Wow, so I went to an annual dinner for the Jewish Federation tonight,
primarily as an advocate to speak about issues that are important to me.
I handed out cards, I introduced myself, I made quite a few networks, and it was generally good.
Then, I decided I'd try to network with one more person.
It's that LAST person that always makes the difference, right?
So, he works for Henrico County Board of Supervisors.
I walked up to him and began advocating for the Care Van.
At some point, he said Henrico County already gave too much money
to the CARE van, and I said I appreciated their contribution, but the organization
I am working with is trying to collaborate with other counties to ensure that
everyone pays an equal part.
Then, his retort was "I don't care if you appreciate it. I care if THEY appreciate it (the riders)"
I responded that I understood that.
He told me I didn't because I didn't know what it felt like to have a disability...
I responded that I have been denied from CARE van (getting a membership/rider card) several times.
He then asked that question... "do you have a disability?"
I responded that I did and explained how it impacted my life.
"You sure are pretty to have a disability..."
I took a step back, and I couldn't come up with an appropriate response
that would not get me kicked out of the event.
I handed him my business card and shook hands, and I was pretty much done.
Then, he got 5 coworkers around him and asked them if I "looked" like I had a disability.
Usually, I can respond.
Usually, I can go off about neurological disabilities, "invisible disabilities", you name it.
Tonight, all I could do was take a step back.
