Harassment and disability

[TompoL]

Hi all,

I have condition called cervical dystonia. It is an illness that is related to Parkinsons and causes involuntary movement of the neck and shoulder including tremors. In my case, my right shoulder is permanently around my right ear and I have extreme pain with some mild tremors.

In the past two months, I have been passed fit to drive, but have subsequently been stopped by the police 9 times. I don't drive a lot so this accounts for a 100% record in terms of police vehicles I have noticed on the roads and they have stopped me.

In each occassion, the latest being yesterday and despite explaining my condition, I have been put in the back of a car and asked to explain the reason why I looked "suspicious" as I past them or they past me. Most have said they have never heard of cervial dystonia. I now reply "I thought you were a police officer not a doctor." I am getting totally fed up with it. I have also being stopped and questioned by police while walking on the street because I looked "suspicious". Recently I was stopped by a store detective in a supermarket.

I have absolutely no criminal record let alone been involved with the police since the onset of the illness.

Is there anything I can do to stop this? My two young kids now start crying everytime they see a police car (whether it's myself or wife driving), I'm totally paranoid about going out. I've thought about complaining but would that make me a "target"? Any thoughts welcome.

Best Wishes

[Mr Veritas]

I really do sympathise with you,it must be awful to be persecuted for a condition over which you have no control.
I don't think you can stop anyone from stopping you.
However,what you need to do is to ask your GP,or preferably a Consultant to write a letter (on hospital headed notepaper) stating:~
"The bearer of this letter Mr*****,suffers from a medical condition known as cervical dystonia,which results in the following conditions/symptoms.(Here the Consultant would list the symptoms/condition)
He is not a danger to hinself or others,despite appearances(you might think) to the contrary"
I feel this might help those people that stop you to understand your condition.
As I say they may still stop you,but at least it would finish there.
I hope someone else on AB may have a better suggestion,but I hope mine might be a start.
I wish you all the best,and curse those that judge you solely on appearance!
Alec.

[Mr Veritas]

PS:~
This is the website of The Dystonia Society (based in Oxford) have a look at the site.
If you email them with this problem I am sure they can help you.
After all you can't be the only sufferer to have encountered such prejudice?
http://dystonia-oxford.ning.com/

[jno]

I suppose it's possible they think you are on the phone when they firt see you. After that, it's just ignorance taking over.