Handicapped Phonies

[bkennedytx1]

I understand your dismay, but remember that not all disabilities are that visible. My late wife had MS and she obviously needed wheelchair help. Others may have issues that aren't as apparent. People who cheat are just bad people, and they will have to face up to it one day. Just secretly heap coals upon their heads as they take space intended for those who truly need it.

[Lucky2326]

I am the guilty party and no I am not apologizing nor am I lightening up on this subject. I do not care for those who judge the level of disability based on appearance or non use of mobility devices or oxygen.

No one asked you to apologize. Open your heart to understand some people may not have been in a place where they have been with someone with a disability. Education in my opinion is to let others know what it's about. It might not be apparent to you but it's real. That's all I'm saying. The person who judged, just needed to be informed.

[pcakes122]

I respect your point of view, but I don’t agree with parts; especially that it’s simple:

 

 

1) special services are not “free”; where governments provide the service, we pay for with our taxes

 

2) where resorts, including cruise ships, provide them, we pay for those with our fares

 

3) We have privacy laws in the US that are meant to protect all people and I for one am not going to prove to some misguided soul in a cruise ship terminal that I am, in fact, a bonafide handicap. I will gladly provide that where required by law, but otherwise, it’s no one else’s business. That is a huge part of the OP, he couldn’t see that another person was handicapped, so in his own words, she was a phony. That’s problematic for me. My guess is that even if that “phony” had all her credentials, he would still say she was phony because he couldn’t examine them or that she wasn’t handicapped enough.

 

4) knowing what I do about HIPPA laws, I can’t believe that any entity wants to see or deal with medical records

 

I do love these boards for the diversity of thought and wish you all nothing but the best...

I respect your opinion and wish you well also. However, I do want to respectfully point out that while I didn't get emotional over the OP's comments, I am sensitive to some of the terms you used in your post. While I am not fully able-bodied, I do not consider or refer to myself (or others) as "a handicap". I'm assuming you are disabled as well since you are sharing strong opinions on the topic, and I just believe we need to do ourselves (and the world) a favor by being more conscious of our language.

 

So while I guess in your terms I am a "bonafide handicap", I would prefer to be thought of as a regular person, just one that needs extra assistance in certain situations.

[NLH Arizona]

I am the guilty party and no I am not apologizing nor am I lightening up on this subject. I do not care for those who judge the level of disability based on appearance or non use of mobility devices or oxygen.

No one asked you to apologize, just maybe to understand that two wrongs don't make a right.

[lenquixote66]

We just returned from the Dawn and having a 'actually disabled spouse' were seated in the special needs area for boarding no wheelchair required just medical O2 etc. . The number of people claiming to be disabled was outrageous. One party in particular was ranting and raving about a lack of a NCL supplied wheelchair for his wife which they did receive eventually. Guess what ? Every time we saw them she was walking just fine through the Atrium Buffet and the Casino. Guess who showed up at disembarkation day looking for a wheelchair again. Some kind of documentation should be required to obtain the 'handicap status'

 

I have a physical handicap and in the theater on NCL ships they have a designated area .On my last cruise there were 2 people seated in the handicapped area who were not visibly handicapped .I spoke to one of the NCI staff and he questioned the man.His wife said he forgot his cane in the cabin .They accepted this from him and provided me with a chair .The next day I saw the ":handicapped" guy running on the ship .I said something to him and he began to curse and looked as though he was going to hit me.

[Lucky2326]

I respect your opinion and wish you well also. However, I do want to respectfully point out that while I didn't get emotional over the OP's comments, I am sensitive to some of the terms you used in your post. While I am not fully able-bodied, I do not consider or refer to myself (or others) as "a handicap". I'm assuming you are disabled as well since you are sharing strong opinions on the topic, and I just believe we need to do ourselves (and the world) a favor by being more conscious of our language.

 

So while I guess in your terms I am a "bonafide handicap", I would prefer to be thought of as a regular person, just one that needs extra assistance in certain situations.

