especially if you're in a Republican-led state.

It seems LIHEAP has also been cut nationwide, leaving many without energy assistance and facing steep, unexpected expenses.

This isn’t random—it reflects a clear, intentional effort by the U.S. government to target those with the least, allowing the wealthy to profit from the economic war they are waging on us.

Consider this: through tariffs alone, the government aims to extract $6 trillion from consumers over the next decade. Understanding this agenda won’t make it any more acceptable, but it might help us navigate the challenges ahead and learn how to respond. Many of the providers and services we’ve relied on may no longer be as stable or supportive, and it’s important to recognize why.

Wishing everyone strength and resilience during these trying times. Good luck to all.

I've seen the sunflower program have an increased presence in a lot of neighboring countries, and wonder how well they work? I don't think I've met anyone that's heard of it here, but I've finally started seeing a few businesses and larger arrangements implement them.

As I've gathered, they were originally invented to be used at airports. Anyone have experience using them while traveling? I think it's a wonderful idea, and really wish the whole world would just imbrace it. It would be sush a relief to me to be able to use a seat for the disabled in a bus or train without having to ask for it, or wonder if the person in it has need for it and I shouldn't ask for it, for example. I find it very hard, I've had to bring medical documentation to be allowed on to the disability ramp at festivals etc. And donning a sunflower and having it go seamless seems like heaven to me. But I don't know how well it works?

For those that haven't heard of it but would like to, I've added a link to their page.

So as a disabled person there are things I need help with, like for example changing smoke detector batteries. There are things I don’t want help with and will get offended if you just swoop in to try and help me with it, and then there is the grey area of things I don’t need help with, but don’t mind the assist if you choose to give it. I generally don’t ask directly for help in that case, but if you wanna help, go for it.

This grey area is what I’m talking about. I’ve had people who constantly swoop in to help, only later to be resentful of them needing to help. I’m like I didn’t ask, I didn’t demand it, you felt social pressure to do something but that didn’t make it not your choice, but none the less they get annoyed at me like I’m some how obligating them e en when I straight up tell them they don’t have to.

I'm legally blind and travel with a white cane. On 19th January, I was travelling from Sheffield to London on EMR. Navigating stations and trains is stressful enough when you're visually impaired, but thankfully, two kind Passenger Assist staff helped me on board, sat me in First Class (as the train was quiet), and informed the driver. Everything was fine - until we departed.

Once the train was moving, a crew member came to check tickets. I showed mine, and he asked if I wanted to upgrade. I said no, because I didn’t really understand what the upgrade meant - I don’t travel by train often. He then told me I couldn’t sit in First Class with a standard ticket. I explained Passenger Assist had seated me and the driver was aware.

He claimed that they wouldn’t have done that and said I needed to be disabled or have a First Class ticket to sit there. I told him I am disabled, and with a heated back and forth, he told me that I'm not disabled. I offered to show my CVI (Certificate of Visual Impairment) as proof. He wasn’t interested. He asked if I had a Disabled Person’s Railcard (I don’t), so I showed him my bus and tram pass, which as far as I'm aware, you can only get if you’re disabled or a pensioner. Again, he brushed it off.

He became increasingly agitated and confrontational. Thankfully, a lovely older couple seated near me intervened as they saw me being escorted on the train and confirmed I had a white cane. Only then did he back off. He even asked to see my white cane, which I showed him, but pointed out that anyone can buy one so it shouldn't be used as proof - my CVI was actual legal proof of my disability.

By that point I was on the verge of tears. I felt extremely humiliated and distressed, and treated like I was lying and a criminal. I hadn’t chosen to sit in First Class - it was arranged by staff who were helping me. I later confirmed that Passenger Assist is allowed to seat disabled passengers in First Class when necessary or if the train is quiet. With multiple bags and limited vision, being sat in first class actually helped a lot.

I submitted a complaint, but it wasn’t taken seriously until I posted about it on X. Only then did they offer a generic apology and a First Class ticket. I’ve escalated it to the Rail Ombudsman.

Their official reply claims that their staff are trained to support disabled passengers and follow policy. But this incident proves that their policies and staff training are clearly not working. I’m pushing for a policy change, because I never want anyone else to go through what I did.

They also tried to blame passenger assistance, which is absolutely wild considering they were not the problem at all.

I’ve experienced discrimination before, but this was next level. I haven’t always been blind, so building confidence to travel independently has taken serious effort and this shook it badly.

Has anyone been through something similar? If so, how far did you take it? And how far should I take this?

