Re: [QUAD-L] suddenly

[Eric Olson]

Ellen, I did not mean to imply that you were somehow being offensive.  I was just wondering what you were actually looking for opinions on.  Anyway I'll address the on-line support topic first.  It's not really a secret that on-line support forums are a Godsend.  That certainly isn't limited to the disabled community.  The anonymity of being on-line allows one to share things and ask questions they otherwise might not in a face to face setting.  Support forums bring groups of people together that would never have met off line.  As far as how one acquired their disabilities, there are three general categories.  Sudden as in a sci Gradually as in ALS Born With as in CP Of course, everyone within those categories will have a different opinion on which route to disability is worse, but from reading other bulletin boards, things generally go like this.  People born with a disability feel their route is easier because you can't miss what you never had.  People in the sudden category feel their route is better because they were able to experience many things while they were able bodied that people born disabled never would.  The gradual feel their way is better than being disabled from birth for the same reason.  The real debate is between gradual and sudden.  Some believe sudden is easier because you don't have to go through the heartache and frustration of a gradual disability.  Others feel gradual is easier because you have time to prepare yourself mentally, financially, and take care of other matters like house accessibility, living will, etc.  Many also feel gradual is easier on marriages.  Eric Ellen Jones wrote: Good question, Eric. I suppose I am curious about how people think that the circumstances surrounding the acquirement of their disability has affected their lives because I can't help but think that it would make a difference somehow. It is not "central" to my research, but I was curious about it nonetheless. I am equally (if not more) interested in studying the communication patterns among members in the online communities -- especially in terms of providing support and advice to each other. This group has proven to be a great example of caring, supportive people and it's been a pleasure to be a part of it these past few weeks. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that the question I initially asked is merely something that came to my mind, and is not the focus of my research. However, the responses from everyone were extremeley helpful. I appreciate everyone being so willing to help out. Also, I feel that it's important to emphasize that none of my research will be published, as I am only a second-year student. (I don't know if anyone had any concerns about that). However, if you do ever have any concerns about my presence in the group, or have any questions, please, please let me know. The last thing I would want to do is make anyone feel uncomfortable with my presence in any way. And thank you, everyone, for all your responses to my last question. Many thanks, Ellen On 3/31/06, Eric Olson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Question for you. If you're researching the importance of listservs as sources of support, why do you want our options on how one acquires their disability? On which topic are you interested in hearing options? Eric Ellen Jones wrote: Hi, my name is Ellen and I have a quick question that might seem a little off topic, but I'm curious. Do any of you that became quads "suddenly" (accident, etc.) think there's a difference between how you approach your life and how someone whose acquired their condition gradually looks at things? I am not a quad myself, but I'm an undergraduate anthropology student researching the importance of listservs as sources of support and I'm curious about how people might (or might not) consider the ways in which people acquired their condition... any answer would be great! take care