And really that is so true to all. I work in a special needs school. However all their needs are so different. I never consider them handicapped though.

[CindyPie1004]

I respect your opinion and wish you well also. However, I do want to respectfully point out that while I didn't get emotional over the OP's comments, I am sensitive to some of the terms you used in your post. While I am not fully able-bodied, I do not consider or refer to myself (or others) as "a handicap". I'm assuming you are disabled as well since you are sharing strong opinions on the topic, and I just believe we need to do ourselves (and the world) a favor by being more conscious of our language.

 

So while I guess in your terms I am a "bonafide handicap", I would prefer to be thought of as a regular person, just one that needs extra assistance in certain situations.

 

PCakes, thank you. Looking at your feedback, my choice of words was not the best and I will consider that in the future. I was trying very hard to make a point and while I may have made it, I could have done better.

 

I don’t know what I would be considered at this point. I am by no means, fully able-bodied, but do not require special assistance. I am 4 months into surgical recovery from my 2nd spinal fusion; fused now for 12 levels.

 

I’m in physical therapy now and today’s session has left in me in a great deal of pain. I dont know what my future holds but for now, as I have for the last few years when all this started, I have made lifestyle adjustments and focus on more of what I can do vs what I cannot.

 

The OP really struck a chord with me because in his eyes, I would be the phony. I have days where all is pretty good and other days, where I move a little slower, especially after longer walks. I keep to the right when I walk, but I can hear huffing and puffing as people pass me or have to slow down... I get by fine just as I am right now and I don’t want to take services from others who need them far more than me, I just don’t want to be judged and I try not to judge.

 

I truly don’t want to offend or minimize anyone, so I will be more careful in my choice of words. Thanks for a great forum to share and learn.

[satchimosmom]

Just my thought - I would have no objection to providing whatever requested information to airlines, hotels, amusement parks, cruise ships, policemen, etc. When I previously stated I feel it’s nobody else’s business, I was referring to the general public. The matter is between these entities and me.

 

That being said, there are situations where someone who may require temporary special assistance for a wheelchair and wouldn’t necessarily have ANY sort of documentation.

 

I suppose that ultimately it’s up to our governing laws, as well as any further services a company wishes to provide 🤷*♀️

[Maniacal Cruiser]

I am really perplexed by the reactions on this thread.

 

As I've mentioned, I'm disabled. I have ZERO issues with providing evidence of that to whichever establishment, cruise line, service provider, etc. requires in order to illustrate a valid need for special services. Just like I had to do with the DMV for my parking placard. If I am asking someone to provide a "special" service (that THEY are bearing the burden of any extra cost associated with the bigger room, additional manpower, etc.), it IS their business why I need it - and I have no issue providing it.

 

I am very confused as to why all the folks who are defending their right to utilize these free special services are so against a governance policy to ensure that only people truly in need use these services.

 

My interpretation of the original post is that there should be some way to screen/validate folks using these services. What is the problem with that? Why is it "mean"? What do truly disabled people have to hide? :confused:

 

If you choose to have your medical issues remain "private", then don't ask for special accommodations that you aren't paying extra for. Simple.

 

What wrong is that the OP is making very poor assumptions based on his own biases and prejudices. The HIPAA laws REQUIRE that my medical issues remain private. I do not ask for 'special' accommodations. I ask for the accommodations that i am legally entitled to. The reason that I am entitled to those accommodations are no business of anyone else, and their opinions of how I appear to look is not at all relevant.

[pcakes122]

I truly don’t want to offend or minimize anyone..... Thanks for a great forum to share and learn.

Thank you, CindyPie1004, for such a thoughtful and considerate post. I wish you a fast & full recovery from your surgery & thank you again for taking the time to respond. :)

[pcakes122]

What wrong is that the OP is making very poor assumptions based on his own biases and prejudices. The HIPAA laws REQUIRE that my medical issues remain private. I do not ask for 'special' accommodations. I ask for the accommodations that i am legally entitled to. The reason that I am entitled to those accommodations are no business of anyone else, and their opinions of how I appear to look is not at all relevant.

