The funny page
The Chick in the Chair takes
your questions
Dear Chick,
In public, I use a walker or
cane for balance. It is my
understanding that handicapped
restrooms are available for
those of us who need such
accommodations. However, it
seems that the general public has
little appreciation for that fact. I
have waited in line so long that
I ended up only needing the
restroom to clean up.
Once I waited 20 anxious
minutes, only to see a woman
come out of the handicapped
restroom holding her makeup
case, having used the facility
as a dressing room to prepare
herself for an evening out. I
once announced to a long line
of people that if I didn’t get to
use the handicapped stall next,
I would have an accident. It was
so embarrassing.
On a few other occasions
when people have offered me
the handicapped restroom, it
was not well received by others
waiting in line. Do you have
any suggestions? Shouldn’t we
have priority for these facilities?
Fingers and knees crossed
in Ohio
Dear Fingers and Knees,
It is very easy for the general
public to take advantage of
handicapped facilities. They
are not restricted to use by
people with a disability, so
other people who use them
are not breaking any laws.
It may be inconsiderate or
rude, but unfortunately, that’s
not illegal and no bathroom
police will be along anytime
soon to hand out tickets! The
onus is squarely upon us to
make our needs a top priority.
Chick has a friend who
uses a walker. She installed a
bicycle bell on it, which comes
in handy in situations like
those you describe. Ringing
the bell, while attracting some
negative attention, does move
her to the front of the line.
She realized her dignity was
more intact by being dry and
comfortable. Embarrassment
should be felt only by those
who neglect to observe the
needs of others. Don’t be
embarrassed. Speak up. And
if worse comes to worst, get a
bell or, better yet, a horn.
Dear Chick,
I am extremely anxious about
some parties that my husband
and I have been invited to.
Several months ago, I had a
debilitating exacerbation. After
hospitalization and rehab, I
am almost 100 percent back to
myself, except for my speech.
We recently went to a family
wedding that I had been so
looking forward to. I had a
new outfit, felt great, looked
fabulous—and I wanted to burst
into tears before the cake was
cut. No one would speak to me!
My speech was too slow. I swore
off all social events, but I do love
a good party and I would like to
try again. Any advice?
Dear Wanting,
Get that cocktail dress
ready! Weddings should be
joyous occasions, but people
behave badly at the most
inappropriate times, especially
in situations that make them
feel uncomfortable. But you
have so much to celebrate
and so much to say. So make
those RSVPs, and when you
see people you want to speak
with, assure them that you
may speak slowly, but it will
be worth their time to listen.
Ask your speech therapist for
breathing and pronunciation
strategies that can help. Chick
just knows that your charming
conversation will be a lovely
experience for you both. n
The Chick in the
Chair was diagnosed
in 1999 and lives in
upstate New York.
Send your questions
to her c/o editor@
nmss.org.
