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Complications of Disabilities
Phylis Dryden
To the Editor:
Elaine Beretz's article in the July-August issue couldn't possibly have come at a better time. I have a newly diagnosed neurological condition that is interfering with my professional career and that has put me on disability. I've seen or experienced much of what Beretz describes.
Two things are missing from her article: the crushing costs of legal fees and the exigencies of academic scheduling. I have in my hands a large bill from my attorney, who charged me, among other things, $34 to review a piece of correspondence he wrote to me. As for scheduling, time is measured in semesters, not weeks. In some colleges and universities, a person who cannot work for three weeks must be out for three months or more (a semester, plus break time). I fully understand (and even support) the reasons for the latter, but I also know that it prolongs a disabled person's "down time," which can make life very complicated indeed.
Anyone who wishes to discuss the issue of hidden disabilities is most welcome to send me an e-mail message at AbleTwoDo@aol.com.
Phylis Dryden
Annville, Penn.
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