TL;DR: I'm legally blind and was seated in First Class by Passenger Assist staff on an EMR train. A crew member later accused me of not being allowed to sit there, ignored my legal proof of disability, and treated me like a liar. Only after public backlash did the company respond. I've escalated it to the Rail Ombudsman and want policy change. Has anyone else experienced something similar? How far did you take it?

I have cerebral palsy and sit in a custom moulded chair, I'm looking for advice on how to pee when out and about without leaving my chair. For context I'm fully continent. Ordinarily, when I'm at home, I'm hoisted out and use a urinal bottle, but that's impossible in my chair as everything spills back. I don't want to wear pads, and condom catheters are quite sore to get off in my experience, but they work when they're on. Just wondering if there's any other non stick on external things, like a temporary thing that goes over the penis or a funnel that can be placed as and when I need it and then taken away so it's not sore. I've seen a few hard plastic funnels, but I think they are meant to be used in a bed setting. I would love to hear about the experiences of other people in similar situations and what works for you.

60 ur old make born with tarsal collation (TC). Though bearing weight has always been a issue, I was getting by OK & even could walk up to 5 miles on a good day. Then hurt my ankle quit badly & now my doctor thinks 'I tipped the domano' with it & now am very symptomatic. I can walk OK-ish for maybe 20 minutes, but can't bear weight any longer than that. I'm not heavy.
Fortunately, I have a desk job, so my work isn't affected. Before my injury, I enjoyed short hikes with my wife & dog, but I'm very limited now. . Now I'm thinking that hiking with forearm crutches might make sense, as I could take weight off my bad ankle. However, I'm completely clueless if this is advisable or not. Any advice to where to turn next? Anyone try this?

TW: S*icidal ideation

It’s like nothing has changed since WWII. They talk about putting us in “wellness camps” and how our disabilities are a waste of taxpayer money and that the world shouldn’t revolve around the needs of the few.

I have the following clinically diagnosed and medically documented conditions but they’re not “serious enough” to get me on SSI.

“Endplate Vertebral Degeneration, Degenerative Disc Disease, spinal column narrowing, arthritis of spinal column, bilateral Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, bilateral hip osteoarthritis, diverticulosis, internal bleeding, Rapid Gastric Emptying, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Diarrhea), intestinal inflammation, chronic vomiting, chronic nausea, pre-cancerous colon polyps, umbilical hernia, Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, disordered eating, migraines, histamine intolerance, food intolerances, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, ovarian cysts, metrorrhagia, endometriosis, sleep apnea, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Sleep State Misperception, Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, generalized and social anxiety, panic attacks, anxiety attacks, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, suicidal ideation, tinnitus, chronic pain, formication, disassociation, nearsightedness, Temporomandibular Jaw Dysfunction, prior surgeries for sinusitis, deviated septum, adenoid ablation, facial bone erosion and extraction of 8 healthy adult teeth”

I am utterly hopeless these days. Most of my organs are healthy. Why can’t I just choose euthanasia? Would solve so many problems- more housing for others, less waste of taxpayer money, organs for people who need them more than I want them, and it would end my agony and physical pain. I’ve not even lived 3 decades but I’ve seen more than enough to make me want to leave it all.

So I attended my daughters concert in the upper hall at her school. I took my stair climber, rollator and my son to help me get up the steps. There is a lift, but you have to climb 15 steps to get into the hall.

The fire drill was “exit through those doors… er… disabled people wait for the fireman to evacuate you” (I was the only disabled person with visible mobility equipment in the audience)

Is there anywhere that has an inclusive evacuation plan other than “stand in the corner and burn quietly, try not to make a mess”

So, I'm on the young side, like barely 18, and I'm going to a parade today, this is just a fun little activity with me and my mom so we can keep in touch, I have kandi all down my cane, it's super colorful and I love it, but I haven't actually used it in a crowded space and I'm nervous, does anyone here have any tips? Thanks!

Both for physical disabilities, and mental disabilities (like autism/adhd/etc).

I wanna make my life easier and sometimes even just knowing how others use accommodations for their own stuff can help me get ideas for mine. Or inventions/modifications i could make.

I try to look up lists, but all it shoots out is the same generic stuff everyone can figure out. That or it only talks about accommodations for work instead of every day life outside of it.

I have an incredibly difficult time keeping my clothing neat. I have a chest of drawers, but I'm deterred from using it because of how difficult it is to bend over and grab things from the bottom drawers (especially with opening and closing), so all my clothes sit on/near a basket near my door. It makes me feel like a slob, but it's honestly the easiest option because of the open space to get on the floor and rummage to find what I need.

I don't own a lot of clothing, but it's something I'd like to change. Does anyone know any options for storing clothing that isn't in a closet or chest of drawers?