I think the point several of us are trying to make is that it is more helpful (and kind) to educate someone rather than attack them.

 

Lots of different points of views, to say the least. For example, you mention you feel "entitled" to special accommodations to support your disability. I've honestly never looked at it that way. I feel grateful, for sure - but never entitled. I'm just happy I can cruise (or travel at all!)

 

Actually, your mention of feeling entitled - and someone else's comment about believing that we have "paid" for these special services in our cruise fares, etc. gave me another thought (although I'm not really sure it's smart to combine two inflammatory topics :loudcry:) I honestly hope people are tipping their wheelchair handlers in airports and cruise ports. If we can tip a porter $10 to carry our suitcases, I think it's worth at least $20 to carry "me"! :)

[bobbaluha]

Hi All :):)

On our Getaway cruise at the end of April I wasn't able to get a wheelchair accessible cabin. I have been in a wheelchair since an auto accident 2 years ago. We called NCL several times before the cruise and were told there were none available. We later found out a member of our FB group was bragging about the upgrade they got from NCL the day before the cruise to an accessible cabin with "SO MUCH ROOM"

[cruisecrazypat]

This comes at an appropriate time for me.

 

In January, shortly after losing my husband of 48 years, I booked a cruise for my daughter and I.

 

In March, I was diagnosed with Cancer.

 

In the last 6 weeks, I have had surgery for Colon cancer AND Renal cancer. I start my chemo tomorrow.

 

Right now, I am experiencing bouts of dizziness. Now all the time, but fairly frequently. Mostly if I stand too long. Also making frequent potty stops.

 

The handicapped rooms have higher toilets. We do plan to take the wheelchair I use when I may be standing for a long period of time.

 

I am debating whether I should request a handicapped room but worry about public opinion..

[pcakes122]

The handicapped rooms have higher toilets. We do plan to take the wheelchair I use when I may be standing for a long period of time.

 

I am debating whether I should request a handicapped room but worry about public opinion..

First and foremost, God bless you & I wish you a full & fast recovery!

 

With regard to public opinion, I wouldn't give that a second thought. However, I do want to share that if your key need is for a higher toilet, NCL would be able to accommodate you in a standard stateroom with a toilet riser. I've done this several times in suites on both NCL and Celebrity (there are not accessible cabins in the higher-tier suites) and it has worked just fine. Just arrange with the Access Department in advance, or speak to the Access Officer or your room steward on board.

 

Have a great cruise and, again, my thoughts & prayers go out to you for a quick recovery - and my condolences on your loss. :)

[bkennedytx1]

If one is available, take it. No worries about public. opinion.

 

There are services available that can deliver medical equipment (like a raised toilet seat) to the ship. You could google that and find something near your port.

[bkennedytx1]

pcakes22, if the ship will help, that's even better!

[pcakes122]

pcakes22, if the ship will help, that's even better!

Raised toilets seats and shower seats are definitely available from NCL for folks in standard cabins that need that assistance. I would just be sure to reserve in advance with the NCL Access Department (866-584-9756) because I'm not sure of how many there are to go around.

 

Definitely an option for folks who don't require a "full wheelchair turnaround" cabin!

[NLH Arizona]

I am debating whether I should request a handicapped room but worry about public opinion..

For goodness sake, if you feel you need the handicapped cabin, then by all means reserve it.

