People usually don't notice my CP until I tell them and I usually don't mention it right away, but on a few occasions I have, and when I do tell people, they are surprised, but I have never had a negative response. It's never affected my ablility to get a job either. Last summer I even had a very physical job of working at a climbing wall and a high ropes course belaying people. I've been blessed.

Discovery I left an agency I worked at for over 10 years because of all the flack I was receiving started a new job in July & left it on Sept 1st. I give you credit in some ways for going on SSDI but I just refuse to let people when I had the head of neurology at Henry ford hospital tell me to go on SSDI because in addition to cp I have Epilepsy. I fired him & have new doctors. That have found if I get enough sleep & do not get to fatigued I don't have seizures. I'm driving again & making sure I keep my self first. If you put your self first it's amazing what you can do. Try going back to work if you can, staying home will bring you down. I've been there you need to keep the mind & body strong

In the past I have gotten a lot of comments due to my mild cp. Most of them being "you ok?" Its kind of funny because im so used to my "disability" that sometimes I completely forget that I have cp. The last person that asked me if I was ok got a pretty funny reaction, I just looked at him with confusion as if i didn't know what he was talking about lol. It took me a minute to realize oh yeah, he was commenting on my gait in my walking. I normally don't tell others right away that I have cp because to some it is unnoticable. I let them come to me with questions, and I just say that I have a mild case of cp. It makes me feel better that they know what it is instead of assuming that it's something else. I agree with Kimmio also, some people just don't understand and can be cruel, that is their disability. (:

Im with bcas,
I don't say anything about may ataxia unless it's one-on-one
I feelu uncomfortable telling a whole group of people, cuz if I do it feels like im trying to get pple to feel soory for me.....and I son't want that........so I feel more comfortable one-on-one

I used to not talk about it at all unless I am with my closest friends, but in the last few years I have been more open about it, especially since arthritis is setting in and my mobility is slightly decreased...I also found tat I had to be more open about it as I reentered the dating world again.
Most people are very accepting.

discovery1 I understand. I trying to find employment but sitting all day is painful. I'm not willing to go on SSDI yet but work demand takes alot out. I mix muscle relaxers, pain killers, & energy drinks to work 40 hours & the will sleep the weekend away when I'm working. My family believes if a person isn't working they are just be lazy its hard to think about going on SSDI.

I guess I hide it without realizing it--I didn't think I was hiding until I talked with a coworker who told me that I hide it so well...I told him I was just compensating and trying to get around and do my best...but I try not to make it an issue with people b/c I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me...I do tell people when they can help me, but I only want help when I ask for it...when I ask for help though, it is a last resort and my close friends and family know I don't ask for help unless I need it and then they jump to.

I did have an advisor in college that was a cp specialist and she told me that according to ADA I did not have to disclose my cp to any employer. I didn't until last year when 2 coworkers were giving me a hard time...I had to stand up for myself b/c since I have mild cp, people can't really put their finger on what is "wrong/different" about me, so they label me lazy and I didn't want that, so I went to the boss first. I like to be proactive--I don't go looking for sympathy or special treatment, but I know what is safe for me to do and lifting heavy was not safe. Boss was nice and had some knowledge of cp as well, so that helped.

As I have gotten older, I"m more aware of my physical limitations. My parents seem to have forgotten a little bit so I feel strange reminding them of little stuff like Mom bought me a laundry detergent bottle that was too heavy. Independence is really important to me and I will speak up if I can make something easier. I figure we cp-ers have to work really hard at everything we do ( I transferred a soda can from hand to hand and weaker hand didn't grab...very big mess) little stuff and anything I can make easier, I will. My friends know what's up and they don't make a big deal out of helping me...I have a friend who arranged for my food to be brought to me already cut up at my wedding. That was very nice, and she took care of it without making me feel like she was feeling sorry for me--I kept my dignity and got help at the same time and that is how I choose who to tell.

I've started working at disbility network. Please read there mission statement they are a great agency http://www.dnwayne.org/

My husband is 53 and has mild CP. I noticed you said you lose mobility and end up in a wheel chair. Can you give me some more info on how you've noticed your body changes. Also will it have an effect on him sexually?

I am always very upfront about it, even to children. I am a teacher and I immediately address the issue. I've always been given respect for being truthful and confident about this. I often wonder about approaches and 'correct responses' The more it is avoided the more you are closing off opportunities to educate people. People are curious, at this age I understand that when a person asks, even when they ask in a strange, socially awkward, could be taken as offensive (i.e. what's 'wrong' with you?) way....it was hard enough for them to ask the question. I don't know I give people respect for being that bold themselves. I wish I could ask questions like that sometime...instead of making insane assumptions and spreading stupid rumors and stereotypes.

I am a teacher and I have mild cp. I do not tell the kids that it is CP b/c I don't think they can understand that term, but I describe what it is and I let them know that I don't hide it, but I do compensate pretty well. It is my way of teaching them tolerance for others. It works pretty well. As for coworkers, I tell who needs the know and it turns out well b/c it stars a dialogue of acceptance if they have people they know with CP. I always ask for help when I need it. Once, a coworker asked me why I hide it, I replied that I don't intentionally hide it, it's just that I'm used to compensating with my "good arm and leg" and as my husband says, "it's a non-issue" it doesn't define me and it is not the only aspect of my personality. I don't want to be "the cp-teacher" or "the cp girl" I deserve tolerance and non-judgment just like I afford others. When I explain it to others, I vary the degree of explanation, depending on what the person is really asking. Example: I type really fast, but with just one hand. That confuses some people and they feel they need to comment as if it is a new trick I learned, just because it is new to them. I attract attention and comments for it, but it is how I accommodate for the hand I was dealt in life and I do not hide it or apologize for it. After that, I get a lot of typing tasks when people realize that I'm faster that they are!

I'd say it has to do with experience and where you are in life. I have it mild enough to where no one notices it. I only mention it if it affects what I'm doing at that particular time but I feel being honest opens doors to opportunities. People respect your confidence in your speaking up and in your daily activities despite your disability. I also see it as a motivational tool, you work hard at what you do because of it. It may take some time to be able to tell people but it's all in how you say it. Be confident! express that CP is there but doesn't define you.

I have mild ataxic cp, And yes I tell people (mostly when i'm one-one with a person) But, I think people do know something is off about it, But don't say anything............like I can walk into any bar, and theire cool with it and will serve me, And, sometimes when there's bouncer's around and I come back from the restroom or something they perceive me as being indoxicated (the Ataxia that happened once at the Barnaby's In Springfield I almost got kicked out, cause they thought I was drunk after half a beer. So, now I stick to local places, and go early enough where bouncer's aren't on duty. So, I guess it's it's how we're perceived by other's