Hi ! i love when people personalize their aids its so cool. I would love to see some of yours whether its bedazzled / painted / fsbric cover/ stickers etc

Also, if anyone has bedazzled/used rinestones etc on their cane/stick i would love to hear what you used and if it stays clean!

I'm planning on moving. i'm disabled with mild CP and honestly just thinking about taking a one way bus trip somewhere. Where's the best state to live for wheelchair bound people like me?

Hey everyone, I’m looking for advice or insight about Access Transportation—especially if anyone else has had similar issues.I’m a student and depend on Access to get to class. My destination is only about 25 miles away, but lately, the rides have been really stressful.

I’ve been picked up 30 minutes late and then dropped off 2–3 hours later, even though I leave 2 hours early just to try and be on time. I’m usually picked up first, but the drivers always pick up and drop off 2–4 other passengers before me, even if their destinations are farther or came after mine. Because of this, I’ve missed class or shown up over an hour late multiple times.

It’s also impacting my health. I got into a car crash with them before, and ever since then, I’ve had nausea and panic attacks on the rides. It’s gotten really overwhelming. My parents work from home and can’t always drive me, which is why I rely on Access.

To make things worse, when I’ve called customer service to ask for help or possible accommodations, they’ve been rude, wouldn’t let me talk to the main office or routing department, and when I asked about any sort of support or compensation, someone told me I should just be “glad I’m getting a ride.”

Has anyone dealt with something like this? Is there a way to escalate this or get route adjustments for safety/health reasons? I feel really stuck.Thanks in advance 

Seniors have great difficulty bending their legs to get into our minivan. There are many step stools on the market, but do you have any experience with a stool for car entry and exit?

Now, I am not self diagnosing, I’ve done research on the symptoms and causes of POTS, and I do have a lot of the symptoms, I’ve always thought it was because of my iron deficiency anemia, because when I stand up after laying for a while I get dizzy and my vision “fades” in a way, but I’ve also had a lot of symptoms of POTS, nearly fainting, blood pooling in my hands and feet when I’ve been standing for a while, I get dizzy a lot, and when I get up after laying down for a while my heart rate spikes, as well with a lot of other symptoms of POTS. I have a doctors appointment next week for my knee problems but I’m thinking of talking to her about POTS and seeing if I do actually have it or if it’s just symptoms of my anemia.

Image description: the lap of a person in a white and black patterned dress. A blue backpack with light blue, green-yellow and light purple flowers on it is seen to the right and on the left a forearm crutch named Larry is covered in metallic hot pink spikes

Hello beautiful people! (I’ll be crossposting this to a few subreddits)

I have a bit of a pet peeve I’d like to share.

As a mobility aid user, I’m constantly seeing people use the bottom of their mobility aide to hit the accessible door button to open the door.

Reasons why this can be an issue (feel free to add more)

-you can hit it too hard. For example my church has the kind where you wave your hand 👋 in front of it and someone broke it using their cane thinking they weren’t hitting/pushing it hard enough! It’s been broken for a few months now

• you are putting things your mobility aide picks up on the ground onto a surface many people use. (Obviously not everyone knows to use their elbow instead of their hands.) it’s like reaching down and putting your hands on the floor and then not being able to wash your hands afterwards.

I am not talking about the places where they put something in front of the button and you can’t reach, in those instances I try to use the handle if I’m steady enough (I always have hand sanitizer on hand) but you gotta do what you gotta do in those situations.

Just my thoughts, I’d love to hear people’s opinions!

I DO NOT HAVE DIABETES! I’m asking because my grandma was diagnosed with diabetes a long time ago and I was wondering wha the severe types included. For reference, my grandma can’t walk without help (she’s actually very healthy for her age besides the mobility issue) and either needs someone to lean on or just doesn’t walk because her legs are extremely swollen and she cannot bend them at all. Does this count as a disability as I often have to help her move around and get to places, such as up/down the stairs and even across the hallway?

Stay safe everyone!

I just received a disability update form from my insurance company and the is a question I’m not sure how to fill in. It wants to know prescriptions and dates. Is this the most recent date he wrote/refilled it or the original dates? I have multiple doctors and multiple prescriptions ( my insulin dates back 40 years) many of my original prescriptions have been tweaked based on testing over the years as well as my prescription insurance changing formalities (what brand is covered) for example I’ve switched from humalog to novalog and back to humalog many times do to my insurance changing the companies they cover that year. My question is do I have to chase down every original date on 11 different prescriptions or can u just give the latest renewal date? Please help if you know. Thanks..

(The challenge games Is a really event where disabled people precipitate in events for fun) IM GOING