 

I understand why you would think about what others would think or the way they would look at you, etc., because I felt the same way when I had a brain tumor removed. The first time I went out of the house (I was bald, with a huge incision) my neighbor insisted that I go out to breakfast with her, since I hadn't been out of the house except to go to the doctor. I was so uncomfortable, because people stared and made comments about what kind of cancer I had (thankfully, I didn't have cancer), I had a scarf hat on. I went back home and cried and didn't go out for a few weeks, but then I realized that I had been through something awful and came out of it, so who cares what others think, if they stared or if they made comments and I went out, without a hat or scarf, and, believe it or not, it made me a much stronger person. Bottom line is, don't let what other people think or do stop you from enjoying your life and doing the things you feel is necessary for you. Reserve the darn cabin and prayers for a speedy recovery.

[satchimosmom]

Hi All :):)

 

On our Getaway cruise at the end of April I wasn't able to get a wheelchair accessible cabin. I have been in a wheelchair since an auto accident 2 years ago. We called NCL several times before the cruise and were told there were none available. We later found out a member of our FB group was bragging about the upgrade they got from NCL the day before the cruise to an accessible cabin with "SO MUCH ROOM"

 

 

 

I’m really sorry that they didn’t give YOU that room since you obviously needed it. Does NCL not have an official waiting list for the accessible rooms?

[Maniacal Cruiser]

I think the point several of us are trying to make is that it is more helpful (and kind) to educate someone rather than attack them.

 

Lots of different points of views, to say the least. For example, you mention you feel "entitled" to special accommodations to support your disability. I've honestly never looked at it that way. I feel grateful, for sure - but never entitled. I'm just happy I can cruise (or travel at all!)

 

Actually, your mention of feeling entitled - and someone else's comment about believing that we have "paid" for these special services in our cruise fares, etc. gave me another thought (although I'm not really sure it's smart to combine two inflammatory topics :loudcry:) I honestly hope people are tipping their wheelchair handlers in airports and cruise ports. If we can tip a porter $10 to carry our suitcases, I think it's worth at least $20 to carry "me"! :)

 

The law in fact says those in need are indeed entitled. Ever hear of a little thing called the ADA?

 

What if "we" can't tip $10?

[pcakes122]

The law in fact says those in need are indeed entitled. Ever hear of a little thing called the ADA?

 

What if "we" can't tip $10?

I guess if someone would honestly let another human being wheel them around and not offer them something to thank them for their assistance, I guess that is true evidence that someone believes they are entitled.

 

Don't know what to say to a person like that.

[Envelope21]

While we're on the subject. DH has very painful knees. Will probably be heading for knee replacement within a year or two. Using the stairs is really painful for him, although he can do it. Even going downstairs is hard on him. When we get in an elevator and go down just one floor, sometimes we get looks from the the other passengers.

[Maniacal Cruiser]

I guess if someone would honestly let another human being wheel them around and not offer them something to thank them for their assistance, I guess that is true evidence that someone believes they are entitled.

 

Don't know what to say to a person like that.

 

 

You did not answer my question, you dodged it.

[pcakes122]

You did not answer my question, you dodged it.

If you know you need wheelchair assistance on and off the ship, you need to add $40 total at least to your budget to thank the people who will be helping you. If you can't afford to tip people who assist you, you need to wait before booking until you save up a little more money.

 

Anybody spending hundreds (most likely thousands) to take a cruise or an airplane flight needs to budget better if they don't have tip money.

 

Direct enough?

[satchimosmom]

While we're on the subject. DH has very painful knees. Will probably be heading for knee replacement within a year or two. Using the stairs is really painful for him, although he can do it. Even going downstairs is hard on him. When we get in an elevator and go down just one floor, sometimes we get looks from the the other passengers.

 

 

 

Seriously? That’s awful!

 

My daughter had mono her 10th grade year and she continued to relapse - three times. It went on and on for years. She now has fibromyalgia and has an ME/CFS diagnosis. She’s now 28 and still struggles but can manage a full-time administrative position.

 

The majority of her high school years were spent exhausted and having to go straight to bed after school. Our county would homeschool her during her feverish flare ups.

 

They allowed her to use the elevator at her high school and she had no problems with comments. But it was unbelievable how she was treated by some at university with snide remarks and hateful looks every time she used the elevator!