Changing Laws…..

[circe47]

I did something that I have heard so many people say when they are dissatisfied with a law. WRITE YOUR CONGRESSMAN. My story goes like this:

When we applied for the apartment that we now live in, the application had a place for pets as they are pet friendly and advertise as such. I explained to the agent that I was a disabled person and that I have a service dog. I even indicated that she was a service dog on the application.

Because my disability is mental illness as well as medical, my disability isn't obvious. People can't see migraine, neuropathy, arthritis, liver disease, etc., so, they don't take your word about being disabled. Anyway, my doctor will not sign off on the dog…..at least the shrink won't---and rightly so. It's nobody's business that I have PTSD or Depression and that medical data takes an act of congress to gain access to. Long story short, they charged us a pet deposit and monthly pet rent. Twice I have politely asked to have it returned---to no avail. Not even a reply back to my email.

So, since I can't get my shrink to sign off, I decided to go to the office of my local congressman--- which co-incidently happens to be right behind our apartment complex. I didn't see the actual congressman, but I did give a statement that basically asks that a code be added to Medicare cards in the event that a mentally disabled person needs a service animal. This way, with that code, landlords and other businesses will only be able by law to see the stamped Medicare card, and nothing more. No doctor's note----just a disabled notation on the card. This way people who are discriminated against for being mentally challenged do not have to suffer the humiliation and frustration of having to beg or produce a doctor's note in the way that a blind, deaf or wheel-chair bound person doesn't have to because their disability is obvious. There is a ton of literature regarding this issue, even case law in favor of people like me, but, there is still a long way to go in discrimination and stigmatization of the mentally ill.:banghead::banghead::banghead:

In summation, it would be great if other's would write to their local congressman and ask that persons disabled by mental or intellectual disability aren't scrutinized in a way than those who's challenges are obvious aren't. In other words, please ask your congressman that SSA be allowed the ability to simply stamp a Medicare card or disability award letter with "needs a service animal" if indeed they do. Having mental illness is in their database, and this endorsement should available to us upon request.

In having mental illness, I have even been treated negatively even by mental health providers. Like I'm malingering, or something. Like because I'm not intellectually challenged, I should be considered disabled. Like having severe mental illness is fun or a walk in the park.

Thanks for your help……..if you choose to accept this assignment.:ninja:

 

[Justmehere]

I love your heart to change the laws!

There may be an easier way to reach your goal. Just some thoughts - please disregard of this is not helpful and please don't let this deter you. I just know it can sometimes take a long time to get a law changed and maybe some quicker interim solutions would help.

I have a service dog myself and I have run into problems with housing. However, I have never had to disclose what my disability is in order to resolve it.

For me, I would not want to have to show that I'm even on medicare to be able to have my service dog there.

Instead, I have a letter from my primary care doctor (not a mental health professional so that no one even knows it is a mental health disability) stating just what the ADA and Fair Housing Act requires: "this letter is to verify this person has a qualifying disability that requires the use of a service animal." That's it.

I talked to the ADA folks, write the letter, and handed it to my doc to sign. He did, rather enthusiastically in my case.

When an apartment complex told me that no dogs were allowed, I have them the letter. I wouldn't have wanted to give them my medicare card - but I can see how having a card would help. In order to get that marking on a card, I think we would all still need a doc to sign off on a form to get that marking on a card.

If your apartment complex is asking for you to state what your actual disability is, that's already against current law and you could report them to HUD or various other enforcement agencies.

But even then, it's hard to handle it all. I'm so terrified they will find out the disability is mental health related and treat me like crap. It happen so so so much. There does need to be a way to protect us more from having to disclose it in order to have our service animals have access we need them to have.

 

[circe47]

@Justmehere-

Thank you so much for the advice. Seriously? I dedicated an entire day and night to researching ADA and case law. My eyeballs were ready to fall out of my head. Then I thought I'd cover all bases and went to the congressman's office and filled out my form.

The problem with asking my M.D as opposed to my shrink is that my dog is mostly for reminders in keeping to schedule and routine, as well as waking me up and "telling" me to take my meds. I think my primary may be reluctant because she didn't diagnose my mental illness. But---perhaps she will when I explain it is ALL meds; not "just" the mood elevators and whatnot.

I agree about not sharing my mental health status. Personally, I think it is everyone else is crazy. It seems like everywhere I go, people are rude, pushy, violent and self-centered. I help others to the point of exhaustion have huge amounts of compassion, yet seem to get the crappy end of the stick in all situations. It is like I have a sign on my forehead that says "go ahead……disrespect and/or violate me."

So, because I can't deal with rude, ignorant, self-absorbed people, I have to suffer by separating myself from the rest of the pack and being labeled "mentally ill." And, it is ONLY a label; one that does NOT define me. I know how to be in a relationship. I am helpful, listen without interrupting, actually have genuine interest in what the other person is saying. I just wished everyone else followed the Golden Rule and treat others……you know?